The Mystery Chronicles

"Nickell is a hands-on skeptic, who prefers to visit the scene of a good mystery, testing for trickery among the psychics, or tramping around in the swamps looking for monsters. His varied work experience...gives him credibility as a hard-nosed researcher and writer. The book offers some cautionary tales that uncritical paranormalists should take to heart."—Booklist

"Offers science-based explanations for unusual happenings, providing documented solutions for more than three dozen mysteries, including the appearance of crop circles and the Shroud of Turin."—Dallas Morning News

"Joe Nickell is the Columbo of skepticism—unsuspecting and unpretentious, yet always professional sleuth—who arrives on the scene of an investigation asking seemingly innocent questions that, in fact, have deep meaning in his never-ending quest for the truth. The Mystery Chronicles not only adds to the Nickell collection of always fascinating and important investigations, this is a valuable contribution to the skeptical body of literature. Every X-Files fan should read this book with the following proviso: 'If you thought those fictional mysteries were interesting, wait until you hear about these real mysteries.' The truth is always more intriguing than fiction, and Nickell delivers with his usual clarity and wit."—Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic magazine, contributing editor to Scient

"Examines forty-one new cases and claims, bringing his unique expertise to solving them, most often finding natural, scientific explanations."—Skeptical Inquirer

"Punctures many cherished myths about things that wander in the swamp, reach out from the grave, or made huge drawings in South America. . . . Fascinating reading."—WTBF Radio