The Amityville Horror unravels a chilling tale where true crime collides with dark legend. Set against the quiet streets of Amityville, New York, this book delves deep into the DeFeo murders, the haunting claims of the Lutz family, and the ongoing mystery of what truly lurks behind the black shutters of 112 Ocean Avenue.
Drawing on meticulously researched court documents, trial transcripts, historical records, and paranormal investigations, author Dipesh Piplani offers a clear-eyed, suspenseful narrative that asks what really happened—and what we continue to believe. This is more than a haunted house story: it's a study in crime, myth, and the persistence of fear.
Whether you're drawn by true horror, paranormal intrigue, or the dark interplay of history and myth, this book confronts each layer with depth and nuance. It’s the definitive account of America’s most famous haunted house, grounded in fact but reaching for the unknown.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- A chilling reconstruction of the DeFeo murders, narrated in precise detail with factual clarity and forensic insight into one of Long Island's darkest nights.
- The story of the Lutz family’s 28-day ordeal—from creeping cold spots and green slime to the infamous “Jodie” apparition—told with empathy and critical perspective.
- An exploration of paranormal investigations, including the roles of Ed & Lorraine Warren and the skeptic Joe Nickell, balancing belief with analysis.
- The factual uncovering of the hoax allegations, including William Weber’s confession of fictionalizing horror “over many bottles of wine,” legal battles, and media manipulation.
- An atmospheric portrait of the house’s enduring legacy, tracing its role in American pop culture, tourism, and paranormal folklore—and why it remains a site of fascination decades later.