Haunted New Hampshire, by Thomas D'Agostino

Haunted New Hampshire, by Thomas D'Agostino, covers many of the well known Haunts of New Hampshire. A majority of the listings are Hotels, Inns, cemeteries and parks, but also include restaurants, schools, as well as a few other areas. The listings are sorted alphabetically by the town they are located in. Each location contains a description, a picture if available, and brief directions to the location.This is a great book for new-comers to the field who are looking for places to investigate, whether professionally, or for fun with friends. It gives enough information for the reader to judge whether it will be worth his time to travel to the location, and what he may expect to find. The directions are also a great asset for finding the location. However, there are flaws.The following quote was taken from the listing about Indian Rock Road in Nashua, New Hampshire."Indian rock road also spans into Hollis near the Pine Hill Cemetery. There is a story that relates how the Blood Family in Pine Hill Cemetery were killed now haunt the area, but as you read about the Pine Hill Cemetery in Hollis, you will see that perhaps some of the accounts of this story and that one were jumbled over time. This might help to set the record straight" (D'Agostino, 2006, p. 120).Granted, this is not a major issue in the previous passage, being that he does admit there are issues with the story. The other issues I have with the book, is the directions provided can be vague at times.The following passage is the directions to Devils Den in Auburn, New Hampshire.Devils Den is located at Mine Hill. Take Route 101 to Exit 2, Chester Road South. Go past the town hall and stay right at the fork of Chester Road and Bunker Hill Road. Mine Hill is about one mile from the fork. (D'Agostino, 2006, p.9)When I tried to find Devils Den, it was impossible with this set of directions. Up until the fork of Chester Road South and Bunker Hill Road, it was fine. After that, it was like trying to find a needle in a hay stack. I had to call it a day, without even getting to see Devils Den due to not being able to find the location. After passing the fork, the directions were not clear enough.When I arrived back home, I Googled Mine Hill, and found it on Google Maps. Now, in general, the location is difficult to find. I would give D'Agostino slack for this, however, from my impression, he personally visited each of these places. Granted, I could be wrong. Assuming he did investigate each location, he should have been able to give clearer directions. Whether it be as simple as the latitude and longitude, or giving the place where he parked, and what direction to walk in to find Devils Den.After factoring in these details, I give Haunted New Hampshire 3 out 5 stars. The locations are organized well. If you do not mind doing a little bit of extra research for the directions, than you will not have an issue with the book. dr seuss cat in hat history