Loch Ness Monsters and Raining Frogs: The World's Most Puzzeling Mysteries Solved

by Albert Jack

With enough entertaining information to fuel hundreds of pub conversations, 'Loch Ness Monsters and Raining Frogs' addresses some of the more trivial issues we have all wondered about at some stage.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mystery, Reference, Animals, Pop Culture, Paranormal, Trivia

368 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2008

About the author

Albert Jack, pen name for Graham Willmott, is an international best-selling author and historian. He is an expert in explaining the unexplained and has appeared on live television shows and has made thousands of radio appearances worldwide.

Reviews

[Marijan Šiško · Rating 3 out of 5]

kratka knjiga koja obećava ali ne ispunjava. u širokom rasponu misterija-od čudovišta iz loch nessa do smrti M. Monroe, autor barem polovicu niti ne pokušava razjasniti. Više kao da je pisao za sebe nego za druge. Površna knjiga.

[KristenR · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you watch the History Channel with any regularity, don't bother with this book. The author's attempts at humor just come across as snarky and mean.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really interesting. I loved some of the theories he came up with for these mysteries from history, especially the one about the Loch Ness Monster. The writing was very witty and fun to read. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of this author's work.

[Holden Attradies · Rating 3 out of 5]

I REALLY enjoyed reading this book. Enjoyed it so much I was able to blow through it way faster than normal. So why is it only a three star rating? Well, because as much as I enjoyed it the book had a lot of little flaws that brought the quality of the book down for me.

The first one was that not all the mysteries presented were solved. Each chapter was a different mystery, and about every third or fourth was only a page or two long (verses 5-20 pages) simply stating the mystery and the author pretty much saying, "Who knows what was up with that, I don't." Aside from the fact that I'm pretty sure answers to those mysteries were out there (we'll get to that in a second) those chapters left me kind of feeling, "huh, why the hell did he even include that in the book?"

So, the second thing that really got to me was his research didn't seem to be all it could be. There were some mysteries he simply didn't "solve" but I've read and heard multiple answers to plenty of places. And there were a few things he got REALLY wrong, the chapter on Marilyn Monroe being the worst. The information he presented was pretty much all crap and I've read multiple de-bunkings of almost everything he put forward as happening. There were other chapters where he just didn't seem skeptical enough of information he drug up, like the chapter on Our Lady at Fatima, or the chapter on the Cotington Fairies.

[Heidi Wiechert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that the subtitle of this book "The World's Most Puzzling Mysteries Solved" is a bit misleading as he didn't "solve" a great deal of the mysteries presented in this book. However, I really enjoyed the content. From Marilyn Monroe to Nessie, Albert Jack approaches each phenomena with background information, little known facts, and his own personal, often hilarious, wit. I've read plenty of books by people who unquestioningly ascribe mysterious events to one cause or another without asking what any other possible causes could be. In that respect, Albert Jack is a breath of fresh air in the field of paranormal study. I don't necessarily believe every theory that he presents here, but for those readers who are interested in such topics, it is worth your time.

If you enjoyed Loch Ness Monsters and Raining Frogs, I'd also recommend Extraordinary Knowing by Elizabeth Lloyd Mayer and Mysteries and Monsters of the Sea by Fate Magazine.

[Lidia · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author's tone is excessively snarky and derisive and really put me off the book. Long, convoluted sentences make it difficult to understand what the author is trying to say. I picked up this book for the "Where is the Mona Lisa?" section. As that is not a mystery I had heard of before, I skipped straight to that section. While it was an interesting story, a quick google search proved that the main premise of the author is false. This made me skeptical of the other 'facts' presented while reading the rest of the book.

Interesting topics that could have been significantly better presented.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda misleading. He does not really solve anything -he merely gives his opinion on a logical solution. And he doesn't even do that to all the puzzles. Still, this is a fairly interesting read with some information I didn't know prior. I would consider it a primer for those unfamiliar with some of these stories. You can digest the main details in a few pages and explore more on your own if interested.

[Julianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great bathroom reader. Very opinionated and nothing new here. But a good compilation of "true life mysteries". Though, Jack should have never put the word "solved" in the title, b/c for most of the stories he did no such thing.

[Ameetha Widdershins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summaries of famous and less famous mysteries, natural and supernatural. Despite the inconsistency of how various incidents are addressed- some include the author's opinion and others just state the available facts- it's a fun read.

[Aric · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was a child, I watched "In Search Of" hosted by Leonard Nimoy whenever it was on. An interest in the unexplained stayed with me as I grew older although my skepticism grew as well.
So, this book is a good fit for me. The author spends some time debunking a bit of the oddities and informs me of some I previously didn't know about. Time worth spent in my opinion.

[Amy-Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clever story telling - great way about narrating.

[Amanda Witt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read of what may have happened, with different scenarios posed for the mysteries.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, but a few stories didn't have explanations of what really happened or may have happened.

[Sharon Falduto]

One of those books that explains some mysteries and dangles new ones out there to ponder.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.6

[Paul De Belder · Rating 3 out of 5]

A skeptical look at a number of "classics", by someone outside the skeptical movement. Not just classical skeptical themes, but also things like unexplained deaths and crimes. Fun to read, ideal on a long flight home.

[Grim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book on a whim and out of an interest in some of the stories listed in the table of contents. Turns out I knew most of the information presented in this book from watching documentaries on TV.

At times the author's tone really grated on me. Particuarly when he was talking about Bigfoot and Crop Circles (if you believe in those, he really doesn't like you). Instead of being objective he let his bias cloud his judgement at times and used the chapters as a platform to bash believers rather than to discuss the subject at hand. He did give a warning in the beginning of the book that at times his bias got the better of him, but still, it was a bit harsh at times. It only made me dislike him more rather than like him.

The title is also a bit misleading as none of the mysteries in this book are really "solved". Otherwise they wouldn't be mysteries anymore. Some of the explanations sound plausible and could be what really happened, and other times instead of offering said plausible explanations the author decides to offer ludicrous ones to show how unrealistic the mystery is. Sometimes it's funny. Sometimes it's not.

If you have an interest in the mysteries presented in this book and haven't seen many programs or read many books concerning them then this book would be a good introduction. It's a quick read and covers some of the most popular mysteries in a few pages. If you are looking for new information or already have a bunch of knowledge concerning these mysteries then it's okay if you pass this one by.

Given the choice, between reading it again and leaving it, I'd rather leave it.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was recommended for the unit we do in 7th grade on the paranormal. I don't understand why it was recommended.

First off, the author is apparently British. The spelling and vocabulary differences are going to confuse my 7th graders.

Second off, the author is a snarky skeptic. He shows little respect for the stories he is reporting.

On the positive side, I could see re-writing a few of the stories for the unit with a few changes in spelling and diction. Students need to learn how to be skeptical and I believe that the first chapter, in particular, would help them learn to look more at details and to use logic.

I would not hand the book over to the students. I believe it would unnecessarily befuddle the students.

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book from the Weird Stuff genre. And, thank God, another one that's mostly skeptical. It's fairly well-written, and presents an interesting array of mysteries. There's a mix of paranormal and regular crime, everything from Loch Ness to D. B. Cooper. Some of them are indeed solved, and some are unsolved, and possibly unsolveable. Quick note on that regard: the original, British title is Albert Jack's Ten Minute Mysteries, so blame the American publishers and not the author for the claim of solved mysteries within, when some aren't. I liked that some of them were entirely new to me, though maybe familiar to British audiences. The lighthouse mystery, for example.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world does not need another compendium of the world's most mysterious mysteries. Perhaps realizing that, author Albert Jack does what very few authors even bother to try: solve the mysteries. With a healthy dose of skepticism and a great deal of fun, this book puts forward the most plausible explanations for the Bermuda Triangle, UFOs, the Mary Celeste, and a few dozen other things people have been wondering and writing sci-fi novels about. This is a great non-fiction book for mystery lovers and all those who appreciate the murky memories of human history.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books attempts to debunk some of the mystery surrounding things like UFO's, the Loch Ness monster, Bigfoot, and the like. The author describes the "story" of the unknown thing, then uses facts, observations, and common sense to come to a rational conclusion. Some of the stories were very engaging, but others left a little top be desired. I liked the book, but was irritated by the ones left unsolved.

[Marjanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This actually turned out better than I expected. The author shared a good variety pf mysteries/urban legends. I liked that there were some that are still unsolved, some that are clearly resolved, and some that just use to logic to let the reader decide if it's still a mystery or not. The author was entertaining, the stories short and easy to read a little at a time, and I like the author's humor (a little sarcastic).

[Caleb · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has a somewhat misleading title, as very few of the mysteries are solved, and many of Jack's solutions are simply his theories on likely solutions. His style is engaging and humorous, but a little too much so for my taste, as he comes across as a David Barry-like newspaper humor columnist at times. It's a decent survey of a lot of history's more notorious mysteries though, making a good starting point for a lot of different subjects.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I could talk about what is in this book, but then I'd have to kill you, or maybe someone would have to kill me, either way, it's better if you read it yourself. Jack makes convincing arguments on several long-standing mysteries and introduces some new (to me anyway) mysteries that are going to pop back up and annoy me- I just know it- because they remain unsolved. I mean, who would steal a three-ton demolition ball? Really!

[Keith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of a buzz-kill, a little disappointing and, in my opinion, a bit mean-spirited in parts. And while some of the 'solved logic' makes sense, some of it was weak, eg "why don't they [aliens:] just land, shake hands and introduce themselves?" Well, probably because they're too busy producing Hulu ads.

[Amanda Griggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack's book is fairly entertaining, and many of the mysteries within will fascinate and maybe even motivate one to learn more about them. However, the title is incredibly misleading- Jack doesn't solve many of the mysteries, and some of his solutions feel condescending. Nevertheless, the true to life tales of mystery and intrigue are more than enough to grab the mind.

[Calvin]

Did I agree with a good deal of his myth bunking? Yeah I did. But I seriously have to a ask myself what kind of person takes such joy in debunking lifes little mysteries to the point he clearly wants those who believe in them feel stupid about themselves.

A seriously unhappy killjoy Im guessing.

[MKF · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book I actually did enjoy reading. One problem for me was that the author left a few unsolved though he did mention possible theories to explain it. Most of the mysteries are well known and once popular so for many readers it is just another retelling of facts and theories. For those who still love strange mysteries this is a quick, fun read.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. For the most part, the essays were brief and somewhat informative. I did find that more often than not, mysteries were not solved. The title is misleading. I like his sprinkling of humor throughout, though.