Buy new:
EUR14.61EUR14.61
EUR 6.97 delivery Wednesday, April 15
Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com
Save with Used - Very Good
EUR6.32EUR6.32
EUR 7.58 delivery April 28 - May 20
Ships from: ThriftBooks-Phoenix Sold by: ThriftBooks-Phoenix
Sorry, there was a problem.
There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.Sorry, there was a problem.
List unavailable.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the author
OK
Robert The Doll Paperback – November 25, 2014
Purchase options and add-ons
Uncover the Chilling Truth Behind the World's Most Haunted Doll in Robert the Doll: The True Biography of Key West's Haunted Doll.
In 1904, a doll was gifted to a young boy in Key West, Florida. The boy named the doll Robert, and from that moment, the two were inseparable. But Robert was no ordinary doll—he was soon blamed for strange occurrences: giggles in the night, objects moving on their own, and terrifying supernatural events. Voodoo was suspected, and haunted legends began to swirl.
Today, Robert the Doll resides in a secure case at a museum in Key West, where hundreds of visitors every year experience eerie happenings not normally associated with dolls.
David L. Sloan, the world’s leading authority on Robert and the haunted doll phenomenon, dives deep into Robert’s mysterious origins. This comprehensive biography traces the many legends back to their original sources, separating fact from fiction and uncovering the true story of Robert the Doll.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- The real history behind Robert's creation and why he was gifted to a young boy
- Firsthand accounts from people who have experienced paranormal activity linked to the doll
- The origins of the haunted doll phenomenon and how Robert became the most famous haunted doll in the world
- An exploration of the voodoo theories and how they shaped Robert’s legend
With unmatched expertise and years of research, Sloan reveals the untold secrets behind one of the creepiest, most infamous dolls in history.
If you dare, step into the world of Robert the Doll—and discover the truth for yourself.
- Print length160 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateNovember 25, 2014
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.37 x 8.5 inches
- ISBN-100978992180
- ISBN-13978-0978992187
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Customers also bought or read
- How Key West Killed JFK: The Island That Changed The Course of History
PaperbackEUR17.19EUR17.19EUR 7.06 delivery Wed, Apr 15 - Undying Love: The Shocking True Key West Story of A Passion That Defied Death
PaperbackEUR17.19EUR17.19EUR 7.36 delivery Wed, Apr 15 - Creepy Florida: Phantom Pirates, the Hog Island Witch, the Demented Doctor at the Don Vicente and More (American Legends)
PaperbackEUR15.92EUR15.92EUR 7.14 delivery Mon, Apr 13 - The Coming of the Saucers: The Kenneth Arnold sighting of 9 "flying saucers"
PaperbackEUR9.89EUR9.89EUR 6.98 delivery Wed, Apr 15 - The Florida Keys Bucket List: 100 Offbeat Adventures From Key Largo To Key West
PaperbackEUR14.01EUR14.01EUR 6.83 delivery Apr 13 - 23 - The New Key West Bucket List: 100 Offbeat Adventures In The Southernmost City
PaperbackEUR14.61EUR14.61EUR 6.89 delivery Wed, Apr 15
From the Publisher
Discover the Dark Tales, Hauntings, History, & Mysteries of Key West!
Explore the Haunted Key West Collection by David L. Sloan
Haunted History
Legends & Ghost Lore
Paranormal True Crime
The Infamous Haunted Doll
About The Author
David Sloan is a pioneer in the paranormal entertainment field. He launched one of the first ghost tours in the United States in Key West, Florida, in 1996 and followed with America’s first commercial ghost hunts a few years later.
During his 25+ years researching the haunted history of the Florida Keys and promoting Key West as a haunted destination, Sloan made groundbreaking discoveries about Robert the Doll and Count von Cosel. His research and writings are used extensively by local ghost tours. He is a researcher and panelist on Scared & Alone and has appeared on paranormal programs alongside Jack Osbourne, William Shatner, and Rob Riggle.
Sloan owns and operates Ghost Key West, Inc.. This tour company includes the Robert the Doll Experience, Haunted Firehouse Experience, Key West’s Haunted Jail Experience, and Key West UFO Starwatch. Sloan also curates the haunted online directory for Haunted Key West.com.
Product details
- Publisher : Phantom Press
- Publication date : November 25, 2014
- Language : English
- Print length : 160 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0978992180
- ISBN-13 : 978-0978992187
- Item Weight : 9 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.37 x 8.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #531,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #58 in General Florida Travel Guides
- #487 in South Atlantic United States Travel Books
- #5,529 in Occult & Paranormal
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

David L. Sloan IV is an American author, publisher, artist, and producer based in Key West, Florida, renowned for his books that capture the spirit, history, and mystery of the Florida Keys. Often hailed as “the next Hemingway”—a nod to his adventurous lifestyle —Sloan has a flair for weaving together island history, paranormal tales, and his own brand of irreverent humor.
Launching his writing career in 1998, Sloan founded Phantom Press, Inc., and has since authored dozens of books that delve into the fascinating culture, cuisine, and haunted past of Key West. His works span from cookbooks and travel guides to ghost stories that have thrilled millions.
Sloan’s in-depth knowledge of the Florida Keys, combined with his witty style, makes his books not just entertaining but essential reading for anyone visiting or curious about the area. His writing has been featured in National Geographic. He introduced Vince Neil and Jack Osbourne to Robert the Haunted Doll and taught Gordon Ramsay how to make Key lime pie. You may recognize Sloan from History Channel, Travel Channel, Discovery+, BBC, and the Food Network. His articles have appeared both locally and globally, gaining him recognition as one of the Keys’ most celebrated storytellers.
In addition to writing, Sloan co-founded the Key Lime Festival and launched one of America’s first ghost tours in Key West. He continues to raise money for local non-profits through his tours and events, making him an active and beloved figure in the community. You can often find him volunteering at the Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum.
Whether you're looking for a light, entertaining read about Key West’s quirky history or diving into its spookier side with Sloan’s haunted guides, you’ll be captivated by his unique perspective and passion for the islands.
Check out a few of his books before your next visit to the Florida Keys or take a ghost tour with his company, GhostKeyWest You won’t be disappointed.
Follow David on Instagram: @davidLsloan Facebook: @FloridaKeys
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Generated from the text of customer reviewsSelect to learn more
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2026Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseThis book is GREAT!! I have been to Key West 6 times since 2019, but haven't actually been inside the East Martello where Robert is on display. Not sure if I want to see him!! But I have been by the house where he lived with his original family. So cool. If you are into the ghost/supernatural stuff, this is for you. Reading the accounts of people who have seen him and not obeyed the rules is scary!
- Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2025Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseGood read and well researched. The author takes the time to discover everyone connected to Robert and ties everything together I'm regards to the stores and legends.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2022Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis book gives a detailed account of the history of Robert the Doll. From family history, how the doll was obtained, and the skepticism of the doll, it's all found here. This information isn't found anywhere else. Thank you David Sloan for researching this information. I don't know if I believe in Robert, but I will say this: "I apologize for being so curious about you. I believe you are something but not entirely sure what you are. As someone wrote to you I believe you are a spirit teaching others about manners'. Peace be with you and please don't curse me. I think I've had enough misfortunes in my life. 😅.
Signed,
Curious mind
- Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2015Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseWell researched. I don't regret buying it, but for me it jumped around a bit too much for my taste.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2018Format: KindleVerified PurchaseA very good, insightful, well-researched book involving one of the most enduring "hauntings" of all time. David Sloan has truly immersed himself in the world of Robert the Doll and created a book that compiles the facts and sorts true from myth.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2023Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI really enjoyed this book about Robert the Doll and the Otto family. After seeing a program on TV, I found out about thus book! Glad I decided to read it because of course this book had more details.
This book was well written and includes many real photos, letters, and other documents. Well worth the read!
- Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2020Format: KindleVerified PurchaseAuthor David Sloan covers all aspects of Robert the Doll's story, tracing the doll's origins and the background of the Otto family, who owned the doll for many years. The book also includes numerous anecdotes about strange occurances connected to Robert. The book provides many theories about the origin of Robert's curse. Overall, a fantastic book for those unfamiliar with Robert as well as aficionados.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2023Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis was a great balance of history, theories and everything Robert. The photos and letters written in about the impact are wild too.
Top reviews from other countries
chelReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 26, 20175.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseI enjoyed the read and learned lots of facts i didn't know about Robert.

















