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UFO Close Encounters: True Stories That Defy Explanation: Real-Life Sightings from Military, Pilots, Police, and Civilians Across the World
Are we alone in the universe? For thousands of credible witnesses, the answer is a resounding no.This gripping UFO book dives deep into 58 extraordinary close encounter cases—real-life sightings that shook the lives of those who experienced them. From decorated military officers to fighter jet pilots, from veteran police chiefs to everyday civilians, these stories span decades and continents. Among them is a brush with the unknown that defies logic, science, and explanation.
Inside this page-turner, you’ll
Military encounters with UFOs near nuclear facilities, including Minot Air Force Base (North Dakota, 1968), Loring Air Force Base (Maine, 1975), and Malmstrom Air Force Base (Montana, 1967).A gigantic unidentified craft shadowing Japan Airlines Flight 1628 over Alaska in 1986.Fighter jet pilots engaging mysterious, fast-moving objects over Tehran, Iran (1976), and along the Southern California coast (2004).Police officers confronting UFOs in the legendary Ohio “Great UFO Chase” (1966), the Alan Godfrey Incident in West Yorkshire, England (1980), and the Belgian Wave (1989).Mass sightings witnessed by hundreds—including the Tananarive sighting in Madagascar (1954), the Crestview School encounter in Florida (1967), the Westall incident in Melbourne, Australia (1966), and the Klondike Highway sighting in Yukon, Canada (1996).And countless other unsolved mysteries that continue to baffle investigators and ignite debate decades later.Unlike many alien books that focus on speculative fiction or alien abductions, this collection remains rooted in documented accounts—the kind of encounters that continue to confound skeptics and believers alike. Whether you're a curious newcomer or a longtime UFO enthusiast, UFO Close Encounters will challenge what you thought you knew and leave you What else is out there?
Perfect for fans of UFO and alien investigations, and true stories that blur the line between science and the supernatural.
Inside this page-turner, you’ll
Military encounters with UFOs near nuclear facilities, including Minot Air Force Base (North Dakota, 1968), Loring Air Force Base (Maine, 1975), and Malmstrom Air Force Base (Montana, 1967).A gigantic unidentified craft shadowing Japan Airlines Flight 1628 over Alaska in 1986.Fighter jet pilots engaging mysterious, fast-moving objects over Tehran, Iran (1976), and along the Southern California coast (2004).Police officers confronting UFOs in the legendary Ohio “Great UFO Chase” (1966), the Alan Godfrey Incident in West Yorkshire, England (1980), and the Belgian Wave (1989).Mass sightings witnessed by hundreds—including the Tananarive sighting in Madagascar (1954), the Crestview School encounter in Florida (1967), the Westall incident in Melbourne, Australia (1966), and the Klondike Highway sighting in Yukon, Canada (1996).And countless other unsolved mysteries that continue to baffle investigators and ignite debate decades later.Unlike many alien books that focus on speculative fiction or alien abductions, this collection remains rooted in documented accounts—the kind of encounters that continue to confound skeptics and believers alike. Whether you're a curious newcomer or a longtime UFO enthusiast, UFO Close Encounters will challenge what you thought you knew and leave you What else is out there?
Perfect for fans of UFO and alien investigations, and true stories that blur the line between science and the supernatural.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 30, 2025
A bunch of UFO stories accompanied with their facts
I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I read it on my tablet and phone using the Kindle app.
This is a very interesting book that will be a complete delight for any fan of The X-Files. The author has compiled almost sixty UFO stories throughout history (spanning from 1946, post–WWII, to nowadays). The setup of the book is very simple: in four or five pages, the UFO sighting is summarized with the facts compiled by historians and reporters, and finally (if available), some explanations are given about the possible reality behind the event.
The book doesn’t look for controversy between skeptics, believers, or non-believers, it only provides the facts of what occurred according to the interviews with the people who witnessed the sightings. Then it’s up to the reader to make their own guess, which I found fun.
It was very interesting to read these stories and learn what happened in the past to understand all the fuss around UFO sightings, and it also reminded me of many X-Files episodes.
I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I read it on my tablet and phone using the Kindle app.
This is a very interesting book that will be a complete delight for any fan of The X-Files. The author has compiled almost sixty UFO stories throughout history (spanning from 1946, post–WWII, to nowadays). The setup of the book is very simple: in four or five pages, the UFO sighting is summarized with the facts compiled by historians and reporters, and finally (if available), some explanations are given about the possible reality behind the event.
The book doesn’t look for controversy between skeptics, believers, or non-believers, it only provides the facts of what occurred according to the interviews with the people who witnessed the sightings. Then it’s up to the reader to make their own guess, which I found fun.
It was very interesting to read these stories and learn what happened in the past to understand all the fuss around UFO sightings, and it also reminded me of many X-Files episodes.
October 1, 2025
“UFO Close Encounters: Real-Life Sightings from Military, Pilots, Police, and Civilians Across the World” by Oliver Elliott is a collection of firsthand accounts of UFO sightings spanning decades and continents. The book stands out for its straightforward, non-sensational presentation. Each case is described in detail as they were reported at the time.
The variety of cases, from quick sightings of darting lights to more chilling encounters, keeps the book engaging and hard to put down. The narrative flows chronologically, and the short-story format makes it easy to read a chapter at a time. Many are only two to three pages long. Elliott’s writing invites readers to stay open-minded and decide for themselves.
I found it somewhat confusing that the sightings are presented first as a news account but then include dialogue from the witnesses, or the inner thoughts of some of them, as if we’re there experiencing it with them as it happens. These exchanges made each incident feel more like a fictional account that the author is giving us, as if this is what he thinks each person said to the other in the moment. I believe that if he’d stuck to the perspective of a news article, it would have made each story more credible. Not that the stories are less credible because of this, just that his inclusion of speculative dialogue and inner thoughts takes away from it.
While the book doesn’t include every famous case, it succeeds in presenting UFO phenomena as legitimate mysteries worthy of curiosity rather than mere fringe topics. I would have liked to see an account of two of the most famous UFO incidents: Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947; and the Betty and Barney Hill incident in New Hampshire, in 1961. Both sightings had multiple witnesses and are well-known in the world of ufology.
Whether you’re a longtime UFO enthusiast or simply curious about unexplained events, this collection will leave you questioning what might still be hidden in the skies. The result is a fascinating, thought-provoking read that keeps the sense of wonder alive.
The variety of cases, from quick sightings of darting lights to more chilling encounters, keeps the book engaging and hard to put down. The narrative flows chronologically, and the short-story format makes it easy to read a chapter at a time. Many are only two to three pages long. Elliott’s writing invites readers to stay open-minded and decide for themselves.
I found it somewhat confusing that the sightings are presented first as a news account but then include dialogue from the witnesses, or the inner thoughts of some of them, as if we’re there experiencing it with them as it happens. These exchanges made each incident feel more like a fictional account that the author is giving us, as if this is what he thinks each person said to the other in the moment. I believe that if he’d stuck to the perspective of a news article, it would have made each story more credible. Not that the stories are less credible because of this, just that his inclusion of speculative dialogue and inner thoughts takes away from it.
While the book doesn’t include every famous case, it succeeds in presenting UFO phenomena as legitimate mysteries worthy of curiosity rather than mere fringe topics. I would have liked to see an account of two of the most famous UFO incidents: Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947; and the Betty and Barney Hill incident in New Hampshire, in 1961. Both sightings had multiple witnesses and are well-known in the world of ufology.
Whether you’re a longtime UFO enthusiast or simply curious about unexplained events, this collection will leave you questioning what might still be hidden in the skies. The result is a fascinating, thought-provoking read that keeps the sense of wonder alive.
September 11, 2025
From Exeter to Lake Erie: A World of UFO Mysteries Laid Bare
UFO Close Encounters is a global archive of mysteries that refuse to be dismissed. The author compiles dozens of firsthand accounts from police officers, military veterans, and families, which together build an unnerving and strangely consistent picture.
Each case is carefully laid out, from the Exeter Incident in 1965, with its red flashing lights and panicked witnesses, to Falcon Lake in 1967, where Stefan Michalak was physically burned by something he couldn’t explain, to the Baker family’s chilling encounter on the frozen waters of Lake Erie in 1988. These are detailed, multi-witness accounts, often with physical evidence or credible testimony from trained observers.
The author presents these cases without hysteria or embellishment, which makes them even more compelling. The chapter on Exeter stands out: the raw fear of an 18-year-old hitchhiker and the reluctant admission by seasoned police officers that they, too, saw the craft leaves a lasting impression. Similarly, Falcon Lake’s physical evidence - burns that matched the shape of the craft’s exhaust vent - is hard to ignore.
One case I wish had been included is the 1994 Ariel School sighting in Ruwa, Zimbabwe. Sixty-two schoolchildren claimed they saw a silver craft land and encountered beings who warned them telepathically about the environment. This story remains one of Africa’s most fascinating contributions to the UFO conversation, and it would have sat beautifully alongside the American, Canadian, and Australian cases included here.
That said, the book succeeds in reminding us that these phenomena are not fringe curiosities. Whether you lean toward advanced technology, natural phenomena, or “something else entirely,” this collection challenges you to stay open-minded. It’s a satisfying read.
UFO Close Encounters is a global archive of mysteries that refuse to be dismissed. The author compiles dozens of firsthand accounts from police officers, military veterans, and families, which together build an unnerving and strangely consistent picture.
Each case is carefully laid out, from the Exeter Incident in 1965, with its red flashing lights and panicked witnesses, to Falcon Lake in 1967, where Stefan Michalak was physically burned by something he couldn’t explain, to the Baker family’s chilling encounter on the frozen waters of Lake Erie in 1988. These are detailed, multi-witness accounts, often with physical evidence or credible testimony from trained observers.
The author presents these cases without hysteria or embellishment, which makes them even more compelling. The chapter on Exeter stands out: the raw fear of an 18-year-old hitchhiker and the reluctant admission by seasoned police officers that they, too, saw the craft leaves a lasting impression. Similarly, Falcon Lake’s physical evidence - burns that matched the shape of the craft’s exhaust vent - is hard to ignore.
One case I wish had been included is the 1994 Ariel School sighting in Ruwa, Zimbabwe. Sixty-two schoolchildren claimed they saw a silver craft land and encountered beings who warned them telepathically about the environment. This story remains one of Africa’s most fascinating contributions to the UFO conversation, and it would have sat beautifully alongside the American, Canadian, and Australian cases included here.
That said, the book succeeds in reminding us that these phenomena are not fringe curiosities. Whether you lean toward advanced technology, natural phenomena, or “something else entirely,” this collection challenges you to stay open-minded. It’s a satisfying read.
September 23, 2025
An intriguing read for fans of real-life mysteries.
This book is a compelling collection of fifty-eight unexplained 'close encounter' cases based on actual eyewitness accounts and records dating from 1946-2024. Author Oliver Elliott says in the book's introduction: “The goal of this book is not to persuade but to inform. By providing detailed accounts and evidence, I invite you to explore these mysteries with an open mind.” I feel he has fulfilled that brief perfectly. The accounts are predominantly from North America but some of the most intriguing are from other parts of the world. In chronological chapters Elliott presents each incident almost like a short story, bringing to life the individual experiences in a very readable way. Many of the eyewitnesses were working professionals such as police, pilots or military, which gives their accounts even greater credibility.
There are many similarities in the visual appearance of the unexplained craft and how interactions take place, yet author Elliott manages to make each account fresh and believable, without swaying the reader. A recurring thread is how 'authorities' attempted to explain away the encounters in relative terms, and physical evidence was either dismissed or 'lost'. By reading just the fifty-eight encounters detailed here, I found the evidence for extra-terrestrial visits to our planet overwhelming. The book is easy to read due to the straightforward writing style that has clearly been professionally edited and proofread. It's a book to return to and dip in and out of, and it would make an excellent gift not only for UFO enthusiasts, but for anyone who enjoys real-life mysteries.
This book is a compelling collection of fifty-eight unexplained 'close encounter' cases based on actual eyewitness accounts and records dating from 1946-2024. Author Oliver Elliott says in the book's introduction: “The goal of this book is not to persuade but to inform. By providing detailed accounts and evidence, I invite you to explore these mysteries with an open mind.” I feel he has fulfilled that brief perfectly. The accounts are predominantly from North America but some of the most intriguing are from other parts of the world. In chronological chapters Elliott presents each incident almost like a short story, bringing to life the individual experiences in a very readable way. Many of the eyewitnesses were working professionals such as police, pilots or military, which gives their accounts even greater credibility.
There are many similarities in the visual appearance of the unexplained craft and how interactions take place, yet author Elliott manages to make each account fresh and believable, without swaying the reader. A recurring thread is how 'authorities' attempted to explain away the encounters in relative terms, and physical evidence was either dismissed or 'lost'. By reading just the fifty-eight encounters detailed here, I found the evidence for extra-terrestrial visits to our planet overwhelming. The book is easy to read due to the straightforward writing style that has clearly been professionally edited and proofread. It's a book to return to and dip in and out of, and it would make an excellent gift not only for UFO enthusiasts, but for anyone who enjoys real-life mysteries.
September 22, 2025
The truth is indeed out there, at least in the U.S.
I’ll say off the bat that I don’t believe in the existence of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) over the decades. Two articles in the past few years from The Wall Street Journal have solidified my view. An extensive WSJ piece from earlier this year, “The Pentagon Disinformation that Fueled America’s UFO Mythology” reveals that the U.S. military made up stories of supposed alien technology to hide a genuine program for weapons it was secretly making.
And the first line in an earlier WSJ article from 2024, “Pentagon Finds No Evidence of Aliens in New UFO Report,” reads: “The truth is out there, and it’s less exciting than you thought, according to the Pentagon.”
In my opinion, it’s shameful how the U.S. military let UFO rumors fester in America for so long to cover its own tracks. Read these articles and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Nonetheless, the many “true sightings that defy explanation” in the book UFO Close Encounters by Oliver Elliott will help ensure, if in a small way, that these high-flying mysteries will live on. To his credit, Elliott only asks at the start that readers “explore these mysteries with an open mind,” admitting he’s not trying to convert anyone. The non-flashy narratives he collects are short but detailed and span the globe. My guess is that these sightings could be rationally explained in other parts of the world as well. But still, I commend the author’s research and well-written accounts.
I’ll say off the bat that I don’t believe in the existence of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) over the decades. Two articles in the past few years from The Wall Street Journal have solidified my view. An extensive WSJ piece from earlier this year, “The Pentagon Disinformation that Fueled America’s UFO Mythology” reveals that the U.S. military made up stories of supposed alien technology to hide a genuine program for weapons it was secretly making.
And the first line in an earlier WSJ article from 2024, “Pentagon Finds No Evidence of Aliens in New UFO Report,” reads: “The truth is out there, and it’s less exciting than you thought, according to the Pentagon.”
In my opinion, it’s shameful how the U.S. military let UFO rumors fester in America for so long to cover its own tracks. Read these articles and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Nonetheless, the many “true sightings that defy explanation” in the book UFO Close Encounters by Oliver Elliott will help ensure, if in a small way, that these high-flying mysteries will live on. To his credit, Elliott only asks at the start that readers “explore these mysteries with an open mind,” admitting he’s not trying to convert anyone. The non-flashy narratives he collects are short but detailed and span the globe. My guess is that these sightings could be rationally explained in other parts of the world as well. But still, I commend the author’s research and well-written accounts.
September 15, 2025
This book is seriously fun if you’ve ever found yourself looking up at the sky and wondering if we’re really alone. UFO Close Encounters is packed with stories—58 of them—that come from all kinds of people: military pilots, police officers, even regular folks just going about their lives. What makes it so interesting is how many of the accounts come from people you’d normally think of as credible, the kind who wouldn’t be chasing attention.
I liked that it doesn’t read like over-the-top science fiction. The author just lays out the cases in a straightforward way, so you get the details without feeling like someone is trying too hard to convince you. Some stories are quick, like lights darting across the sky, and others are much stranger, like glowing craft hanging around nuclear sites. A few gave me actual chills.
It’s also easy to dip in and out of. You don’t have to read it cover to cover in one sitting—you can just pick a case, get pulled into that world for a few minutes, and then go about your day (though I found myself wanting to keep flipping).
By the end, I was left with way more questions than answers, but that’s kind of the point. It doesn’t tie things up neatly—it just reminds you how much mystery is still out there. If you’re even a little curious about UFOs, this is a fun and fascinating read.
I liked that it doesn’t read like over-the-top science fiction. The author just lays out the cases in a straightforward way, so you get the details without feeling like someone is trying too hard to convince you. Some stories are quick, like lights darting across the sky, and others are much stranger, like glowing craft hanging around nuclear sites. A few gave me actual chills.
It’s also easy to dip in and out of. You don’t have to read it cover to cover in one sitting—you can just pick a case, get pulled into that world for a few minutes, and then go about your day (though I found myself wanting to keep flipping).
By the end, I was left with way more questions than answers, but that’s kind of the point. It doesn’t tie things up neatly—it just reminds you how much mystery is still out there. If you’re even a little curious about UFOs, this is a fun and fascinating read.
September 13, 2025
This book is an excellent collection of real-life UFO encounters that grabbed my attention right away. Oliver Elliott is a great storyteller, and he presents each case in a way that is both detailed and easy to follow. I especially enjoyed the variety of accounts, from military pilots and police officers to civilians who never expected to find themselves witnessing something so strange. The mix of backgrounds makes the stories feel even more credible and thought-provoking.
What stood out to me was how many of these sightings I had never heard of before. Even as someone who has read about UFOs in the past, I came away learning new things and finding myself eager to look deeper into some of the cases. The writing is clear, engaging, and avoids unnecessary speculation, which makes it a refreshing read compared to other books in the genre.
Each chapter leaves you wondering about the mysteries that remain unexplained, and it’s the kind of book that keeps you thinking long after you’ve put it down. Whether you’re already interested in UFOs or just curious about unexplained events, this book is entertaining, informative, and very hard to put down.
What stood out to me was how many of these sightings I had never heard of before. Even as someone who has read about UFOs in the past, I came away learning new things and finding myself eager to look deeper into some of the cases. The writing is clear, engaging, and avoids unnecessary speculation, which makes it a refreshing read compared to other books in the genre.
Each chapter leaves you wondering about the mysteries that remain unexplained, and it’s the kind of book that keeps you thinking long after you’ve put it down. Whether you’re already interested in UFOs or just curious about unexplained events, this book is entertaining, informative, and very hard to put down.
September 25, 2025
The reported sightings of UFOs may defy logic, and some have proven to be hoaxes, but research continues to the point where some scientists believe that Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena warrant further investigation. This book presents 58 close encounters, each selected for credibility of witnesses such as military personnel and pilots, verified documentation and, in some cases, physical evidence. I wouldn’t have led with the first story about ghost rockets because it isn’t very interesting – something landed but no trace could be found – and first impression is that this is going to be a tedious read. However, the sighting in Argentina in 1963 was interesting as there was a lot of detail provided by the two sisters who witnessed the event. Also the New Mexico sighting in 1964 provided quite a bit of detail. I appreciate that the author isn’t trying to whip up hysteria with fantastic tales about alien beings, but the writing style is rather dry. I would have preferred that the facts were presented as a series of articles, or go the other way and take the facts and create a narrative, but it straddles somewhere in the middle.
September 29, 2025
An absorbing and thought-provoking read
This book is a meticulously researched exploration of one of humanity’s greatest mysteries: the possibility that we are not alone. The book relies on firsthand accounts from various witnesses—military personnel, commercial airline pilots, police officers, and everyday civilians whose lives were forever changed by what they saw. It is a window into experiences that defy conventional explanation.
Rather than sensationalizing the subject, the author presents these cases with care and balance, allowing the voices of the witnesses to speak for themselves. From radar-confirmed aerial anomalies to high-altitude sightings and chilling close-range encounters, the book builds a powerful case that there is more to the UFO phenomenon than skepticism often allows. Each chapter is well-structured and blends storytelling with investigative depth, leaving us intrigued.
All in all this is a gripping collection of real-life sightings that challenges us to keep an open mind and consider the possibility that our skies, and indeed our universe, hold secrets still beyond our understanding.
This book is a meticulously researched exploration of one of humanity’s greatest mysteries: the possibility that we are not alone. The book relies on firsthand accounts from various witnesses—military personnel, commercial airline pilots, police officers, and everyday civilians whose lives were forever changed by what they saw. It is a window into experiences that defy conventional explanation.
Rather than sensationalizing the subject, the author presents these cases with care and balance, allowing the voices of the witnesses to speak for themselves. From radar-confirmed aerial anomalies to high-altitude sightings and chilling close-range encounters, the book builds a powerful case that there is more to the UFO phenomenon than skepticism often allows. Each chapter is well-structured and blends storytelling with investigative depth, leaving us intrigued.
All in all this is a gripping collection of real-life sightings that challenges us to keep an open mind and consider the possibility that our skies, and indeed our universe, hold secrets still beyond our understanding.
September 26, 2025
Oliver Elliott’s UFO Close Encounters: True Stories That Defy Explanation is an exhilarating dive into 58 real life UFO sightings that captivate from start to finish. This book brings together gripping accounts from military pilots, police officers, and everyday civilians across decades and continents, each told with remarkable clarity. Elliott’s straightforward style lets the stories shine, from the startling 1965 Exeter Incident with its vivid witness testimonies to the astonishing Falcon Lake encounter marked by physical evidence. Every case feels authentic, grounded in credible, multi witness reports that pull readers into the mystery. The global scope adds depth, making each account feel fresh and intriguing. Perfect for UFO enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike, this collection is easy to pick up and impossible to put down. Elliott’s meticulous research and engaging storytelling create a thought provoking journey that leaves you marveling at the unknown, eager to explore what mysteries might still linger in the skies.
October 8, 2025
I think if this book is something that interests you its best consumed in small bite size chunks rather than trying to read all at once as I will admit I did. For me the individual accounts of ufo sightings started to blur together as each chapter pretty much follows the same formula, introduction to the setting and relevant characters, narrative account of what happened and a conclusion wrapping up that included any response from government or research organisations. What puzzled me was the inclusion of dialogue and at times even the interior monologues of the people who were experiencing these events. I’d like to know more about how these particular details were confirmed. The author also doesn’t credit sources which felt weird in a book purporting to be nonfiction. I don’t really think the book has altered my perspective on ufos in either direction and I don’t believe its designed to persuade or convince. It may be good background research for those writing science fiction novels or the like.
September 17, 2025
“UFO Close Encounters” by Oliver Elliott is a well-written collection of UFO sightings worldwide, spanning history from ancient times to the present day. I found the matter-of-fact collection easy to read and was impressed at how there was little hype. The people whose stories are included range from school children through to policemen and not surprisingly, include pilots. That there was no easy explanation for the phenomenon they encountered, and the encounter was often witnessed by many raises many questions. Scientists are now beginning to suggest that it is most likely that there are other intelligent forms of life way beyond our planet, and this book certainly makes the reader think carefully. I have read other books of this kind but so far this book presents as being the most compelling collection of UFO encounters I have come across. Even if you are unlikely to change your mind on the idea that we are not alone, this book gives food for thought.
September 17, 2025
I picked up this book because I find UFO documentaries interesting. The author did a good job with the introduction. I felt intrigued, but the introduction was short enough that it didn’t drag. The author starts with an event that happened in Sweeden in 1946. I liked this story. I had not heard of it. The author painted the scene well. It had a real mysterious feel. The next one occurred in France in 1952. I liked the emphasis on multiple witnesses, which lends more credit to the tales. I also liked the emphasis on different explanations of things, which makes the story more though provoking. The next event is from Madagascar in 1954. This was another one I’d not heard of. It had a bit of a creepy factor that made it all the more interesting. The book continues like this. There is fascinating story after story about events that occurred that couldn’t be explained away. Overall, I think all lovers of UFO documentaries will love this book, and I highly recommend it.
October 11, 2025
UFO Close Encounters is a great book that delivers a thrilling collection of highly entertaining short stories centered around mysterious and unexplained sightings. Each tale is captivating, drawing readers into the strange and often chilling experiences of people from all walks of life. What makes this book especially engaging is its global scope—stories come from every corner of the world, offering diverse cultural perspectives on unexplained phenomena. From rural villages to bustling cities, the encounters are vividly described and packed with suspense, curiosity, and wonder.
The pacing is perfect for readers who enjoy bite-sized narratives with big impact. Whether you're a seasoned UFO enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the unknown, this book keeps you hooked from start to finish. The variety of accounts ensures there's something for everyone but all are compelling. UFO Close Encounters is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the universe.
The pacing is perfect for readers who enjoy bite-sized narratives with big impact. Whether you're a seasoned UFO enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the unknown, this book keeps you hooked from start to finish. The variety of accounts ensures there's something for everyone but all are compelling. UFO Close Encounters is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the universe.
November 2, 2025
“UFO Close Encounters: Real-Life Sightings from Military, Pilots, Police, and Civilians Across the World” by Oliver Elliott is serious reportage of a subject that has earned it by now. I myself enjoy this type of thing in television form, with many seasons binged of Skinwalker Ranch. In book form, the risk of collecting so many is that they can start to feel repetitive, but this is only because there are numerous and there are patterns to be found in a number of the sightings. If not for serious attempts like these to collect the stories (like certain streaming documentaries), we would have said neither of those things: that they are credible and so numerous that patterns can be detected. But here the reportage is so in depth that even putting patterns aside, there is considerable nuance to the factual situations (e.g. the strange substance it left behind or water taken from the water tank or broken ice) distinguishing each from the others.
September 16, 2025
I love this kind of stuff. Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved hearing about UFOs and unexplained phenomena; never really believing them but for some reason hoping they were true. The possibility that there might be alien life out there that is keeping itself hidden from us is truly thrilling. I’m still pretty sure most of the sightings reported in this book have very innocent explanations, but I don’t care, I love the mystery of it all.
The book itself is very well written – a collection of 58 stories about mysterious sightings. Each story is told focusing on the people who reported the sighting. It would have been cool to hear a bit more about the aftermath of the sightings. The book focusses mainly on the actual event and glosses over some of the details of the investigations afterwards. Regardless, a very interesting and well-written book that’s sure to get you thinking.
The book itself is very well written – a collection of 58 stories about mysterious sightings. Each story is told focusing on the people who reported the sighting. It would have been cool to hear a bit more about the aftermath of the sightings. The book focusses mainly on the actual event and glosses over some of the details of the investigations afterwards. Regardless, a very interesting and well-written book that’s sure to get you thinking.
October 11, 2025
UFO sightings have been documented for centuries. The author sites an example of an illustrated news report from Germany in April of 1561! Fifty-eight more modern events have been carefully documented and recounted in this book. All of them are yet to be explained. They vary from farmers to pilots. The events have numerous facts in common, not the least of which is the fact that no human technology on earth can do what the objects have been seen doing. The U.S. Armed services have only recently started declassifying their findings on many of these events...all still unexplained.
So, whether you believe in life beyond our own earth, or not, there is plenty of information to pique your curiosity. The book is a well-written, well-organized, and easy read that all ages can enjoy.
So, whether you believe in life beyond our own earth, or not, there is plenty of information to pique your curiosity. The book is a well-written, well-organized, and easy read that all ages can enjoy.
September 25, 2025
For anyone fascinated by UFO stories, “UFO Close Encounters: Real-Life Sightings from Military, Pilots, Police, and Civilians Across the World” is a compelling read. Oliver Elliott has put together a wide range of cases from around the globe, and what stands out right away is the clear, straightforward way each event is described. You don’t get lost in unnecessary detail, but you do get enough context to picture the scene and understand why the encounter mattered.
October 7, 2025
This was kind of an amazing book. Each event is told chronologically, so from oldest to newest. It's strictly sightings, not abductions, or contact. I knew some of the events because I watch Ancient Aliens and other UFO related TV shows, but I wasn't aware of all of them. This is especially true when they reported sightings from other countries. This is a great book if this is a genre you're interested in.
November 21, 2025
This was an interesting book about people that have experienced seeing what are termed as Unidentified Flying Objects or Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena. This book gives the reader the stories about people who are law enforcement officers and other professionals, and their experiences. A good read.
March 18, 2026
Some originality but not well written
This is not bad and draws on some less well known cases but the writing style is not great.and starts to become a little repetitive and childish. Either cut our the waffle or add more detail.
This is not bad and draws on some less well known cases but the writing style is not great.and starts to become a little repetitive and childish. Either cut our the waffle or add more detail.
October 20, 2025
This book is interesting with short chapters, each one describing an encounter with a UFO.
January 11, 2026
I only made it to chapter 3 of the audiobook. Oh my, that ongoing music in the background was terrible. There was no way I could listen to it. Might have had good stories but I will never know.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews