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Scariest Nonfiction Ghost Stories to Read Right Now

Sure, scary fiction stories can give you the creeps, but nonfiction stories, that tell true tales, can really give you a fright. Scare yourself with the scariest nonfiction ghost stories to read right now.

By C.C. CurtisPublished 6 years ago 6 min read
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Reading ghost stories is seriously the best when it comes to indulging in a great story. Fictional, paranormal tales can really get under your skin and mess with your mind. And reading, rather than watching a horror tale or unsolved mysteries, can definitely affect you more. It's all about the details and ghost stories are chock-full of them.

Of course fictional ghost stories are terrifying to read — the author can make up crazy, scary shit along the way. Events that cannot possibly happen. But nothing really gives us a fright than more than reading a nonfiction ghost tale. Why? Precisely because these events actually happened — they're based on true horrifying stories! You're probably thinking, "Oh, nonfiction ghost stories are lame and they're not even scary." Oh, contraire! At the moment, you surely know nothing about nonfictional ghost stories. But after reading one or a few of these on the list of scariest nonfiction ghost stories, I guarantee you'll return to this article begging for more to read.

This story is one of the most heartwrenching out of the scariest nonfiction ghost stories.

The book revolves around one of the deadliest fires in American history — it occurred in a Catholic elementary school in Chicago 40 years ago. The tragic moment took the lives of 92 children and three nuns at Our Lady of the Angels School. This horrifying event left many families physically and psychologically scarred for life.

This story was written by two journalists who were obsessed with the tragic day. The story describes in great detail the children, teachers, firefighters. However, the question remains that these two journalists fought to find the solution to: Who started the fire?

If you love killer investigations and true crime documentaries, this one’s for you.

April 20, 1999, left a horrific stamp on the American psyche, but most of what we “know” is wrong. The author behind this brilliant book, Dave Cullen, was one of the first reporters on the murder scene and spent nearly ten years putting this well-known book together.

He gets into detail through investigation as he draws in evidence — an insight from the world’s leading forensic psychologists and the killers’ own words. He even paints raw portraits of the two polar opposite killers in this book to really get a feel of them and the story.

If you’re like me, you’re really into paranormal stories. Like, really into them. Just the thought of these nearly impossible events happening can really spark my interest. And I know for sure this book is a hit among the scariest nonfiction ghost stories on this list.

On December 18, 1975, a family of five move into their new home — complete with a basement, swimming pool, and a boathouse. However, 28 days later, the family fled in utter terror, and even left the majority of their belongings behind them.

Why have they suddenly left their new home?

Well, even after the Lutz family knew that the house was a scene of a mass murder — a man convicted of shooting his parents, brothers, and sisters. But little did they know that the spirits from this tragic murder incident would continue to linger in their new home.

Sounds good, right? I am definitely considering this one, myself.

Oh, look, another demonic incident that took place in a family home! This list of scariest nonfiction ghost stories just keeps getting better and more interesting.

This one is also about a family home, but home to Steven LaChance and his three children in Union, Missouri.

The house was a scene of numerous demonic attacks such as screams, growls, killing family pets, sexually assaulting individuals (I know), bites, physical violations, and even people being institutionalized.

Through paranormal investigators, psychics, and even priests attempting to get rid of the evil entities, the family lives in great danger in their own home — including the possession of a soul.

Possession?!

We all have questions about the afterlife. Whether you believe in heaven or hell, or even reincarnation — people continue to question what happens after we die.

In attempt to answer our agonizing questions, Mary Roach gets deep in the topic and tirelessly researches and even speaks with historical soul-searchers such as scientists, mediums, etc. trying to prove how life is after death.

Yes, this is under the scariest nonfiction ghost stories, because it’s the topic of the afterlife and the afterlife is definitely terrifying solely because we don’t know anything about it.

Ever heard of a 16-year NYPD veteran who not only works in south Bronx, but he also investigates cases revolving around demonic possessions and even assisting exorcisms.

Ralph Sarchie faces dangerous and true crime cases against — explaining, solving, and describing these inhuman events. He brings readers into the world of exorcisms and shows them the dark, disturbing side of his job. This includes spirits invading homes, too.

Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman are the authors behind the bestselling Weird U.S. series, but for this book, it’s a bit different.

One of the scariest nonfiction ghost stories, this book tells tales behind America’s most haunted places. Some of these ghostly spots are very well known, either public or private residences which no one can visit. From haunted houses to graveyards and eerie streets, these spirit-filled places are told in deep detail and will surely make your skin crawl.

Maybe even after reading this, you’ll visit some of these locations? No? I wouldn’t either...

The story is based on experiences of the owner of The Myrtles, a former plantation mansion in Louisiana, and the chilling history of the old house and all the paranormal encounters.

The haunted 28-story bed-and-breakfast faced horrifying encounters like death threats from the Ku Klux Klan, loss of friends, and other personal challenges — making this true ghoulish tale one to seriously consider reading.

Another one from the list of scariest nonfiction ghost stories, True Haunting is based on an actual haunting that took place when a young couple purchases a building that was occupied by a single family that refused to let go of them home until after their death.

According to experts and investigators, this residence brought absolute chaos to the lives of those who chose to reside there. And this spooky tale reveals the experiences and strange occurrences that this young couple faced.

I wonder if any of these paranormal events were caused by the single family before the young couple came into play… Looks like you have to read the book to find out.

As for the last on entry the list of scariest nonfiction ghost stories, this one puts the cherry on the sundae.

The book is based on a writer who journey's to New Orleans and discovers the most haunted locations in the French Quarter. While he interviews eyewitnesses, historians, and even tour guides, he finds a few of them most haunted spots in America.

What eerie places did he discover exactly?

Well, he’s uncovered crazy facts about the Crescent City, haunted spots while standing at a Bourbon Street crossroad, and even experiences his very own hauntings! It’s no surprise that this writer would experience a haunting himself after visiting these creepy locations

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About the Creator

C.C. Curtis

Enjoys lounging in NYC bars, loves traveling to foreign countries, and volunteers at the homeless shelter twice a month.

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