In Monsters of New Jersey: Mysterious Creature in the Garden State by Loren Colman (Stackpole Books - 2010) the author captures the reader with tales of the weird happenings that go beyond just the famous Jersey Devil. As the premier authority on all things cryptozoological in America, Coleman brings to life lizard-men, sasquatch, the Hoboken Monkey man and many others. The author does not hold back on critical analysis and provides several examples of hoaxes as well as providing information on the truly unexplained. The fair treatment of the topic and balanced presentation is what has set Coleman's writing apart in this field. He does not take sides, but rather presents the evidence and "stories" as an objective researcher.
The book did have few drawbacks, but nothing that should prohibit buying. At 144 pages this book is kind of short. It was clearly not meant to be an exhaustive study of the state, but rather an introduction to the mysteries that lurk just off the side of those darkened New Jersey roads. Second, the cover art is enough to buy the book alone, why not more of the same on the inside? Coleman's books are usually lined with amazing images and this one could really have shined with such additions. Also, some of the tales seemed to scatter across state lines, losing focus on the title state. This does not detract from the book, however, because it is often necessary to set a regional tone for some of the sightings and tales in this study. lastly, the final section of the book will have its proponents and opposition. It reads as a list of sightings of the Jersey Devil throughout history. Granted, this time-line needed its own section, but is it kind of removed from the original telling (which happens near the beginning of the book). Some readers like "sighting lists" and some do not. It will depend upon where the reader falls on that spectrum as to how much they enjoy the final section of the book.
At the end of the day, the final recommendation is: take a tour! Pick up Monsters of New Jersey: Mysterious Creature in the Garden State and see what lies waiting in the tall grass and Pine Barrens. Allow your imagination to run wild and see if you can come away with your own conclusion.
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