In Columbus Ghosts II: More Central Ohio Haunts Smith treats us to 13 all new chapters of central Ohio haunts. This second volume is set up pretty much the same way, where the first book was historical haunts; here we have more recent and varied haunts. Haunted locations here include theaters (The Strand and the Little Theatre Off Broadway), Museums (The Central Ohio Fire Museum), cemeteries (Green Lawn Cemetery), and many private homes around central Ohio. Additionally, where the first book mainly relied on historical record for its information, because the material in this second book is more contemporary, we have a lot more first hand accounts, many by people still living or working in the locations written about by Smith.

As with the previous book, the author is not telling ghost stories by the campfire here, she's relating facts and details of historical haunting in a way that is both factual and compelling. I can see how any of these could be embellished at a party or over a campfire, to make a creepy story to frighten adults and kiddies alike, especially if one is familiar with the Columbus Ohio area or with its history! I enjoyed reading this slim volume as I did the first; though this one felt less formal...it was more like listening in on an interesting conversation than reading dry facts about hauntings.

I'd recommend it in a heart beat, particularly to those new to the area with paranormal interests! I would also recommend it to young readers (especially in the autumn), as the stories are factual, taken from the local area, and are easy enough to read and comprehend for kid readers, my age recommendation is ages 10 and up, younger children might not be as interested in the historical details. Overall, I give it a solid B, mainly because of the brevity of the book and the list price, for the size, I'd really expect to pay about half as much. ( )