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Monsters of the Pacific Northwest: Stories About Bigfoot, Sea Serpents, and Other Legendary Creatures
Read 22 chilling stories, written by two paranormal investigators, about reportedly true encounters with monsters in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
A pastor’s afternoon hike takes a horrifying turn when a creature follows him home and terrorizes his family. A woman’s routine drive becomes a heart-pounding encounter when a Sasquatch chases a deer into the path of her car. A child’s innocent night games go from sporty to sinister when a Wendigo stalks him from the shadows. The Pacific Northwest’s history includes several unimaginable encounters with legendary creatures. This collection of “ghost stories” presents the creepiest, most surprising tales of monsters in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Authors Jessica Freeburg and Natalie Fowler are active paranormal investigators with a shared fascination for things that go bump in the night. The professional writers spent countless hours combing the region for the strangest and scariest run-ins with the unexplained.
Horror fans and history buffs will delight in these 22 terrifying tales. They’re based on reportedly true accounts, proving that the Pacific Northwest is the setting for some of the most unsettling monster tales ever told. The short stories are ideal for quick reading, and they are sure to captivate even the most reluctant of readers. Share them with friends around a campfire, or try them alone at home—if you dare.
A pastor’s afternoon hike takes a horrifying turn when a creature follows him home and terrorizes his family. A woman’s routine drive becomes a heart-pounding encounter when a Sasquatch chases a deer into the path of her car. A child’s innocent night games go from sporty to sinister when a Wendigo stalks him from the shadows. The Pacific Northwest’s history includes several unimaginable encounters with legendary creatures. This collection of “ghost stories” presents the creepiest, most surprising tales of monsters in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Authors Jessica Freeburg and Natalie Fowler are active paranormal investigators with a shared fascination for things that go bump in the night. The professional writers spent countless hours combing the region for the strangest and scariest run-ins with the unexplained.
Horror fans and history buffs will delight in these 22 terrifying tales. They’re based on reportedly true accounts, proving that the Pacific Northwest is the setting for some of the most unsettling monster tales ever told. The short stories are ideal for quick reading, and they are sure to captivate even the most reluctant of readers. Share them with friends around a campfire, or try them alone at home—if you dare.
136 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2025
3 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 30, 2025
Rating: 4* of five
The Publisher Says: Read 22 chilling stories, written by two paranormal investigators, about reportedly true encounters with monsters in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
A pastor’s afternoon hike takes a horrifying turn when a creature follows him home and terrorizes his family. A woman’s routine drive becomes a heart-pounding encounter when a Sasquatch chases a deer into the path of her car. A child’s innocent night games go from sporty to sinister when a Wendigo stalks him from the shadows. The Pacific Northwest’s history includes several unimaginable encounters with legendary creatures. This collection of “ghost stories” presents the creepiest, most surprising tales of monsters in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Authors Jessica Freeburg and Natalie Fowler are active paranormal investigators with a shared fascination for things that go bump in the night. The professional writers spent countless hours combing the region for the strangest and scariest run-ins with the unexplained.
Horror fans and history buffs will delight in these 22 terrifying tales. They’re based on reportedly true accounts, proving that the Pacific Northwest is the setting for some of the most unnerving monster tales ever told. The short stories are ideal for quick reading, and they are sure to captivate even the most reluctant of readers. Share them with friends around a campfire or try them alone at home—if you dare.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Exactly the same formula as the author duos other browsing or traveling books. Tales of cryptids, monsters, oddball stuff, designed to entertain anyone over a sixth-grade reading level. Challenging vocabulary is about the critters themselves, so is explained in the text.
Going to Seattle, Portland, Yakima, Vancouver? Give the kid this book for the trip.
It's not a huge investment, the series looks fine on a tablet or ereader, and who knows? Might keep kid plus siblings quiet!
The Publisher Says: Read 22 chilling stories, written by two paranormal investigators, about reportedly true encounters with monsters in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
A pastor’s afternoon hike takes a horrifying turn when a creature follows him home and terrorizes his family. A woman’s routine drive becomes a heart-pounding encounter when a Sasquatch chases a deer into the path of her car. A child’s innocent night games go from sporty to sinister when a Wendigo stalks him from the shadows. The Pacific Northwest’s history includes several unimaginable encounters with legendary creatures. This collection of “ghost stories” presents the creepiest, most surprising tales of monsters in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Authors Jessica Freeburg and Natalie Fowler are active paranormal investigators with a shared fascination for things that go bump in the night. The professional writers spent countless hours combing the region for the strangest and scariest run-ins with the unexplained.
Horror fans and history buffs will delight in these 22 terrifying tales. They’re based on reportedly true accounts, proving that the Pacific Northwest is the setting for some of the most unnerving monster tales ever told. The short stories are ideal for quick reading, and they are sure to captivate even the most reluctant of readers. Share them with friends around a campfire or try them alone at home—if you dare.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Exactly the same formula as the author duos other browsing or traveling books. Tales of cryptids, monsters, oddball stuff, designed to entertain anyone over a sixth-grade reading level. Challenging vocabulary is about the critters themselves, so is explained in the text.
Going to Seattle, Portland, Yakima, Vancouver? Give the kid this book for the trip.
It's not a huge investment, the series looks fine on a tablet or ereader, and who knows? Might keep kid plus siblings quiet!
October 29, 2025
Super short fun little collection of like campfire stories about sightings of various PNW cryptids. My only gripe was the number of stories that were about someone just telling someone else a story. I found that much less engaging than the direct stories of what people saw.
July 5, 2025
Book Review: Monsters of the Pacific Northwest by Jessica Freeburg & Natalie Fowler
Rating: 4.7/5
Jessica Freeburg and Natalie Fowler’s Monsters of the Pacific Northwest is a masterclass in blending folklore, paranormal investigation, and regional history into a spine-tingling anthology. As someone fascinated by cryptids and the eerie allure of the Pacific Northwest, I devoured this book with equal parts scholarly curiosity and childlike thrill—though a few missed analytical opportunities kept it from perfection.
Strengths & Emotional Reactions
The authors’ dual expertise as researchers and storytellers elevates this beyond typical campfire tales. Their retellings of encounters—from the well-known (Bigfoot stalking Mount St. Helens) to the obscure (the Basket Ogress of Seattle)—are immersive, weaving primary sources like newspaper clippings with vivid, cinematic prose. The story of the Wendigo in Ashton, Idaho, left me genuinely unsettled, its psychological horror lingering long after reading.
What sets this apart is its respect for cultural context. The inclusion of Indigenous legends (e.g., Baxbakwalanuxsiwae and Amhuluk) adds depth, acknowledging the region’s rich oral traditions. The aquatic monsters section—featuring Colossal Claude and the Wallowa Lake serpent—was a standout, merging maritime mystery with ecological wonder. I also appreciated the geographic specificity, which grounds each tale in real landscapes, making the supernatural feel unnervingly plausible.
Constructive Criticism
While the narrative style is gripping, I wished for:
-Deeper analysis of why these legends persist—e.g., ties to environmental anxiety or colonial displacement.
-More diverse perspectives; some Indigenous stories feel briefly summarized compared to Euro-American accounts.
-Visual aids—maps or historical illustrations would’ve enriched the atmosphere (though the prose is vivid enough to compensate).
Why It Matters
This book is a treasure for:
-Cryptid enthusiasts craving well-researched, regional lore.
-Folklorists studying how modern media perpetuates monster myths.
-Travelers planning eerie road trips through the PNW’s misty forests and lakes.
Freeburg and Fowler’s passion for preserving these stories—without sensationalizing them—shines. Their restraint in labeling encounters true or hoax invites readers to ponder the human need for monsters.
Thank you to the publisher AdventureKEEN and Edelweiss for the advance copy. This is the rare horror anthology that educates as much as it terrifies.
Final Verdict:
Research: 5/5 (Meticulous sourcing, especially for obscure tales.)
Atmosphere: 5/5 (Dripping with Pacific Northwest gloom and grandeur.)
Originality: 4/5 (A few repetitive structures, but lesser-known cryptids dazzle.)
Academic Value: 4/5 (More cultural critique would’ve sealed the deal.)
A must-read for anyone who suspects the woods are watching—and a testament to how monsters shape the stories we tell about the wild.
Rating: 4.7/5
Jessica Freeburg and Natalie Fowler’s Monsters of the Pacific Northwest is a masterclass in blending folklore, paranormal investigation, and regional history into a spine-tingling anthology. As someone fascinated by cryptids and the eerie allure of the Pacific Northwest, I devoured this book with equal parts scholarly curiosity and childlike thrill—though a few missed analytical opportunities kept it from perfection.
Strengths & Emotional Reactions
The authors’ dual expertise as researchers and storytellers elevates this beyond typical campfire tales. Their retellings of encounters—from the well-known (Bigfoot stalking Mount St. Helens) to the obscure (the Basket Ogress of Seattle)—are immersive, weaving primary sources like newspaper clippings with vivid, cinematic prose. The story of the Wendigo in Ashton, Idaho, left me genuinely unsettled, its psychological horror lingering long after reading.
What sets this apart is its respect for cultural context. The inclusion of Indigenous legends (e.g., Baxbakwalanuxsiwae and Amhuluk) adds depth, acknowledging the region’s rich oral traditions. The aquatic monsters section—featuring Colossal Claude and the Wallowa Lake serpent—was a standout, merging maritime mystery with ecological wonder. I also appreciated the geographic specificity, which grounds each tale in real landscapes, making the supernatural feel unnervingly plausible.
Constructive Criticism
While the narrative style is gripping, I wished for:
-Deeper analysis of why these legends persist—e.g., ties to environmental anxiety or colonial displacement.
-More diverse perspectives; some Indigenous stories feel briefly summarized compared to Euro-American accounts.
-Visual aids—maps or historical illustrations would’ve enriched the atmosphere (though the prose is vivid enough to compensate).
Why It Matters
This book is a treasure for:
-Cryptid enthusiasts craving well-researched, regional lore.
-Folklorists studying how modern media perpetuates monster myths.
-Travelers planning eerie road trips through the PNW’s misty forests and lakes.
Freeburg and Fowler’s passion for preserving these stories—without sensationalizing them—shines. Their restraint in labeling encounters true or hoax invites readers to ponder the human need for monsters.
Thank you to the publisher AdventureKEEN and Edelweiss for the advance copy. This is the rare horror anthology that educates as much as it terrifies.
Final Verdict:
Research: 5/5 (Meticulous sourcing, especially for obscure tales.)
Atmosphere: 5/5 (Dripping with Pacific Northwest gloom and grandeur.)
Originality: 4/5 (A few repetitive structures, but lesser-known cryptids dazzle.)
Academic Value: 4/5 (More cultural critique would’ve sealed the deal.)
A must-read for anyone who suspects the woods are watching—and a testament to how monsters shape the stories we tell about the wild.
December 29, 2025
I enjoyed it! It's very interesting to read stories & sightings of these creatures of legends. Not every story included a sighting though- some were just about people repeating the legend to others- which wasn't very exciting and less believable. There also weren't any pictures of the creatures or newspaper clippings (even though several were said to be photographed & reported)- which made them slightly interesting.
The reason I'm giving this 4 stars is because after page 97, it jumped to page 107- right into stories from another book called "Monsters of the South". Poor, poor editing and/or publishers for printing such an egregious error and not having the forethought to Check Their Work before selling the book/s. I plan to return this to the bookstore tomorrow for either a properly published copy or my money back.
The reason I'm giving this 4 stars is because after page 97, it jumped to page 107- right into stories from another book called "Monsters of the South". Poor, poor editing and/or publishers for printing such an egregious error and not having the forethought to Check Their Work before selling the book/s. I plan to return this to the bookstore tomorrow for either a properly published copy or my money back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
I love a good mythical anthology, and bonus points for this being all in the PNW.
November 11, 2025
Absolutely nothingy and likely would not have been a favourite of mine when I was eight, which is how I judge these sorts of things.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews