North East poltergeist hunter is hoping books fly off shelves

Oct 31 2009 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

A NORTH EAST poltergeist hunter is hoping to see books flying off the shelves this Hallowe'en.

Local author and paranormal investigator Darren W Ritson is launching his new book based on the region’s most terrifying legends today.

Titled The Supernatural North, the book reveals the most chilling ghost tales and supernatural legends that the region has to offer.

Darren travelled far and wide in his research for The Supernatural North, visiting theatres, castles, pubs, hotels and even a lighthouse in his quest to find the most terrifying tales.

The 36-year-old, who lives in North Tyneside with his partner Jayne Watson and their daughter Abbey May Ritson, said: “I’ve always been interested in the supernatural and have published a lot of books of the subject.

“This one includes tales from all over the region, as well as the story of a poltergeist that was terrorising a family in South Shields.

“We saw really severe stuff when investigating that one. The man who lived there was actually physically attacked.

“Until you’ve lived with something like that, you can’t understand how terrible it can be.”

A full chapter devoted to the South Shields poltergeist case, which Darren co-investigated in 2006 with fellow-author Michael J Hallowell, is also included in the latest book.

The pair previously published a separate book on their findings, which proved so popular that it was this month reprinted in paperback.

Darren’s interest in paranormal has also seen him be invited to lecture at Northumbria University, after receiving a request from Dr Nick Neave, head of psychology and parapsychology.

This is Darren’s seventh book on ghosts.

Others include Ghost Hunter, Haunted Newcastle, In Search of Ghosts, Paranormal North East, Ghost Taverns and The South Shields Poltergeist.

Even for a seasoned ghost-hunter like Darren, however, it is still possible to get spooked.

“I do a lot of research on the subject and sometimes do get a bit worried about ghosts following me home,” said Darren.

“I know I’m a paranormal investigator and I’ve been in haunted places many a time, but the other night when my wife and daughter were away, I was getting a bit scared in the house at night.”

:: The Supernatural North is available from today and is priced at £14.99 from Amberley Publishing.