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Into the Uncanny
I know what I saw... 'The ghosts of today live not in castles or stately homes, but in ordinary houses and offices, and they're witnessed by ordinary people like you and me. We just need to figure out what the hell they are - the dead returning from the "undiscovered country" of death? Or the product of that equally mysterious and ancient location, the human mind? This book is the story of these ordinary people who have experienced extraordinary things and want to make sense of them. Each one is a brand-new case I have never shared before; modern day ghost stories that make my blood run cold as effectively as anything that Charles Dickens could rustle up. And they are all entirely true. It's also a story of my own personal journey of discovery because I've realised something from hearing all these incredible stories that come my way. I've realised how much I want to believe. I'm asking you to join me, to keep an open mind and to prepare to have your very concept of reality challenged. Are you ready?'
352 pages, Hardcover
Published December 14, 2023
223 people are currently reading
1057 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
September 21, 2023
I will never forget the first time I heard Danny Robins utter the immortal words, “Bloody hell, Ken!”
I’d been a fan of Robins’ work since his short-lived podcast, Haunted, crept into my feed in 2017. The podcast featured exceptionally scary stories, but with one foot firmly in reality. Plus, Robins’ sense of humor and penchant for an occasional well-placed expletive made things less terrifying.
Cut to 2023, and Robins is riding a wave of supernatural success, with his Uncanny podcast reaching its third series, and will soon be on UK TV for a few special episodes. There is an unquestionable demand for Robin’s talents, so why not put out a book as well?
Into the Uncanny is far from a cheap spin-off from the successful podcast. Robins always speaks about how he loves the Uncanny community, and he absolutely has not taken advantage of his following by lazily recycling old material. In this book, we have some brand new cases, as well as some extended bits on parapsychology, and even some memoir-esque sections from Robins’ personal life.
The stories in here are not merely “leftovers” from the podcast; they are genuinely fantastic. Robins visits Rome to investigate a poltergeist, discovers why it’s probably not a great idea to dig up your backyard, uncovers weird ouija board predictions, and discusses a terrifying alien encounter. All of these tales are injected with a hint of skepticism, but never incredulity. The focus is always on the person telling the story, their truth, and the devastating impact some of these experiences can have on their lives.
Robins’ podcasts are my go-to comfort listen, so I fully anticipated enjoying the audiobook edition of Into the Uncanny. It was like having a whole new series of Uncanny all at once.
Just as I recommend the podcast to everyone with the slightest interest in the paranormal, I heartily recommend Into the Uncanny to fellow spooky readers. A wonderful mix of horror, humor, and heart.
I’d been a fan of Robins’ work since his short-lived podcast, Haunted, crept into my feed in 2017. The podcast featured exceptionally scary stories, but with one foot firmly in reality. Plus, Robins’ sense of humor and penchant for an occasional well-placed expletive made things less terrifying.
Cut to 2023, and Robins is riding a wave of supernatural success, with his Uncanny podcast reaching its third series, and will soon be on UK TV for a few special episodes. There is an unquestionable demand for Robin’s talents, so why not put out a book as well?
Into the Uncanny is far from a cheap spin-off from the successful podcast. Robins always speaks about how he loves the Uncanny community, and he absolutely has not taken advantage of his following by lazily recycling old material. In this book, we have some brand new cases, as well as some extended bits on parapsychology, and even some memoir-esque sections from Robins’ personal life.
The stories in here are not merely “leftovers” from the podcast; they are genuinely fantastic. Robins visits Rome to investigate a poltergeist, discovers why it’s probably not a great idea to dig up your backyard, uncovers weird ouija board predictions, and discusses a terrifying alien encounter. All of these tales are injected with a hint of skepticism, but never incredulity. The focus is always on the person telling the story, their truth, and the devastating impact some of these experiences can have on their lives.
Robins’ podcasts are my go-to comfort listen, so I fully anticipated enjoying the audiobook edition of Into the Uncanny. It was like having a whole new series of Uncanny all at once.
Just as I recommend the podcast to everyone with the slightest interest in the paranormal, I heartily recommend Into the Uncanny to fellow spooky readers. A wonderful mix of horror, humor, and heart.
September 18, 2023
This book definitely didn’t disappoint, I was actually sorry once it was over! Four really interesting, well-selected cases spread over 300 pages. I didn’t like the final one though, not because it wasn’t good, but because it honestly really creeped me out!
August 23, 2024
Starting off, Danny Robins asks the reader, are you ‘Team Sceptic’ or ‘Team Believer’.
Which one are you?
This was such an interesting read! After watching the series on BBC last year, it rekindled my curiosity of the unexplained (I read loads of Arthur C Clarke books as a teen!) so I was pleased to find the ebook for 99p.
This book covers different ‘hauntings’ and reports of strange phenomena. It also includes lots of interesting background and historical information about ouija boards and their history, (the demise of its inventor I’ll never forget!) table tipping, stone tape theory, (which is absolutely fascinating), UFO’s and poltergeist activity, to name but a few. I particularly enjoyed the chapter about the well known case of the Enfield Poltergeist and an alien sighting in Middlesbrough.
On finishing, I think I’ll be staying on the team I was on when I started reading; ‘Team Not Sure’. I won’t mention the ‘ghost cat’ that sometimes settles on the end of our bed at night though…
Which one are you?
This was such an interesting read! After watching the series on BBC last year, it rekindled my curiosity of the unexplained (I read loads of Arthur C Clarke books as a teen!) so I was pleased to find the ebook for 99p.
This book covers different ‘hauntings’ and reports of strange phenomena. It also includes lots of interesting background and historical information about ouija boards and their history, (the demise of its inventor I’ll never forget!) table tipping, stone tape theory, (which is absolutely fascinating), UFO’s and poltergeist activity, to name but a few. I particularly enjoyed the chapter about the well known case of the Enfield Poltergeist and an alien sighting in Middlesbrough.
On finishing, I think I’ll be staying on the team I was on when I started reading; ‘Team Not Sure’. I won’t mention the ‘ghost cat’ that sometimes settles on the end of our bed at night though…
September 30, 2023
I’m a fan of his podcast, but the things that make his podcast work so well are not, and perhaps cannot be, incorporated into the book.
I listened to the audiobook so I got Danny’s voice. But it was only HIS voice. I enjoy the back and forth of the Team Sceptics v Team Believers found in his podcast. Plus the storytelling of the actual witnesses of unexplained phenomena telling their own stories in their way in the podcast. The book is Danny’s telling of phenomena witnessed by other people. Plus there’s the whole style problem: Danny breaks off mid-sentence to make some kind of joke, like a side quip, ALL THE TIME. It starts as funny, but becomes annoying. Enough with the bants, Danny.
I guess the other problem is the reason for the book. It’s structured to tell a few uncanny tales while also giving Danny’s journey leading to his interest in these phenomena. I think it’s possible that I don’t really care about Danny’s backstory (in the nicest possible way). I’m tuning in for the tales, Danny.
Finally, entirely too much time is devoted to UFO stories. Ghosts and spirits are beguiling; aliens are just science fiction nonsense. Obviously.
I listened to the audiobook so I got Danny’s voice. But it was only HIS voice. I enjoy the back and forth of the Team Sceptics v Team Believers found in his podcast. Plus the storytelling of the actual witnesses of unexplained phenomena telling their own stories in their way in the podcast. The book is Danny’s telling of phenomena witnessed by other people. Plus there’s the whole style problem: Danny breaks off mid-sentence to make some kind of joke, like a side quip, ALL THE TIME. It starts as funny, but becomes annoying. Enough with the bants, Danny.
I guess the other problem is the reason for the book. It’s structured to tell a few uncanny tales while also giving Danny’s journey leading to his interest in these phenomena. I think it’s possible that I don’t really care about Danny’s backstory (in the nicest possible way). I’m tuning in for the tales, Danny.
Finally, entirely too much time is devoted to UFO stories. Ghosts and spirits are beguiling; aliens are just science fiction nonsense. Obviously.
September 17, 2023
Great book, it felt exactly the same as the podcasts starting with a case then moving on & circling back. Very much enjoyed it, still not sure if I’m team believer or team sceptic - maybe team not sure 👻
February 29, 2024
IF you’re not from the UK I'm not sure how much you know about this author. Danny is well-known here in the UK as a British journalist who's created successful podcasts, one of which is named The Uncanny. He's also the writer of 2:22 - A Ghost Story, a very successful West End theatre production about to do a UK national tour. There will be a book tour for this book, and a TV series of Uncanny that started on the BBC last night, which is presumably partly why this book has come about.
So, what have we here?
Subtitled A Real Life Investigation into the Paranormal, the book is pretty much what it says on the tin, so to speak. Danny portrays himself as the interested sceptic who writes of his interest in the strange and unknown and how this has led him to hear lots of odd stories over time. One of the key points made at the beginning is that the ghosts of today don't live in castles or stately homes, they're in normal houses and workplaces, witnessed by ordinary people like you and me.
Without giving too much away, the book looks at four main cases, (or perhaps five, as at the end he returns to the beginning). These manage to connect poltergeist and ghostly apparitions, Ouija boards, phobias, UFO sightings and scientific research together and by the end puts forward some ideas that may (or may not!) connect them together – are ghosts the dead returning from the "undiscovered country" of death, or the product of that equally mysterious location, the human mind?'
This book seems to project Danny’s character as much as possible as his podcasts. He takes on the role of inquisitive sceptic, although he is at pains to point out that when reading the book there’s room for any interested parties from believer to sceptic here. In a moment of readership participation, Danny asks the reader to choose whether they are ‘Team Sceptic’ or ‘Team Believer’ at the beginning. A progress chart in literary form.
As you can probably tell from such comments, the prose style is chatty and enthusiastic - rather like a podcast, in fact - and as if you're having a conversation with Danny. And it is this down-to-earth inquisitiveness that makes this book work. To get these views across, Danny goes into what I thought of as “storyteller mode”, where he writes about the events as if he was there. This gives much latitude to being able to crank up the chills a little and Danny does this very well. To coin another cliché, “it’s as if you were there!”
As I’ve found most ‘investigations’ in prose or on TV to be these days, it is often more about the person investigating that the events being investigated. Here we find out how Danny ended up making television and radio programmes about these matters, his early home life, life at university, his wife and children, amongst other things. This does give a context, by showing us what an ordinary sort of bloke Danny appears to be and how Danny got to this investigation, but may frustrate some readers.
What is very clear, and sympathetically written about by Danny, is that few, if any, of those he meets are sensationalists. Most have actually been afraid to tell their stories for fear of ridicule. In fact, some, reluctantly pushed into the limelight by such events, have clearly been affected mentally and physically by what happened to them. Some have had their careers damaged by them, but have now felt it is important to talk to others in an attempt to understand. It’s rather less “I Want to Believe” than “I Want to Understand.” It is to Danny’s credit that he deals with all of them with respect and care.
On the downside? There are times when his humour, as an attempt to lessen the weird stuff, can become a little bit childish. I became very aware reading this that Danny originally was a comedy writer, and the book is filled with breezy little side comments and bon mots meant to ease the tension*, but at the same time could make it seem as if Danny's not taking the situation seriously. In short, the jokes can either engage or irritate, but they do get the point across. And it is this manner, this matter-of-fact-ness, that makes the events explained seem all the more important. The general tone is that if these things can convince ‘Danny the ordinary bloke’, then they can convince anybody.
Further bad news, for anyone expecting it, is that there are no real answers here. Danny presents his discoveries and tries to come to some conclusions himself, all the while examining his inner-thoughts on paper, but is very cautious at the end to draw anything concrete from it. The general impression I got at the end was that it was OK to not know or understand everything.
However, it is sometimes the journey not the destination that matters most. From start to finish the book is entertaining, educational and deceptively engaging, even if at the end all it does is, like Danny, get you to question your own view on paranormal activity. Food for thought. A good book for those who like the documentaries, and an appropriate read here for Halloween.
*For example, one of the little jokes along the way is that Danny offers any book reviewer a drop of the good whisky he has in an attempt to bribe positive comments. Danny, you are noted – I claim my prize!
So, what have we here?
Subtitled A Real Life Investigation into the Paranormal, the book is pretty much what it says on the tin, so to speak. Danny portrays himself as the interested sceptic who writes of his interest in the strange and unknown and how this has led him to hear lots of odd stories over time. One of the key points made at the beginning is that the ghosts of today don't live in castles or stately homes, they're in normal houses and workplaces, witnessed by ordinary people like you and me.
Without giving too much away, the book looks at four main cases, (or perhaps five, as at the end he returns to the beginning). These manage to connect poltergeist and ghostly apparitions, Ouija boards, phobias, UFO sightings and scientific research together and by the end puts forward some ideas that may (or may not!) connect them together – are ghosts the dead returning from the "undiscovered country" of death, or the product of that equally mysterious location, the human mind?'
This book seems to project Danny’s character as much as possible as his podcasts. He takes on the role of inquisitive sceptic, although he is at pains to point out that when reading the book there’s room for any interested parties from believer to sceptic here. In a moment of readership participation, Danny asks the reader to choose whether they are ‘Team Sceptic’ or ‘Team Believer’ at the beginning. A progress chart in literary form.
As you can probably tell from such comments, the prose style is chatty and enthusiastic - rather like a podcast, in fact - and as if you're having a conversation with Danny. And it is this down-to-earth inquisitiveness that makes this book work. To get these views across, Danny goes into what I thought of as “storyteller mode”, where he writes about the events as if he was there. This gives much latitude to being able to crank up the chills a little and Danny does this very well. To coin another cliché, “it’s as if you were there!”
As I’ve found most ‘investigations’ in prose or on TV to be these days, it is often more about the person investigating that the events being investigated. Here we find out how Danny ended up making television and radio programmes about these matters, his early home life, life at university, his wife and children, amongst other things. This does give a context, by showing us what an ordinary sort of bloke Danny appears to be and how Danny got to this investigation, but may frustrate some readers.
What is very clear, and sympathetically written about by Danny, is that few, if any, of those he meets are sensationalists. Most have actually been afraid to tell their stories for fear of ridicule. In fact, some, reluctantly pushed into the limelight by such events, have clearly been affected mentally and physically by what happened to them. Some have had their careers damaged by them, but have now felt it is important to talk to others in an attempt to understand. It’s rather less “I Want to Believe” than “I Want to Understand.” It is to Danny’s credit that he deals with all of them with respect and care.
On the downside? There are times when his humour, as an attempt to lessen the weird stuff, can become a little bit childish. I became very aware reading this that Danny originally was a comedy writer, and the book is filled with breezy little side comments and bon mots meant to ease the tension*, but at the same time could make it seem as if Danny's not taking the situation seriously. In short, the jokes can either engage or irritate, but they do get the point across. And it is this manner, this matter-of-fact-ness, that makes the events explained seem all the more important. The general tone is that if these things can convince ‘Danny the ordinary bloke’, then they can convince anybody.
Further bad news, for anyone expecting it, is that there are no real answers here. Danny presents his discoveries and tries to come to some conclusions himself, all the while examining his inner-thoughts on paper, but is very cautious at the end to draw anything concrete from it. The general impression I got at the end was that it was OK to not know or understand everything.
However, it is sometimes the journey not the destination that matters most. From start to finish the book is entertaining, educational and deceptively engaging, even if at the end all it does is, like Danny, get you to question your own view on paranormal activity. Food for thought. A good book for those who like the documentaries, and an appropriate read here for Halloween.
*For example, one of the little jokes along the way is that Danny offers any book reviewer a drop of the good whisky he has in an attempt to bribe positive comments. Danny, you are noted – I claim my prize!
February 19, 2024
I think I’ve consumed every bit of Danny Robins content out there - from the Uncanny podcast and live tour, to 2:22: A Ghost Story and everything else in between. I am a little bit obsessed (in a nice, admiring way).
However, the newest iteration of the Uncanny-verse, sadly was the weakest.
Obviously, I opted for the audiobook after devouring the Uncanny podcast episodes, but this just didn’t hit the spot for me. The stories were fairly bland in comparison to what’s come before, and I missed the people speaking about their experiences directly (as well as the commentary from the resident podcast critics). It’s worth noting that if you’re an avid listener of the Uncanny podcast, there is a lot of repetition to be found here…
I also didn’t like the fractured story telling - often coming in-and-out of accounts to explain the history of something or Danny’s beliefs. When we finally got back into the spooky stories, I found myself scratching my head trying to remember what had happened previously. The only time I thought this worked well was the section about the Ouija Board, which actually was really interesting.
I’m glad this exists, but I had slightly higher expectations seeing as everything else Danny Robins churns out is 10/10.
However, the newest iteration of the Uncanny-verse, sadly was the weakest.
Obviously, I opted for the audiobook after devouring the Uncanny podcast episodes, but this just didn’t hit the spot for me. The stories were fairly bland in comparison to what’s come before, and I missed the people speaking about their experiences directly (as well as the commentary from the resident podcast critics). It’s worth noting that if you’re an avid listener of the Uncanny podcast, there is a lot of repetition to be found here…
I also didn’t like the fractured story telling - often coming in-and-out of accounts to explain the history of something or Danny’s beliefs. When we finally got back into the spooky stories, I found myself scratching my head trying to remember what had happened previously. The only time I thought this worked well was the section about the Ouija Board, which actually was really interesting.
I’m glad this exists, but I had slightly higher expectations seeing as everything else Danny Robins churns out is 10/10.
November 28, 2025
3.5 rounded up
Honestly I could listen to Danny Robins read the dictionary and be entertained. I just prefer the episodic version of Uncanny, in this long form it’s a bit same-y.
Honestly I could listen to Danny Robins read the dictionary and be entertained. I just prefer the episodic version of Uncanny, in this long form it’s a bit same-y.
February 25, 2024
I am a fan of the podcast but can see why it works better in short form. As a sceptic, this book actually did nothing but push me further into my scepticism. The stories have become way more fantastical since the series early fruition in '21 (hello floating featureless egg face) and listening to the accounts back to back there was a lot of filler as well as Danny's attempts at 'banter' which for me fell flat. I'll definitely keep listening to the podcast as little nuggets of it can be super entertaining but this didn't hit the mark for me.
December 31, 2024
Brilliant ����
September 13, 2025
I LOVE UNCANNY!!!!!!!
Enough said. 👻
Enough said. 👻
October 21, 2023
I absolutely love all of the Uncanny and other Danny Robins podcasts, I’ve listened to them all multiple times and always enjoy them; waiting eagerly for a new series to come out! So I was super excited when I heard that Danny was releasing a book. However, unfortunately the book wasn’t as good as I was hoping. I think it started with a really promising and engaging story. The Rome account was absolutely brilliant and I would have loved it if more of the book was research and developments of this particular experience.
However, I felt that the cases weren’t as ‘involved’ as I was wanting them to be. I didn’t enjoy the UFO case, and would have much preferred if the whole book was just dedicated to paranormal encounters. I was just hoping for some more meaty details, further research/story progression. I also felt that a lot of the book was more autobiographical than I thought it would be. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
Overall, I was disappointed. I think I may have just had super high standards after enjoying and listening to all of the podcasts and loving them so much.
However, I felt that the cases weren’t as ‘involved’ as I was wanting them to be. I didn’t enjoy the UFO case, and would have much preferred if the whole book was just dedicated to paranormal encounters. I was just hoping for some more meaty details, further research/story progression. I also felt that a lot of the book was more autobiographical than I thought it would be. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
Overall, I was disappointed. I think I may have just had super high standards after enjoying and listening to all of the podcasts and loving them so much.
November 21, 2024
A good and intriguing read by the entertaining Mr Robins. By all accounts he has built up a good following via his podcast and TV appearances, and I can see why. He is genuinely intrigued by the paranormal as related by his interviewees. And although he is reluctant to take anything at face value, he is an enthusiastic researcher who treats his sources with total respect. The stories he relates here may be questioned (and rightly so) by sceptics but it is difficult to dismiss them. One can invoke lack of scientific proof, one can airily decry the stories as nonsense, but they are still out there and being told by eminently sane and sensible people. Robins is an entertaining and stylish writer as well, but I don't like the way he hops backwards and forwards in time so that one loses the thread. And the book could have used an extra story or two - a bit short.
February 7, 2024
As a massive fan of the Uncanny podcast, I really enjoyed this!
I listened to the audiobook (which I highly recommend) and just like in the podcast, Danny Robins is just such a fantastic narrator, he really pulls you into the story.
The investigations he carries out to answer that age-old question of whether or not ghosts are real is absolutely fascinating.
I listened to the audiobook (which I highly recommend) and just like in the podcast, Danny Robins is just such a fantastic narrator, he really pulls you into the story.
The investigations he carries out to answer that age-old question of whether or not ghosts are real is absolutely fascinating.
November 19, 2023
Bloody hell, Ken
March 30, 2024
I love the Uncanny podcast, but unfortunately, I just did not find this very gripping at all.
November 11, 2024
Tripe.
November 13, 2025
I consistently say I’m not a ‘horror girly,’ and yet here I am rushing to hand over 5 stars for this book. As someone who rarely hands over anything higher than a 3 (though I do think it’s easier to rate non-fiction higher; I’m not sure why).
Anyway, time to quit waffling or I’m starting to sound like Danny. Much like the podcast and TV series, Danny’s personality really leads the book. He’s witty, quick, and I can’t help but hear his voice in my head as I read. He interrupts himself constantly, and I thought this might get annoying, but it was fine, honestly. His writing style here is relaxed, it reads like a conversation, and I think this really works given that the subject matter could feel far too heavy to deal with otherwise. I don’t think I would’ve had so much fun with this book if Danny’s personality hadn’t lightened the mood.
Overall, I had fun reading this. I got through it quickly, which is always a good sign. Danny’s own words sum up his work here really well: this book is ‘a mix of wonder, fear and empathy’, his empathy really makes him a great writer and researcher.
The stories were really well chosen for the book, and I enjoyed the mix of historical and scientific facts and stories.
Out of all the accounts in this book, I did not expect the UFO story to be the one that left me jumping at my own shadow at the end of the night.
And also, the final revelation at the Venerable English College… BLOODY HELL!
Anyway, time to quit waffling or I’m starting to sound like Danny. Much like the podcast and TV series, Danny’s personality really leads the book. He’s witty, quick, and I can’t help but hear his voice in my head as I read. He interrupts himself constantly, and I thought this might get annoying, but it was fine, honestly. His writing style here is relaxed, it reads like a conversation, and I think this really works given that the subject matter could feel far too heavy to deal with otherwise. I don’t think I would’ve had so much fun with this book if Danny’s personality hadn’t lightened the mood.
Overall, I had fun reading this. I got through it quickly, which is always a good sign. Danny’s own words sum up his work here really well: this book is ‘a mix of wonder, fear and empathy’, his empathy really makes him a great writer and researcher.
The stories were really well chosen for the book, and I enjoyed the mix of historical and scientific facts and stories.
Out of all the accounts in this book, I did not expect the UFO story to be the one that left me jumping at my own shadow at the end of the night.
And also, the final revelation at the Venerable English College… BLOODY HELL!
February 19, 2024
Warning: not so much of a review as much of a reflection/rant.
This book was a very interesting exploration into the question of the existence of the supernatural. As a Christian, and thus a believer in the supernatural, I found Danny’s book scary at times, rather humorous, but mostly frustrating. It’s just really frustrating seeing someone blatantly ignore/dismiss/miss the existence of God in their search for the reality of the supernatural. Danny kept talking about how everything must be connected, to which I say heartily, ‘YES! THAT’S BECAUSE IT IS!’ And he keeps speaking about all the cases he’s examined feel like ‘a big jigsaw puzzle of pieces that fit together’ to which I again heartily say ‘YES IT IS!’
It brought home the reality to me that our culture is growing very disenchanted with the idea that the world is more than just ‘things’. Materialism, while being just plain false, is also just a deeply dissatisfying view of reality. People are very close to recovering a sense of the world more aligned with the Truth and for that, even though I am continually frustrated by its lack of belief in the God who created the world, will rejoice at that small victory.
This book was a very interesting exploration into the question of the existence of the supernatural. As a Christian, and thus a believer in the supernatural, I found Danny’s book scary at times, rather humorous, but mostly frustrating. It’s just really frustrating seeing someone blatantly ignore/dismiss/miss the existence of God in their search for the reality of the supernatural. Danny kept talking about how everything must be connected, to which I say heartily, ‘YES! THAT’S BECAUSE IT IS!’ And he keeps speaking about all the cases he’s examined feel like ‘a big jigsaw puzzle of pieces that fit together’ to which I again heartily say ‘YES IT IS!’
It brought home the reality to me that our culture is growing very disenchanted with the idea that the world is more than just ‘things’. Materialism, while being just plain false, is also just a deeply dissatisfying view of reality. People are very close to recovering a sense of the world more aligned with the Truth and for that, even though I am continually frustrated by its lack of belief in the God who created the world, will rejoice at that small victory.
October 9, 2024
I am not a fan of audiobooks. I used to be when I was a kid, but I prefer reading these days. I’m also not the biggest fan of non-fiction (as we know) but bloody hell Ken, I LOVED this!
I’ve seen 2:22 before, as a horror and spook fan, why wouldn’t I? I didn’t connect the dots that Danny wrote 2:22 until I was into this, having half listened to the first couple of chapters, but I was hooked and I’ve never listened to his podcasts before.
I listened to this at any opportunity; cleaning, cooking, getting ready for a night out 😂 and I loved it. Danny sounded like a friend the whole way through, I desperately want to explore Rome with him (or go ghost hunting in Morecambe Winter Gardens… bit closer to home TAG?).
What I really loved was the respect he showed throughout his storytelling, for his characters. I think that’s why I loved this, he’s a storyteller.
From team “I’m Not Sure Either”, I would relisten to this over and over again and it’s forcing me to break my rules on rating audiobooks, non-fiction and that specific category of non-fiction narrated by the author.
I’ve seen 2:22 before, as a horror and spook fan, why wouldn’t I? I didn’t connect the dots that Danny wrote 2:22 until I was into this, having half listened to the first couple of chapters, but I was hooked and I’ve never listened to his podcasts before.
I listened to this at any opportunity; cleaning, cooking, getting ready for a night out 😂 and I loved it. Danny sounded like a friend the whole way through, I desperately want to explore Rome with him (or go ghost hunting in Morecambe Winter Gardens… bit closer to home TAG?).
What I really loved was the respect he showed throughout his storytelling, for his characters. I think that’s why I loved this, he’s a storyteller.
From team “I’m Not Sure Either”, I would relisten to this over and over again and it’s forcing me to break my rules on rating audiobooks, non-fiction and that specific category of non-fiction narrated by the author.
May 23, 2025
If you can, I recommend you listen to the audiobook of this one. It's narrated by the author and it's so creepy! The added sound effects and tense music make it a real experience. There were times I actually jumped while listening to it.
I still have no idea whether ghosts actually exist, but Robins puts forth some very interesting and convincing cases of hauntings.
What I love is that he isn't urging you to believe and calls himself a sceptic too, he's simply presenting ideas as they're told to him, or as witnessed and leaves it to the reader/listener to decide. There are also a couple of chapters containing reasons not to believe.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this is an interesting book and it's narrated really well by the author. There are some real comedic moments in the book as well, which I did enjoy; they were needed to cut through the tension.
I just hope he keeps his word of a glass of whiskey for a good review!
I still have no idea whether ghosts actually exist, but Robins puts forth some very interesting and convincing cases of hauntings.
What I love is that he isn't urging you to believe and calls himself a sceptic too, he's simply presenting ideas as they're told to him, or as witnessed and leaves it to the reader/listener to decide. There are also a couple of chapters containing reasons not to believe.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this is an interesting book and it's narrated really well by the author. There are some real comedic moments in the book as well, which I did enjoy; they were needed to cut through the tension.
I just hope he keeps his word of a glass of whiskey for a good review!
February 5, 2025
This was an enjoyable read! I am someone who is intrigued by the paranormal, and my own feelings are quite conflicted when it comes to believing or doubting the existence of some phenomena. I like Danny’s approach in his quest for answers - he does not try to convince the reader either way. His writing style also worked for me, I found it had a nice pace and the style really was reminiscent of the podcast format. Given that I knew nothing of the author before reading, I did not mind all the information about his own life and personality that was interwoven throughout. I liked that he discussed the lingering effects the witnessing of a paranormal event (or believing to have witnessed it) can have on a person; whatever they saw, it had a huge impact on them and their lives, and it merits being talked about.
June 15, 2024
Reflections and lessons learned/the content of this book made me feel…
“…you want to find out how the world works…that’s it I think, in a nutshell - so much of this hunt for answers about the paranormal is a form of fomo… the paranoia that you’re missing out on a really mind blowing piece of existence… that you’ve been looking in the wrong direction in your life”
I stumbled across this and wondered at first whether it was a piss take - is it serious? I couldn’t turn off though… it’s true - I still want to believe… I strangely heard a story from someone not at all expected to be a believer in this very area in the last week - coincidence, the power of the mind, or was it the supernatural… hmmmm… at least the emoji makes the possibility look cute! 👻
“…you want to find out how the world works…that’s it I think, in a nutshell - so much of this hunt for answers about the paranormal is a form of fomo… the paranoia that you’re missing out on a really mind blowing piece of existence… that you’ve been looking in the wrong direction in your life”
I stumbled across this and wondered at first whether it was a piss take - is it serious? I couldn’t turn off though… it’s true - I still want to believe… I strangely heard a story from someone not at all expected to be a believer in this very area in the last week - coincidence, the power of the mind, or was it the supernatural… hmmmm… at least the emoji makes the possibility look cute! 👻
May 20, 2025
The perfect book for anyone who is intrigued by the paranormal but can’t watch scary stuff!
I personally can’t watch Uncanny on the tv or listen to the podcast (but I’d like to try now I’ve read this) so I loved still being able to feel involved through this book. The different areas of the paranormal were so interesting and the potential explanations just far fetched enough to suggest perhaps there is no way of proving ghosts and aliens don’t exist.
Spooky, informative and surprisingly funny, Into the Uncanny explores a range of stories from different people and their experiences with the paranormal and how many of them help to unearth new information to help similar cases. But it’s told in a way that leaves it open for the reader to decide whether they believe or not.
I personally can’t watch Uncanny on the tv or listen to the podcast (but I’d like to try now I’ve read this) so I loved still being able to feel involved through this book. The different areas of the paranormal were so interesting and the potential explanations just far fetched enough to suggest perhaps there is no way of proving ghosts and aliens don’t exist.
Spooky, informative and surprisingly funny, Into the Uncanny explores a range of stories from different people and their experiences with the paranormal and how many of them help to unearth new information to help similar cases. But it’s told in a way that leaves it open for the reader to decide whether they believe or not.
December 30, 2023
I tried to watch the TV program linked to this book, but couldn't get into it, which is a shame as I liked all things ghostly! I didn't realise it was initially done as a podcast, but saw the book and thought I would give it another go in book form! I fared slightly better with the book. I really enjoyed the beginnings of each investigation where we found out all about the paranormal goings on. The first one with the 'poltergeist' in the kitchen was great and left me feeling quite chilled by the end of the first chapter. I did find some of the talks, chats and descriptions a little long winded at times, going off track from the original investigation, and found myself skipping over some pages. I didn't dislike the book, and definitely enjoyed it more than when I watched the program, but I didn't love it either! I'm going to give the podcasts a go and see if get on any better with those!
April 15, 2024
I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5 because as much as I enjoyed it there were a couple of parts that were basically the exact same as the podcast - the todmorden ufo and some of the poltergeist discussions.
I really enjoyed the new case of the Italian poltergeists and some of the more in depth discussion of why we all have such an interest in ghosts. I was glad to hear that Danny came to it from a very similar experience to me in respect to panic attacks making you convinced that you’re about to die (and the fear of death that often accompanies that if you have no religion). Overall it filled a void while I wait for the new series of the podcast and I really enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed the new case of the Italian poltergeists and some of the more in depth discussion of why we all have such an interest in ghosts. I was glad to hear that Danny came to it from a very similar experience to me in respect to panic attacks making you convinced that you’re about to die (and the fear of death that often accompanies that if you have no religion). Overall it filled a void while I wait for the new series of the podcast and I really enjoyed it.
October 14, 2023
4.25*
If you like the Uncanny podcast, you'll certainly enjoy this! Into the Uncanny features cases which aren't covered in the series, and Danny Robins is a great story teller. Danny also talks about his own life and beliefs in the book and covers some history - I found the section about ouija boards really interesting. I'd recommend listening to the audiobook version.
If you like the Uncanny podcast, you'll certainly enjoy this! Into the Uncanny features cases which aren't covered in the series, and Danny Robins is a great story teller. Danny also talks about his own life and beliefs in the book and covers some history - I found the section about ouija boards really interesting. I'd recommend listening to the audiobook version.
November 15, 2023
I love the Uncanny podcast, so I naturally had to give the audiobook a try. I was thoroughly entertained, intrigued, and most importantly, extremely creeped out. I'm still probably more on the side of team sceptic, but I think whatever your stance, if you have any interest in the paranormal at all, you'll enjoy this book.
Bloody hell, Ken!!
Bloody hell, Ken!!
January 2, 2024
One of the most interesting books about parapsychology I’ve ever read. Deep look into both sides of both believers and skeptics whilst being respectful of both and never belittling or taking favour with one side. Still think I’m team skeptic but I’m definitely starting to lean towards team not sure.
December 17, 2025
Oops. This read like a film and my favourite podcast in book form! some really good writing from Robins too, I just loved the structure and how each chapter segued into the next. Not read something like it before!
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