A look at Minnesota's spooky side

A disgrunted movie projectionist, long-dead gangsters and other shadowy figures populate "Mysterious Minnesota: Digging Up the Ghostly Past at 13 Haunted Sites," by Adrian Lee (Llewellyn Worldwide; $15.95). The author, president of the Sauk Centre Area Historical Society and a paranormal investigator, visits familiar places such as Walker's Chase on the Lake resort and Red Wing's St. James Hotel and details his attempts to find apparitions. The results are a fascinating read, whether or not you believe in ghosts.KERRI WESTENBERG

Get 3rd night for free at 2 luxury Chicago hotels

Chicago's Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton Chicago have free-night offers. Stay two consecutive paid nights and get a complimentary third night. With the deal, the nightly rate at the Ritz-Carlton, normally $399, drops to $266; a three-night stay in early August, including fees and taxes, comes to $929. Stay through Sept. 30. Find more details on the offer at: Four Seasons, 1-312-280-8800, www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs; and Ritz-Carlton, 1-312-266-1000, www.fourseasons.com/chicagorc.

WASHINGTON POST