Insight: Case Files from the Psychic World

by Sylvia Browne, Lindsay Harrison

A collection of personal tales recounts the psychic author's experiences during readings throughout her career, encounters that have placed her clients in touch with past lives, lost loved ones, and inheritance claims.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Paranormal, Inspirational, Occult

451 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Sylvia Browne was an American author and self-proclaimed psychic who built a lucrative career through books, television appearances, and psychic readings. Known for her frequent guest spots on The Montel Williams Show and Larry King Live, she claimed to communicate with angels, spirit guides, and the deceased, and said she had psychic visions from the age of three. In 1986, she founded the Society of Novus Spiritus, a Gnostic Christian church, and ran a variety of businesses, reportedly earning millions annually.
Browne wrote over 40 books, many of which were bestsellers, and maintained a dedicated fanbase throughout her life. However, her career was marked by controversy. She made numerous high-profile predictions about missing persons and criminal cases that were later proven false—errors that drew widespread criticism and scrutiny from skeptics and media outlets. A 2010 study by the Skeptical Inquirer concluded she had not been accurate in any verifiable case. Her reputation suffered further after her 1992 conviction for securities fraud.
Despite criticism from figures like James Randi and John Oliver, Browne retained a devoted following. Her vague prediction about a “pneumonia-like illness” spreading around 2020 drew renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. She remained a polarizing figure—revered by some, discredited by others—until her death in 2013 at the age of 77.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

She makes reference on p.8 to some people I'd like to read further about like Madame Helena Blavatsky - although a little outrageous in her presentation, she predicted things that came to pass after her death in 1891. Apparantly Albert Einstein kept her book handy - The Secret Doctrine.

H.G Wells (War of the Worlds) predicted many modern day machines also.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Sherlock Holmes stories....almost the last half of his life was dedicated to spiritual studies.

Edgar Cayce - also prophesied and cured illnesses by remote.....

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good in that you read "real accounts" from people ......I would recommend it for people starting to read Sylvia Browne..touches on many basics....then whatever peaks your interest reach for another of her books to read about it more

[Jennifer B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really interesting for anyone who believes in the possibilities of life after death, the spirit realm, and the ability to communicate with spirits, and divine wisdom.

[Juliana Haught · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really interesting book. I liked reading Sylvia's experiences growing up, and I found the cases she presented and the testimonials to be fascinating. I would say this is even a feel-good book. Sylvia left me with a feeling of well-being and reassurance, actually. She seems like quite the character, and I have to admire someone who has such clarity and acceptance about who she is, even in the face of skeptics and scoffers.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all Sylvia Browne's books!!!! I highly recommend all of them!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admire her. Some may not believe; that's your choice but I drew strength from reading this. Rest in peace Sylvia.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of the many books written by psychic Sylvia Browne, Insight: Case Files From the Psychic World is at least entertaining and certainly thought-provoking. After having read a few of her other books I was ready for (curious about) more of her spirit-guided insights about the Other Side. Whether you believe it or not, it does make you think about what lies beyond our current lives. This one is focused, as the title implies, on case studies from her readings. I found it interesting and it does present examples of past lives that includes coming back in another life, and retaining influences, both positive and negative, from your previous life experiences. Whether you read this and other books by this author as a believer or primarily as entertainment and an escape from everything else happening today, you will most likely find it worth your time.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sylvia has the tendency to write about the same things over and over, publishing them in book after book. She usually talks about when she first realized she was psychic, how she dealt with this realization, and what being a psychic really means. However, while she touches on these topics (how can she not?), this is one of Sylvia's best books. She actually goes into details about cases she's helped to solve, and some of the stories are truly gripping. This is a great read!

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a really uplifting and inspiring book! it was so warm and comforting, i recommend it to anyone who wants to find some inner peace...i really felt like it centered me! one caveat though - if you've never read any of Sylvia's books, don't start with this one, it doesn't cover the necessary background needed to understand Sylvia's abilities.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sylvia tells stories of her years of clients, hauntings and helping out the police to solve crimes.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC!!!! By far my favourite book! All those testimonials just goes to show she's for real

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sylvia shares stories of readings, spirit guides, and our departed.

[Cool · Rating 5 out of 5]

DOE has read this book. Fun and very interesting. Leaves you feeling good about yourself and the future that awaits.

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very interesting read and I tried to keep my mind open about it especially since Sylvia’s views are Christian-ish and she believes in God as I do and she has studied other religions to be familiar with their ways and how they view aspects of life.

Her stories and accounts from other people she’s helped with her services were so interesting to read about especially in the health aspects, I wish I understood more about what she was saying about cell memories and life ‘exit points’ that we so happened to have mapped out 5 of them in our ‘life chart’.

She talks about history of psychic abilities having gone way back in centuries, to the prophets mentioned in the Bible. I didn’t think of it that way but yeah, you can think of prophets having been psychic and that’s probably a reason why people didn’t want to listen to them because they seemed radical and it was impossible to see the “future”. So technically people could argue that they were psychics. They just say it in different terms.

I found some of the information helpful, she lists how there are many ways a person can be psychic and what some of those abilities are and what type she has and how she uses her abilities. I enjoyed reading about how her experience was (whether it was true or not, I still hold a little bit of healthy skepticism). I wonder if there are many true psychics out there who hide in the world because they thought they’d be considered crazy by others especially when they find out and don’t have someone to guide them?

I don’t fully agree with her stance on ghosts because there have been accounts (even a tv show called A Haunting) to disprove that ‘bad/menacing/eerie’ ghosts can’t harm us. So then what are those evil transparent figures that attack people/families leaving bruises/scratches/marks who have no explanation that makes sense to them who wouldn’t do harm to each other? It was interesting how she pointed out that spirits do walk 3 ft above the floor while ghosts are on the ground, I wouldn’t have thought there’d be a distinguishing factor in that. If I ever see a spirit or a ghost, I’ll be able to know which is which.

I thought it was also interesting about the readings she had with some of her clients and how they have had past lives. Based on the doctrine that I believe in the religion I follow, that’s not possible, when we die, we don’t get to live another life. Depending on our actions and how we lived on earth, we go to the spirit paradise or spirit prison, waiting until we receive immortal bodies and stand before God to be judged by Him. But hearing about that and how the people will have a mole or a spot of where they were injured in a past life is intriguing.

I have other thoughts too but my review is getting too long so all I’ll say is this book definitely gives you food for thought about life, about paranormal activity, spirituality and so forth. I’d recommend you to read to get your thoughts going and wonder what’s real, what’s not, and form opinions about religion, spirituality, and psychic abilities.

[Brittney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read several of Sylvia's books and love each one, but I didn't care much for this one.
The letters from past clients seemed eerily similar to one another and seemed to have been written by the same person, which breaks my heart and is disappointing for me.
I was raised to find out what makes sense to me spiritually. When I came across Sylvia's books about life and the other side, everything made complete sense to me, as I have memories of unexplained situations that actually mirror what her books speak about.
That being said, although this book was rather disappointing, I won't hold it against her. I don't know if the editor did a crappy job, or it was all made up. All I know is I enjoyed all of the others immensely, and she didn't do too bad if all but one was good to me.
In my opinion, skip this one, but don't count out her others.

[Ava Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredibly eye opening and influential. I’ve considered myself an atheist and a more spiritual person for my whole life and while reading this book I was introduced to new ideas and purposes. I’ve questioned my own religious beliefs and can’t wait to read more of her books and form my own opinions that will be highly influenced by Sylvia. She is such an empowering female and I wish she was still here today so I could write her a letter and ask for a reading but we can only wait for the day I do meet Sylvia. I really encourage anybody to read this book no matter your religion, it opens your eyes to new things and the importance of those around us.

[Casey Kidwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first of Sylvia Browne’s books I’ve read but definitely not the last! The book is primarily accounts from people who have had readings done by Sylvia or have worked with her in some capacity so there are numerous examples of her incredible work. She also reveals quite a bit about being psychic in general, her Sources and Spirit Guide as well as the Other Side from where we all came and shall return. I learned a lot from this book but also enjoyed reading about how much she’s helped others throughout her career.

[Jane Night · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a low three-star for me. So much of it was letters to Sylvia about how great a psychic she was and how accurate her predictions were. There would be a page or two where she would talk about a subject related to being psychic then there would be twenty pages of letters to Sylvia about how great and accurate she was.
I didn't feel like I learned all that much.

[Lori Jackman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started strong as she is a good writer. However as the book progressed it seemed to become an additional for her prior books.

[Melissa Simmonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sylvia Browne breaks down in this Book each Topic we all care about if we were to receive a Reading, her thoughts on each, how she reads and perceives things and more. All of the included Letters in the Book are a pleasure to read, as she turns nonbelievers into believers, the outcome of each Story from her Fan's is simply heartwarming.

[Peggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Agree with some of her stuff.. but don't really like her that much!!!
For one thing.. she charges way too much for her readings... and then writes about why she does it..
oh well.. that is my ONE S. Browne read
gave the book to a friend who loves her stuff

[Rachel Aydt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun yarn of a rainy day read if you're in the mood for such things. A fast read, but if you've read her other books you'll find this derivative, and the anecdotes are somewhat bland, and sound as if they were written more to convince of the accuracy of her work than the impact of it.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has taken awhile as I read books by Sylvia Browne to a woman at a nursing home, we both have an interest in the world of psychics. It was a very interesting read with A lot of letters written to her from clients after their readings, to verify things she has told them.

[melissa seley · Rating 2 out of 5]

nice toilet-book.

[Kathy]

Not at all what I expected

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful. Wonderful. I love this woman!

[Patti · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the sixth book that I've read by the author Sylvia Browne. They are more alike than different. Interesting reading if you are curious about afterlife.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

So So, not as good as the other books by this author

[Kristi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Same stuff repeated plus i just youtubed and reality is taking the place of my imaginationg. not as interestign as i thought.

[Natajia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again, information repeated over and over from her other books.
Get new material to talk about!
Youre a freaking psychic. You should have more case files than just the ones explained in other books.