I get of a lot of shall we say interesting books at the library. Some librarians comment. One of them, Robert, barely raises an eyebrow even at the most unusual stuff. Two words come to mind. Precise and unflappable. Oddly enough, those same two words apply to Joe Nickell, the source of the barely noticeable eyebrow raise from Robert when I staggered up the to circulation desk to get my latest batch of inter-library loans.

The name Joe Nickell might not ring any bells. Unless you happen to have a curious little mind (why is Blacklight snickering at me? meanie). Joe Nickell is a former private investigator who is now best known for investigating mysterious of the unknown and being part of CSICOP (The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal). Basically he’s the guy who gets five seconds tops on Moogles and Googles while the Moogles and Googles sprout their theories on aliens/Mother Goddess/magick/the Freemasons/the Illuminati/Bigfoot. Like I said on Twitter the other day, “sometimes a tower is just a freaking tower”.

Now add the following books: The Mystery Chronicles: More Real Life X-Files, Looking for a Miracle: Weeping Icons, Relics, Stigmata, Visions & Healing Cures and Ambrose Bierce is Missing And Other Historical Mysteries. Surely these are worth an eyebrow raise?

They’ll also worth a read even if you’re not like me and spent the last two weeks listening to Skeptoid and Monster Talk for the bulk of the work day. The conclusions Joe Nickell comes up with might not be your cup of tea (I know some family members believe believe believe in the Shroud of Turin and aliens-hopefully not the same people) but his investigations are thoughtful. Imagine having the time/energy/resources to re-create the Nazca Lines? Nickell’s presentations of each case if brief and the worst you can do is close the book and return it to the library/bookstore as quick as you can. But give it a shot. Another point of view never hurt any theory.