Review: Dead Strange: The Bizarre Truths Behind 50 World-Famous Mysteries by Matt Lamy

Dead Strange: The Bizarre Truths Behind 50 World-Famous Mysteries by Matt Lamy.

Zest Books
Publication Date: September 2012
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9781936976270

Review: The world is filled with awe-inspiring mysteries that are easily explained, but it is also filled with mysteries that boggle the mind. Mysteries such as zombies, the supernatural, unsolved crimes, strange creatures, and even disappearing continents are baffling. But, Matt Lamy brings his readers closer to uncovering the truth in fifty of the most interesting and famous mysteries in his book Dead Strange: The Bizarre Truths Behind 50 World-Famous Mysteries.

Lamy's success with Dead Strange begins with his choice of mysteries. Not only does it include exciting topics for today's teens (zombies and vampires), but the topics are also interesting to adult readers as well. The more common mysteries such as Stonehenge are addressed, but he also includes scary topics (poltergeist and serial killers) as well as religious mysteries (Noah's Ark and the Ark of the Covenant) plus countless other strange mysteries that will interest and excite any reader. Each mystery begins with a brief explanation highlighting the important aspects of the mystery which is followed by a more elaborate explanation of the history behind the mystery along with current research and investigations that hope to bring closure to these age-old mysteries. Also included is at least one illustration or photo to further enhance the article. Finally, there is a call-out section for each article that looks a little closer at one particular aspect of the mystery as it relates to pop culture or history.

A book that is as well organized and researched as Dead Strange has many functionalities for today's readers. On one level, it is a fascinating look into strange mysteries that are written in such a way that makes reading non-fiction "fun". But, it is also a valuable research tool. Oftentimes students are asked to research an unsolved mystery. Dead Strange should be the first-stop! Not only does it provide an extensive list of mysteries, but it also gives a valuable springboard for further research. For that reason, it is critical for every librarian to keep a copy on the shelf. Readers can't go wrong with Dead Strange.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Dead Strange: The Bizarre Truths Behind 50 World-Famous Mysteries for this review.

Have you read Dead Strange: The Bizarre Truths Behind 50 World-Famous Mysteries? How would you rate it?