Saturday, October 4, 2025

The Haunted Guide to New Orleans: Ghosts, Vampires, & Voodoo Protection by Rory O’Neill Schmitt, PhD, & Rosary O’ Neill, PhD

Review by: Samantha M. Siciliano


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Quick Summary:


Looking for a quick, spooky read this season? Planning a trip to New Orleans and curious about where to find the local haunts? The Haunted Guide to New Orleans offers a glimpse into the city’s paranormal folklore, including ghosts, vampires, and Voodoo traditions.


The Review:


This book is a treasure trove for anyone curious about New Orleans’ supernatural side. While it primarily focuses on ghosts, there are dedicated chapters for vampires and Voodoo as well. 


Two stories especially lingered with me after finishing the book.


First, Madame LaLaurie’s house stands out as both fascinating and disturbing. My interest in her story began with American Horror Story, which introduced me to both Marie Laveau and Madame LaLaurie. The cruelty inflicted on so many is unimaginable- truly nightmare fuel. I was surprised to learn the house is now owned by a ghost entertainment company. They paid HALF of what it is worth due to its haunted reputation. At 10,000 square feet, the logistics of maintaining such a place is staggering.


Another memorable tale is that of Pierre Jourdan at Muriel’s. According to the book, a psychic once communicated with his spirit to resolve his rageful outbursts. The solution? Reserving a table for him and his guest, complete with bread and wine. The staff continues this ritual daily, and his temper remains in check—unless they forget!


The book is filled with similar stories about ghostly interactions and even offers practical tips for those wanting to experience New Orleans like a local, including recommendations on where to eat and what to order. 


However, the writing style didn’t fully resonate with me. The authors’ approach, which may echo their grandmother’s storytelling, includes frequent questions and imagined scenarios that sometimes distracted from the ghost stories, historical details, and factual information that I was more interested in. While the book covers a wide range of places and ghosts, I found myself wishing for more depth in the history of the locations and the personal stories of the ghosts.


Overall, The Haunted Guide to New Orleans is creatively written and well-researched—a decent choice for a quick, seasonal read. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars. If you’re intrigued by New Orleans’ haunted history, give this book a try!


IN CONCLUSION, MAYBE READ THE FRACKING BOOK!


I received this book from Arcadia Publishing in exchange for an honest review. 


Up Next: Haunted Virginia Cemeteries by Sharon Pajka


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