It's an ape! It's a lizard! It's a lion! It's a bear! No ... it's something else. It sleeps in the water. It roams the land at night. Beware! This book is a comprehensive list of sightings of the "Dewey Lake Monster." The Dewey Lake Monster was named after the location of the most famous sighting in 1964, though the 10 foot tall hairy biped has also been spotted throughout southwest Michigan over the years.
I really loved this book. Also, I was happy to recently meet the author at a signing in Glendale, California. The line was long, but still he was very energetic to discuss streets, the swamp, the Sheriff, the locals, etc. Very fun!
So, this was actually a thing back in the day. I found it fascinating to read the articles; then the first-hand accounts. And as a skeptic, I cross-referenced them with all the online tools. And as a side note I wonder … this incident pre-dated the “Patterson/Gimlin ‘Bigfoot’ film” by three (3) years and was the original modern crypto-sighting and I also believe the 1964 sighting was the inspiration for the monster-hunter scene in “Jaws” because the newspaper articles exactly mirror the junk going south in small-town USA depicted in the movie :)
Anyway, super-loved the first-hand accounts and really appreciated the GPS (great for map-trackers and monster hunters) and when I searched the links on Google it made my hair stand up--how much more if I will actually go there (MONSTER TOUR PLEASE).
This is another great book in the Sightings series. This time the focus is on the Dewey Lake Monster in Michigan. I love this series, as the author has meticulously researched the encounters and allows the individuals to speak for themselves. There are some great, scary encounters in this book that will creep you out. Apparently, this creature is a variant of Bigfoot and very territorial. There are a number of photos of the area, and the woods really look creepy. I'm reading all the entries in the Sightings series, and all the books are great. Another must for cryptic fans.
This is a fun, short read for any fan of cryptozoology, especially in Michigan. At first, I thought this book was based on real cases of the monster sightings, but it appears to be fictional stories inspired by the sightings in the 60's. It looks like the creator of this book is working on a local, fictional movie, so I feel this book was just a clever "prep" for whatever projects they have down the road. But it was cheap on Kindle and still fun.
Book review of Sightings: The Dewey Lake Monster by JF Rodo Rome.
"Sightings: The Dewey Lake Monster" by JF Rodo Rome is a captivating exploration into one of Michigan's most intriguing legends. The book excels at weaving together vivid eyewitness accounts and local folklore, creating an atmosphere that pulls the reader right into the heart of the mystery. Rome's storytelling is both engaging and respectful of the community's experiences, making each chapter a fresh adventure. For fans of cryptid tales and regional history, this book offers a thrilling and well-researched journey that keeps you turning the pages, eager to learn more about the elusive Dewey Lake Monster.
I did not realize that the Dewey Lake Monster pre-dated the Patterson–Gimlin Film of 1967.
“Sightings: The Dewey Lake Monster” by J.F. Rodo Rome is a thrilling exploration into the world of American folklore, cryptozoology, and the mysterious events that surround the legend of the Dewey Lake Monster. This book delves into the mythos of a creature said to inhabit the swamps and forests near Dewey Lake in southwest Michigan, blending eyewitness accounts, historical context, and the author’s own analysis to create a compelling narrative.
The book opens with a recounting of the first reported sightings of the Dewey Lake Monster in the 1960s, setting the stage for a series of encounters that would grip the local community. Rome meticulously documents each reported sighting, drawing from local newspaper archives, interviews with purported witnesses, and his own investigations. Each chapter unravels a different layer of the mystery, from the social climate of the era to the burgeoning popularity of cryptid lore in American culture.
One of the strongest aspects of “Sightings: The Dewey Lake Monster” is its commitment to thorough research. Rome doesn’t just present the monster as a creature of legend; he contextualizes it within the broader scope of American folklore. The inclusion of first-person accounts brings authenticity to the narrative, while the author’s critical lens invites readers to question and consider multiple perspectives.
As I understand it, the author interviewed most of the stories and recreated the first person narrative shared with him. I like this style. It bring the witness accounts alive in a way that just reading a police report or the like would not. The writing style is accessible yet evocative, drawing the reader into the eerie ambiance of the Michigan wilderness. Rome’s careful pacing and suspenseful storytelling keep the pages turning, even for those who may not be well-versed in cryptozoological tales. The book also benefits from detailed descriptions of the region and its people, helping readers understand why the legend of the Dewey Lake Monster has endured for decades.
While the book excels in building suspense and presenting a well-researched account, those looking for a definitive answer to the mystery may be left unsatisfied, as the book prefers simply shares the accounts rather than speculate as to conclusion.
“Sightings: The Dewey Lake Monster” by J.F. Rodo Rome is an engaging read for fans of folklore, cryptids, and unsolved mysteries. It successfully captures the allure and fear that legends like the Dewey Lake Monster inspire in local communities. For anyone interested in the intersection of myth, memory, and local history, this book is well worth the read.