New Book Covers The Ghosts and Spirits of Panama
Ghosts and Spirits of Panama takes you on a chilling journey from ancient legends to modern-day apparitions, introducing you to unforgettable figures like La Tepesa, La Tulivieja, El Sombrerón, El Hombre Tigre, The Gamboa Nurse, The Slit-Faced Hitchhiker, El Chivato, and many more. Explore the haunted heart of Panama through eerie locations such as the Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo, Ancon Hill, El Chorrillo, Fort Clayton, Chitre, Anton Valley, Boquete, Azuero, Portobello, Fort Lorenzo, Bocas del Toro, Cotito, Islas Coiba, and Taboga — and uncover the dark secrets they hold.
“Dr. Gardner scores again, ensuring his place as one of the world’s authorities on the supernatural. He is not a “ghost hunter” but rather he uses his extensive research and cross- cultural database to discuss the apparitions, and also how the culture shapes their identities.”
Dr. Gardner’s latest work is part of a global series covering haunted histories from Asia to Europe, Mexico, and the United States. But this isn’t just another ghost-hunting book — Gardner taps into a database of over 100 variables to analyze and compare the psychology behind ghost sightings across different cultures. This unique approach reveals why certain types of ghosts and spirits appear in some places but not others.
“This book is the most comprehensive collection of stories about the spirits and ghosts of Panama. It’s chock full of illustrations and maps to show you what they looked like and where they appeared.”
According to Gardner’s research, Panama’s folklore shares the most similarities with Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska — and the least with places like Manhattan, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and much of Europe. Panama stands out for its strong presence of Indigenous spirits, an emphasis on dangerous ghosts, and a deep connection to its Colonial past — making its ghostly lore as haunting as it is unique.
Whether you want to learn more about Panama and its people and history, or about the culture and the folklore, or the spirits and the ghosts, this book is for you.
