Few tourists ever hear the truth, because at the dark heart of Charleston is a winding tale of violence, tragedy and, most of all, sin. She whispers stories spun from sugar about pirates and patriots and rebels, about plantations and traditions and manners and yes, even ghosts but the entire time she is guarded about the real story. WILLING THE GHOSTS TO LIFE: MOLLY AND MATILDA OF THE SORREL WEED HOUSE Caskey, James. Seduction, after all, is not true love, nor is it a gentle act. True Stories of America's Ghosts Leanna Renee Hieber, Andrea Janes. Caskey is a kindred spirit - tour guide, researcher, storyteller and curious about the historical truth, no matter how many toes and sensibilities get stepped on.

So, its no surprise ghost guides keep passing this story from one to another like a cold sore. Recently I had the opportunity to talk to Savannah author, James Caskey, about his new book, Charleston's Ghosts: Hauntings in the Holy City (Manta Ray Books, 2014). /rebates/2f97809882529812fCharlestons-Ghosts-Hauntings-Holy-City-09882529882fplp&.

But like any great seductress, Charleston presents a careful veneer of half-truths and outright fabrications, and it lets you, the intended conquest, fill in many of the blanks. My colleague James Caskey, owner of Cobblestone Tours.

“Many people, after spending a long weekend being stealthily seduced by this grand dame of the South, mistakenly think that they have gotten to know her: they believe (in error) that after a long stroll amongst the rustling palmettoes and gas lamps, a couple of sumptuous meals, and a tour or two, that they have discovered everything there is to know about this seemingly genteel, elegant city.

Charleston's Ghosts by James Caskey