Customer Reviews

Strange Vanishings (Strange But True Series)

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This is one of Colin Wilson's worst books. It has a catalogue of various mysterious disappearances from all over the world. This is mildly interesting in itself, but at the same time, most of these incidents, like the case of the "Mary Celeste" are so well-known that there is scarcely a need to reiterate them here. Also, the style of the book is fairly dull, as opposed to the majority of this author's work. i suspect that this book, as the others in this series, are really intended for intelligent children rather than adults. Also slightly cloying is the author's tendency to try to create a mystery where there really is none, or where a very simple explanation may be had. This does not improve the book, as there are more than enough disappearances which do indeed seem strange. Nevertheless, Wilson does manage to include several lesser-known disappearances which is the main reason for getting this book. It may be a quite interesting addition to a middle-school library, but is definitley not for those who are seriously interested in the paranormal.

I have read many Colin Wilson books over the years and, although entertaining and well written. However, Wilson's personal vendetta against "science" continues to make him accept pretty much anything and come over as quite naive. He continues to hold to the Bermuda Triangle mystery even though its been mainly debunked and blown out of the water as an old mariner's tale of modern times.

Still, Wilson's writings make an entertaining read and can be thought provoking at times. He trully believes that we should push our belief systems and minds to the limit, and I agree with him on this. I think he could use a good dose of skepticism sometimes, but at least he can make you think that maybe anything is possible.