Las Vegas is a lively city, apparently even for the dead.
From haunted hotels, to entertainers’ encores from beyond the grave, to a dapper ghost floating down the hallway of a downtown high school, Southern Nevada can claim its share of supernatural lore.
Local writer and storyteller Paul Papa collected some of the area’s favorite ghost stories for his book, “Haunted Las Vegas.” The 250-page volume promises “famous phantoms, strange occurrences, unique places, and the ghoulish faces of of Sin City.”
"I was surprised to find out that the History Channel considers Las Vegas one of the hot spots of paranormal activity," Papa said.
The book tells the tales of late comic Redd Foxx causing mischief in his old house; the sightings of “Mr. Petrie," a phantom who glides along the corridors of downtown’s historic Las Vegas Academy of the Arts; and a haunted swingset in a Henderson park.
Papa said he has never seen a ghost but remains open to the idea that there can be communication from the great beyond. Along with his ghost writing, Papa is a prolific author whose most recent book is about the best mountain biking trails in Southern Nevada.
"Haunted Las Vegas" can be purchased at Amazon and other booksellers.
Paul Papa, Writer who chronicles Las Vegas ghost stories