Richard Estep Explores The Demonic In His New Book 'In Search Of Demons'
November 22, 2024 1:00 AM ‐ Books • Demonology
Paranormal investigator and prolific author Richard Estep takes readers on a journey into the shadowy world of demonology in his latest book, 'In Search Of Demons', which is available now. With almost 30 paranormal books to his name, Richard delves deep into one of the most controversial topics in the paranormal.
Michelle Belanger, an occult expert familiar to viewers of 'Portals To Hell', provides the foreword to the book, describing it as "a rollicking tale." Michelle's insights appear later in the book, alongside contributions from an array of experts that Richard consults.
These notable figures range from an ordained Catholic exorcist, Bishop Bryan Oullette, to a medical doctor. The book seeks to explore the nature of demons and their role in human experiences.
Richard speaks to a variety of well-known names in the paranormal community, including Jeff Belanger, researcher for Ghost Adventures; MJ Dickson, co-host of Paranormal Captured; Jason Hawes, producer of Ghost Hunters; Patti Negri, medium; Dr Ciarán O'Keeffe, parapsychologist; Aaron Sagers, co-host of Netflix's 28 Days Haunted; and Dave Schrader, host of The Paranormal 60 podcast.
The book begins with a chapter on the infamous Amityville haunting. Initially, I thought, 'Here we go again,' as this story is well-trodden ground in paranormal literature, but to my delight, every anecdote and case Richard draws on is used thoughtfully, adding context and genuine interest. Rather than just rehashing these familiar tales, Richard uses them as a springboard for broader discussions.
From the history of demonology to infamous cases of possession, including the chilling case that inspired The Exorcist, 'In Search Of Demons' covers a wide spectrum of perspectives. Along the way, Richard examines the psychology, history, and cultural fascination surrounding these dark entities.
As part of his research, Richard visited several sites alleged to be hotspots of demonic activity. These include the Monroe House, the site of the 1928 Earling exorcism in Iowa, and the Villisca Axe Murder House, a location infamous for its bloody history and paranormal lore. These field investigations add a real-world element to the book, making it more than just a theoretical textbook on demons.
Although Richard sets out with the aim of answering the questions, what are demons? Where do they come from? And, crucially, where can they be found? The reality is that these questions are unanswerable, as Richard learns. Depending on personal beliefs, religious contexts, and countless other factors, everyone's definition of demons differs.
However, Richard explores these various viewpoints, from the notion of personal demons to claims that demons are tangible supernatural entities with the power to infest the living. Throughout the book, Richard maintains a balanced and rational perspective, presenting diverse viewpoints without imposing his own beliefs or agenda.
On a personal note, I'd like to thank Richard for inviting me to share my own thoughts on demons in the book. As well as discussing a survey on attitudes towards demons in paranormal reality shows that I conducted, in which I found a massive 73% said that there were 'too many' episodes or shows focused on demons.
'In Search Of Demons' is available now from Amazon in paperback and hardcover, or Kindle ebook. There's also an audiobook narrated by Rick Adamson available on Audible. Whether you're familiar with Richard’s previous books or exploring his work for the first time, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the paranormal, especially those curious or sceptical about demons.
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