Author: Marlene Pardo Pellicer
Publisher: Eleventh Hour LLC
Genre: Supernatural
Unique Elements: Old West History, Haunted Locations, Paranormal and Supernatural Stories
Series: Standalone
Release Date: September 30, 2017
Number of Page: 164 Pages
MSRP: $14.99
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Website: Click Here
Trailer/Video: Click Here
Purchase Site: Click Here
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 2.5 Moons (out of 5)
The Old West was known for its gunslingers, lawmen and of course the soiled doves that made a living in the many brothels that were found in all the frontier and mining towns, that were established to entertain all the tough men that flocked to these lawless places. It’s not surprising that many of these shady ladies do not lie quiet in their graves. The heartbreak and sorrow known only to them, tied them to this earth forever. These are some of their stories.
Story
Beginning with a nice introduction, the book provides the reader with a little background and history of the Old West and the saloons and brothels that came with it. You learn about the types of women who ran the brothels, how they managed their parlor houses, their fees and the clientele that they served. All of this preparing you for the saddening stories of the women and towns that are now believed to be haunted by the souls of the women and sometimes even their clients.
Divided into nine different chapters, they are further divided into subchapters, each telling the story of a particular woman and the place that is supposedly haunted. Throughout the book are very interesting historical photographs of the women and other photos related to the time period.
Dynamics
I am a firm believer in the paranormal and supernatural, so I was very excited to read about these supposed hauntings dating back to the Old West. Surprisingly, however, I found the history of the brothels and the women who ran them more interesting than the ghost stories. I learned a lot of new stuff about the areas and the psychological/physical harm that the parlor girls suffered. I also really liked the old photos, and I liked how they were put throughout the book instead of just all put in the middle.
Marlene Pardo Pellicer (right) at ScareFest 2017
Though the book begins with an informative introduction, there is no real conclusion; it just sort of ends abruptly with the final haunting story. I think an epilogue or conclusion would have been appropriate. The book also needed some better proof reading before being published, as there are quite a few run-on sentences and misplaced punctuation. There were times I had to re-read sentences a few times to try to understand what the author was saying.
Gothic Fit
It’s pretty common that Goths love the supernatural and paranormal, which is a genre this book fits into. The Gothic reader would definitely be intrigued by the ghosts and shades that are seen in the present day at the haunted locations. I think also that they would appreciate the dark history behind these Old West gals as well.
Closing Thoughts
Haunted History of the Old’s West Wicked Ladies falls short when it comes to the layout and presentation, but still provides interesting history for lovers of the paranormal.
Story: 3.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Dynamics: 2.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Gothic Fit: 3.5 Moons (out of 5.0)
Final Score (not an average): 2.5 Moons (out of 5.0)
