LIZARD MAN: The True Story of the Bishopville Monster

by Lyle Blackburn

From the swamplands near Bishopville, South Carolina, come reports of a seven-foot-tall, scaly humanoid creature the locals call the “Lizard Man.” Over the years, the creature has been seen by numerous witnesses, including a teenager who claimed it attacked him one night near a remote area called Scape Ore Swamp. The young man’s testimony and physical evidence was so compelling, it not only launched a serious investigation by the local sheriff’s office but an all-out monster hunt that drew hundreds of people to the small town. This real-life “creature from the black lagoon” has inspired major national news coverage, even a call from the famous CBS news anchor, Dan Rather, as he and the rest of the world clamored to know more about Bishopville’s elusive monster. The case is often mentioned in books, websites, and television shows, but the full story has never been told… until now. This book provides unprecedented documentation for one of the most bizarre and hair-raising cases of an unknown creature. The witnesses are convinced they’ve seen it, and the local law officials are backing them up. This is their story. Follow Lyle Blackburn, author of the bestselling book The Beast of Boggy Creek , as he and his partner, Cindy Lee, revisit the sighting locations, speak to the living eyewitnesses, and consider all possible theories in their search for the truth behind the legendary Lizard Man.

About the Lyle Blackburn is an author, musician, and cryptid researcher from Texas. He has always been fascinated with legends, lore, and sighting reports of “real-life monsters,” and is the author of the The Beast of Boggy The True Story of the Fouke Monster . During his research, Lyle has often explored the remote reaches of the southern U.S. in search of shadowy creatures said to inhabit the dense backwoods and swamplands of these areas. Lyle is also a featured speaker at cryptozoology and horror conferences around North America. He has been heard on numerous radio programs, including Coast To Coast AM , and appeared on television shows such as Monsters and Mysteries in America and the CBS Sunday Morning Show.

Genres: Cryptozoology, Nonfiction, Paranormal, Folklore, Cryptids

207 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2013

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know why I'm fascinated by cryptozoology, but I am. Things like Bigfoot, Lochness Monster, Aliens and, yes, even Lizard Men are just cool to read about. Now I know a lot of people don't believe in this kinda stuff, and that's fine. My suggestion is that if you are one of those people, than don't read these kinds of books. Whether I believe in the Lizard Man or not, I still enjoyed the book. I sure would like to see a Lizard man. I'm kinda a big dude, I catch snakes and alligators with my hands, so I may be bold enough to try and catch him. Or I may poop my pants, scream like a little girl and run like hell. I guess I'll find out if it happens. Anyway, I think the book was great. Well researched and presented in a non-biased narrative. Obviously the author has a love for cryptics, but he presents the facts and opinions on both sides. So he's not trying to force you to believe in the Lizard Man, he's just doing all the research for you so that you can draw your own conclusions. And I had previously read another of his books, The Beast of Boggy Creek, which I loved. If you would like to try something a little different or if you are interested in strange things then give this book a go. You will probably enjoy it. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to see how far of a drive it is to Bishopville, South Carolina. What?! I told you I want to see him!!

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great examination of the entire Lizardman phenomenon.

Blackburn gets all the facts and interviews more witnesses than seems possible. A great book for this sort of subject.

[Emlyn Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judge this book by its cover!!
From the get go adventure, mystery & horror of a well versed Crypto author captivated me!
Lyle Blackburn doesn't go off the deep-end with Alien & Ghost Theories & at the same time spoiling the fun by stating the eye witnesses we're hallucinating.
Truly amazing he made a full book on Bishopville Lizard man & seldom went off topic just to eat up the pages. Everything that was said was from a guy in the know.
5 Stars would be given if he didn't dedicate a chapter to the film media history of Lizardman monster movies. It has nothing to do with the Bishopville mystery!!
Felt chapter 7 "Possibilities' hinted Lyle thinks it was either mistaken identity (Bigfoot covered in lake weed) or a hoax which is disappointing
The conclusion ending is beautifully written, making me stare off wonder what really was the LizardMan!!
5 star Crypo books have lots of eyewitness accounts & pictures of the monster (drawen), this book has plenty (but not excessive).. Soo so close to 5 stars!!
Any other book Lyle will write, I am a buyer!!

[John Kilgallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book from Lyle Blackburn. Excellent research and interviews concerning my home state's own Cryptid mystery creature, the Bishopville Lizard Man! Like his previous work on the Fouke Monster, Boggy Creek's Bigfoot, Lyle heavily documents his research and interviews in this book. He leaves no stone unturned as he progresses through all the possible explanations for the Lizard Man sightings and encounters recorded in Lee County, SC, from the 1950s to the current century. He does not draw any formal conclusions as to what the creature is but leaves the reader with that task, if the reader is so inclined, based on the facts.

His other book was THE BEAST OF BOGGY CREEK: The True Story of the Fouke Monster.

[Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed Lyle Blackburn's documentation of his trek into the wilds of South Cackalacky in search of the legendary "Lizard Man". His honest, level-headed perspective on the events that created the legend ring genuine, and the interviews and research paint a vivid picture of "small-town South". His writing really immerses the reader in the legend. Side research about other lizardy sightings helps put the Lizard Man in perspective, as well. Recommended for readers interested in the paranormal or cryptozoology, or, really, folks just wanting a taste of the mysterious South.

[Hayden Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn on this book. Because I love cryptids and I love what Blackburn sets out to do here (much like the documentary company Small Town Monsters, with whom he works) in digging into the local color and community as well as all the monster sightings and details and background. It really gives a wonderful sense of place. But I came here for LIZARD MAN! And unfortunately there just doesn't seem to be enough THERE there when concerning the lizard man. A few chapters feel like filler, and ultimately we're leaning heavily on the verdict of "Lizard Man is kinda ridiculous. It's probably a Bigfoot."

Part of my reticence is the fact that I just don't do well reading nonfiction. It's not the fault of the story nor the teller, I've just never been able to get completely lost in what I'm reading when it's nonfiction, which is the main reason it took me over half a year to finish a book that isn't even 200 pages. A lot of picking up and putting down and rereading what I've already read.

In the end I came for the monster stories, and while repetitive, they mostly delivered.

[Bret McCormick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though an entertaining read, Lizard Man, will provide little in the way of nrew information for anyone already familiar with the so-called Lizard Man of Bishopville, S.C. Tis is more of a memoir about the trip Blackburn took to "see for himself" what may have happened in the Scape Ore Swamp. Like many other fans of cryptozoology, Blackburn appears to be a fan of sci-fi and horror films and provides a hefty section dealing with lizard people of the cinema. Though I came away with little addituonal knowledge, I enjoyed the read and recommend the book.

[Lucas Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best

Lyle Blackburn is one of the best WRITERS of cryptozoology out there. I have read many books on these and other Fortean topics as research for a podcast I do but many of those books are tough to get through as most experts in this field can not write very well. Besides Nick Redfern, Mr. Blackburn is becoming my favorite author to read on these topics.

The book itself deals with a fascinating case of mysterious creature reported in South Carolina in 1988. If you like this stuff then read this book

[Myra Flowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr Blackburn has written a well documented book about South Carolina's own cryptid, Lizard Man. He treats the people in the books with respect. He doesn't indulge in treating them and their experiences with scorn or judgement, or falling into the stereotype of deeming them stupid rednecks. There is no silly hyperbole here. There is an index, a bibliography and an appendix! The book is sane and rational and draws honest conclusions. Mr. Blackburn documents other lizard manlike sightings. This is a worthy book for anyone interested in this subject.

[Xanthi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Lyle’s writing style and would love to be able to tag along on one of his investigative road trips. A nice balance of skepticism and belief, with thoughtful analysis thrown into the mix.
I hadn’t heard of this cryptid nor knew much about reptilian based ones, in general, so this book was informative and intriguing.

[Anthony De Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly interesting read if you’re into Cryptids and cryptozoology. Well researched, well written, and doesn’t lean to far in either direction about wether or not Lizard Man truly exists - and to be honest, after being a Lizard Man denier I can say I’ve now been converted into at least a skeptic

[William Crosswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down

I grew up in SC and only knew a fraction of the story I was told as a kid. Lyle brought it back to life and gave great honor to the stories that were told and to the people of Bishopville.

[Signor Mambrino · Rating 3 out of 5]

I reckon this is about as good as a book on the Lizard Man can be.

[andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these kinds of creature stories, been in Bishopville SC several times now...fascinating town full of all kinds of stories.

[Ursula Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and love his first book about the Legend of the Boggy Creek Monster. This follow up effort also bears his thorough research, including firsthand interviews and accounts of the Lizard Man, along with various scenarios and viewpoints. Mr. Blackburn is one of the most interesting and excellent authors of cryptozoology, along with Loren Coleman and Nick Redfern. I had only recently learned of the Lizard man and saw the author speaking of this on one of my favorite shows, Monsters and Mysteries in America. As usual, he does not disappoint. He recounts the most famous sighting involving the late Chris Davis, and many others less known. Never mind the sample, Lyle Blackburn's books are excellent and worth every penny. He is an intelligent and thoughtful author who respects his subjects and the material, yet maintains a critical eye, a difficult balance for some. He handles this with ease. I can't wait for his next book. A suggestion, the Ohio Grassman?! Excellent book, highly recommended. Be sure to read his Boggy Creek book as well, the definitive tome on that subject.

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best book i have ever read!