Mysterious Realms: Probing Paranormal, Historical, and Forensic Enigmas [Hardcover]

Joe Nickell (Author), John F. Fischer (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1992

Investigative writer Joe Nickell and forensic analyst John F. Fischer probe ten tantalizing mysteries that, for decades, have defied rational analysis and convinced many people that supernatural events really do happen. Using their skills and experience in historic document examination and forensic research, Nickell and Fischer carefully scrutinize the evidence for a variety of strange historical, paranormal, and forensic phenomena. Taking neither a credulous nor close-minded approach, the authors search for answers to these questions and other mysterious conundrums. Their deductions and proposed solutions (which make use of blood chemistry, forensic analysis, document examination, and a knowledge of stage magic) are truly worthy of Sherlock Holmes and will keep readers turning the pages to find out the rest of the story.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this casebook, the coauthors of Secrets of the Supernatural investigate 10 familiar paranormal, historical and forensic mysteries. Arguing that "mysteries should neither be fostered nor suppressed but rather should be solved," Nickell and Fischer often rely on the theory that the simplest explanation has the greatest merit. Cases debunked here include visitations during the past 100 years of the "Gray Lady" ghost in a house in Frankfort, Ky., and the contention that John F. Kennedy was shot by a Soviet assassin who looked like Lee Harvey Oswald. The authors identify the 1912 discovery of the Piltdown Man in Sussex, England, as a hoax perpetrated by fossil collector Charles Dawson, and offer rational explanations for the periodic liquifaction of a vial in a Naples church said to contain the blood of St. Januarius and for the phenomenon of "psychic vision." The arguments presented are convincing, if not conclusive. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This book is Nickell's third collection of real-life mysteries of the type often exploited by the press and, especially, TV. His other excellent books are Secrets of the Supernatural (Prometheus, 1988), also written with Fischer, and Ambrose Bierce Is Missing (Univ. Pr. of Kentucky, 1991). Here, readers will find stories about a hoard of silver and gold lost somewhere in Virginia; the Piltdown Man hoax perpetrator; the crop-circle phenomenon; the MJ-12 Flying Saucer Club; and a half-dozen others. Taking the view that mysteries are not to be fostered but rather solved, the authors bring to bear years of investigatory experience on seeking reasonable explanations for phenomena that are sometimes said to defy analysis. What makes their stories unusual is that Nickell and Fischer have a gimmick: they resort to evidence. Readers who are fascinated by puzzles only so long as they are unsolved will be disappointed. Those who favor common sense and rationality, backed by solid evidence, will find this book essential reading. For most public libraries.
- Dave Sum mers, Holly Twp. Lib., Mich.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 221 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books; First edition (November 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879757655
• ISBN-13: 978-0879757656
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,656,790 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joe Nickell has been called "the modern Sherlock Holmes." Since 1995 he has been the world's only full-time, professional, science-based paranormal investigator. His careful, often innovative investigations have won him international respect in a field charged with controversy.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mysterious Realms - a fresh look at the paranormal, July 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Mysterious Realms: Probing Paranormal, Historical, and Forensic Enigmas (Hardcover)

This is an excellent eye opening book for anyone who is fascinated with stories of ghosts, miracles, UFO's and crop circles. It's a rare book that takes an in depth look and shows the information that most paranormal books leave out. Joe has been investigating paranormal and non paranormal incidents for years. I've heard some people nit pick individual facts that Joe may have gotten wrong, but have yet to find anything that would impugn his integrity. The book is over 200 pages with foot notes and an excellent index. Joe's background knowledge and detective skills are thorough. Joe has a whole lot of books out including a paranormal detective book for kids.

4.0 out of 5 stars No mystery that this is a good book, August 9, 2005

By 

Jason W. Marchmon "Bookie Bookerman" (Murray, KY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mysterious Realms: Probing Paranormal, Historical, and Forensic Enigmas (Hardcover)

I picked up a copy of this for the chapter on the Gray Lady's Ghost, and expected to only read that piece, but found it difficult to set aside. The factfinding is very good, as are the footnotes and references. My only issue is the length of each investigation. They could certainly be a bit longer, without risk of being bloated. It simply feels as if the authors were slightly rushed.
Realy a 4.5 star text.