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What Happens to the Soul?
The Ghost of the Sundance Kid and Other Stories is a unique blend of frontier history, spiritual inquiry, and personal narrative, each infused with moral lessons and philosophical questions about the soul, justice, and the afterlife. Where did the idea for this book come from, and how did it develop over time?
The idea came from an unexpected event. While visiting a tourist site, I stayed behind after the group moved on, and took photographs of the living quarters of the Hole in the Wall outlaw gang. To my surprise, a phantom face appeared in one of the photographs. I had already invented “Biblical Parapsychology,” so decided to provide an explanation for this latest phenomenon. I’m not a ghost hunter, I’m a Judeo-Christian minister, and that is why I weave explanations from the Bible into my work. These apparitions just appear on their own in my camera.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme is to provide at least a partial answer to what happens to the soul when we die? Apparently heaven is not automatic, and some like this man remain earthbound. I would like people to ponder where it is they wish their soul to go when their physical body expires, as Shakespeare says, “come to dust.”
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
I was surprised when pouring into extensive research into the life of Harry A. Longabaugh, the Sundance Kid. The more you look at his so called death in Bolivia, the more you realize it was a staged event. When evidence comes forward from several angles and sources, one can see the real picture forming.
What is the next book you’re working on, and when can readers expect it to be available?
The next book is forming, but I need knee surgery, am looking to improve my physical conditions first. Next book likely available in a year.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
The Ghost of the Sundance Kid
June Raleigh’s The Ghost of the Sundance Kid and Other Stories is a unique blend of frontier history, spiritual inquiry, and personal narrative. The book opens with the titular tale of the Sundance Kid’s ghost, sparked by a photograph the author says shows his apparition. What follows is a deep, often reverent dive into the life and legend of Harry Longabaugh, aka the Sundance Kid, as well as other real-life characters from the Wild West. Interspersed are thought-provoking spiritual reflections and biblical allusions. The latter half of the book includes additional paranormal-themed short stories that focus on modern settings, each infused with moral lessons and philosophical questions about the soul, justice, and the afterlife.
Reading this book was like taking a walk through an old ghost town with a guide who truly believes the past is still very much alive. I found Raleigh’s voice warm and intimate, and at times, disarmingly personal. She doesn’t hide behind scholarly distance; instead, she brings her own beliefs and experiences front and center. She made me feel like the Sundance Kid was more than a name in an old Pinkerton file—like he was someone still trying to be understood. The integration of biblical commentary alongside the outlaw lore gave the book an unusual but compelling heartbeat. It’s clear Raleigh sees history not just as facts, but as a spiritual echo.
The writing sways between storytelling, autobiography, and theology. There were moments when I wanted to dwell longer in the gritty details of the Old West, but the narrative would pivot sharply into spiritual reflection or social commentary. And while the ghost stories are touching and emotionally charged, they often read more like personal testimony than fiction or journalistic accounts. I admire the courage it takes to lay out one’s beliefs so plainly and connect the dots between past lives and present lessons.
This book left me reflective and oddly comforted. It’s for anyone who finds themselves wondering about the things we don’t see, the stories we forget, or the people history left behind. If you’re drawn to true crime, western history, ghost stories, or Christian spiritual writing, you’ll probably find something in here to chew on. It’s an honest and heartfelt work.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0BD9DTG9S
The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock
John Russell’s The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock is a captivating collection of true-life paranormal experiences interwoven with personal anecdotes and reflections. Russell takes readers on a journey through eerie encounters, from sentient trees to mystical rocks, blending a sense of wonder with profound themes about interconnectedness and respect for the natural and spiritual world.
Russell’s writing has a conversational tone that pulls you in, but at times, it feels almost too casual. The story about the titular “Crying Tree” stayed with me. Here, a half-dead magnolia tree with a face etched into its trunk becomes a symbol of neglect and care. Russell’s heartfelt interaction with the tree—and its eventual demise—was moving, especially as he detailed the “gifts” it left behind, like a canna and sunflower sprouting in its wake. Another standout moment is where a seemingly ordinary stone communicates with Russell, altering its weight, appearance, and even showcasing mystical symbols like his name. This chapter fascinated me but also raised questions. While Russell’s interpretations of these occurrences are earnest, the lack of critical exploration or skepticism may alienate readers who need more grounding. It’s undeniably entertaining, though, and his sincerity shines through every description. What truly kept me turning the pages were the unexpected doses of humor, as in “I Fried a Bus.” This anecdote about accidentally disabling a city bus with a burst of psychic energy was laugh-out-loud funny, showcasing Russell’s self-awareness and knack for finding humor in the bizarre.
The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock is ideal for those intrigued by the supernatural or anyone who enjoys deeply personal, reflective storytelling with a mystical edge. It’s not for skeptics looking for evidence or tight narratives. But if you’re open to wonder and a bit of the uncanny, this book feels like sitting down with a friend who has endless, bizarre, and heartfelt stories to share. It made me laugh, ponder, and—most importantly—believe a little more in the magic of the unseen.
Pages: 192 | ASIN : B0DK8MJ89N
Who’s There?: A Collection of Short Horror, Supernatural, and Ghost Stories
Who’s There?: A Collection of Short Horror, Supernatural, and Ghost Stories by Dimas Rio is a dark and immersive anthology of supernatural horror stories, each laced with elements of suspense and psychological tension. The collection delves into the realms of fear, exploring themes of guilt, unresolved trauma, and the macabre unknown. From tales of haunted islands to cursed beings hiding in the shadows, the stories are designed to unnerve and provoke reflection on the horrors that lurk not only in the supernatural but also within the human psyche. Rio uses atmospheric settings and introspective character-driven narratives to create unsettling experiences for the reader.
One thing that stood out to me is Rio’s use of atmosphere and psychological depth in the stories. He doesn’t rely on jump scares or typical horror clichés. Instead, the horror often comes from the characters’ internal struggles and guilt. Take, for example, the story of Adam, whose anxiety and fear of commitment bleed into his nightmarish encounters. The tension between reality and supernatural dread blurs in such a way that you’re never quite sure where one begins and the other ends. The vivid description of the cursed island and Adam’s mental spiral left me both unnerved and intrigued. While the ambiance and psychological themes were compelling, the pacing of some stories felt uneven. The buildup often took a while, and by the time the supernatural element kicked in, I sometimes felt like it arrived too abruptly. This left me wanting just a bit more payoff from the slow-burn atmosphere Rio is so good at building. One notable aspect of the book is how Dimas Rio weaves cultural references into his horror, especially drawing from Indonesian folklore. In “At Dusk,” when the old man mentions Kelinting, the blood-sucking spirit, there’s a distinct sense of place and history. It’s refreshing to see horror that taps into cultural myths that aren’t as widely explored in mainstream horror. This adds a layer of authenticity and makes the horror feel more personal, as if these are tales that could truly haunt someone’s village or neighborhood, rather than just abstract concepts of fear.
Who’s There? is a haunting and thoughtful collection that’s perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn psychological horror with a mix of cultural folklore. It’s not a book for someone looking for quick thrills or gore; instead, it’s for those who appreciate moody, atmospheric horror that leaves you unsettled long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re into horror that’s more about what’s lurking in the shadows of the mind, this collection is well worth the read.
Pages: 193 | ASIN : B0B29PSLSC
SOL: supportive guidance for healing & awakening
Joseph Clarke’s SOL – Supportive Guidance for Healing & Awakening is a compelling book for readers seeking solace and growth amidst life’s tumultuous journey. This self-help book, divided into insightful parts, guides readers through understanding their divine nature, introduces daily practices for spiritual and personal development, and emphasizes the importance of community in one’s healing journey. Clarke’s book is both personal and universal, rooted in his own experiences with acute myeloid leukemia, which catalyzed his deep dive into spiritual awakening and mindfulness.
Clarke’s writing effectively demystifies complex spiritual concepts. The book’s first part offers a buffet of spiritual wisdom that is both profound and accessible, making it easy to connect with the ideas presented. Particularly striking is the way Clarke explains the ephemeral nature of existence through the metaphor of the universe as a “dream,” encouraging a reevaluation of our perceptions and our place within the cosmos.
The book is comprehensive in its scope but I think some readers might find the wealth of practices in Part 2, the “SOL Flourishing Program™,” overwhelming. While these practices aim to cater to diverse needs, the sheer volume could be daunting for those new to mindfulness or spiritual practice. Yet, for those willing to navigate through this abundance, the rewards are substantial, offering tools that can be tailored to fit individual paths toward healing.
The inclusion of community engagement in Part 3 is a highlight for me, recognizing that healing is not just an internal process but one that involves our interactions with others. Clarke’s emphasis on community not only broadens the book’s appeal but also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of our experiences.
SOL is a treasure trove of spiritual insights and practical wisdom. It is particularly suited for those who are at a crossroads, individuals facing health challenges, or anyone embarking on a journey of personal transformation. Its lessons are universal yet deeply personal, and Clarke’s compassionate voice assures us that healing is within reach, inviting us to explore the depths of our own spirits with courage and hope.
Pages: 358 | ASIN : B0CXH2WWFG
LITERARY TITAN 