Unnatural Ohio: A History of Buckeye Cryptids, Legends & Other Mysteries

by M. Kristina Smith, Kevin Moore

Strange things are afoot in the Buckeye State Across city and country, Ohio echoes with tales of creatures, ghosts, and other unexplained phenomena. A monster that appeared to be half man and half dog and wielding a 2-by-4 terrorized a small Northwest Ohio town during the summer of 1972. Over the years, visitors to a quiet Cincinnati suburb claim to have been accosted by a human-size, leathery frogman lurking near the riverbank. For generations, hikers and hunters have reported seeing Bigfoot throughout forests across Ohio, and some of the most notorious and well-documented UFO encounters on record have taken place here. Authors M. Kristina Smith and Kevin Moore parse urban legends from history as they explore the unnatural side of Ohio's heritage.

Genres: Nonfiction, Paranormal

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2023

Reviews

[Caitlin Myers]

I absolutely love reading about Cryptids, Aliens and the Paranormal. I also love learning about Ohio considering I was born and raised there.

I gave this 3 stars because it had some really good chapters and sections in here, I just don't think I really loved the writing style the authors used, and I kinda had to make myself read the last 3 chapters.

I definitely still enjoyed this book and it's pretty interesting. If you like Cryptids, Aliens or the Paranormal definitely read this.

[Brett Weaver]

When I read a local book, I go into it accepting that the writing will probably be less than stellar. Not the case here. Unnatural Ohio is probably the best-written local book I've ever read.

This book tells the story of many spooky Ohio creatures, ghost stories and UFO events and simply examines their origins and history, complete with pictures and illustrations. Overall, very easy and enjoyable read.

[Allison]

I loved learning more about Ohio folklore and taking a look at the legends from a historical perspective using primary sources.

[Ross]

Great stories from all across Ohio. Fantastic reporting on all kinds of paranormal happenings what could possibly be going on.

[Jack Phoenix]

With subject matter that is dubious at best, this is at least a mildly entertaining read that might introduce Ohioans to some new legends in their own backyard.

[George Gagan]

Good read, very well researched and interesting.