Mysterious Doom Book Review - with added information on the Pacific Giant Octopus

Deception Pass Bridge leading to Whidbey Island , where the gruesome tale of Isaac Ebey happened ~

Mysterious Doom ~

In ‘The Mysterious Doom, And Other Ghostly Tales Of The Pacific Northwest’, Jessica Amanda Salmonson has woven together some timeless tales of ghostly sightings and hauntings with her own charming characters who are serious ghost hunters.

Penelope Pettiweather, Salmonson's ghost detector, is a charming, down to earth character who is not afraid of ghosts and is always eager to investigate the local ghost tales of the Pacific Northwest.

This is a delightful book that I love to read on cold wintry nights when I snuggle up in bed on several pillows and a warm, cozy blanket over my shoulders. I just cozy right into the corner and read one of the many short stories Salmonson has written in expressive and imaginative style.

Penelope Pettiweather ~

Penelope keeps the reader eagerly awaiting for what is around every corner and in every dark room. She takes us to spots around the Pacific Northwest that are beautiful, quaint, popular, charming and nostalgic - but, always there is a surprise awaiting us.

Colonel Isaac Ebey ~

This is the book where I first read about Colonel Isaac Ebey of Whidbey Island.

Because of Penelope's determination to find out all she could about Col. Ebey and the fear of her jittery friend, James, my curiosity was stirred up and I investigated the story and the area on Whidbey Island where Isaac Ebey, his family and friends had settled in the mid to late 1800s -- I found what I was looking for, but was not prepared for it and it stunned me.

You can read about it in my article on Isaac Ebey Haunted Paradise - Whidbey Island. The story Salmonson writes is based on actual historical figures and facts. She manages to add her own intriguing story to intertwine with the facts and give us a ghost tale to remember.

You might want to read this tale during the day -- not just before sleeping at night.

Colonel Isaac Neff Ebey, 1818 - 1857 ~

The Last Passenger ~

One of my favorite tales in this book is The Last Passenger. This is an unusual story about a young man fresh from University and ready to set out on journeys to make his mark on the world.

Before beginning his journey, he decides to visit his grandparents out west and relax for awhile --- or so he thought. His grandparents mansion, Azalea Farm, has much more to it's history than the young man ever thought possible. His thoughts of "relaxing" turn into a horrendous and scary ride.

Serene Omen Of Death In The Pike Place Market ~

Pike Place Market, in Seattle, is one of my favorite places to go when I visit the Pacific Northwest.

There have been, for many years, tales of hauntings throughout the Market, which is huge and full of shops, dark hallways, small offices, mysterious rooms upstairs and a lot of history -- the perfect place for spirits to wander and haunt!

Salmonson's story of Serene Omen Of Death In The Pike Place Market will keep you on the edge trying to track down the spirit of Princess Angeline.

Princess Angeline was the eldest daughter of Chief Seattle. She refused to leave her home land when Europeans began settling the area and forced the tribes on to reservations. She made baskets and sold them at the market. She lived in a small cottage not far from Pike Place Market.

Angeline died in 1896, but still wanders around the area.

Princess Angeline, eldest daughter of Chief Seattle ~

Pike Place Market in early morning ~

Jeremiah, angry and violent spirit ~

This one scared the jiggers out of me.

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In the story of Jeremiah, I became enthralled with the plight of a frail elderly lady who awaited the ghost of her husband to return, as he does each year, on Christmas Eve. Penelope Pettiweather promises the elderly lady that she will spend the night with her to confront, calm and put this angry and violent spirit at peace once and for all - but, at what price?

Salmonson makes the story, her descriptions of the house and the characters so real that I felt I was with Penelope with each step she took closer and closer to terror.

White Eagle Saloon ~

I so would love to go visit this saloon.

The spirits that haunt Portland's White Eagle Saloon will take you back in time to the rowdy nightlife of Russell Street, with sailors just in from ships, and the violence hidden behind closed doors.

The spirits there are strong, angry and stubborn.

Will Penelope be able to hold her own and put them finally at peace, or will they overpower her and continue their restless journey of haunting?

Polish neighborhood ~

The neighborhood that surrounds The White Eagle was settled by Polish immigrants. In 1905, they established a place for formal meetings of the town people and as an aid center. Using the symbol of their Polish national flag, they called the building White Eagle.

It is now called McMenamins' White Eagle and is a very popular place for locals and tourists. They have hotel rooms, nightly music, contests, beer garden, and good food in the White Eagle Cafe.

Snuggle in and cozy up ~

These stories, along with the monsters of lakes (a giant octopus in a deep lake?), forests and other haunts, will give you some wonderful reading if you are into ghosts and investigating the facts.

Treat yourself to some chilling and sometimes charming spirits as you snuggle into your own corner on a cold wintry night with ‘The Mysterious Doom, And Other Ghostly Tales Of The Pacific Northwest’, by Jessica Amanda Salmonson.

Very enjoyable book ~

An Octopus swims in the deep ~

Giant Pacific Octopus ~

One reason I so love reading The Mysterious Doom is for the giant octopus legend in the book. While growing up in the Pacific Northwest one thing that always fascinated me, and it still does, was the Giant Pacific Octopus, Enteroctopus dofleini, the world's largest species of octopus.

This particular species is found only on the west coast of the United States from San Diego, California following the North Pacific Rim to Japan and the Okhotsk and Bering Seas. (blue areas on range map)

Giant Octopus ~

Up close and personal ~

Aqarium octupus ~

I remember when I was about five or six, I saw this amazing creature for the first time when my father took us to an aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. I thought it was beautiful. Dad said it was a baby and only about four feet long from tip of its beak to tip of its tentacles.

I watched it change colors, try to get attention from people and squeeze through the smallest spaces. I could not believe, as my face was pressed against the glass, that the octopus could do that. My Dad said it had no bones, so could get into the smallest of places. He was right -- the octopus has no bones except in the beak where the mouth is.

The top of the aquarium was open but I was not tall enough to reach it. I stretched as high as I could when the octopus was on the other side of the glass. It raised one arm up out of the water and tried to reach my hand. We could not quite touch. My Dad picked me up and I was able to touch the arm of the now bright pink octopus. I was a bit scared yet excited when it caressed my arm. I will never forget that. It was a strange feeling.

The octopus is normally shy with people. Ones kept in captivity however, are able to recognize certain people who approach on a regular basis. It will change color and texture of its skin just like we can change our emotions. They are the most intelligent of invertebrates. An octopus can learn to open a jar to get the food inside. Even in its natural habitat it has been seen by research divers that the octopus will quickly find out how to get food out of a jar by screwing the lid off.

This species of octopus can grow up to 156 pounds. The arm span is usually 14 feet for an adult. There have been discoveries of some up to 600 pounds with a 30 foot arm span -- those reports have not been confirmed and verified, but, there are many such reports that it makes one wonder. The E. dofleini that live in Puget Sound of the Pacific Northwest are very hard to find, but have been seen. The waters of the sound are very murky and it is believed by research divers that the octopus mainly stays quite far down in the dark waters. It hides in little caves all day and is a nocturnal hunter.

There are some very interesting things going on down there under the Narrows Bridge in Tacoma, Washington, which you will see in the video below. I hope you watch it, for it is fascinating.

~ ~ ~ ~

Pacific Giant Octopus ~

Note from author ~

Thank you for reading my article. Your opinions are important to me and let me know your interests. This helps me to offer more of your favorite subjects to read about. Your time and interest are very much appreciated. I hope to hear from you in the comments section below.

I write on several different subjects, all evergreen articles. You can read more about me and see more articles I wrote by clicking on my name by the small picture of me at the top right of this page.

Blessings and may you always walk in peace and harmony, softly upon Mother Earth.

Phyllis Doyle Burns - Lantern Carrier, Spiritual Mentor
~ ~ ~ ~

© 2014 Phyllis Doyle Burns

Comments

Phyllis Doyle Burns (author) from High desert of Nevada. on April 15, 2017:

Hi rebelogilbert. Thanks for stopping by and reading my review. Glad you liked the stories. I know you will enjoy the book. Thanks again.

Gilbert Arevalo from Hacienda Heights, California on April 15, 2017:

Thanks for reviewing "The Mysterious Doom," Phyllis. I love ghost stories. I'll consider this collection of short stories on my must read list. Very interesting giant octopus video you included.

Phyllis Doyle Burns (author) from High desert of Nevada. on May 17, 2014:

Hi teaches - yes, I guess the octopus is not what one considers beautiful. LOL . As a child I thought it was beautiful. "Mysterious Doom" is one of my favorite ghost story books. Thanks for your visit and comment.

Dianna Mendez on May 17, 2014:

I remember seeing an octopus close-up a few years back. They are fascinating but lacking in beauty. Thanks for sharing the essentials of this book with readers.

Phyllis Doyle Burns (author) from High desert of Nevada. on May 10, 2014:

It is a fun book to have, Genna. The stories are so interesting. Thank you so much for the very nice praise. I appreciate it.

Genna Eastman from Massachusetts, USA on May 10, 2014:

Jessica’s book sounds fascinating…I will definitely pick up a copy, thanks to you. You have penned an excellent review, Phyllis!

Phyllis Doyle Burns (author) from High desert of Nevada. on May 05, 2014:

Hi Jodah. Thank you for reading and commenting. I think you would really like the book. Salmonson has written other books in the same genre, but this is the only one hers I have read. Since all the stories happen in my homeland I am familiar with the areas. Thanks for your kind compliment.

John Hansen from Australia (Gondwana Land) on May 05, 2014:

This was very interesting Phyllis. The book sounds intriguing. I am always interested in spooky and mysterious stuff, so it sounds right up my alley. Good review.

Phyllis Doyle Burns (author) from High desert of Nevada. on May 04, 2014:

Thank you, Vicki. I am glad you found it fascinating. I love the book. Yes, the PNW is very beautiful. I really miss living up there. Thanks again.

Vickiw on May 04, 2014:

Found these stories fascinating , Phyllis. The Pacific northwest is an interesting and beautiful area.

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Phyllis Doyle Burns (author) from High desert of Nevada. on May 04, 2014:

Thank you, Ruby. I watched that video twice already. It is pretty spooky down there in those waters -- those divers are brave. Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate it. Princess Angeline did look a lot older than she was. She must have lived a hard life supporting herself and walking all over to sell her baskets. Thanks again, Ruby.

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on May 04, 2014:

You are correct, the video is fascinating!. I wonder what other monsters lurk in the sea? Very interesting hub. The old indian woman's photograph looks so sad. I am always saddened when i think about how badly they were treated. Thank you for sharing..

Phyllis Doyle Burns (author) from High desert of Nevada. on May 04, 2014:

Hi Jackie. Thank you for reading and commenting. I love Laura Ingall's stories. A good book, a warm blanky and I am happy. Thanks again, Jackie.

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on May 04, 2014:

Very interesting reads you have here! I so wish I had time for reading but maybe this winter! I use to curl up in snowy winters with Laura Ingall's Long Winter, but I guess many of these would be chilling too! Thanks so much for sharing.

Phyllis Doyle Burns (author) from High desert of Nevada. on May 04, 2014:

Thank you so much, Frank. I love this little book. I think I have read the whole book, but I keep it handy to read a tale here and there. Glad you enjoyed the review and thanks again. Bless you and hug you.

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on May 04, 2014:

Phyllis what a fascinating review, you caught all the right features bless you