Let’s venture into the mist-covered mountains of West Virginia and beyond with James Gay Jones’s classic collection of stories. More than just a series of ghost stories—it’s a deep dive into the historical roots and oral traditions that define the Appalachian spirit.
Haunted Valley contains twenty-five West Virginia folk tales passed down numerous generations, often brought from the Old World.
James Gay Jones painstakingly preserved the old stories in communities around him. He understood these tales on an emotional level, presenting them in an authentic voice. The writing resonates with respect and full-color retellings, giving insight into the extraordinary hardships and simple pleasures of the people.
The writing reflects “porch-talk”, preserving the voice of the storytellers.
- The Phantom of Low Moor – a chilling account of the restless spirits of the region’s industrial past.
- The Bewitched Rifle – a fascinating look at how folklore intertwined with the daily tools and survival of early settlers.
Other stories include: Birdman and Cornstalk’s Curse, Stuck with a Witch-Wife, Where Time stood Still, Ham and the Attic Ghost, among many more.
The second in the four volume series, Haunted Valley provides a showcase for our mountain folklore, the history and a simpler way of life.




