The United States of Cryptids, J. W. Ocker
The United States of Cryptids, J. W. Ocker
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The United States of Cryptids
A Tour of American Myths and Monsters

Author: J. W. Ocker

Narrator: Mark Sanderlin

Unabridged: 6 hr 56 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/11/2022

Synopsis

Come and meet the monsters in our midst, from bigfoot to batsquatch and beyond!Welcome to the United States of Cryptids, where mysterious monsters lurk in the dark forests, deep lakes, and sticky swamps of all fifty states. From the infamous Jersey Devil to the obscure Snallygaster, travel writer and chronicler of the strange J. W. Ocker not only uncovers the bizarre stories of these creatures but investigates the ways in which communities have embraced and celebrated their local cryptids. Readers will learn about:The Mothman of West Virginia, a hybrid monster blamed for a deadly bridge collapse in 1967;The Batsquatch of Washington, a winged bigfoot that is said to have emerged from the eruption of Mount Saint Helens in 1980;The Lizard Man of South Carolina, a reptilian mutant that attacked a teenager in the summer of 1988;The Pope Lick Monster of Kentucky, a goat-man that lures people to their deaths on a train trestle bridge in Louisville;The Nain Rouge of Detroit, a fierce red goblin that has been spotted before every major city disaster;and many more!Whether you believe in bigfoot or not, this compendium is a fun, frightening, and fascinating tour through American folklore and history, exploring the stories we tell about monsters and what those stories say about us.

About J. W. Ocker

J. W. Ocker is an Edgar Award–winning travel writer, novelist, and blogger. His previous books include Poe-Land, A Season with the Witch, and Cursed Objects. He is also the creator of the blog and podcast OTIS: Odd Things I’ve Seen (OddThingsIveSeen.com).

About Mark Sanderlin

Mark Sanderlin is a talented voiceover artist who has worked on numerous audiobook projects.

Reviews

Goodreads review by destiny ♡ on March 25, 2023

This wonderful book has one of my favorite ending paragraphs I've ever read: In the end, the charge of cryptozoology is not, "I swear I saw something," as it is often portrayed, but "keep searching!" Even if you don't find Bigfoot, you'll find something worthwhile. Guaranteed. Full review to come.......more

Goodreads review by Brendan on September 29, 2024

Now before you run away thinking I believe in monsters and things that go bump in the night, let me be clear I don't believe in supernatural beings. However, it is the spooky season and I wanted to expand my horizons a little but by digging into The United States of Cryptids by J.W. Ocker. I am very......more

Goodreads review by Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) on August 28, 2022

4.0 stars I previously read and loved this author's fiction work, so I was excited to finally read his non fiction. I don't believe in BigFoot or any of the other mythical beings, but I was pleased that this book made for an engaging read. I often steer away from "true horror accounts" but this autho......more

Goodreads review by Jenn on October 20, 2024

Each cryptid is grouped by area. They also include the earliest siting and type of creature. There are so many included. Several I already knew about and others were brand new to me. I really enjoyed learning about all the cryptids; can't wait to go look for Batsquatch! 5 stars......more

Goodreads review by Pooja on November 25, 2024

When one thinks of cryptids in the United States, Bigfoot is what usually comes to mind - but each state claims more bizarre and mysterious inhabitants, and each one tells a story about its community, whether it believes in them or not. I have never seen a cryptid. (The closest I've ever come was wit......more

Quotes

“I love folklore, so naturally, I also love cryptids, since they’re basically the scary story versions of modern folklore. Which is precisely what I enjoyed about The United States of Cryptids.” Boing Boing

“Ocker does not shy from exposing hoaxes (e.g., jackalopes) or deliberate leveraging of cryptid enthusiasm, such as Norfolk’s mermaid sculptures. Ocker has lots of time for these communities and their beliefs, and his breezy storytelling talents make for enjoyable reading.” Booklist

“A strange and spooky tour from sea to shining sea…For believers and nonbelievers alike, this book is an interesting look at the legendary creatures that run, crawl, and fly throughout the fifty states.” James Madison University’s The Breeze

Awards

  • The Breeze
  • Amazon Editors' Pick
  • AudioFile Editors’ Pick
  • Geeks of Doom Pick
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