ANCHOR REVIEW CONTINUED FROM HOME PAGE
Williams weaves a rich tapestry of historical figures into this dramatic narrative. The main characters—Adam and Mary Ann Livingston, their friends Richard and Anastasia McSherry, and the priest Fr. Denis Cahill—actually lived through the haunting events. Notably, the investigations were conducted by none other than Rev. (Prince) Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin, known as the Apostle of the Alleghenies, who is currently being considered for canonization by the Catholic Church. His meticulous inquiry into the Wizard Clip hauntings left an indelible mark on history.

The village of Middleway, West Virginia, still commemorates its role in this eerie saga with wood-block emblems on building fronts—a crescent moon and a pair of scissors—a nod to its past as Clip Town. The novel spans over 200 years, yet the echoes of that spectral encounter continue to resonate.

The Wizard Clip Haunting is a sprawling work, spanning 798 pages, and it immerses readers in a blend of traditional American values, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. Whether you’re drawn to historical fiction or tales of the paranormal, Williams delivers a gripping narrative that bridges the gap between the earthly and the otherworldly.

If you’re ready to embark on a journey through time and unravel the mysteries of the Wizard Clip, this book awaits you

Riveting! ★★★★★
Stan Williams's novel is a riveting tale that kept me on the edge of my seat for all 814 pages! With the detailed historical research and colorful characters of a Ken Follett novel, and the witty other-worldly dialog of C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters (seasoned generously with Catholic doctrine and a pinch of romance), this book is a must-read!! (A.R.)

First Book I've Read in a Long Time ★★★★★
I’m one of those addicted to podcasts and social media! I heard Stanley Williams on a radio program talking about this book and bought it asap. I also have a bad tendency to buy books and not read them. But I’m happy to say I’m 1/3 of way through Wizard Clip Haunting and am hooked! My interests in history, genealogy and Catholicism make this a treasure I’m grateful to have discovered! (G. Brandburn)

Worth Every Minute of Reading! ★★★★★
Wizard Clip Haunting offers a unique perspective into an intriguing event in early American history. Although lengthy, it presents wonderful character development and a page-turning plot. In the early pages of the book, I learned a great deal about details not usually studied in American history—from the persecution of Roman Catholics in Ireland and the early years of the United States, to sailing, to the slave trade—and later in the novel, the author’s in-depth research into the art of weaving plays a major role in the plot. As the story of the haunting began, I found myself reluctant to set the book down, which is rarely the case for me. Of particular interest was that the story of this haunting is well documented, and the author’s note details his research into the event. This is indeed an American ghost story, but the historical resources that verify its occurrence make the story even more fascinating. And, of course, the conflict staged between good and evil keeps the reader rooting for the good guy! Fans of historical fiction and the supernatural will find this haunting story worth every minute of reading! (H.Smith)

Outstanding ★★★★★
I’m captivated by The Wizard Clip Haunting as it combines the best of both worlds. It accurately shares the known facts of the Wizard Clip with exciting fiction of what may have been. From the very beginning the characters sprung to life. I laughed, celebrated and mourned with the characters. I was there with them, and I cried when...(spoiler)...I think every waking moment will be spent reading this. A riveting novel. (K. McCormack)

I Highly Recommend this Novel ★★★★★
After an extensive 10 year research into the life of Prince-Priest Demetrius A. Gallitzin (1770-1840), including his personal involvement in the Wizard Clip Hauntings, you can imagine my fascination in how this novel delightfully brings to life the initial facts and the formation and integration of the many complex personalities involved. The character development is excellent as is the high suspense and drama leading up to the Wizard and his clipping! In my eyes it perfectly and artistically brought to life an awesome but real story, and this is what very much mattered to me. (Betty Seymour, Loretto, PA)

This Book is Remarkable. ★★★★★
What really impressed me is the amount of historical detail about life in the late 1700s in the context of a ghost story. Clearly the author did a lot of research, not just on the Wizard Clip events but on the historical background. Whether it's flax farming, clothing, currency, harnessing a horse, crossing a river in a ferry, slavery, weaving, commerce or sailing, be assured that the author will teach you about it with authentic detail in the context of a good story. In addition, his characters ask hard questions of themselves and each other. It made me think. The author's moral premise appears at the end of the book, but I'm glad I found it earlier so that I could think about it as I read. The author brought these historical characters and events to life. Bravo! (Mary V.)

The Best Ghost Story ★★★★★
The Wizard Clip Hauntings is definitely the best ghost story I have ever read. In reality though the story goes much deeper in every respect and is lightyears ahead of any other horror story. The theological and spiritual truths that are ingrained in the book give it a huge amount of depth. Ultimately it gives the perfect Catholic perspective on ghostly demonic occurrences. A captivating story that mirrors modern day issues in a period that is not usually dwelt on. To top it all, It’s masterful storytelling will have almost 'possessed' the reader into reading till the end. (Josh Mauro, age 16)

A Credible Tale of human and demonic warfare ★★★★★
With The Wizard Clip Haunting Stan Williams has blended history, legend, myth, and mystery into a gripping fictional tale of human (and other-world persons) battles for the lives and souls of a collection of real-life late eighteen century settlers and pioneers in the Virginia of an emerging United States of America. The author's experience as a Hollywood script writer and movie consultant is evident in his skillful portrayals of the cast of characters whom he brings to life - and for some - to death in a whodonit, or rather a who-is-doing-it plot which culminates in both an explosive and unexpected conclusion. It is a huge read in more ways than one, and if Dr Williams can fashion a script out of it we can expect a blockbuster of note. Mike Mahony, South Africa.

Fascinating!
This is the first “modern” story (meaning written after 1950) that I had read in ages that I actually wanted to finish. The storyline is fascinating, the changing point of view adds intrigue, the writing is very good, with excellent pacing that compels one to continue reading. And it does this without the use of Hardy Boy cliffhangers. (M.R.)

A Cliff-Hanging, Faith-Builder! ★★★★★
The reader is given a glimpse of New World pragmatism shredded by otherworldly forces it denies, and the Ancient Faith sweeping in to rescue surprised saints. (J.W.)

An Interesting Novel with a Great Twist at the End ★★★★★
The Wizard Clip Haunting is a wonderful historical horror novel dealing with religion, the devil and his demons and a group of people who are interesting characters in a story I wasn’t quite expecting. Yes it is a horror story with the devil and demons playing their part at trying to deceive and rid the world of those who are good. The pull of good and evil with guardians and demons is as old as religion and one that most never tire of reading or hearing. I’m one where good needs to win, and it does here, but how it happens is interesting and the ending ties all the different characters together in what was happening and needed to be done to set things right. Even if you are not religious, this book based in religion is well worth the time to read just for the characters, the suspense of what will happen next, and how it will all be resolved. (B.A. Mealer)

I Can't Wait to See What Happens Next.
I’m half-way through your book and can’t wait to see what happens next. Historical fiction is my absolute favorite genre. Adding in the screwtape-style correspondence makes it even more of a page-turner. (A.M.)

Not What You'd Expect ★★★★★
I have a Reader's copy, and while I find the story line somewhat interesting, it didn't hold me. However, it seems my wife, who was a bit intimated by the magnitude of pages, small print, and "ghostly" story, took a chance at my prompting. She now spends most of her free time engrossed in this work. I don't know, but I am urged to offer a "Moral Premise" of sorts, "never judge a book by its cover." (John Devry)

Four Stories in One ★★★★★
If you’re looking for a novel that has action, adventure, drama, and other worldly interactions, you’ll enjoy this Historical Fiction on the first documented exorcism in the US. I was so impressed with the novel, I looked up some of the main characters and the events the book is based on. The story and the characters are enthralling, you’ll love it. (Scott A. Rogge)

Wizard Clip Provides a Haunting Tale that will Make Your Soul Shiver ★★★★★
The story is original and compelling. Keeps you interested as the mystery unfolds. Dynamic writing with enough twists and turns to keep any reader engaged. (Richard Mauro)

Riveting! ★★★★★
Stan Williams's novel is a riveting tale that kept me on the edge of my seat for all 814 pages! With the detailed historical research and colorful characters of a Ken Follett novel, and the witty other-worldly dialog of C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters (seasoned generously with Catholic doctrine and a pinch of romance), this book is a must-read!! (A.R.)

Should be a Movie
I loaned Book 1 to a friend. She gave it back today and told me she loved it! She said it should be made into a movie. Now I can start on it. (M.M.)

Keep Reading to Find Out
Dr. Williams writings are so explicit and detailed that the reader envisions themselves into the time and scene they are reading about! At the end of each chapter the reader anxiously awaits the outcome of the web the devil has cast. Will light prevail over darkness?! You have to keep reading to find out. (E.W.)

The Only Gripe...it's Catholic, but Entertaining and Educational.
Since the dawn of man and Lucifer’s shameful expulsion from heaven, Lucifer has tried endlessly to put God and man at odds with each other. Such is the story of Adam Livingston.

Adam was never a man of great faith, but his wife, Esther, was a strong believer. Together they weathered many storms as bereaved parents of one living child and several others who died pre-term. Finally, God blessed them with two healthy children who would live to adulthood, but the devil had marked Adam for the purpose of destroying his faith. It was his intent that Adam would curse God before he died.

It’s for this purpose that he petitioned to take Esther’s life and his petition was granted. The plan was working already. Adam, who had little regard for the supernatural despite having the gift of prophecy, became evermore determined to control the outcome of his life.

On top of losing his wife, Adam would have to give up his farm. It was a wedding gift from his father in law deeded to his wife. He could not continue to farm it, but he could sell it and keep half the proceeds. Thankfully, his own family would keep him in the flax farming business one way or another. His father proposed to sell him a piece of land in Virginia and he took the offer. Little did he know that he was heading towards the final battleground. In this place he would either curse God and die, or accept him and receive his mercy.

The Wizard Clip Haunting, is a historical fiction with elements of a supernatural thriller. It describes in detail the haunting of the Livingston property; their mansion, their barn and their farm. It introduces us to the possibility of animals being protagonists for either good or evil. It also sheds light on the power structure within which demons operate. I found the author’s way of exposing satan’s intent very entertaining and innovative.

The only gripe I have with this book is it’s championing of the Catholic faith. I’m a protestant myself and disagree on some doctrinal matters. However, I still found it entertaining and educational. It’s my hope that if this book convicts you to be a Christian, that you follow the teachings of Christ as your life’s manual. (Maureen's Life Style Historical Fiction Blog: It's a New Day)