****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Review of Haunted History of Pasco County by Madonna Jervis Wise. The History Press and Arcadia Publishing.My bona fides:I came to Pasco and bought land at the turn of the century. This century. In Trilby, north of Dade City. I do not have the additional fifty years of Pasco history and heritage experience that others may have. None the less, I am so thrilled to learn about my area and its history. This book provides it well.A clarification. I do not call this a "haunting book", it is more of a local history book, which is how it should be because it was written by a historian; Madonna Wise of Zephyrhills. For this same publisher, she has written three "Images of America" volumes on Zephyrhills, Dade City, and Wesley Chapel. She has also written and published cookbooks, teen mental health / relationship books, an educational anthology and a book about pets. She is a skilled author.The chapters are grouped by Pasco's geography and historical growth. Most communities, however small, are mentioned and episodes are related.Personalities abound from Major Dade battles to unique Sheriffs and family feuds. Rumors and tales of visitations and hauntings are reported, but not dwelled upon. Ancient burial mounds to last February's local movie industry are photo-documented and expanded by anecdotes, interviews, and rumors. Indian involvement, demise, and spirits are part of the history, so they are in this book.At 136 pages, it is a fairly quick read, but could also be a put-down / pick-up tome for surprise pleasure. A nine-page bibliography also makes this an interesting reference book for any local resident or visitor.
