Being a paranormal investigator myself, I do know Tom. I am sure he would be pleased to know that he has a thread on this forum.. Even tho he has his own forum, bet he would be chuffed.
Being a paranormal investigator myself, I do know Tom. I am sure he would be pleased to know that he has a thread on this forum.
He might not be too happy about the content though linda
Have you ever found anything in Liverpool of interest or worthy of discussion here (I know there will be certain customer confidentiality)
How about Tom's private investigator side kick Keith Andrews. Any news on him solving the Wallace or Jack the Ripper murder cases yet?
As in Detective Andrews!Originally Posted by Ged
He might not be too happy about the content though linda
Have you ever found anything in Liverpool of interest or worthy of discussion here (I know there will be certain customer confidentiality)
How about Tom's private investigator side kick Keith Andrews. Any news on him solving the Wallace or Jack the Ripper murder cases yet?
Just been reading the various threads about Tom. I think quite a few of the posts do Tom a great disservice. He has resurrected a deeply rooted interest in urban mythology and paranomal activity (in a survey a few years back ober 50% questioned said they believed in ghosts). His stories come from a number of sources, including a huge response from the public. (I know because, as his publisher I receive mail and phone calls every week). Why criticise Tom for trying to earn a living providing books that the public want to buy?
However, the point about this post is to say the Jack the Ripper book will be out early April. The delay is on my side - I wanted to have the book read first by experts in the field to make sure the case stacks up. I have been stunned by the response. Richard Whittington-Egan, one of the foremost Ripper experts in the world has written back "meticulously researched, it is sharply written, thoroughly readable, and totally fress in the mystery-solving direction which it takes ....
Slemen and Andrews' offering is without question an extremely significant addition to the shelf of worthwhile studies of the East End enigma."
I was not prepared to publish until I had received expert approval - so now it is full steam ahead. This book will create a stir!
I expect Chris George and a few other Ripperologists on this site will welcome the new addition and look forward to hearing their responses. Regarding resurrecting urban mythology and paranormal activity. That is fine if substantiated. I do know someone who told Tom about something he said happened, then told me privately that it might not have been exactly like that as it was a long time ago and his memory was a bit fuzzy, but would it then appear then as fact, I don't know if it did?
Colin. Do you know of Tom and Keith's work and take on the Wallace murder. Wasn't he made to withdraw some claims as slander to the Johnston family?
I expect his books and the sales have been brilliant for you and him but after the Gerard Gardens serpent story and the ridicule of him that surfaced locally after it, I must take some of the stories with a pinch of salt but as long as you do, then they're great
Hi Ged,
As far as I know, Tom hasn't changed his opinion about the Johnson's. There is no slander or libel because the Johnsons are dead and you can make any allegations you want about anyone who is dead (but make sure they are dead first!). As far as I know, Tom is not planning a book on the Wallace case in the near future.
Of course, Tom can take criticism on the chin and it is up to the readers to make up their minds. If you don't believe in ghosts etc then everything is just fairy stories but Tom is following a grand tradition (Elliott O'Donnell and others) who have mined a rich seam in folk memories. Let's face it, you get a small group together and ask each one whether they have had any strange experiences and I bet the majority will come back with a story. One important point is that Tom's books are read widely, particularly in schools. It may not be an intentional aim - but his books have helped a lot of children with their reading (and this is from teachers and librarians who regularly contact me for Tom to give talks in schools).
Rant over!
Rant acknowledged
Not fair on the individuals who aren't alive to defend themselves though is it? Tom told me a few years ago that he was writing a book on the Wallace Case from the Johnston's angle. Seems a bit much to base a whole concept around the supposed 'confession' of a man with senile dementia though...
It is Accomplished
A confession which wasn't forthcoming anyway though according to the living relatives of the Johnstons.
Of course, Tom can take criticism on the chin
Gididi Gididi Goo.
Met and briefly spoke to Tom Slemen a few years ago in town. An ex-girlfriend of mine recognised him, being a fan, and he was very polite. Pull apart his work all you like, whether it be through professional differences or plain jealousy, but the man is a success.
Yep good luck to him, nowt to be jealous of though, some write facts and some write what is open to speculation.
I'm sure he's a nice man too, he has people coming up to him with their ghost stories. Colin of course will love him and there's nothing wrong in that.
Some of his stories do seem far fetched. Saying that, not read any for a while, I liked his local Ghost Stories, when I borrowed a few books he written off my ex, I skimmed through his folklore-type stories. But to have an open mind, and people all over the planet worships beings they have not seen (God), well, his stories may have merit.
But all in all, he seemed a very decent chap when he chatted to my ex. Thanking her for buying his book. I'm only
judging him from personal experience.
Thanks Kid Amigo. Tom is always a pleasure to deal with (as his publisher I would say that). What is important is that his material comes directly from the public. I was with Tom at the Big History Show this weekend, in St George's Hall, and he had a constant stream of people bringing him new stories, photos and information. Remarkably, he spent twenty minutes writing down a weird timewarp experience from one ex-serviceman in his eighties when - some half an hour later - another woman, entirely unconnected - related a virtually similar personal experience. Make what you want of it - but Tom is just passing on these stories for your interest and enjoyment.
On another point - Tom's book on the Ripper is expected late-April. It is definitely worth a read (publisher talking again).
Colin and Tom doing a roaring trade last saturday. I believe Group 4 had to escort them home with all the money they reaped in
.
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