The Bell Witch

An American Haunting

By: Brent Monahan

Narrated by: Cameron Beierle

Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Known throughout Tennessee as "Old Kate", the Bell Witch took up residence with John Bell's family in 1818. It was a cruel and noisy spirit, given to knocking and gnawing sounds before finding its own voices. With these voices and supernatural acts, the Bell Witch tormented the Bell family.

This extraordinary tale recounts the only documented case in U.S. History when a spirit "actually caused a man's death". The then local schoolteacher and later senator, Richard Powell, witnessed these strange events and recorded them in a diary for his daughter. He died in 1948. His astonishing manuscript fell into the hands of novelist Brent Monohan, who edited it for this retelling.

©1997 Brent Monahan (P)2003 Books in Motion

Riveting

I sat through this entire book in one sitting. The story was enthralling, and the narrator was amazing. This is one of my top 5 audiobooks of all time.

amazing true story

Love this book. The narrators voice was just perfect. The story was unpredictable just the way I like it. It gave you twist And turns and fright. Definitely recommend this book.

Quite Interesting

What made the experience of listening to The Bell Witch the most enjoyable?

I listen to and read books like this for two reasons. Firstly, entertainment, and secondly, because I myself like to write in the horror genre, and naturally anything I read or listen to can spark ideas for my own, original work. The Bell Witch introduced a little twist to the poltergeist phenomena that I have actually already incorporated into something I'm writing, but listening to this has given me a clearer idea of what I need to do to be effective, and has encouraged me to keep going with my project.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Bell Witch?

When it was revealed why the 'witch' had come in the first place.

What does Cameron Beierle bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

He did the voice for the 'witch' in a way I never would have come up with in my own head, and he managed to make it sound quite eerie in many places. I can still hear it now :) Also, for me at least, it's always easier to listen to a book written in an older style than it is to read it.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Not sure, something about revenge, maybe.

Any additional comments?

I don't care if this is non-fiction or fiction, really. I was quite entertained all the way through, and that's all I ask from a book :)

fascinating read (or listen)

Numerous reliable witnesses and evidence legitimize this haunting. This family's story is frightening and fascinating, and I couldn't stop listening. This would make a great movie, if it isn't already.

The Bell Witch

I really liked the change over from the ghost voice to the narrator voice. This was truly a joy to listen to, although not a fun family time.
I love hearing the environment in 1776 as well.

Best I can say is “eh”

The Bell Witch, along with the Borley Rectory are the two stories that got me into the whole ghosts, hauntings and paranormal genre.
I’ve read several books on the Bell Witch. some I’ve found very creepy some interesting and some... well, just boring.
As much as I wanted to like this book and was psyched to hear it I found it to be one of the boring ones out of the many to choose from.
I am new to the world of audiobooks and as far as the narrator, I guess he was pretty good but again I just have to say I did not particularly enjoy this book. I guess he can’t be blamed for that though. As for the ”twist ending” I don’t go for it. I haven’t when I’ve heard of it before, and I don’t go for now. As a matter of fact the way it is presented in this book it comes off as even less believable than previous books that have gone down that route. I think it’s a pretty serious charge years later when the person is not around to defend themselves too.
I like to give books good reviews but sadly I really can’t in this case.

Good Story

It was a good story. I did find my mind wandered away several times through out the book. a few times it was hard to get back in to it.

Terrifying!

I've listened to this audiobook many times. The story is itself scary, but the reading makes it so much creepier.

Engrossing Story with Great Payoff

Really exceeded my expectations--I have no idea where the fact in this retelling ends, and where the fiction begins, but found it absolutely believable and engrossing throughout. And I really liked the ending (the "reveal"); sets itself apart from typical ghost stories through a rare subtlety and attention to character.

Yes, the narrator has a very unusual voice, (at times I wondered if he was computer-generated), but I quickly accepted it as the sound of the hickory strewn frontier! And he does a fantastic job as the voice of the witch.

Highly recommended!

The Bell Witch

Well done, keeping you in the "other world" till the very end. Made me go on line to research the subject further. so "kudos" for that.