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The X-Files #8

by Max Allan Collins

W zasypanej śniegiem Wirginii w niewyjaśnionych okolicznościach znikają kobiety. Wszystkie miały tę samą rzadką grupę krwi... Tajemnicze wizje pewnego księdza doprowadzają do makabrycznego odkrycia w zaspach przy autostradziea Do prawdy mogą dotrzeć tylko byli agenci FBI Fox Mulder i doktor Dana Scully. Lecz muszą raz jeszcze zmierzyć się z czymś, co przeczy wszelkiej logice. I z własnym strachem...

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Paranormal, Mystery Thriller, Horror

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Received the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievment award) in 2006.

He has also published under the name Patrick Culhane. He and his wife, Barbara Collins, have written several books together. Some of them are published under the name Barbara Allan.

Book Awards
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1984) : True Detective
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1992) : Stolen Away
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1995) : Carnal Hours
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) : Damned in Paradise
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1999) : Flying Blind: A Novel about Amelia Earhart
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (2002) : Angel in Black

Japanese: マックス・アラン・コリンズ
or マックス・アラン コリンズ

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a novelization of the second X-Files film. It's a simple, straightforward and clear chronicle which doesn't add to or subtract from what was on the screen. (Except for the post-credit clip, I guess.) The movie was sort of a monster-of-the-week story that ignored the complex infrastructure of mythos that the tv series had built up, so the book is kind of weak from that standpoint, yet a strength is that it does what it's intended to do- translate the visual into prose. Not as good as, say, Alan Dean Foster's novelizations, but it's a good summary of a kind of flawed story.

[Cari · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let's be clear: I read this book because I fucking love the X-Files. Max Allan Collins writes at an eighth grade level.

Each character has exactly one trait (Whitney: "pretty," Drummy: "black"), and it's repeated every time that character appears (e.g., "The black agent glared at Mulder"). Every other paragraph is italicized for no apparent reason. And then there's this:

"Assistant FBI Director Walter Skinner was a commanding figure who, at sixty-one, towered over the petite ex-agent. (...) This man had been much more than just a boss to Mulder and Scully, and could swing into decisive action like a man half his fifty-some years." (pp 213-14) YOU LITERALLY JUST SAID HE WAS SIXTY-ONE. What is he, fifty-eleven? Jesus Christ.

If you love the X-Files, you're going to read it. If you don't, you won't, making this review ultimately pointless. But at least now you're prepared.

[Supratim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had watched the first two seasons of the series and really enjoyed them. Therefore, when I came across the book in a second hand book shop I decided to give it a try.

A brief synopsis:-

A female FBI agent has been abducted and Scully (who has left the FBI for a career in the medical profession) is contacted by the FBI who want to Mulder in the case. They even promise to "forgive" Mulder's "past sins" (I don't know what's the story here). So Mulder is coaxed by Scully to join the investigating FBI team. Then you have skeptic FBI agents, a disgraced priest who claims to have visions regarding the abduction, Scully's problems at work, tension between Scully and Mulder thrown in the story.

I was expecting something more from the story. At times the pace became slow and monotonous. The author written sentences like "they had no way of knowing what what happened there" a couple of times and I found this redundant.

Overall, it a decent fast read and if you are a fan of the TV series then you can give it a try. I would have preferred to give it a 2.5 rating but since this is not possible I had to settle for 3.

[Shawnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Reading this made me homesick for Mulder and Scully and X-Files episodes, and I plan to watch some tonight. However, I know now that I'm not a fan of screenplays. This was pretty flat. I wouldn't have enjoyed it at all if I wasn't already a fan and familiar with the characters' personalities.

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

*read this before seeing the movie* BUT the emotions this book puts you through- it started off SO CUTE. “Mulder could only look over at his former x files partner, and forever life partner…” STOPPP them being practically married for years before the events of this book is giving ao3 fanfiction tehe. But then the STUPID ass rest of the book where they just argue and fight the whole time ☹️☹️ ok it was really good but still UGH because obviously Scully is always in the right and Mulder is a loser lowkey but anyways
Ending nearly killed me
Also love to see my man Skinner and when he saved Mulder and warmed him up with his jacket and holding him closely you’re JOKING that’s his biological father right there

[Gretchen Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good adaption. I felt that it provided good insight to the characters and portrayed their motivations and emotions really well.

[Weena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for those who love The X-Files and those who did not fully understand the movie.

[Malcolm Cox · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the novelisation of the second and last feature-length X-Files movie. Unlike the first film, this one had no ties to the alien theme that ran through the whole series. Had it been a stand-alone 'monster of the week' episode it would have been one of those mid-season completely forgettable ones. I remember being sorely disappointed in the film and haven't bothered rewatching it.
Onto the book, then... This is a pretty accurate novel that was written along with the script so any differences between the two media would be due to changes to filming rather than changes by the author. It's been a while since I last watched it but a spotted no glaringly differences. Apart from the story being mediocre at best, I didn't like the way this was written. First off, there's an obsession about clothing and who was wearing what. I know this is a novel, but it was almost like watching the film with audio-descript on. In the acknowledgements at the back even the wardrobe department were thanked. Every single scene had a breakdown of who was wearing what, even if their current clothing had already been established previously. Also the reference to the characters was so jarring. Agent Drummy is black and grumpy. A feature that was referenced every time he featured, Scully was always petite or red-headed and bearded Mulder was bearded until he shaved, then he was shaved Mulder. Finally AD Skinner was never Skinner or AD Skinner but always Assistant Director Walter Skinner (to avoid confusion with all the other Skinners out there) who, in his introductory paragraph, is aged at both 61 and 50 something (fifty-eleven?).
This book gives nothing the film doesn't and both suffer from a poor story. At least with the movie you can read something else while it's on.

[The Void Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

*The X-Files: I Want to Believe* by Max Allan Collins is a riveting read that intricately weaves action, character depth, and immersive world-building. Set within the rich and enigmatic universe of The X-Files, this novel does justice to its roots while expanding the narrative in new, thrilling directions.

Collins expertly captures the essence of FBI agents Mulder and Scully, delving into their motivations, fears, and unyielding quest for the truth. The portrayal of these beloved characters is spot-on, with their dynamic and complexities fleshed out in ways that resonate with both die-hard fans and new readers alike.

The plot is action-packed, taking readers on a wild ride filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists. From eerie conspiracies to supernatural phenomena, Collins maintains a fast-paced narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The stakes are high, and the tension palpable, making for a truly gripping experience.

Moreover, the world-building in this novel is meticulous and atmospheric. Collins paints a vivid picture of the settings, whether it’s the dark, foreboding forests or the sterile, secretive corridors of government facilities. The attention to detail adds layers to the story, making the reader feel fully immersed in the eerie and mysterious world of The X-Files.

Overall, *The X-Files: I Want to Believe* is a commendable addition to the franchise. It’s a must-read for fans of the series, as well as anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, action-packed tale filled with richly detailed characters and masterful world-building. This book delivers on all fronts, making it an exhilarating and satisfying read.

[Graff Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The X-Files: I Want to Believe by Max Allan Collins

4.0 Stars

challenging dark emotional mysterious relaxing sad tense

Medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I really liked this story, though I do not know them (as they are from their entire career shown in the television series), and they are broken. Ugh. Hard to see them the way they are.

This older versions of Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, is sadness embodied. Don't like Scully's decision for her career...and what Mulder is doing (going down that rabbit hole).

Don't like how the FBI handles ex-Agents. They are no longer family? Really. One of their very own, and you treat them like this? Not good. Not good.

The villains in this story are disgusting. Is this even possible (in real life)? I don't think so.

Also, how Scully took control of her patient...seemed like an overreaction, but then again...it was for the kid's best interest. But, there's a world where it wouldn't work out...and she'd be sanctioned for over-reach of her powers (essentially destroying a career on dubious decisions).

Yeah, I was locked into the story, and enjoyed how it all paned out.

On to: The X-Files: Origin 01 Agent of Chaos by Kami Garcia.

[Hunter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've listened to several of the other X-Files audio books in this series and this is by far the worst one. The storyline is disjointed and a struggle to piece all of the various unconnected parts together.

I also absolutely hatted the plot line about the psychic for reasons I won't even type out because it should be obvious how poor a choice that character was. I also felt that the characters, particularly Scully, felt a little off from their typical selves, but that could have been from the massive time jump between when this story takes place and the other X-Files books. Not sure, but it was jarring and not enjoyable either way.

This story also left a lot of unresolved questions and issue - and not in the mysterious, open ended way other books in this series have - but in a 'the author completely forgot to explain this part of the plot or didn't pay any attention during writing this story' kinds of ways.

If this is the first X-Files book you've ever read then please give another one a chance. Some of them are so much better.

[Jonathan Harbour · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing is so nauseatingly boring that I had a hard time finishing it. when the date never changes, in other words it's the same day across multiple scenes, why does the author put the date on every scene, is that to make it look like an FBI report? to make it look more official? because seeing the date over and over and over flipping from one scene to the next is tiresome. and, you don't have to tell the reader that you're flipping between two scenes six times, they get it, I mean we get it, we're able to read a few words and know that the scene has shifted between Mulder and Scully. The writing is so bad that the only reason I finished this versus quitting was because I haven't seen the film in about 20 years. and I wanted to see if it differed from the novel. Note: The novelization is almost exactly like the film. I don't think there's a single scene added to the novel to give the reader more knowledge of the background of things that have happened. this is a straight up script conversion to a novel. really damn lazy writing.

[PointyEars42 · Rating 1 out of 5]

From the start, this book was an uphill slog. Why does every woman have to have her attractiveness described (usually at length) every time she walks onto the page? Is this book aimed at 13 year old straight boys? The rest of the writing certainly isn't pitched for adult readers. Is it just that the author cannot interact with even fictional women without sizing them up like this? Creepy.

When am I going to learn? Books written as part of a movie/tv property tend to assume that the reader is going to struggle to go from screen to text or that the reader is in their early teens and dumbs everything down accordingly. Everything is spelt out in excruciating detail, allowing no inference or subtly or suspense. You're better off sticking to the movie.

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads like one of the X-files TV programs minus the commercials. I want to read more of these as I enjoyed the TV series so many years ago. The storyline is fantasy, in the way the X-files brings it. Still, when you find out what the creeps are doing with the people they kidnap, you will have to swallow hard to suspend belief. The story has Dana Scully and Fox Mulder, our revered pair, in it, which, of course, it would not be an X-files story without them. However, the book portrays emotions and feelings that I usually did not pick up on in the TV broadcasts. The only problem where I was unable to suspend my belief was the amount of snow falling during the story. That much snow in central Virginia? No, No, No.

[Anuradha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story showcases the depth of the Mulder - Scully relationship that has moved beyond professionalism. True to the spirit of the X Files, this one too has a bizarre and gruesome plot but it focuses equally on Mulder & Scully as individuals and the emotional upheavals they go through as a couple whose personal and professional lives are entangled with the baggage they've carried most of their lives.

The book gets 4 stars for its plot, the quick pace & the author's description prowess.

[Lois Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did see this movie once upon a time, but I think that was the only time. In any case, I certainly don't remember it, so listening to this today was basically like the first time. Well, given I never read the book before, it was the first time for it. Anyway, I think I liked it. It was definitely a strange case for them, but it made it different and not to similar to their old ones, plus inside Mulder and Scully's relationship at the time.

[🌻 Sunita 🦋✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

During winter in Virginia, women are going missing left, right, and center without any explanation. Suddenly an FBI agent goes missing and the department has no other option than calling in X-Files experts and ex-agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. During their investigation, they meet with a priest who claims to have a psychic connection with the case. His visions lead to dismembered body parts.

I enjoyed this one. Brought back memories of watching X-files as a kid.

[Renée · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this novelization better than the movie, as the written out thought processes of the characters made it easier to understand some of their motivation. It made some things click for me that in the movie seemed to come out of nowhere and felt out of character.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 5 strars.
Average at best, with some below average dialogue and cliched personalities making for a very 'meh' experience. I'm glad it was a short book. Any longer and I doubt I would have persevered to the end.

[Kim Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little trip down Nostalgia lane with this audiobook from the library's digital service, a novelisation of the first episode of the more recent 10th series.

[Eric Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having not seen this movie I appreciated this novel. I was impressed with the story, the writing not so much.

[Nalina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great adaptation of the film

[Ben L · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really bad fan fiction that led to the second film which isn't as bad as people make out.

It's really not great, but it's harmless enough and was worth a listen.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good one. I feel like I've gone through all of the X-Files audiobooks and I'm a little disappointed that I don't have anymore.

[Curtis McConnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here is my rating system. Of course this is all subjective

5 star exceptional. Must read book
4 star excellent book. I enjoyed it
3 star. Average. Take it or leave it. Just ok
2 star. Bad. I finished it but didn’t enjoy it
1 star. Did not finish or so bad I wouldn’t recommend it

Review:

Doesn’t feel like a classic x-files story. Maybe it’s because it set after the series ended. I never really liked when Mulder and Scully finally got together. It just seemed off to me.

So in this story Mulder is kinda on the run in the open. Doesn’t make sense. Scully is a practicing physician. Scully is approached by the FBI to bring Mulder in on a wierd case. Of course Mulder is a bliever and Scully is kinda sorta a skeptic.

In the end, Skinner saves their butts. Nothing exciting happens in this story.

[Kerri · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very simple read through of the film, nothing more.

[Pasca Noulle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all of the X-Files novelizations this one, to me is the most similar to the great TV series itself.

[Amanda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a die-hard X-Files fan, I was wary about reading a book based on the series. I was extremely pleasantly surprised, in that as I was reading this book I could hear the dialogue being spoken in the voices of Mulder and Skully.

An interesting setting, as Mulder and Skully are brought in by the FBI as consultants on a case surrounding the disappearance of an FBI agent. As Skully is juggling her new life as a medical doctor and Mulder is mainly a hermit, dealing with the FBI and a former Catholic, psychic priest leads to an intriguing story line.

All of the twists and tensions present in the X-Files series are present in this book, which is a quick but captivating read. I give major credit to Max Allen Collins in capturing the spirit of the X-Files in word form.

[Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a great book. No Aliens like the first movie but it was really good and it kept me interested. I felt like I was there with Mulder...mmmmm. :) I can't wait to see the movie and put it all together. The book was good. It was not packed with visual details. It was to the point. It was a quick read over xmas. I read in on the way to CT and on the way back and I had it completed! If you like the xfiles and you enjoy quick reads this book is for you! Happy reading in the New Year.

Heather

[Jacque Newman · Rating 3 out of 5]

since I adore the X-files I was excited to read this book. However, I feel as though I read at a lower level. It feels as though I read the writings of a new author or young author. very little description variations. Since I have seen the movie I laughed knowing the characters as well as I do from the show. I can't lie I love it simply because it is the X-files. But from a writers perspective could have been better.