A Place Both Wonderful and Strange: The Extraordinary Untold History of Twin Peaks

by Scott Meslow

For the first time, the complete history of David Lynch and Mark Frost’s Twin Peaks—from the landmark, original cult series that changed the course of television to its 25-years-in-the-making sequel—is told through fascinatingly detailed reporting and exclusive interviews with the show's cast and creators.

From its start, when studio executives drafted a plan to recoup costs after what they predicted would be the series' inevitable failure, to the 1992 prequel movie that earned scathing reviews at Cannes, to its unexpected and acclaimed return some twenty-five years later, Twin Peaks garnered millions of devoted fans who refused to let it die. 
 
In A Place Both Wonderful and Strange, entertainment reporter Scott Meslow takes readers behind the curtain of Lynch’s and Frost’s dedication to finishing what they started, with both the prequel film and Showtime’s Twin The Return, offering dozens of original and revelatory interviews that cast a whole new light on the extraordinary show. Twin Peaks fans will discover how hard the mercurial Lynch and affable Frost fought impatient ABC execs (ultimately losing) to keep Laura Palmer’s murder unsolved, as well as the omerta-like secrecy around the filming of the show. For a series that left as many questions unanswered as answered, Meslow’s deep reporting will give readers a new perspective, detailing scenes left on the cutting–room floor and how Season Two’s finale stunned and infuriated studio execs in what Mark Frost calls “a defiant middle finger to what they [studio executives] thought the show should be.” 

The influence of Twin Peaks is inescapable. It’s hard to imagine prestige television like True Detective, Severance, and so many other shows in this genre could exist without Lynch and Frost’s visionary brilliance. With David Lynch's passing in 2025, there may never be another return to the quirky, mysterious, and unforgettable town of Twin Peaks, but A Place Both Wonderful and Strange serves as testament to the impact it had on the world.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Film, Audiobook, History, Tv, Media Tie In

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2026

About the author

Scott Meslow is a writer, editor, and critic with over 10 years of experience on the entertainment and culture beat. He writes for publications including GQ, Vulture, The Atlantic, and The Week. His portfolio includes profiles, Q&As, reported features, film and TV reviews, podcasts, and pretty much anything else you might need somebody to write.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published February 22, 2026.

5 stars

An overall look at all the Twin Peaks programs m, the original series, the movie, “Fire Walk With Me,” and the miniseries “Twin Peaks: The Return” as well as supplemental information from some of the authorized books, all of which make up the canon. I’m a longtime fan so I’m loved this review of everything, a reminder of what I had for gotten and some explanation of things that I never understood.

If you’ve never heard of Twin Peaks….well, you are likely not reading this review. But if you’ve never heard are Ford Prefect and this is how you’ve chosen to get your information…bad choice, and, it began as a TV where FBI agent Dale Cooper was investigating the murder of high school beauty queen Laura Palmer in the incredibly weird town of Twin Peaks, Washington. Because the show was coming from David Lynch and Mark Frost and because ABC was the last place network, ABC was willing to roll the dice and see what happened. The wild show only lasted two years but built up an enormous cult following leading to the prequel feature film and, twenty-five years later (and JUST as predicted in the original series yougottaloveit) an eighteen episode return to TV with the original creators and many of the same stars.

The book discusses the development of all the projects, casting, how future projects came about, the progression of stories, everything’s fan could want. Naturally it’s chock full of spoilers, don’t read it if you haven’t experienced the wonders of this television experiment for yourself. I really enjoyed it and can see myself rereading it,

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

5* 😭 I’ve watched the Twin Peaks series and Fire Walk With Me film numerous times and still struggle with some of the interpretations. This book has huge amounts of behind the scenes information, cast interviews, theories and conspiracies which massively helps with understanding everything properly. Have to do another re-watch now after this in depth analysis 😂 Also love that the publication date was on National Twin Peaks Day.


“If there’s one hundred people in the audience, you’re going to get one hundred different interpretations, especially when things get abstract,” said Lynch. “It’s beautiful. Everybody’s a detective and whatever they come up with is valid in my mind.” Frost agrees. “Why would you want there to be only one interpretation to what you do? What is the benefit of that?” he says.
🦉🪵🌲🍒🥧☕️

[Sacha · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Were you drawn to this title? This cover? If so, you likely already love _Twin Peaks_, and so it will give you great pleasure to reminisce, learn details you've not yet encountered, and spend a little time with all of your favorite creeps, characters, Lynchian icons, and folks who've haunted your dreams and nightmares (Bob) for the past...gird your loins...35 years. I don't know where the time has gone, but I do know that those of us who started laying the groundwork for generations of Reddit sleuths in our obsession with the central iconic question - "Who killed Laura Palmer?" - were all impacted by the experience and that there's not been anything like it since.

For fans of the show and for fans of Lynch (I can't imagine that there can be much separation between these since they seem inextricably tied), this book is a gift. It is full of explanation not just of plot points for a notoriously esoteric show but also of all of the details surrounding casting and plotting, prequels and sequels, specific actors' and crew members' insights, and so much more. Like all of Lynch's work, _Twin Peaks_ and its offshoots are full of iconic images, unforgettable music, and the most bizarre twists and explanations, and this book took me right back into the heart of so many of the things I love about the original experience. I also learned so much new material, including but not limited to some unforgettable content about Sheryl Lee's relationship to Laura Palmer.

While I'm a die-hard fan of Lynch and of the show in all of its iterations, acolyte status is not required to understand and appreciate this book. Super fans can go deeper and those who always wondered what the fuss was about can get all the tea (maybe...all the coffee and donuts is more apt here) that they've been missing.

I can't find enough ways to celebrate Lynch and his work, and this book gave me another great opportunity to do that and to, you know, give myself a present.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Running Press Adult for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

**Also, thanks to Hachette Audio for the alc, which is excellent (and still these opinions are my own).

[Colby · Rating 4 out of 5]

scott meslow's A PLACE BOTH WONDERFUL AND STRANGE: THE EXTRAORDINARY UNTOLD HISTORY OF TWIN PEAKS is a beautifully intimate, thorough, and delightful examination of the creation and legacy of my favorite show of all time. it's influenced everything from the x-files to the legend of zelda: link's awakening, and hearing about how it all came together was an extraordinary experience. i can absolutely see myself revisiting this—it felt like coming home and seeing it in a whole new light. if you're at all a fan of twin peaks, i can't recommend this enough.

[Christine Bobby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my Twin Peaks loving heart, it’s happening again- this book was absolutely incredible. I came to love this series and David Lynch in the mid 2010’s and my obsession I fear has been reignited. This book truly does offer so much inside information that I had never heard or read before. I appreciated the rawness and not shying away from good moments as well as bad and ugly ones. The narrator of the audio book, Mark Turetsky, is able to captivate you and keep you interested. I blame his narration for making me finish this audiobook in pretty much a day. Also his David Lynch impersonation made my heart swell.

Thank you to Hachette Audio and Running Press Adult for the advanced copy!

[Olesya Gilmutdinova · Rating 2 out of 5]

The research is there I guess and I liked that the book gives Mark Frost well deserved credit and probably at times removes David Lynch from the center of it all. But the narration felt flat and boring to me, which isn't something I would expect about Twin Peaks, and I mostly found myself just wanting to finish it.

[Martin Maenza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Running Press provided an early galley for review.

I was a fan of this strange, haunting and unforgettable show from the week it debuted on network TV in April of 1990. Its moody and character-based storytelling left a major impression on me as a viewer, reader and writer.

Therefore, I was very eager to check out this new, behind-the-scenes look at the franchise with insights from those who were involved in bringing it to life. I felt that tingling chill as I read it, the same one that comes from watching the shows and film. Twin Peaks is just one of those things that does not let go once it has taken root. It will always be there for me.

I picked up a lot of new details from Meslow as he took me down the winding paths of decades past. One feature I especially appreciated was the character profiles that accompanied each of the chapters, shining spotlights on some of the pivotal players is this twisting tale.

I very much recommend it for fans.

[Kuzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Twin Peaks, this book was both intriguing and left me wanting more.

Having listened to the audiobook, I don't know how extensive the endnotes/citations are, nor is it clear if any of the interviews were done by the author or just gleaned from extensive research. Meslow seems to lean heavily on either conversations with or research on Mark Frost and there is little real insight from Lynch, which is a shame.

I watched the original series when it aired, saw Fire Walk with Me when it came out, and signed up for Showtime just to watch the Return. I had a copy of Lara Palmer's Diary.
I didn't not read any of Mark Frost's companion books nor obsessively comb the internet to gather every crumb of info I could - I don't think I even knew what the internet was when Twin Peaks first crashed into my life.
But I was hooked from the beginning. Not to say I wasn't always slightly confused and unsatisfied...along with many others. A Place Both Wonderful and Strange was a welcome look back on a world I once deeply loved. It was interesting to hear behind the scenes insights into various characters, plot devices and directorial choices.
On the whole a very interesting read and might inspire me to jump back in for another viewing, but also left me wanting a bit more...

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the advanced copy

[Jenah Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential for any Twin Peaks fan. I’m gonna be mulling some of these facts over in the red room.

[Kirsten D’Aversa]

making it my life’s mission to consume all the twin peaks content

[Cory Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read and overview of the history of Twin Peaks. I am fresh off a re-watch of the series, and this made for a great bookend to all of that. It doesn't go into details of the show's story itself, which is fine, but rather focuses on the creation and experiences around Twin Peaks.

[sylvia ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

{ received an arc of the book }

It’s definitely a great book for fans of Twin Peaks and David Lynch himself.

I’m somewhere in the middle. I liked all the insights and additional context added to the production and story of Twin Peaks. The book presents everything in a coherent way, retelling the entire story chronologically while adding useful background information.

However, there isn’t much valuable commentary, which I kind of expected. Lynch is described as a genius artist, but at times he comes across as simply lucky, making things up as he went along. Some of the quotes from the actors also sounded, to me, like he has overstepped boundaries.

[Nichole Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.]

Some time last year, I read a book about the making of one of my favorite movies, one that came out in the late seventies. I was so excited to read that book and so disappointed that not only did it not give me any of the behind-the-scenes stories that I wanted but it also lacked any of the nostalgic feelings I wanted to experience.

This is decidedly NOT the case with Meslow’s look at the cultural phenomenon of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks.

This book is a love letter to Twin Peaks. Every page of Laura Palmer’s secret diary, every recorded message to Diane, every message from the Log. All of it is sacrosanct and treated with the veneration of someone who understands the devotion of legions of wannabe denizens of the wonderfully strange world of Twin Peaks.

This is the history of the making of the series and connected film. It walks the reader through the process of creating it all, allowing a lovingly voyeuristic look behind the red curtain. Even troubles and issues felt and faced by those involved are treated with gentle respect and empathy. Additional anecdotes about characters and their respective actors further welcomes avid fans into the part of the world not seen on screen.

Did it leave me wanting more? Of course. But not in an unfinished way. It made me want to watch the entire series all over again with new insights and perspective.

And that is exactly what a love letter to something treasured should do. It should make you want to experience the magic all over again.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the years since David Lynch and Mark Frost’s Twin Peaks first assaulted a television viewing audience way back in 1990, there have been numerous books published on the subject. From fiction tie-ins, like the best-selling The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer (which was pseudonymously written by Lynch’s daughter, filmmaker/writer Jennifer Lynch) or The Autobiography of FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper (pseudonymously written by Scott Frost, brother of co-creator/co-writer Mark), to canonical fiction by Mark Frost himself. Then there are the many non-fiction studies and fan extravaganzas of Peaks—academic analyses in book form, a regular fanzine (Wrapped in Plastic), and more.

For a primetime television show that was canceled after two seasons, the cult phenomenon of Twin Peaks, like the character Laura Palmer, just didn’t want to completely die. Folks were still asking “Who killed Laura Palmer?” long after the answer had been revealed. Phrases like “Let’s rock!” and “That gum you like is going to come back in style” became codes for fans around the world.

In 1992, Lynch directed a prequel film, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, which might have been the final nail in the coffin, despite annual pilgrimages by enthusiasts to the Washington State locations where the pilot and film were made, and continuing publications and online discussions and debates. Then, miraculously, in 2017, a little over twenty-five years later, a third season of Twin Peaks appeared on Showtime, an epic movie divided into eighteen hour-long episodes, directed by Lynch himself. This was alternatively titled Twin Peaks: A Limited Event Series or Twin Peaks: The Return. For many fans of the filmmaker, this remarkable work of art has been called a summation of Lynch’s career. Eerily, at the end of the season two finale, the spectral form of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee), sitting in the mysterious “Red Room,” tells Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan), “I’ll see you again in twenty-five years.” And she did!

Now we have this highly readable and engaging tome by Scott Meslow, A Place Both Wonderful and Strange, which is a blow-by-blow history of the making of all the various cogs of Twin Peaks. Note that this is not one of those academic analysis books, a “what does it all mean?” type of work that dominates most of the non-fiction bibliography on Peaks. Nor is it a complete “episode guide” (something fans sorely need that hasn’t really been done yet). Instead, this is a behind-the-scenes account of how it all began, followed by the evolution (and de-evolution) of the various incarnations of Twin Peaks.

The book starts with David Lynch meeting Mark Frost, of course, and how they worked together for at least a year before the idea for the series, then called Northwest Passage, made it to a pitch-worthy level. We go through the jumping to different networks, finally landing at ABC for a development deal and the subsequent making of the glorious pilot episode. We learn how a European feature film was part of that deal and how a tagged-on “ending,” the footage of which was later used in an episode of the first season, was utilized for that purpose.

Meslow takes the reader through the various stages of seasons one and two and how the show was a huge success at first. But the author documents the network sabotaging the second season so that the series would ultimately fail. Why did they do that? The “talking heads” in the book—interviewees like co-producers/writers/directors Harley Peyton and Robert Engels, as well as Mark Frost himself—are candid in their speculative theories. (Sorry, Lynch did not participate in the creation of the book prior to his untimely death in early 2025.)

But as we know, Twin Peaks saw resurrection in two more lives in the feature film and the third season—and Meslow details these steps, all the way to the end.

Only at times does Meslow offer his own interpretation of some of the storylines, especially in The Return. But he acknowledges that it has always been both Lynch’s and Frost’s desire that the audience make up their own minds “what it all means.” Nevertheless, this turning back the red curtain to see the radical and unorthodox inner workings of Twin Peaks is fascinating.

Both wonderful and strange indeed. There was nothing like Twin Peaks in all its forms, and Meslow tallies how it changed television. Many imitations attempted to usurp its haunting power. There is a good argument to proclaim that much of today’s streaming content would not exist without the groundbreaking experiment that was Peaks.

Including an insightful Introduction by Harley Peyton, Scott Meslow’s history of the Twin Peaks sensation is a fan’s delight. Highly recommended.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Running Press for an advance copy of this book that looks at the creation, history, and legacy of a show that gave rise to many catch phrases, points of reference, started a few careers, nearly a ended a few careers, and even after all this time still stirs people to question and wonder about what they have seen, and who did what to whom.

I have a strong memory of seeing ads for a new show that seemed interesting on of all things ABC, which I don't think I really watched much. Or maybe I did, how else did I see the ads in those pre-streaming Internet watching days. I'm not sure how familiar I was with David Lynch. Dune was a favorite of mine, a few others. I don't think I saw Elephant Man. Maybe Blue Velvet. However I was a pretentious teen, so probably was aware. I watched it in the family room, on the big cathode television with my parents and I assume my brother, though I don't remember. Here's where my memories turn. I remember lots of noise, boisterous noise, people saying I love this part, this is awesome, et cetera. So another viewing, maybe with friends has pushed its way into to my first viewing, tainting the memory. Or not, I don't know. Does this change my long interest in the show, not really. I wish I could remember it clearly. Almost as much as I wish I understood every second of every episode, the movie, and the Return. Memory like understanding is fallible. Thankfully I have this book, to help me remember, to learn more about my favorite show, and to maybe understand. Or not. A Place Both Wonderful and Strange: The Extraordinary Untold History of Twin Peaks by journalist , fan and writer Scott Meslow is an in-depth study of this influential show, a show not without its oddness and problems, but one that changed the ideas of what television could do, creating a legacy of questions and puzzles, and a cool new term "Lynchian".

Television in the late eighties and nineties, was not something considered prestige entertainment as many have said. TV was where one got started, or returned when the career was over. For every good show, there were hundreds that came and went, without a Neilsen point to even show they existed. Into this untapped wasteland came a director who had hit both his highs and lows, from The Elephant Man, to Dune, the director David Lynch. Lynch and television writer Mark Frost began working on a series of ideas, from weird to conventional. One of the ideas became a mystery, a mystery that might never be solved. And idea that gained a supporter at ABC, who needed something to show they were still around. Twin Peaks hit like a bomb, with a stylish look, story, and a mystery that won a huge following. A mystery that ultimately killed the show. Or at least had a part in it. The book follows all these moments, from sketches in a diner about the town of Twin Peaks, to casting, writing, and the many problems that arose. Meslow covers all the different forms the show took, different endings for Europe, the movie, and the scenes that were cut. Reruns that offered prologues and explanation, and the Return, which will probably be the last word on the series.

I loved this book. Meslow is an excellent writer and researcher, gathering tons of stories, tales of casting, problems on set, and whispers in the boardrooms. Meslow is a fan, but does not let that overwhelm his writing, not being excessively nerdy, nor beholden to the work. Meslow is quick to share obvious problems, creators who were distracted, how the show meandered a little too much. However it is the stories told by the cast, that really gives the book its heart. Stories of actors working to the end of their lives, of happy accidents that made the show what it was. And Meslow adds his own interpretation of what the show means, which I found interesting.

A great book for fans of the show, and David Lynch. Also a great book on creativity. The little accidents that made the show. Never settleing for what could be, always being open to new things. Even if it involves a pig. A book I did not want to see end. One that I will be thinking about for quite a while. I look forward to whatever Scott Meslow writes next.

[mirela ✩₊˚. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would personally like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an audiobook copy of A Place Both Wonderful and Strange! Listening to it genuinely took me back to last year, when I walked out of the theatre after watching Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me for the first time, completely numb and on the verge of tears after witnessing such an incredible, yet torturous performance.

It’s no secret that Twin Peaks is by far my favourite piece of media, whether in the form of the television show, the film, or the books that expand its universe. I love knowing that a series that took the world by storm in the 90s continues to influence mainstream media today. Its presence hasn’t faded but rather it has evolved and remained culturally relevant decades later, with people such as my parents still questioning who killed Laura Palmer each time I mention the serious to them.

One thing that becomes very clear in this book is just how incredibly specific David Lynch’s creative process is. Nothing is accidental. Even the smallest details, like the exact shade of lipstick worn by Diane, were custom-made because Lynch couldn’t find the precise tone he wanted. That obsessive attention to detail reinforces one of the book’s central ideas: in Twin Peaks, nothing is random. Everything serves a purpose, even if the audience doesn’t immediately understand it.

The book also highlights Lynch’s fascination with time, a theme that runs throughout the entire franchise. From Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, which depicts the final week of Laura Palmer’s life, to the astonishing 25-year gap between season two and Twin Peaks: The Return, time itself becomes part of the narrative. Lynch deliberately lingers on mundane moments, slowing scenes down so viewers begin to question every gesture, every conversation, and every insignificant action.

What also becomes clear throughout the book is the world’s lasting fascination with Laura Palmer. Despite the fact that she is dead from the very first episode, Laura remains the emotional center of the entire story. Viewers feel an almost uncanny connection to her, piecing together fragments of her life through the memories, secrets, and grief of everyone around her. That narrative choice (building a series around someone who is already gone) makes her presence even more haunting. Laura isn’t just the mystery of Twin Peaks; she is its heart, the character whose absence shapes every storyline and whose life continues to captivate audiences decades later.

Reading about the making of Fire Walk with Me also changed the way I think about the film. Watching Laura Palmer experience relentless trauma throughout the movie is already emotionally overwhelming. Learning that Sheryl Lee immersed herself so deeply in the role that it reportedly took weeks for her to fully separate herself from the character afterward makes the performance feel even more haunting.

Personally, this book deepened my appreciation for the series. It clarified moments that once confused me when I first watched seasons one and two, and both of my rewatches of Fire Walk with Me. Even the chaotic season two finale, packed with an almost absurd number of cliffhangers after the network threatened cancellation, makes far more sense once you understand the behind-the-scenes circumstances.

The book also made me even more curious about The Return, which I still haven’t watched. I feel that each piece of the Twin Peaks trifecta deserves to be appreciated in its own time. While I won’t wait 25 years to watch it like most viewers did, I want to sit with the original story a little longer before continuing.

Ultimately, A Place Both Wonderful and Strange reads like a love letter to the most dedicated fans of Twin Peaks, the viewers who question everything and trust nothing. At times the book can feel slightly repetitive, but it remains an incredibly thorough and insightful account of how Twin Peaks transformed television. I absolutely loved this and it made me adore Frost's and Lynch's minds more than I already do.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook grabbed me like BOB in a ceiling corner and did not let go. I hit play out of curiosity and ended up emotionally speed-walking through three decades of trauma, triumph, canceled contracts, and caffeinated chaos. A Place Both Wonderful and Strange is not just a behind-the-scenes tell-all. It’s a séance, a reckoning, and a love letter to every single one of us who spent high school staring into a snow-static TV screen whispering, “It is happening again.”

Scott Meslow knows his assignment, and oh baby, he delivers. This isn’t some soulless trivia dump or a dusty archive slog. It’s smart, juicy, and weird in all the right ways. Like, one minute you’re learning how close the studio came to scrapping the Red Room entirely, and the next, you're knee-deep in a hauntingly personal anecdote about Sheryl Lee and the way she embodied Laura Palmer like it was a holy possession. I had feelings, okay?

And speaking of possession, Mark Turetsky’s narration is perfectly eerie and grounded, like if Agent Cooper and an NPR host had a love child raised in the Black Lodge. He’s calm but in it emotionally, which is essential, because there are parts of this story that are straight-up infuriating. Like the execs at ABC who were basically allergic to mystery and demanded Laura’s murder be solved faster than you can say “damn fine coffee.” The fact that Lynch and Frost almost got away with keeping it unsolved? I needed to lie down.

The lore is thick, the tea is hot, and the vibes are aggressively Lynchian. I could taste the donuts. Meslow takes you all the way from diner napkin sketches to the existential fever dream that was The Return, and somehow it all makes sense. Or rather, it feels like it makes sense, which is very on-brand for this show. This isn’t just a greatest hits collection. There’s fresh stuff here. Scene cuts. Alternate endings. Actor memories that cracked my heart open and poured creamed corn straight into my soul.

What I really didn’t expect was how emotional I got hearing about Lynch’s relationship with this world, especially now that he's passed. There’s a reverence in how the story is told, but also a clear-eyed honesty about his flaws, his obsessions, and how often he dipped out entirely to vibe with some floating cowboy metaphor only he understood. And yet, no one else could have made this show. No one else would have dared.

Also, can we talk about how this book lowkey vindicates Season Two? Like yes, it got weird (even for this show), but hearing how much interference was happening behind the scenes made me way more forgiving about the pine weasels and the narrative detours into soap opera hell. Honestly, Meslow could’ve just played us a dramatic reading of Kyle MacLachlan’s agent saying “he’s not doing nudity” and I would’ve ascended straight into the woods.

And then. THEN. There’s The Return chapters. I gasped. I raged. I clutched my metaphorical log. They made the secret final scene without telling Showtime. The actual executives didn’t know how it ended until they were watching it on air. That’s pure uncut chaos and I respect it so deeply.

Look, if Twin Peaks was your coming-of-age church, this book is Sunday service with behind-the-scenes communion wine and a sermon from someone who GETS IT. And if you were confused by half of it (hi, welcome), this book gently takes your hand and says, “Shhh. You weren’t meant to understand. Just feel it.” And I did. I really, really did.

Huge thanks to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the ALC. I owe you one cherry pie and three existential breakdowns.

[Kalee-BooksAndBlather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley for an ALC. I was in high school when Twin Peaks first aired. I taped the show on VHS and watched it multiple times for hidden clues. I received Laura Palmer's Diary for a Christmas present my freshman year of college. Kyle MacLachlan and Michael Ontkean (in the roles of Agent Cooper and Sheriff Truman) were on my college dorm wall via a poster. My point being, I love this show and am I die hard fan.

The book is a complete history of the creation of the show. It covers the initial collaboration between David Lynch and Mark Frost. Discussions with tv Networks and production. The book gives us behind the scenes information including the casting process, plot development, script writing and directing.

The book is written in a chronological fashion covering Seasons One and Two, the film, Fire Walk with Me and lands at The Return 2017. The author also takes us through the entire plot of Twin Peaks with commentary on each timeline, actor interaction and what was going on with the overall production.

I found this book to be incredibly thorough and very well researched. There was an abundance of new information that I was unaware of and I really enjoyed learning about the relationship between Frost and Lynch.

The narration of the audiobook narrator, Mark Turetsky was wonderful. When quotes from Dave Lynch occurred, he altered his voice and sounded remarkably like him.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Twin Peaks. It's a wonderful reference novel and an overall great read for Twin Peaks addicts. I'm excited to meet the author when he appears in Minnesota at a book signing. I'm looking forward to buying a physical copy of the book with his inscription. Now, go get some coffee, a good piece of pie and buy this book. You won't regret it.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I have no idea where this will lead us, but I have a definite feeling it will be a place both wonderful and strange"
- Dale Cooper, S02E18

Fans of Twin Peaks, you do not want to miss this.

Author Scott Meslow takes readers behind the scenes of the iconic TV show tracing things back to its inception by creators David Lynch and Mark Frost, and detailing everything from character creation to storylines that never were, as well as the insane plot detours thanks to those pesky meddling TV execs at the time.

I really enjoyed how in-depth this went with quotes from the creators and the actors, it was really interesting to read the differing views they all had on the characters and plots, and what they each thought was truly going on in the scary, unrelenting space that is Twin Peaks. My favourite parts were the character breakdown chapters that focused on one particular character at a time.

🎧 I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mark Turetsky, who really added to the Twin Peaks-like atmosphere with his way of enunciating. I kept finding excuses to get my headphones in and listen (many hours long walks were had in the devouring of this 😂).

This one's for the fans!
...also, as someone who really struggled with The Return I truly appreciated the insights from the cast and crew on what was happening there, as well as author Scott Meslow's interpretations.

Thanks to Netgalley for the audio ARC!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I possibly say about this book—and about Twin Peaks itself? I’m always drawn to anything that offers new interpretations, fresh ideas, or helps connect the scattered stars of this ever-divine universe just a little more clearly.

The author devotes significant attention to Fire Walk with Me, which I have always felt is the true heart and soul of Twin Peaks—and of Laura Palmer. Even better, the book thoughtfully weaves in The Return and The Missing Pieces, creating a rich and comprehensive exploration of the entire story. It feels complete in a way that honors every phase of Lynch’s vision.

I especially appreciated the behind-the-scenes insights, from the fascinating casting decisions to the frustrating reality of television executives who, at the time, were too short-sighted to allow Lynch to fully realize his vision on the small screen.
As painful as it was for fans, I agree with those who say the series needed to end when it did in Season 2. That ending gave Lynch the space to create Fire Walk with Me—to give Laura her voice, her agency, and ultimately, her salvation.

To me, The Return feels like the true continuation of Season 2, picking up with our fractured and fascinating versions of Cooper and carrying the story forward in the way it was always meant to be told.
If you are a fan of Lynch or Twin Peaks, this book is absolutely worth your time. And if you’re reading this review, I suspect you already are!

Thanks to Net Galley and Hachette Audio for the free audio book!

[IJR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Twin Peaks, this book was both intriguing and left me wanting more.

Having listened to the audiobook, I don't know how extensive the endnotes/citations are, nor is it clear if any of the interviews were done by the author or just gleaned from extensive research. Meslow seems to lean heavily on either conversations with or research on Mark Frost and there is little real insight from Lynch, which is a shame.

I watched the original series when it aired, saw Fire Walk with Me when it came out, and signed up for Showtime just to watch the Return. I had a copy of Lara Palmer's Diary.
I didn't not read any of Mark Frost's companion books nor obsessively comb the internet to gather every crumb of info I could - I don't think I even knew what the internet was when Twin Peaks first crashed into my life.
But I was hooked from the beginning. Not to say I wasn't always slightly confused and unsatisfied...along with many others. A Place Both Wonderful and Strange was a welcome look back on a world I once deeply loved. It was interesting to hear behind the scenes insights into various characters, plot devices and directorial choices.
On the whole a very interesting read and might inspire me to jump back in for another viewing, but also left me wanting a bit more...

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the advanced copy

[John Schorg · Rating 3 out of 5]

That Twin Peaks still maintains a grip on people more than 30 years after it aired on TV is a testament to its power and vivid imagination. A look back at the series is welcome, but the big drawback here is that the author is a staunch member of The Church of David Lynch, so critical thought is a secondary consideration. The series was great in its initial season, but trailed off badly after the mystery of Laura Palmer's death was solved. The idea that Lynch and co-creator Mark Frost might not have been as interested as before is given scant attention. Instead, we return to a common theme of Lynch's work: that gaps in storytelling and dead spots in the plots are more a failing on your part rather than faults of the director. It would be nice to see a better look at that issue of dream logic, as well as the director's treatment of female characters in much of his work. Lynch was one of the better directors of the past 50 years -- The Elephant Man, the first season of Twin Peaks, The Straight Story, and, above all, Mulholland Dr., are works of art -- and he deserves a more thorough examination that what is found here.

[Dani Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this audiobook on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

I am unequivocally a Twin Peaks fan. But while have watched the original series, the movie and “The Return” as well as read both dossiers and Laura Palmer’s diary I can’t say I know a lot of the behind the scenes information. This book filled in all of that and more. I really enjoyed the way it was broken down in order of production and also devoting chapters to individual characters. While this is a non fiction it is not dull and dry by any means. The narrator of the audiobook did a great job as well. I finished it in about a week and a half.

I would certainly recommend this to any Twin Peaks fan seasoned or otherwise. Really anyone who is a fan of television and movies would enjoy the behind the scenes information and a small look into the creative process of such a ground breaking show.

I will now be rewatching the entire series (for the third or fourth time)

[Trine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it one thing I love more than anything in the world it's reading about my favourite shows and movies and how they were made, call it missing studying film (I have a masters in film studies and I'm forever proud of that and longing back there). So when a book like this comes around promising to give even more information than is already available, about TWIN PEAKS my all time favourite show this became a 6 star read right away. I learned some stuff I never knew, I cried because the pain in loosing some of these brilliant actors and Twin Peaks collaborators still hurts me, but most of all it fed that hunger of knowing more that's been alive in me since watching that brilliant show. I love how the author writes it and what he has decided to include. I just loved everything about this and I might be biased, but damn it, it was a damn fine book. Please read it if you've seen this amazing show, it's a treat.

[Chelsea Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was worried that some of this would be too in-depth for a medium level fan, but I thoroughly enjoyed this!

Meslow shares how the show began and behind the scenes look at each character's development. I learned a lot about the story and I was really fascinated to hear how the actors worked with David Lynch. Twin Peaks has a vibe that cannot be beat.

I had a few other audiobooks available at the same time but I kept putting this one on to find out more. It's definitely piqued my interest more to rewatch again!

The narrator, Mark Turetsky, has a good voice and even managed to sound like Lynch a couple times. I think avid fans will be really happy with this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Scott Meslow, Mark Turetsky, and Hachette Audio for the opportunity to read the book. I have written this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Paula Kitsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1990 I remember being so young, young enough that I should not have been watching this. I even remember that we had the episodes set to tape on our VHS, because I was already in bed when it came on. That did not stop me from falling in love with Frost and Lynch’s fictional town of Twin Peaks. I even went to the bookstore to purchase Laura Palmers Diary, went to the movies to see Fire walk with me and when the reboot came I couldn’t wait to have the house to myself to sit and devour this final chapter.
With all that said, I truly believe this opened my eyes to so many things I really missed…. This series was meant to be binge watched so that you could follow the loose threads through time to connect what was truly the genius behind this series.
I loved the back story, the things we never knew and as I clutch my diary of Laura Palmer I vow to rewatch it all with a renewed passion.

[Critter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.

I have actually never watched Twin Peaks. I definitely know of its impacts and its popularity. I do find this book very easy to get into and go along with. This book examines the impacts, reception, and legacy of this show. I really enjoyed listening to this book. The narrator did a fantastic job with this book. Meslow does a really good job with his analysis of the show. I thought it was very interesting and I liked getting to see how the actors interacted with the material as well. It also discussed some of the aspects of the show that just were not great. It ended up feeling a bit more honest about the show. I overall really enjoyed this book and getting to know about the production of Twin Peaks.

[Sammie Amidon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Scott Meslow, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of A Place Both Wonderful And Strange, publishing tomorrow (February 17, 2026). This informative book centers around the production of Twin Peaks throughout its many iterations. With researched quotes from many actors from the saga, Meslow is sure to include multiple perspectives. I appreciated the recap of the series, The Return, and Fire Walk with Me, and liked how certain aspects were explained while others left up to the imagination (as Lynch and Frost no doubt preferred). This book is a must-read for any fan of Twin Peaks, especially those who like to go back and rewatch for easter eggs. 5 stars from this Peaks Freak.

[Charlene (pageandplace) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧I got the opportunity to listen to this definitive history of Twin Peaks told by entertainment reporter Scott Meslow.
Narrated by Mark Turetsky this book showcases the landmark cult television series told through reporting and interviews with cast members and creators.

As a child who watched episodes in secret over the back of a couch, I was so excited to read this behind the scenes/ insider history of the show. An absolute classic with quirky characters and a town that was beyond mysterious it was a must read for any fan of the show! It way fascinating getting to read about the history of Twin Peaks.

Thank you to the author, Scott Meslow and Hachette Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book. I received a gifted copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Kat Ninteau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

A Place Both Wonderful and Strange is a look into the World of Twin Peaks. Twin Peaks is my favorite tv series of all time and this book made me feel warm and fuzzy inside in a way that surprised me. Everything I’ve ever read about David Lynch has left me wondering if he was the only good man in the film industry. This book brings a lot of fun facts to the table that I didn’t know about the creation of the show and how Lynch worked with Mark Frost and the cast to bring the story of Laura Palmer to life. Definitely would recommend to any fan of the show or Lynch in general.