Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Haunted Arizona Deadly Graveyards by Jethro Blanch consists of thirteen stories that introduce you to a more macabre aspect of Arizona's history. Each tale shares two key components: a tragic death and a graveyard. Both aspects create what we think of as ‘haunted’ sites. These accounts detail true stories of tragedy, death, and murder, all of which occur in Arizona cemeteries. The collection focuses on more than just the place; also the people impacted and often still haunted by these tragedies. These stories will appeal to a variety of readers including ghost hunters, paranormal enthusiasts, and those intrigued by dark history.

The stories are told from the perspective of cemeteries as witnesses and this creates a tone that is more melancholy, revealing a mid-point where the paranormal and history intersect. This is at the heart of each story and will make you want to take the time to study each one. You get a genuine sense of empathy and sorrow for the people and the despair they experienced. The primary message that Jethro Blanch achieves with the collection is that though these lives were lost to tragedy, the stories and people should not be forgotten. Through them you get more than historical accounts; you get real names and lives that experienced tragedy and how these losses continue to have an impact. Throughout the collection are photos paired with the stories, showing the different cemeteries as if giving brief tours of the locations. Various elements throughout include joy and heartbreak and exploring a place where love and tragedy meet for a seemingly perfect couple. A recurring theme that Blanch highlights is a reminder of life’s fragility, how important overlooked individuals are, and the mysteries that often come with tragedy. Haunted Arizona Deadly Graveyards blends themes of sorrow, loss, life, and death into stories that touch the heart, pique curiosity, and respect the past.