A multi-chapter introduction to field investigation—interview, evidence, interpretation, and client care—by Thomas Cooney. Language updated for clarity; teachings retained.
This course is for people who want more than a night of gadgets in a dark building. It walks through how cases actually start, what to document, how to avoid the most common mistakes, and when to refer hard problems to people better trained than you.
Related modern guide: The Field Investigator’s Handbook (equipment, session flow, and scientific cautions). Mission context: Mission & Professional Standards.
Chapters
- An Introduction
- Chapter 1: An Important Message
- Chapter 2: Getting Started
- Chapter 3: The Interview
- Chapter 4: Setting Up the Investigation
- Chapter 5: Equipment
- Chapter 6: What to Look For
- Chapter 7: When Is a Ghost Not a Ghost?
- Chapter 8: The Poltergeist
- Chapter 9: Know Thy Enemy
- Chapter 10: Human or Inhuman?
- Chapter 11: Interpreting Your Findings
- Chapter 12: Taking Action
- Chapter 13: Investigator Etiquette
- Chapter 14: Revealing a Strategy
- Chapter 15: Closing Thoughts
How to use this course
- Read in order once; Chapter 1 is non-negotiable before client work.
- Treat theological and demonology sections as the author’s framework—pair them with mundane-first review and honest uncertainty.
- This is education, not certification, not legal advice, and not a substitute for medical, mental-health, or pastoral care.