Dr Shuker’s Casebook: In Pursuit of Marvels and Mysteries

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

Author: Dr Karl P N Shuker
Publisher: CFZ Press
Price: Paperback £14.99

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Dr Shuker has become Britain’s best-known cryptozoologist, his many books and articles – including those in Paranormal – on mystery beasts has earned him a loyal following.

The Casebook continues a series of collections of previously printed articles from disparate sources but what sets it apart is that in this volume Dr Shuker casts his keen eye over paranormal subjects beyond the realm of cryptozoology.

Here we find Dr Shuker writing about ghosts – of the most bizarre kind. The Green Children of Woolpit come under his notice, as do spooklights, fish falls, mermaids, UFOs and miracles. The good doctor even strays into pure historical research – in a discussion on three early kings of Britain – and we are treated to a chapter of Fortean-inspired travelogue.

Cryptozoology is still prominent, of course. For example, chapters are devoted to cats with wings and that staple of ancient romance, the unicorn. An investigation into the mysterious animals of West Africa is a particular highlight.

Weird humanoids feature strongly throughout the book and include ‘Men in Scales’ and the creepy ‘Mummies from Space’.

The Casebook closes with one of the best chapters, a piece that provides a fascinating crossover of cryptozoology with ufology by discussing the possibility that UFOs are actually huge, luminous creatures floating about in the upper atmosphere:

‘She claimed that the stratosphere is inhabited by enormous glowing organisms resembling gigantic bladders of colloidal silicones. Composed principally of pure energy but containing a central core of tenuous matter, they feed upon energy to sustain their luminous shape-shifting bodies.’ Ulp!

Dr Shuker’s Casebook offers over 300 pages packed with paranormal goodness, all presented with the author’s trademark blend of enthusiasm, imagination and scientific common sense.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 at 1:03 pm and is filed under Book Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.