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Tales of Unexplained Mystery
Tales of Mystery Unexplained.... Do you love Unexplained, cryptic, and intriguing & mysteries? Why was a man found in the same spot he disappeared, but 4 years later, with a hole in his head that no surgeons could explain, and what did this have to do with a séance, doppelgangers, and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln?
Why did a man write the Fibonacci sequence as a clue and tell a stranger he was “Looking for the Beast,” before he disappeared in the barren plains of a desert?
Why did five boys run from their car into the snowy wilderness, to certain death, yet not try to save themselves, at all? They found food but did not eat it. What were they running from? And why?
Who are Hecate? And what did they have to do with people disappearing in the countryside of England?
How did an introverted lady die on the top of an ancient fairy mound, on a remote island: her face locked in an expression of terror?
Why did a man die of fright atop a coal pile after disappearing for days, and why could no scientists identify the strange ointment found on his body? Where had he been? And what had happened to him?
How could a man be found after a plane crash, lying on a moor, with no injuries at all; yet his body had not been there when the plane had crashed and searchers had combed the area multiple times looking for him.
Also featuring an in-depth investigation into the strange death of Elisa Lam, found dead in a water tower on the top of a hotel roof in LA. Who were the two men who came to see her, and what was in the mystery box they gave her?
Steph Young has appeared on national radio shows and podcast including the UK's The Unexplained, and Coast to Coast Am, talking about many of these mysteries of the Unexplained, which are her passion... These stories are some of the most intriguing, enigmatic, and ultimately unfathomable & unexplained true tales I have ever come across and they continue to fascinate and completely puzzle me.
Join me for some true tales of Unexplained mysteries of the most cryptic kind. In this book are strange and baffling true stories of unexplained mysteries, and the cast of characters who star in them. Stories of unexplained mysteries that yearn to be solved. All of these strange and curious stories, I have written about over the last six years, across a number of my previous books. They continue to intrigue me, and while some of my readers may be familiar with some of these cryptic tales, there are many who are not, and I present them once more, in longer and far more extended format, with deeper delving into the strange and mysterious events and the central characters who feature in them, caught in the whirlwind of these strange unexplained mysteries… which still have yet to be solved.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2019
482 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Steph Young
21 books20 followersAlso on iTunes: Tales of Mystery Unexplained
Also publishes as Stephen Young
Also publishes as Stephen Young
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 6, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Who doesn’t love a mystery, especially one that stubbornly refuses to be solved? That is the question Steph Young asks in her introduction to this collection of strange but true stories. It’s a good one too because at some level we are all fascinated by things we can’t explain.
The stories collected in this book come from both sides of the Atlantic and range from the curious to the downright frightening. They include disembodied hairy hands seizing hold of car steering wheels on an English country road; dark and possibly occult-related goings-on in Clapham Woods and the 1982 disappearance of New York advertising executive Donald Kemp in the wilds of Wyoming.
Two stories that stand out are the strange deaths of Elisa Lam and Netta Fornario. One died in a seedy Los Angeles hotel, the other on a hillside on the Scottish island of Iona.
Their deaths are separated by almost a century, Lam died in 2013, Forninio in 1929, yet have similarities in that both women were eccentric loaners who behaved strangely in the days before their death. After their death links, some more tenuous than others were made to possibly esoteric symbolism.
These and all the other stories contained in this book could, of course, have logical explanations. Sometimes people imagine things that aren’t there, a murder of disappearance can be solved, given enough time and sufficiently methodical application of the investigative procedure.
At least they do if you believe the world works that way. Steph Young invites her readers to consider the possibility that it might not; happenstance may play a greater role in things than we are comfortable thinking.
This plays on a fascination with the things we think we sometimes glimpse out of the corner of our eye that is both very old and enduringly powerful. Young approaches her subject matter with an open mind, giving her readers, as the old TV show catchphrase used to go ‘just the facts’, then letting them marvel at their strangeness.
This is the sort of book it is a pleasure to dip into whenever you are looking for a taste of the less than usual. Although if you happen to do so at bedtime, you might feel a bit apprehensive when it comes to switching off the light.
Who doesn’t love a mystery, especially one that stubbornly refuses to be solved? That is the question Steph Young asks in her introduction to this collection of strange but true stories. It’s a good one too because at some level we are all fascinated by things we can’t explain.
The stories collected in this book come from both sides of the Atlantic and range from the curious to the downright frightening. They include disembodied hairy hands seizing hold of car steering wheels on an English country road; dark and possibly occult-related goings-on in Clapham Woods and the 1982 disappearance of New York advertising executive Donald Kemp in the wilds of Wyoming.
Two stories that stand out are the strange deaths of Elisa Lam and Netta Fornario. One died in a seedy Los Angeles hotel, the other on a hillside on the Scottish island of Iona.
Their deaths are separated by almost a century, Lam died in 2013, Forninio in 1929, yet have similarities in that both women were eccentric loaners who behaved strangely in the days before their death. After their death links, some more tenuous than others were made to possibly esoteric symbolism.
These and all the other stories contained in this book could, of course, have logical explanations. Sometimes people imagine things that aren’t there, a murder of disappearance can be solved, given enough time and sufficiently methodical application of the investigative procedure.
At least they do if you believe the world works that way. Steph Young invites her readers to consider the possibility that it might not; happenstance may play a greater role in things than we are comfortable thinking.
This plays on a fascination with the things we think we sometimes glimpse out of the corner of our eye that is both very old and enduringly powerful. Young approaches her subject matter with an open mind, giving her readers, as the old TV show catchphrase used to go ‘just the facts’, then letting them marvel at their strangeness.
This is the sort of book it is a pleasure to dip into whenever you are looking for a taste of the less than usual. Although if you happen to do so at bedtime, you might feel a bit apprehensive when it comes to switching off the light.
March 17, 2021
Mostly read this for the Elisa Lam story found it very interesting!
January 15, 2020
Do not read this right before bed, especially chapter 3. I learned the hard way. Just don't do it.
These stories were creepy, ghastly and weird. I enjoyed some more than others. The questions and repetitive information bogged down the pacing; it just may need better editing. Overall I enjoyed this compilation and will check out the author's other work.
These stories were creepy, ghastly and weird. I enjoyed some more than others. The questions and repetitive information bogged down the pacing; it just may need better editing. Overall I enjoyed this compilation and will check out the author's other work.
December 27, 2019
Very interesting read. I truly wonder if these mysteries will ever be solved. I find the Elisa Lam story intriguing. There were several stories I had never heard of.
March 7, 2020
Interesting stories but the editing, grammar, and spelling were shocking in this book. Amazon printing is devastatingly poor!
There were problems of severe repetition as well and too many questions at the end of each tale! Why were they there? Why did they do this? Why didn't they do that?!!
By the end I found myself huffing and puffing an awful lot and thinking why do I care?!! Why did I buy this book?! Why am I bothering?!!
Fascinating subject matter but not deftly handled.
There were problems of severe repetition as well and too many questions at the end of each tale! Why were they there? Why did they do this? Why didn't they do that?!!
By the end I found myself huffing and puffing an awful lot and thinking why do I care?!! Why did I buy this book?! Why am I bothering?!!
Fascinating subject matter but not deftly handled.
December 30, 2019
With having so many books to read, it's rare that I read a newly received book, however, Tales of Mystery Unexplained sounded so unique that it didn't even have time to gather a single speck of dust on my TBR. When you read so much fiction, there's nothing better than reading some real life mysteries and Steph Young has chosen some amazing true stories to recount that are indeed stranger than fiction.
As I've often said, I love reading books that have me pausing to google things and boy did I hit google when reading this book! I think I would have read the book a lot faster if I hadn't kept stopping to google, but in doing so it made reading a completely three dimensional experience. I not only experienced the fantastic descriptions provided by Steph Young, but I got to see some things with my own eyes thanks to CCTV shared on the internet.
I love how some of the stories had me revelling in the unexplained but simultaneously considering scientific explanations. It really made me appreciate how complex the human brain is and just like a computer, how badly things can go wrong when it fails. Although I felt that psychotic break could maybe explain part of what happened in some cases, it certainly doesn't apply to all of them.
As per the title, what you won't find in this book is explanations for these mysteries. They are very much open and unexplained cases and this wasn't as unsatisfying as I first expected. I admit that part of me would have liked a nice explanation to finish off each story but the fact that they remain unexplained is definitely part of the charm of this book. I did find myself asking questions and thinking outside of the box, almost as if I was part of the investigation team myself.
I was surprised to find that a good proportion of the stories were from the UK, in fact 7 out of 12, with the remainder being American mysteries. There's also a good spread of time periods with the earliest story dating back to 1621 and the latest being the intriguing case of Elisa Lam in 2013. I had never heard of this case but I bet that everyone who reads the book will end up googling the CCTV footage from a Los Angeles hotel elevator of the last known movements of Elisa Lam.
The content is fascinating and well written, although I did find the text a little repetitive at times; this would work well in a podcast to stress important facts but wasn't really needed in print. The cover of the book also disturbed me a little with the title appearing to be 'Tales of Unexplained Mystery' rather than 'Tales of Mystery Unexplained' as per the spine and title page. They were just minor annoyances though, and didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
Tales of Mystery Unexplained is a fascinating and brilliantly written collection of true stories that are most definitely stranger than fiction. I thought it would be a 'dip in and out of' kind of book but I simply couldn't put it down. I am completely hooked now and have looked up many of the cases on google already and have subscribed to Steph Young's podcast of the same name. I'm sure I'll be regaling my family and friends with some of these stories that I've added to my brain's interesting and unusual facts collection. It may be a quick read but it's one that I'll be thinking about and discussing for a very long time to come.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
As I've often said, I love reading books that have me pausing to google things and boy did I hit google when reading this book! I think I would have read the book a lot faster if I hadn't kept stopping to google, but in doing so it made reading a completely three dimensional experience. I not only experienced the fantastic descriptions provided by Steph Young, but I got to see some things with my own eyes thanks to CCTV shared on the internet.
I love how some of the stories had me revelling in the unexplained but simultaneously considering scientific explanations. It really made me appreciate how complex the human brain is and just like a computer, how badly things can go wrong when it fails. Although I felt that psychotic break could maybe explain part of what happened in some cases, it certainly doesn't apply to all of them.
As per the title, what you won't find in this book is explanations for these mysteries. They are very much open and unexplained cases and this wasn't as unsatisfying as I first expected. I admit that part of me would have liked a nice explanation to finish off each story but the fact that they remain unexplained is definitely part of the charm of this book. I did find myself asking questions and thinking outside of the box, almost as if I was part of the investigation team myself.
I was surprised to find that a good proportion of the stories were from the UK, in fact 7 out of 12, with the remainder being American mysteries. There's also a good spread of time periods with the earliest story dating back to 1621 and the latest being the intriguing case of Elisa Lam in 2013. I had never heard of this case but I bet that everyone who reads the book will end up googling the CCTV footage from a Los Angeles hotel elevator of the last known movements of Elisa Lam.
The content is fascinating and well written, although I did find the text a little repetitive at times; this would work well in a podcast to stress important facts but wasn't really needed in print. The cover of the book also disturbed me a little with the title appearing to be 'Tales of Unexplained Mystery' rather than 'Tales of Mystery Unexplained' as per the spine and title page. They were just minor annoyances though, and didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
Tales of Mystery Unexplained is a fascinating and brilliantly written collection of true stories that are most definitely stranger than fiction. I thought it would be a 'dip in and out of' kind of book but I simply couldn't put it down. I am completely hooked now and have looked up many of the cases on google already and have subscribed to Steph Young's podcast of the same name. I'm sure I'll be regaling my family and friends with some of these stories that I've added to my brain's interesting and unusual facts collection. It may be a quick read but it's one that I'll be thinking about and discussing for a very long time to come.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 26, 2020
“Tales of Mystery Unexplained” by Steph Young is a compilation of real-life, strange but true stories comprised in one hair-raising volume. The stories are factual and have been previously discussed on his podcast of the same title. Among the many tales, and probably the most well-known, is that of Elisa Lam, a young woman whose last moments were captured on the elevator video footage of the infamous Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. On the footage, she is acting strangely. Not long after, Elisa’s body is discovered floating high above in a water tower atop the hotel. How she got there is a deeply explored mystery, one that plays right into the haunted history of the Cecil Hotel, which served as the basis for the fifth season of American Horror Story. Elisa Lam becomes one more number in a multitude of mysterious deaths and suicides within the hotel. A string of coincidences concerning Elisa sends disturbing chills down the reader’s spine. Young explores and documents them with perfect chronology.
A man researching and writing a book about the Lincoln assassination suddenly disappears on a Wyoming highway, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. The mystery of his disappearance becomes even more baffling as it connects with a séance, robberies, unexplained deaths, and even a doppelganger.
Gef, the talking Mongoose, and the story of the UK family that first happened upon this enigmatic being are both fascinating and mind-boggling. Young presents various newspaper accounts from “The Isle of Man Newspaper,” giving us a glimpse into the past, as well as public reaction to the story at that time.
“The Island Mystery” is the story of former violinist, Peter Gibbs, a daredevil who took off one night in his airplane and never returned. He was discovered four months later atop of a nearby hill, a place where authorities had already searched. This is a recurring theme throughout the book, people disappearing and being found in a place of high altitude, a spot already explored by search parties. Likewise is the story of five mentally challenged men, who on a trip, abandoned their car and were found twenty miles away, unexplainably atop a mountain, a feat that would have required them to traverse miles through feet of snow.
Young presents all of the tales with an amazing journalistic prowess. The facts, allegations, clues, and possibilities are all made perfectly clear, leaving the reader baffled and wanting more.
A man researching and writing a book about the Lincoln assassination suddenly disappears on a Wyoming highway, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. The mystery of his disappearance becomes even more baffling as it connects with a séance, robberies, unexplained deaths, and even a doppelganger.
Gef, the talking Mongoose, and the story of the UK family that first happened upon this enigmatic being are both fascinating and mind-boggling. Young presents various newspaper accounts from “The Isle of Man Newspaper,” giving us a glimpse into the past, as well as public reaction to the story at that time.
“The Island Mystery” is the story of former violinist, Peter Gibbs, a daredevil who took off one night in his airplane and never returned. He was discovered four months later atop of a nearby hill, a place where authorities had already searched. This is a recurring theme throughout the book, people disappearing and being found in a place of high altitude, a spot already explored by search parties. Likewise is the story of five mentally challenged men, who on a trip, abandoned their car and were found twenty miles away, unexplainably atop a mountain, a feat that would have required them to traverse miles through feet of snow.
Young presents all of the tales with an amazing journalistic prowess. The facts, allegations, clues, and possibilities are all made perfectly clear, leaving the reader baffled and wanting more.
December 30, 2019
hat moment when you receive a review request and it turns out to be just what your black soul had needed. This book turned out to be all that more. It just turned out to be the catalyst of great big emotions. This book capitulates everything mystery. The title brings it to life, gives it purpose and will have you questioning every little news report you ever recall seeing or hearing. Is its clear cut? Is something deeper and more sinister at play? The book is a creeping shadow, threatening to jump out of the pages and swallow you whole.
Each individual story had me engrossed. My imagination was racketed up by a thousand notches. My eyes blurred through tiredness, but I just couldn’t close that damn book! I imagined the fear, the black ooze dripping down the crease of the book. The book examines everything about the human condition and throws away the rule book. Your preconceived ideas will be stamped on and you will question everything you thought you once knew. Niggles were itching at my brain and I was turning into Poirot trying to conjure up reasonable explanations. Nothing is as it seems. The stories however outshine reasoning.
I was moved, I felt fear and the cold dread was constantly a presence up my spine. The deaths especially the Elisa Lam story was both heart-breaking and cruel. The beautiful narrative had her existence coming to life, her experience felt real and haunting. Steph Young’s writing ensures that you will never leave this story behind.
The stories were easy to follow and the writing as I’ve said has a real multi-faceted element to it. The research that the author has conducted was through and far beyond the scope than I expected. The stories were brought to life in 3-D technicolour. She gave meaning to these real-life characters and I was left in a bubble of emotion. She leaves scope for you to form your own opinions. She chucks you into the back of her truck and takes you along for the ride, whether, you wanted to or not.
Tales of Mystery Unexplained was a superb read, which I read in intense excitement. I savoured every dark word and hungered for more. I look forward to delving more into the world of Steph Young.
Each individual story had me engrossed. My imagination was racketed up by a thousand notches. My eyes blurred through tiredness, but I just couldn’t close that damn book! I imagined the fear, the black ooze dripping down the crease of the book. The book examines everything about the human condition and throws away the rule book. Your preconceived ideas will be stamped on and you will question everything you thought you once knew. Niggles were itching at my brain and I was turning into Poirot trying to conjure up reasonable explanations. Nothing is as it seems. The stories however outshine reasoning.
I was moved, I felt fear and the cold dread was constantly a presence up my spine. The deaths especially the Elisa Lam story was both heart-breaking and cruel. The beautiful narrative had her existence coming to life, her experience felt real and haunting. Steph Young’s writing ensures that you will never leave this story behind.
The stories were easy to follow and the writing as I’ve said has a real multi-faceted element to it. The research that the author has conducted was through and far beyond the scope than I expected. The stories were brought to life in 3-D technicolour. She gave meaning to these real-life characters and I was left in a bubble of emotion. She leaves scope for you to form your own opinions. She chucks you into the back of her truck and takes you along for the ride, whether, you wanted to or not.
Tales of Mystery Unexplained was a superb read, which I read in intense excitement. I savoured every dark word and hungered for more. I look forward to delving more into the world of Steph Young.
February 26, 2020
"Who doesn't love an unexplained, cryptic and beguiling mystery?“
Aren't we all fascinated by the things that can't be explained? Think of some of the most infamous and intriguing murder cases and they'll probably never have been solved - Jon Benet Ramsey, the Zodiac killings, the Black Dahlia.
In this compelling read author Steph Young has compiled twelve mysterious and strange true stories that all have one thing in common - they've never been solved. Each chapter follows a different case, some are well known while others are more obscure.
The stories range from curious to terrifying, and involve things such as rumours of the supernatural, aliens and secret government experiments. The ones that stood out to me were the stories of Elisa Lam, Netta Fornario and the Swedish twin sisters. Though I'd not heard of most of the cases, the author leaves you wanting more and I'll definitely be listening to her podcast and delving deeper into the cases in this book.
I devoured this quick read in just a few hours but it would also be great to pop in and out of as you wish. If you love true stories and things that are cryptic, eerie and mystifying, then this is the book for you.
Aren't we all fascinated by the things that can't be explained? Think of some of the most infamous and intriguing murder cases and they'll probably never have been solved - Jon Benet Ramsey, the Zodiac killings, the Black Dahlia.
In this compelling read author Steph Young has compiled twelve mysterious and strange true stories that all have one thing in common - they've never been solved. Each chapter follows a different case, some are well known while others are more obscure.
The stories range from curious to terrifying, and involve things such as rumours of the supernatural, aliens and secret government experiments. The ones that stood out to me were the stories of Elisa Lam, Netta Fornario and the Swedish twin sisters. Though I'd not heard of most of the cases, the author leaves you wanting more and I'll definitely be listening to her podcast and delving deeper into the cases in this book.
I devoured this quick read in just a few hours but it would also be great to pop in and out of as you wish. If you love true stories and things that are cryptic, eerie and mystifying, then this is the book for you.
February 22, 2020
I absolutely love reading about unsolved mysteries and this book has plenty! However I made the mistake of reading this in bed and it gave me a serious case of the heebie jeebies and sent a shiver down my spine!
Some stories were extremely short and didn’t seem to have been dissected as much as others which is the only negative thing I have to say about this book. I only knew about one of these mysteries beforehand so I found it super interesting to soak up all these new unsolved cases. We have a pretty wide variety which kept me on my toes, there’s definitely something to interest everyone in here.
If you love reading about the seemingly impossible and unexplained then I would definitely recommend this book!
Some stories were extremely short and didn’t seem to have been dissected as much as others which is the only negative thing I have to say about this book. I only knew about one of these mysteries beforehand so I found it super interesting to soak up all these new unsolved cases. We have a pretty wide variety which kept me on my toes, there’s definitely something to interest everyone in here.
If you love reading about the seemingly impossible and unexplained then I would definitely recommend this book!
February 20, 2020
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I really like books like this, I like the mystery and intrigue that the books contain and this one was really enjoyable for me!
I thought that the writing style was good and it suited the book, there were plenty of different cases in the book from different locations to get the brain thinking and for you to also start to question what happened and went on – and best of all they are all true stories.
Some are really bizarre, some just make you think and there is a good mix for that and there should be something in the book for everyone.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to people who enjoy similar books!
I really like books like this, I like the mystery and intrigue that the books contain and this one was really enjoyable for me!
I thought that the writing style was good and it suited the book, there were plenty of different cases in the book from different locations to get the brain thinking and for you to also start to question what happened and went on – and best of all they are all true stories.
Some are really bizarre, some just make you think and there is a good mix for that and there should be something in the book for everyone.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to people who enjoy similar books!
February 27, 2020
Young dives into twelve unsolved, strange cases that continue to baffle the world. From looking for the beast, a talking mongoose to UFO abductions the reader is taken on a chilling tour of just a handful of unexplained mysteries. Young explores the facts and reads up on the history of the location of where the mystery took place. What you uncover and learn dear reader will send shivers down your spine.
There was a few cases I had heard of before. For example the mystery of Elisa Lam acting strangely in an elevator and being found dead weeks later in the Cecil Hotel’s water supply tanks. Others were new to me and piqued my curiosity. The one that stood out the most was The American Dyatlov Pass. It tells of Five men who leave a basketball game together in one car but are discovered weeks later dead up in the mountains in a cabin. Only four of the five bodies were found, the fifth remains missing. The cabin had enough food and fuel for several months but everything was left untouched. The car was abandoned by the road and in working order. It sent goosebumps down my arm as I wondered what it was that lured them out into the snow and towards their horrific deaths that night. Did they know? Was it planed? And why did they not eat the food? One of the men had starved himself unnecessary, why? Its addictive and leaves you with so many questions with no means of finding out the answers.
Young’s writing style is chatty yet precise and knowledgable. She outlines the details of each case and the events that follow. It’s compelling to read as these are real life mysteries of real people that have left us all scratching our heads saying ‘Huh?’ You can easily fool yourself into thinking you are reading the plot of a new horror flick before Young abruptly yanks you back down to earth. This is no movie. The real world is much scarier, especially when things happen that you can’t explain. Young grips you and persuades you to skip onwards, into the ominous fog.
What I found interesting to read was Young’s theories and own opinions. She talks about the endless possibilities of what could have occurred and rationalises her reasons. She uses practical logic and draws conclusions of what is physically possible. However, things are not always as they seem and Young also draws on the supernatural and conspiracies. She brings an harmonious balance that indulges the skeptics and believers that is enlightening to read.
This book will test your beliefs. Just how far you are willing to stretch the imagination and denounce all forms of logic and science. What seems more likely and how can you explain the impossible? It opens so many doors for discussions and debates to the possibilities of the supernatural. Young leaves the reader to question whether or not there are some things that need to stay unsolved.
I felt for the families that have been left behind with no answers to their unfortunate tales. It is always harder on them as they have to stay behind. They carry on and contuite with life while the deceased can move onwards to a comfortable job and rent-free apartment. They don’t have to clean up after the aftermath. It must be heartbreaking to not only lose someone you hold dear but to also not know why it happened. To have no explanation can drive any sane person mad. The not knowing and uncertainty can eat away at you. There are thousands of unsolved cases scattered throughout history and it’s still happening today, right now. This second. To add insult to injury the oddness in which the mystery occurs only confuses things more. It opens your eyes to how little we still don’t know about the world that we live in. Spooky!
I give Tales Of Unexplained Mystery By Steph Young a Three out of Five paw rating.
From tales of hairy hands appearing from out of nowhere to a woman being hit countless times by a lorry and then proceeding to get up unharmed, no mystery is too bizarre or odd for Young to investigate. You find yourself searching for answers, clues to how to solve the unsolvable and come up short. Maybe not everything should be explained or perhaps there is a reason it shouldn’t.
This book is perfect for curious readers wanting to discover the haunting cases that are deemed impossible to solve. This book is not for the fainthearted. It’s intense and may leave you sleeping with the light on, just incase…you never can tell…
There was a few cases I had heard of before. For example the mystery of Elisa Lam acting strangely in an elevator and being found dead weeks later in the Cecil Hotel’s water supply tanks. Others were new to me and piqued my curiosity. The one that stood out the most was The American Dyatlov Pass. It tells of Five men who leave a basketball game together in one car but are discovered weeks later dead up in the mountains in a cabin. Only four of the five bodies were found, the fifth remains missing. The cabin had enough food and fuel for several months but everything was left untouched. The car was abandoned by the road and in working order. It sent goosebumps down my arm as I wondered what it was that lured them out into the snow and towards their horrific deaths that night. Did they know? Was it planed? And why did they not eat the food? One of the men had starved himself unnecessary, why? Its addictive and leaves you with so many questions with no means of finding out the answers.
Young’s writing style is chatty yet precise and knowledgable. She outlines the details of each case and the events that follow. It’s compelling to read as these are real life mysteries of real people that have left us all scratching our heads saying ‘Huh?’ You can easily fool yourself into thinking you are reading the plot of a new horror flick before Young abruptly yanks you back down to earth. This is no movie. The real world is much scarier, especially when things happen that you can’t explain. Young grips you and persuades you to skip onwards, into the ominous fog.
What I found interesting to read was Young’s theories and own opinions. She talks about the endless possibilities of what could have occurred and rationalises her reasons. She uses practical logic and draws conclusions of what is physically possible. However, things are not always as they seem and Young also draws on the supernatural and conspiracies. She brings an harmonious balance that indulges the skeptics and believers that is enlightening to read.
This book will test your beliefs. Just how far you are willing to stretch the imagination and denounce all forms of logic and science. What seems more likely and how can you explain the impossible? It opens so many doors for discussions and debates to the possibilities of the supernatural. Young leaves the reader to question whether or not there are some things that need to stay unsolved.
I felt for the families that have been left behind with no answers to their unfortunate tales. It is always harder on them as they have to stay behind. They carry on and contuite with life while the deceased can move onwards to a comfortable job and rent-free apartment. They don’t have to clean up after the aftermath. It must be heartbreaking to not only lose someone you hold dear but to also not know why it happened. To have no explanation can drive any sane person mad. The not knowing and uncertainty can eat away at you. There are thousands of unsolved cases scattered throughout history and it’s still happening today, right now. This second. To add insult to injury the oddness in which the mystery occurs only confuses things more. It opens your eyes to how little we still don’t know about the world that we live in. Spooky!
I give Tales Of Unexplained Mystery By Steph Young a Three out of Five paw rating.
From tales of hairy hands appearing from out of nowhere to a woman being hit countless times by a lorry and then proceeding to get up unharmed, no mystery is too bizarre or odd for Young to investigate. You find yourself searching for answers, clues to how to solve the unsolvable and come up short. Maybe not everything should be explained or perhaps there is a reason it shouldn’t.
This book is perfect for curious readers wanting to discover the haunting cases that are deemed impossible to solve. This book is not for the fainthearted. It’s intense and may leave you sleeping with the light on, just incase…you never can tell…
January 20, 2021
One star rating secured at 5% in
Finishing this book was physically painful, but I rarely leave a book unread once I start. I wish I had this time though.
Very few facts, increasingly speculative, and sometimes the statements within are outright false. (Scopolamine being used to control a person “by touch” or blowing into their face? No. Do a little actual research that isn’t paranoid Facebook comments. Scopolamine is used as an anti nausea medication and included in sea sickness patches. Unless this entire book is fiction, this is harmful nonsense.) Using content from Yelp reviews in a book you published? Yikes.
Statements in the book are repetitive, sometimes regurgitated on the same page. An editor would have been helpful- aside from the content desperately needing editing, the misuse of punctuation and occasional misspellings got old very quickly. Asking a reader one or two questions while writing can be an effective way to engage them- asking ten questions literally in a row makes me think I should have just written a book myself if I was going to be left with so little actual information to go on. Did she...? Would they...? Had he...? I don’t know, that’s why I’m reading this book. At 36% there are ACTUALLY TEN QUESTIONS IN A ROW ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER with no other content to break them up. Was the first draft of this an unsolved mysteries work book where you filled in your own answers creatively? Maybe there was a “draw the killer” section.
On the whole this is just boring, poorly written and researched conspiracy theories. Don’t waste your time.
Finishing this book was physically painful, but I rarely leave a book unread once I start. I wish I had this time though.
Very few facts, increasingly speculative, and sometimes the statements within are outright false. (Scopolamine being used to control a person “by touch” or blowing into their face? No. Do a little actual research that isn’t paranoid Facebook comments. Scopolamine is used as an anti nausea medication and included in sea sickness patches. Unless this entire book is fiction, this is harmful nonsense.) Using content from Yelp reviews in a book you published? Yikes.
Statements in the book are repetitive, sometimes regurgitated on the same page. An editor would have been helpful- aside from the content desperately needing editing, the misuse of punctuation and occasional misspellings got old very quickly. Asking a reader one or two questions while writing can be an effective way to engage them- asking ten questions literally in a row makes me think I should have just written a book myself if I was going to be left with so little actual information to go on. Did she...? Would they...? Had he...? I don’t know, that’s why I’m reading this book. At 36% there are ACTUALLY TEN QUESTIONS IN A ROW ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER with no other content to break them up. Was the first draft of this an unsolved mysteries work book where you filled in your own answers creatively? Maybe there was a “draw the killer” section.
On the whole this is just boring, poorly written and researched conspiracy theories. Don’t waste your time.
February 24, 2020
Well, as if I didn't have enough to think about on a night time I go and read these intriguing and unexplained tales of old and newer and now I cannot stop thinking about them.
Tales of Unexpected Mystery is a collection of real-life cases that have never been fully explained. Steph Young gathers and collates the factual evidence surrounding each case and adds in speculation, conspiracy theories and witness accounts to make these cases some of the most thought provoking things I have ever read about. First I had to contend with the fact that there was no real closure on the cases and then I just couldn't stop thinking about the families and friends of the people involved. They are seriously mind-blowing - amplified by the fact that they are true cases.
Anyone who know me knows that I have strong scientific beliefs, I believe there is an explanation for things that can be proven but these cases really pushed that to the limit because some of them just don't seem to have reason or logic behind them. Steph Young does a brilliant job of discussing the two sides strongly.
I loved reading these fascinating stories and as they are written in short sections, they are easy to read when time is limited. I have to say my favourite was Elisa Lam and I admit to going away to look it up. Highly recommend these for fans of true crimes or true mysteries although don't say that I didn't warn you about how addictive they are.
Tales of Unexpected Mystery is a collection of real-life cases that have never been fully explained. Steph Young gathers and collates the factual evidence surrounding each case and adds in speculation, conspiracy theories and witness accounts to make these cases some of the most thought provoking things I have ever read about. First I had to contend with the fact that there was no real closure on the cases and then I just couldn't stop thinking about the families and friends of the people involved. They are seriously mind-blowing - amplified by the fact that they are true cases.
Anyone who know me knows that I have strong scientific beliefs, I believe there is an explanation for things that can be proven but these cases really pushed that to the limit because some of them just don't seem to have reason or logic behind them. Steph Young does a brilliant job of discussing the two sides strongly.
I loved reading these fascinating stories and as they are written in short sections, they are easy to read when time is limited. I have to say my favourite was Elisa Lam and I admit to going away to look it up. Highly recommend these for fans of true crimes or true mysteries although don't say that I didn't warn you about how addictive they are.
February 27, 2020
I was intrigued by the concept of this book as strange and unusual mysteries really fascinate me and I have read quite a few books on them over the years. This book did not disappoint on that front at all.
I delved into each chapter to read about the weirdest and sometimes most bizarre things that have happened to people. Each new chapter presents a different story. This then prompted me to go online to seek more information and to see if these mysterious stories were actually true. In every case I was shocked to see that they were and baffled as to how they all could have happened. I’m still trying to figure out how some of the activities could have occurred or what could have happened to the victims. The story that really stood out to me was that of the Swedish twins. That was one of the most perplexing chapters in the book.
I felt that the book could benefit from more detailed editing to correct some grammar/spelling issues and sometimes I felt that points made were repetitive or made no sense in the context of the paragraph they were in. If these were edited I think it would greatly improve the enjoyment of the book. Generally I liked this collection of mysteries and would recommend it to anyone interested in strange, paranormal or slightly unsettling stories.
I delved into each chapter to read about the weirdest and sometimes most bizarre things that have happened to people. Each new chapter presents a different story. This then prompted me to go online to seek more information and to see if these mysterious stories were actually true. In every case I was shocked to see that they were and baffled as to how they all could have happened. I’m still trying to figure out how some of the activities could have occurred or what could have happened to the victims. The story that really stood out to me was that of the Swedish twins. That was one of the most perplexing chapters in the book.
I felt that the book could benefit from more detailed editing to correct some grammar/spelling issues and sometimes I felt that points made were repetitive or made no sense in the context of the paragraph they were in. If these were edited I think it would greatly improve the enjoyment of the book. Generally I liked this collection of mysteries and would recommend it to anyone interested in strange, paranormal or slightly unsettling stories.
February 22, 2020
I’ve always been a fan of strange, unexplained mysteries and so this book didn’t disappoint me. Some of these tales I’d heard of but most I hadn’t. There was a couple I wasn’t a fan of but most of the stories gave me food for thought and got my brain working.
I was worried I would become irritated with this book because of my need to know how things work and how they end. However, that didn’t happen and instead, I found myself interested and attempting to put the clues together to try and figure out what happened.
The authors writing style was engaging and kept me reading. Some of the information was repetitive but I only found that a small problem. You could tell the author had done her research, allowing us to follow deeply thought out and well put together cases.
The only thing I didn’t like was some of the stories dragged on. A couple were only a few pages, whilst others seemed to go on forever. This is my own opinion though and it might not bother other people.
I will be checking out Steph Young’s other books as this book piqued my interest, and I’m excited to delve more into unexplained mysteries.
I was worried I would become irritated with this book because of my need to know how things work and how they end. However, that didn’t happen and instead, I found myself interested and attempting to put the clues together to try and figure out what happened.
The authors writing style was engaging and kept me reading. Some of the information was repetitive but I only found that a small problem. You could tell the author had done her research, allowing us to follow deeply thought out and well put together cases.
The only thing I didn’t like was some of the stories dragged on. A couple were only a few pages, whilst others seemed to go on forever. This is my own opinion though and it might not bother other people.
I will be checking out Steph Young’s other books as this book piqued my interest, and I’m excited to delve more into unexplained mysteries.
March 1, 2020
This is such a creepy read, all the more so as this is a collection of true stories.
There are tales of missing people, unexplained deaths, fairies, witches, UFO’s and even hairy hands.
For me the most well known of these was the case of Elisa Lam, seen acting strangely in a lift, only to then disappear. Her body was later found in the hotel water tank, it has never been explained how she got in there, whether by her own deeds or someone else’s.
Well written in a way that asks questions and not just sensationalism but a real query into real events, even if there are no definitive answers this is a very entertaining read. It makes you wonder just what is out there.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book. This is my honest, unbiased review.
There are tales of missing people, unexplained deaths, fairies, witches, UFO’s and even hairy hands.
For me the most well known of these was the case of Elisa Lam, seen acting strangely in a lift, only to then disappear. Her body was later found in the hotel water tank, it has never been explained how she got in there, whether by her own deeds or someone else’s.
Well written in a way that asks questions and not just sensationalism but a real query into real events, even if there are no definitive answers this is a very entertaining read. It makes you wonder just what is out there.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book. This is my honest, unbiased review.
April 23, 2020
Tales of Mystery Unexplained” by Steph Young is a ten-chapter, narrative style compilation of real-life, strange but true, tales of unexplained mystery comprised in one volume. IT is the third in the series of unexplained mysteries written by the same author. All the stories that unfold are mysterious but not scary ones.
The book is written for a general audience and will hook you from the first sentence and all the way through until the end since the stories are captivating and so intriguing that would make the reader want to know more and flick through the pages as fast as possible. This effect is caused by the fact that the stories are true.
I totally recommend this book to those who like enigmatic, cryptic, intriguing and even creepy real life mysteries which do not seem to have an explanation. It definitely deserves 5 stars.
The book is written for a general audience and will hook you from the first sentence and all the way through until the end since the stories are captivating and so intriguing that would make the reader want to know more and flick through the pages as fast as possible. This effect is caused by the fact that the stories are true.
I totally recommend this book to those who like enigmatic, cryptic, intriguing and even creepy real life mysteries which do not seem to have an explanation. It definitely deserves 5 stars.
May 1, 2020
Well, that was fun
The biggest unexplained mystery is why I finished this twaddle. Amazing what the fifth week of the Covid 19 lockdown will do to you! This is poorly written and if it was edited at all then the editor should slap themselves. Inconsistencies, repetition, names changing from page to page and the hilarious mention of an unnamed man called Frater 7. There is even a man who has a heart attack in deep snow but survives by getting back in his car and running the engine to keep warm till his fuel runs out. He then walks eight miles to a hostel . The man is plainly a medical miracle. The author is either having a laugh or is away with the fairies she writes about in one chapter.
The biggest unexplained mystery is why I finished this twaddle. Amazing what the fifth week of the Covid 19 lockdown will do to you! This is poorly written and if it was edited at all then the editor should slap themselves. Inconsistencies, repetition, names changing from page to page and the hilarious mention of an unnamed man called Frater 7. There is even a man who has a heart attack in deep snow but survives by getting back in his car and running the engine to keep warm till his fuel runs out. He then walks eight miles to a hostel . The man is plainly a medical miracle. The author is either having a laugh or is away with the fairies she writes about in one chapter.
March 19, 2020
This is such a good collection of accounts of unexplained mysteries. If you like to delve into interesting stories that defy explanation, then this book is definitely for you.
You can tell the author has a real interest in this subject as her enthusiasm shines through in her writing. The research she presents is captivating as you try to figure out the mystery for yourself. There are many eerie stories to choose from that I couldn’t pick a favourite, all contain clues, puzzles and are ultimately mind benders.
I don’t currently listen to podcasts but I shall be dowloading Steph Young’s and giving it a listen for more tales.
You can tell the author has a real interest in this subject as her enthusiasm shines through in her writing. The research she presents is captivating as you try to figure out the mystery for yourself. There are many eerie stories to choose from that I couldn’t pick a favourite, all contain clues, puzzles and are ultimately mind benders.
I don’t currently listen to podcasts but I shall be dowloading Steph Young’s and giving it a listen for more tales.
June 28, 2020
I am a big fan of unexplained mysteries and creepy stories so this book was perfect for me. I listen to podcasts like Steph’s book while at work. Steph focuses on 12 true stories that will make you wonder what really happened. I had heard of a few of these stories but most were new to me. Even though I thought I knew about the Elisa Lam story, Steph’s chapter about her gave me some new information. I like reading this because each chapter holds a different story so if I got too creeped out I could take a break between chapters. Keep the lights on but make sure you read this book!
I received a copy of this book from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.
This book about strange and unexplained events reminded me a bit of one of my favorite radio programs. The stories were interesting, but the writing left a lot to be desired. The entire book read like a high school student’s research paper. There was a lot of repetition, and I don’t know how else to say it, but to me the writing just lacked maturity. I think with some serious editing, the book could be a lot better, but it needs some work.
This book about strange and unexplained events reminded me a bit of one of my favorite radio programs. The stories were interesting, but the writing left a lot to be desired. The entire book read like a high school student’s research paper. There was a lot of repetition, and I don’t know how else to say it, but to me the writing just lacked maturity. I think with some serious editing, the book could be a lot better, but it needs some work.
May 13, 2021
Same medication 💊
I'm on the same medication 💊 Venlafaxine. I've been taking it for almost 3 years now, and can tell you after 2 days of not taking it I went into withdrawals, and had to go to the hospital. I was shaking so bad the had to give me anti seizure medication through an IV. And I was very confused and my mind felt hazy. So I do believe that miss lamb was delusional and maybe she thought she was being attacked by someone or something. But all and all this was a great book.
I'm on the same medication 💊 Venlafaxine. I've been taking it for almost 3 years now, and can tell you after 2 days of not taking it I went into withdrawals, and had to go to the hospital. I was shaking so bad the had to give me anti seizure medication through an IV. And I was very confused and my mind felt hazy. So I do believe that miss lamb was delusional and maybe she thought she was being attacked by someone or something. But all and all this was a great book.
December 2, 2019
Just Awesome!
Leave it to Stephanie young to bring you the most bizarre missing people stories, unknown mysteries and new details a bottle mysteries. If you see the name Stephanie Young on a book you know it is going to be good. I think I have read all of her books and I’m anxious for more. If you like mysteries and strange tales Steph Young should be your favorite author.it thanks stuff young!
Leave it to Stephanie young to bring you the most bizarre missing people stories, unknown mysteries and new details a bottle mysteries. If you see the name Stephanie Young on a book you know it is going to be good. I think I have read all of her books and I’m anxious for more. If you like mysteries and strange tales Steph Young should be your favorite author.it thanks stuff young!
December 11, 2019
Worth it
These are great stories to get you thinking about the world we live in. I just wish the last story wasn’t recycled from one of her previous books. It’s the Peter Gibbs case, so if you’ve already read that, there’s less value here for you. Still, at 99 cents, you’re losing nothing by picking this up.
These are great stories to get you thinking about the world we live in. I just wish the last story wasn’t recycled from one of her previous books. It’s the Peter Gibbs case, so if you’ve already read that, there’s less value here for you. Still, at 99 cents, you’re losing nothing by picking this up.
December 29, 2019
Fascinating, intriguing and very thought provoking.
I felt taken away to exotic and fascinating lands when reading this book, and the story-telling is something the author does very well. I am glad to hear there is also a podcast on these books and I will indeed now be listening to it! A unique and exquisite book.
I felt taken away to exotic and fascinating lands when reading this book, and the story-telling is something the author does very well. I am glad to hear there is also a podcast on these books and I will indeed now be listening to it! A unique and exquisite book.
March 13, 2020
Great collection
Some of these stories I had heard of and some were new to me but all quiet interesting. I have to admit, most were good reading, but the last story "American Dyatlov" had to be one of the creepiest stories I've ever read. And knowing this really happened to these young men is terrifying. Wonderful book. Highly recommend!
Some of these stories I had heard of and some were new to me but all quiet interesting. I have to admit, most were good reading, but the last story "American Dyatlov" had to be one of the creepiest stories I've ever read. And knowing this really happened to these young men is terrifying. Wonderful book. Highly recommend!
June 21, 2020
2.5 Stars rounded to 3
Tales of Unexplained Mystery is a book about odd disappearances, each chapter a different story. Overall the book was not that interesting to me. Only 3 stories caught my full attention and the others bored me. Oh well, on to the next.
Thank you HiddenGems for the free digital copy in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
Tales of Unexplained Mystery is a book about odd disappearances, each chapter a different story. Overall the book was not that interesting to me. Only 3 stories caught my full attention and the others bored me. Oh well, on to the next.
Thank you HiddenGems for the free digital copy in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
January 1, 2021
Still No Answers
This book contains chapters examining odd and mysterious cases. Most have to do with suspicious deaths though some have to do with apparitions, demons, conspiracy theories and possible alien abductions. There are no answers, just a rather clinical review of the facts as they are known. Not scary or haunting.
This book contains chapters examining odd and mysterious cases. Most have to do with suspicious deaths though some have to do with apparitions, demons, conspiracy theories and possible alien abductions. There are no answers, just a rather clinical review of the facts as they are known. Not scary or haunting.
January 21, 2022
Nice to read mysteries I have never heard of. Found some of the chapters too short and left you wanting to know more. Apart from chapter two. That was too long and seemed to go on forever. The author seemed to be going over and over the evidence constantly repeating it, as if the author was obsessed with this particular mystery. Bit disappointed with this book.
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