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UFOs, JFK & Elvis: Conspiracies You Don't Have to Be Crazy to Believe
"I'm not asking you to believe every conspiracy theory you'll find in this book. . . . I didn't write this book to give you all the answers. The Warren Commission did that, and the answers were all wrong. I wrote this book to inspire you to do what the powers that be wish you wouldn' to question authority . . . and to keep an eye out for Elvis."
--Richard Belzer [p. 4]
Is it just a coincidence that Richard Belzer plays a detective on the hit NBC series Life on the Street? Maybe. But the fact is, when he's not busting criminals on TV, the acid-tongued, legendary search-and-destroy comic known affectionately as "The Belz" is doing real-life detective searching out evidence, sifting through long-buried facts, and destroying popular misconceptions involving everything from the JFK assassination ("There's only one living member of the Warren Commission, and that's Gerald Ford. He's also the dumbest member of the Warren Commission. Coincidence?") and the existence of UFOs to secret germ warfare and those ominous visits (long before the movie) from men in black.
In UFOs, JFK, and Elvis, the distinguished statesman of stand-up comedy tackles some of the biggest conspiracies and cover-ups this side of Roswell. Just what is it that they don't want you to know about the assassinations of John Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and John Lennon? Alien abductions and the "face" on Mars? The downing of TWA Flight 800? The ancient order of the Freemasons and evidence of extraterrestrial experimentation?
Finally, one lone "nut" exposes the conspiracy to keep conspiracies a dirty little secret, standing up to the shadowy forces that would have us believe that Oswald acted alone, those lights in the sky are weather balloons, and fluoridated water is good for you (yeah, right). "Some of the smartest people I know . . . find it easier--and certainly more comforting--to believe that America is the only country on earth with no conspiracies at all." Just do not ask on whom The Belz has told--he's told on them.
--Richard Belzer [p. 4]
Is it just a coincidence that Richard Belzer plays a detective on the hit NBC series Life on the Street? Maybe. But the fact is, when he's not busting criminals on TV, the acid-tongued, legendary search-and-destroy comic known affectionately as "The Belz" is doing real-life detective searching out evidence, sifting through long-buried facts, and destroying popular misconceptions involving everything from the JFK assassination ("There's only one living member of the Warren Commission, and that's Gerald Ford. He's also the dumbest member of the Warren Commission. Coincidence?") and the existence of UFOs to secret germ warfare and those ominous visits (long before the movie) from men in black.
In UFOs, JFK, and Elvis, the distinguished statesman of stand-up comedy tackles some of the biggest conspiracies and cover-ups this side of Roswell. Just what is it that they don't want you to know about the assassinations of John Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and John Lennon? Alien abductions and the "face" on Mars? The downing of TWA Flight 800? The ancient order of the Freemasons and evidence of extraterrestrial experimentation?
Finally, one lone "nut" exposes the conspiracy to keep conspiracies a dirty little secret, standing up to the shadowy forces that would have us believe that Oswald acted alone, those lights in the sky are weather balloons, and fluoridated water is good for you (yeah, right). "Some of the smartest people I know . . . find it easier--and certainly more comforting--to believe that America is the only country on earth with no conspiracies at all." Just do not ask on whom The Belz has told--he's told on them.
228 pages, Hardcover
First published May 18, 1999
41 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
About the author
Richard Belzer
18 books69 followersRichard Jay Belzer was an actor, a stand-up comedian, and author. He is best known for his role as Detective John Munch on Homicide: Life on the Street and Law and Order: SVU.
Belzer authored four books, the last two of which were a crime fiction series co-written with Michael Black that featured Belzer as the mystery-solving protagonist. I’m Not a Cop, the first of the two, was published in 2008, followed by the sequel, I’m Not a Psychic, in 2009. Belzer penned UFOs, JFK and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don’t Have to Be Crazy to Believe in 2000, and co-authored How to Be a Standup Comic in 1988 with “Borat” director and writer, Larry Charles, and Catch a Rising Star owner Rick Newman.
Belzer authored four books, the last two of which were a crime fiction series co-written with Michael Black that featured Belzer as the mystery-solving protagonist. I’m Not a Cop, the first of the two, was published in 2008, followed by the sequel, I’m Not a Psychic, in 2009. Belzer penned UFOs, JFK and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don’t Have to Be Crazy to Believe in 2000, and co-authored How to Be a Standup Comic in 1988 with “Borat” director and writer, Larry Charles, and Catch a Rising Star owner Rick Newman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
August 8, 2016
The older I get, I walk further down the path of conspiracy nut. I don't mind! It's fun! And Richard Belzer is my kind of guy that I want to walk along the path with, chatting to about all sorts of things. I only knew him from his crime TV shows, but he's also a comedian. And also an author. And also a conspiracy theorist. Go figure.
Hey, so Belzer here thinks that that dude, what's-his-face, didn't kill JFK. No lone gunman theory for him. He posits all kinds of other theories and gives well-thought-out reasons for all of them and I tell you what, I'm a believer. (It doesn't take much, I'll be honest.)
Then we get to the last third of the book, which is all about UFOs and aliens, and that's a little more woo-woo and also a LOT more fun. Wheeeeee! YOU GUYS. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK. Just do it. DOOO EEEEET.
Trust me. Would I steer you wrong? Don't answer that.
Hey, so Belzer here thinks that that dude, what's-his-face, didn't kill JFK. No lone gunman theory for him. He posits all kinds of other theories and gives well-thought-out reasons for all of them and I tell you what, I'm a believer. (It doesn't take much, I'll be honest.)
Then we get to the last third of the book, which is all about UFOs and aliens, and that's a little more woo-woo and also a LOT more fun. Wheeeeee! YOU GUYS. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK. Just do it. DOOO EEEEET.
Trust me. Would I steer you wrong? Don't answer that.
August 4, 2011
I have to say that this is the real thing when it comes to books on conspiracy theories. And I have the evidence in my hot little hands. I checked this book out from our local public library. A regular bastion of information for the public. Well as I was reading I observed that two pages had been carefully removed, as in cut out, from this book. One page was missing in the area where Belzer was discussing the JFK assassination and the other was during the discussion of the Roswell incident. I believe this is blatant evidence that the library system was attempting to silence this information while making other portions of the book available. Now moving my paranoia to the side I will discuss the book and my general impression. This is a good one. I tend to love the conspiracy stuff and Belzer serves it up with a heaping portion of his odd humor. The portion on JFK did bring to light some new information to me, however the alien stuff I was already up to snuff on. See told you I love a good conspiracy. And U.F.O.'s and the government is a great one, with all kinds of different areas of exploration for the inquisitive to probe into. Enjoy this one for the humor and maybe check out the list of books at the very end. There are some good ones listed here. I rate this one at three and a half stars, or maybe that is three and 3/4, some kind of conspiracy here I just know it. Gotta go, some guys in black suits from the library just showed up at my door, they say it has to do with some books that I have recently checked out.
April 29, 2023
Fun read. It doesn’t hurt to see what others are thinking
January 1, 2016
As posted on my blog, Theresa's Haunted History of the Tri-State:
This book isn't a new release by far---it was published in 1999---and it feels like its been on my Amazon Wishlist for nearly as long. It wasn't really a top priority for me in a sea of so many other awesome paranormal and weird history books, but it was on Book Outlet during their mega Black Friday sale, so I added it to the cart.
It turned out to be a good purchase!
It was a good purchase for me, but I should preface this by saying that this book probably isn't for everyone. Belzer was (and is) first and foremost a comedian and an actor. Also, this book is now 17 years old. Therefore, there is some dry and corny humor thrown it, and much of it is seriously dated. There were a couple of times I had to stop and think, 'Oh yeah. Bill Clinton was in office, lol. I get it now'. But aside from that, it was a good read.
The majority of the book discusses the JFK assassination and in my opinion, is a great primer for those who aren't well versed on the subject. Information is largely presented in side bar, snippet-type formatting, so it makes for a really quick read great for the ADHD crowd among us. Nothing goes too deep into detail, but there's just enough to get a pretty clear picture of the theories and research up to the date of the book's publication. And then things get weird.
There's a transitional section of the book that is largely like an homage to Jim Marrs, who I guess was the inspiration and the resource for this book and Belzer's interest in conspiracy theories. From then, there are some brief mentions of some other conspiracy theories, mostly dealing with UFO and space cover ups. It was interesting, but just a little...all over the map.
In summary, this book was good, but not great. It was a quick and interesting read for someone with an informal interest in conspiracy theory, especially the JFK assassination, but might be a little dated for today's younger reader.
This book isn't a new release by far---it was published in 1999---and it feels like its been on my Amazon Wishlist for nearly as long. It wasn't really a top priority for me in a sea of so many other awesome paranormal and weird history books, but it was on Book Outlet during their mega Black Friday sale, so I added it to the cart.
It turned out to be a good purchase!
It was a good purchase for me, but I should preface this by saying that this book probably isn't for everyone. Belzer was (and is) first and foremost a comedian and an actor. Also, this book is now 17 years old. Therefore, there is some dry and corny humor thrown it, and much of it is seriously dated. There were a couple of times I had to stop and think, 'Oh yeah. Bill Clinton was in office, lol. I get it now'. But aside from that, it was a good read.
The majority of the book discusses the JFK assassination and in my opinion, is a great primer for those who aren't well versed on the subject. Information is largely presented in side bar, snippet-type formatting, so it makes for a really quick read great for the ADHD crowd among us. Nothing goes too deep into detail, but there's just enough to get a pretty clear picture of the theories and research up to the date of the book's publication. And then things get weird.
There's a transitional section of the book that is largely like an homage to Jim Marrs, who I guess was the inspiration and the resource for this book and Belzer's interest in conspiracy theories. From then, there are some brief mentions of some other conspiracy theories, mostly dealing with UFO and space cover ups. It was interesting, but just a little...all over the map.
In summary, this book was good, but not great. It was a quick and interesting read for someone with an informal interest in conspiracy theory, especially the JFK assassination, but might be a little dated for today's younger reader.
December 18, 2010
Having dropped off a knapsack worth of books at the local cafe, I righteously picked up this one, intrigued by its title. A comic take on conspiracy theories! Surely, some of my friends would find this amusing.
As it happens, the book is not very funny. Indeed, the fact that its author disbelieves the government both as regards the JFK assassination and as regards UFOs works against the possibility of humor. The jokes are strained, out of place in what is basically a serious effort.
The greatest virtue of Belzer's book is that it may lead some individuals, attracted by his reputation, to think about the duplicity and downright amorality of the government of the USA. It is unfortunate that he ties together the assassination cover-up, which is incontrovertable, with such an amorphous topic as UFOs. His treatment of the latter detracts from the focused gravity of the former. Two books would have been better than one in this case.
As it happens, the book is not very funny. Indeed, the fact that its author disbelieves the government both as regards the JFK assassination and as regards UFOs works against the possibility of humor. The jokes are strained, out of place in what is basically a serious effort.
The greatest virtue of Belzer's book is that it may lead some individuals, attracted by his reputation, to think about the duplicity and downright amorality of the government of the USA. It is unfortunate that he ties together the assassination cover-up, which is incontrovertable, with such an amorphous topic as UFOs. His treatment of the latter detracts from the focused gravity of the former. Two books would have been better than one in this case.
July 5, 2014
Great primer for the conspiracy aficionado, centered on two of the more popular ones: the JFK assassination and UFOs. I've read the book a few times and just listened to the audiobook version (narrated by Richard Belzer himself) and it's a great overview for a subject that can be touchy in "polite" company. Belzer covers most of the high (well, more like low) points in the Kennedy Assassination rigmarole, and delves into flying saucers, the Moon landing hoax, the face on Mars and many other topics that a lot of people would rather you not think about.
Belzer manages to put enough humor into the book to keep it from being dusty and dull, but not too much to overpower the sensitive topics. Definitely recommended as a good stepping stone into the world of conspiracies, which is not nearly as banana-wacky today as it used to be. People are starting to believe. Mulder would be proud.
Belzer manages to put enough humor into the book to keep it from being dusty and dull, but not too much to overpower the sensitive topics. Definitely recommended as a good stepping stone into the world of conspiracies, which is not nearly as banana-wacky today as it used to be. People are starting to believe. Mulder would be proud.
November 4, 2015
I love Richard Belzer as an actor so I was ecstatic to come across this book. I'm not one who puts much thought into conspiracies, do I think the government lies or covers up things? Absolutely I just typically don't care enough to think about it in detail but this was a lovely book that went into great detail about several conspiracies and various possible scenarios and it did a fantastic job at outlining those details. Belzer is a funny man so I really enjoyed this book though there was only one brief mention of Elvis so I wish there was more of that in the book but alas it was a fun read.
May 16, 2014
This is one of my favorite books. I really love conspiracy theories and this book makes for a really smooth read. It gives you some additional info in the side bars which I also found great. Ex. Websites to see alien structures and background info about the JFK conspiracies. I would suggest this book to anyone that likes a good conspiracy theory and doesn't want to read a 1000 page book filled with 500 pages of additional info you'll never remember.
April 11, 2018
"I'm not asking you to believe every conspiracy theory you'll find in this book. . . . I didn't write this book to give you all the answers. The Warren Commission did that, and the answers were all wrong. I wrote this book to inspire you to do what the powers that be wish you wouldn't: to question authority . . . and to keep an eye out for Elvis."
--RICHARD BELZER
In UFOs, JFK, and Elvis, the distinguished statesman of stand-up comedy tackles some of the biggest conspiracies and cover-ups this side of Roswell. Just what is it that they don't want you to know about the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Area 51, and what the American astronauts really found on the moon? The unexplained crash at Roswell and the mysterious "face" on Mars? The link between the Nazis and the U.S. space program? Evidence of extraterrestrial experimentation?
Finally, one lone "nut" exposes the conspiracy to keep conspiracies a dirty little secret, standing up to the shadowy forces that would have us believe that Oswald acted alone, those lights in the sky are weather balloons, and fluoridated water is good for you (yeah, right). "Some of the smartest people I know . . . find it easier--and certainly more comforting--to believe that America is the only country on earth with no conspiracies at all." Just remember: do not ask on whom The Belz has told--he's told on them.
A lot of info, some of which you are able to look up on the internet and verify, other info is up for your digression. What ever you believe, it is sick government that keeps secrets from the very people that put them in office. Don;t they owe us 'something'? 5 stars.
--RICHARD BELZER
In UFOs, JFK, and Elvis, the distinguished statesman of stand-up comedy tackles some of the biggest conspiracies and cover-ups this side of Roswell. Just what is it that they don't want you to know about the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Area 51, and what the American astronauts really found on the moon? The unexplained crash at Roswell and the mysterious "face" on Mars? The link between the Nazis and the U.S. space program? Evidence of extraterrestrial experimentation?
Finally, one lone "nut" exposes the conspiracy to keep conspiracies a dirty little secret, standing up to the shadowy forces that would have us believe that Oswald acted alone, those lights in the sky are weather balloons, and fluoridated water is good for you (yeah, right). "Some of the smartest people I know . . . find it easier--and certainly more comforting--to believe that America is the only country on earth with no conspiracies at all." Just remember: do not ask on whom The Belz has told--he's told on them.
A lot of info, some of which you are able to look up on the internet and verify, other info is up for your digression. What ever you believe, it is sick government that keeps secrets from the very people that put them in office. Don;t they owe us 'something'? 5 stars.
November 30, 2018
This is so much fun, he should design history courses for high schoolers.
I remember these events, because he's just a few years older than I am. We lived through all that, and didn't buy it, or we did. Within a few years, we were noticing that the government was bullshitting us. J. Edgar Hoover was the boogey man of the campuses, too, not just the halls of power. The story of what he had on JFK melted away after PT109, which he wouldn't have done if he hadn't been under JEH's power. Thanks, J!
I listened twice, because it all fits into such an intricate dissertation, I had to rethink a couple of things. I'm about to read the books about Dorothy Kilgallen, now, for sure. She's been on my back burner, because I hadn't known that she was one of the rub-outs. Belz didn't mention Martha Mitchell, and the cancer cells in the syringe, but he DID mention it in reference to someone else, (Jack Ruby, I think).
Belz, as he calls himself, is clever, witty, and persuasive. I've been suspecting many of the situations that he refers to in the book, and I'm happy (??) to find confirmation.
This is trippy. It would make a great book club book, if you have folks old enough to tell their tales.
I remember these events, because he's just a few years older than I am. We lived through all that, and didn't buy it, or we did. Within a few years, we were noticing that the government was bullshitting us. J. Edgar Hoover was the boogey man of the campuses, too, not just the halls of power. The story of what he had on JFK melted away after PT109, which he wouldn't have done if he hadn't been under JEH's power. Thanks, J!
I listened twice, because it all fits into such an intricate dissertation, I had to rethink a couple of things. I'm about to read the books about Dorothy Kilgallen, now, for sure. She's been on my back burner, because I hadn't known that she was one of the rub-outs. Belz didn't mention Martha Mitchell, and the cancer cells in the syringe, but he DID mention it in reference to someone else, (Jack Ruby, I think).
Belz, as he calls himself, is clever, witty, and persuasive. I've been suspecting many of the situations that he refers to in the book, and I'm happy (??) to find confirmation.
This is trippy. It would make a great book club book, if you have folks old enough to tell their tales.
December 17, 2024
I listened to this as an audiobook read by the author, Richard Belzer. If you have the opportunity to do so, I would highly recommend it. Richard’s narration is highly entertaining. The only word of warning would be to be aware of the sound effects. There are a number of ‘gunshots’ throughout it and they were significantly louder than the spoken parts - a bit startling if you’re driving!
I had never realised how many conspiracy theories there were around the JFK assassination but it was fascinating to hear about. Turns out I do like a good conspiracy ;o)
All the theories are well laid out and Richard has done a lot of research, speaking to various experts and investigative journalists to put together a really good read.
I had never realised how many conspiracy theories there were around the JFK assassination but it was fascinating to hear about. Turns out I do like a good conspiracy ;o)
All the theories are well laid out and Richard has done a lot of research, speaking to various experts and investigative journalists to put together a really good read.
March 14, 2023
You know those books that you get 20 pages in and realize you've read it before?
Well i must have checked this out around 2000 (when it was released) after seeing Richard Belzer on Conan. He's one of those "Hey I remember that guy" actors who released a few books in his day.
This is a very light hearted examination of JFK and UFO conspiracies - some interesting tidbits and terms to Google later (such as Project Sigma) but mostly Belzer's humor which kept my attention though out it's very short 200 pages.
Definitely recommend this book and REST IN PEACE to a very funny and talented author.
Well i must have checked this out around 2000 (when it was released) after seeing Richard Belzer on Conan. He's one of those "Hey I remember that guy" actors who released a few books in his day.
This is a very light hearted examination of JFK and UFO conspiracies - some interesting tidbits and terms to Google later (such as Project Sigma) but mostly Belzer's humor which kept my attention though out it's very short 200 pages.
Definitely recommend this book and REST IN PEACE to a very funny and talented author.
December 30, 2023
The mystery - conspiracies if you will -- of the death JFK (and others) and UFO's is related in a humorous manner by Mr. Belzer. If you don't appreciate sarcasm this wouldn't be a read for you. Interestingly in it, written in 1999 before 9/11 and the trauma caused by the former president on January 6, 2021, Belzer talks about "the big lie" and how if you say it often enough people think it's true. There were other parts of the book you would have thought he was talking about events the last 5 years.
May 2, 2025
Warning: I listened to this as an audiobook. The words were quiet, and there were sounds inserted - very loud sounds - that made me jump every time. Sometimes it was a gong, sometimes a gunshot. The book itself was pretty darned good. Not much about Elvis, but there was a quick mention of him when talking about JFK. There was a lot about Kennedy and the time period I didn't know. Well thought out theories that all of us are starting to believe, but are too afraid to say out loud. Sometimes even laugh-out-loud funny. But don't take my word for it.
May 31, 2021
Great work. Richard does a great job of highlighting the key information from a number of works like Jim Marrs's "Crossfire" into an easy to read (or as in my case "easy to listen to" with Audible) book about JFK and UFO's. And their potential connections.
Plus the fact that Richard was able to add to my JFK/UFO repertoire when I thought I'd heard it all before. Nice. Especially since this book was written over 25 years ago.
Recommended read.
Plus the fact that Richard was able to add to my JFK/UFO repertoire when I thought I'd heard it all before. Nice. Especially since this book was written over 25 years ago.
Recommended read.
March 3, 2023
Belzer walks the fine line between merely presenting the theories and admitting he believes them. His sarcastic tone only confuses more. I get the feeling more information can be gleaned from the sources he mentions. I listened to this as an audiobook and his voice and delivery was soft and quiet (and he frequently tended to mumble) so I turned the audio way up to hear him, but then he threw in these obnoxious sound effects that nearly blew my speakers!
June 19, 2017
Loaned by a friend, so I may have to reevaluate my friendship screening policy. hey, I'm up for a good conspiracy as much as the next guy and Belzer can be a funny sometimes, but this was brutal. no footnotes so this became a "according to sources" and "rumors are" book. and even then the same old rehashed, unproven, and outright falsehoods were used. a hardcover Weekly World news.
January 8, 2019
Absolutely a must read!
This man tells it like it is...or was. There are so many evil people in this country and this world...but the truth will be known, and this wonderful book is hitting the nail on the head!
Get the book, and this man will give you the truth that you have always suspected.
The humor is a plus,too!
This man tells it like it is...or was. There are so many evil people in this country and this world...but the truth will be known, and this wonderful book is hitting the nail on the head!
Get the book, and this man will give you the truth that you have always suspected.
The humor is a plus,too!
August 1, 2024
I am not much of a conspiracy person so this book probably wasn't for me, but I do think that some of the theories might not be so far off, just because the government does keep secrets. On the other hand, some of the theories did not work for me. Also, this book was written in 1999 and so the jokes are a little old, but some were still funny.
June 3, 2019
3.5 stars
Fun and makes you think, but it is pretty dated and the title is misleading. It's like 75% JFK, 25% UFOS, and then the "Elvis is alive" conspiracy is mentioned in passing once. Really appreciated the bibliography in the back. It adds some weight to conspiracy stuff.
Fun and makes you think, but it is pretty dated and the title is misleading. It's like 75% JFK, 25% UFOS, and then the "Elvis is alive" conspiracy is mentioned in passing once. Really appreciated the bibliography in the back. It adds some weight to conspiracy stuff.
June 17, 2021
Belzer uses his sense of humor and sarcasm to rationalize conspiracies in such a way to make the dish palatable for even the pickiest eater. In other words, he has an uncanny ability to use humor to make sense of the oddities of this world.
May 13, 2017
This was a highly amusing book, but if I had not read it I would not have missed anything essential.
June 6, 2017
Listen to the audiobook, it's the best.
December 26, 2017
Entertaining and interesting to read. Book is fairly old but the JFK conspiracies are still around and relevant.
January 7, 2018
Read this for research, nevertheless, didn't give me any reason to believe in any of the things he was discussing. Maybe I'm crazy. He was pretty funny at times.
May 14, 2018
Some interesting point made in reference to the Kennedy assassination. Otherwise too over the top for me.
May 16, 2018
Some very interesting theories about the JFK assassination, and some very laughable alien sex stuff. Be prepared to have Belzer name drop himself a lot too.
August 9, 2018
Gives interesting thoughts into JFK's assasination. Really makes you think.
The UFO section was less intriguing to me, but if you are into conspriacy theorys it's worth a read.
The UFO section was less intriguing to me, but if you are into conspriacy theorys it's worth a read.
October 29, 2018
A really good book to entertain your brain. Belzer will force you to think twice when you hear any information from the U.S. government. Recommended for those who are paranoid or not!
February 20, 2019
It was a little too JFK focused for my tastes. Overall, it was interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews