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The X-Files: The Official Archives: Cryptids, Biological Anomalies, and Parapsychic Phenomena
Fifty of The X-Files’ Most Memorable Monster Investigations, Fully Authorized and Illustrated
Open The X-Files: The Official Archives and gain access—for the first time—to Special Agents Mulder and Scully’s notes and evidence from actual X-file reports, taken from the vault of Twentieth Century Fox. The Official Archives offers fans the chance to pore over autopsy results, mug shots, newspaper clippings, pages ripped from books on the occult, security camera printouts, and more.
In a covert operation ordered by Assistant Director Walter S. Skinner, Special Agent Leyla Harrison has assembled and annotated fifty cases of cryptids, biological anomalies, and parapsychic phenomena—from Flukeman to Pusher to Guy Mann. By preserving evidence of some of the X-files’ most notorious monsters, Special Agent Harrison has safeguarded Mulder and Scully’s work against the dark forces fighting to suppress it—and ensured that future agents can continue their pursuit of the truth.
Open The X-Files: The Official Archives and gain access—for the first time—to Special Agents Mulder and Scully’s notes and evidence from actual X-file reports, taken from the vault of Twentieth Century Fox. The Official Archives offers fans the chance to pore over autopsy results, mug shots, newspaper clippings, pages ripped from books on the occult, security camera printouts, and more.
In a covert operation ordered by Assistant Director Walter S. Skinner, Special Agent Leyla Harrison has assembled and annotated fifty cases of cryptids, biological anomalies, and parapsychic phenomena—from Flukeman to Pusher to Guy Mann. By preserving evidence of some of the X-files’ most notorious monsters, Special Agent Harrison has safeguarded Mulder and Scully’s work against the dark forces fighting to suppress it—and ensured that future agents can continue their pursuit of the truth.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2020
86 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Paul Terry
43 books28 followersPaul Terry is a bestselling author, composer, songwriter, and producer. He releases music via his independent label SkyBabyRecords.
Paul's latest book is his original fiction anthology Kolchak: The Night Stalker – Haunted & Hunted (out now via Moonstone Books). It features "five brand new Carl Kolchak tales full of dogged reporting and inescapable terror..."
He has written or co-written (with Tara Bennett) numerous official books on film and television, including the multi-award-winning The X-Files: The Official Archives and the bestselling The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the forthcoming Marvel Studios: The Art of Ryan Meinerding. Paul's fiction credits also include comic scripts for LEGO Adventures and Wallace and Gromit Comic.
His new instrumental music project is Aptøsrs (pronounced like the "apatosaurus" dinosaur). Debut album Elders it out now, mixed by Adam Noble (Biffy Clyro, Nothing But Thieves, Don Broco), and mastered by Robin Schmidt (Pixies, Royal Blood, Wolf Alice). It includes the acclaimed single Rust Mountain.
As a composer, Paul's thirty original scores include: Dave Stevens: Drawn to Perfection, the award-winning film about The Rocketeer creator/artist; Sidney & Friends, the 13-time award-winning feature documentary (which Paul also executive produced); thriller Hidden Valley Place (score mixed by two-time Grammy winner Sam Okell); and Raindance Film Festival Award-nominated drama Emily (co-composed with MPSE Award winner James Bellamy), starring Felicity Jones and Christopher Eccleston.
Under the alias of Cellarscape his albums include Exo Echo. This features 'Failsafe'—the theme song to NBCUniversal's docu-series Behind The Panel. The Independent Music Award-nominated Cellarscape album The Act Of Letting Go contains 'The Same Place', a duet with Anneke van Giersbergen, and 'Epinephrine'—its music video (written/directed by Paul) was officially selected for SXSW.
His other musical collaborations include Love Amongst Ruin (the band of former Placebo drummer Steve Hewitt), as the featured artist on their song 'Detonation Days'. He also duetted with Danish singer-songwriter Martha Meganie on her record Mistaken (produced by Grammy winner Flemming Rasmussen).
Paul lives in Los Angeles.
Paul's latest book is his original fiction anthology Kolchak: The Night Stalker – Haunted & Hunted (out now via Moonstone Books). It features "five brand new Carl Kolchak tales full of dogged reporting and inescapable terror..."
He has written or co-written (with Tara Bennett) numerous official books on film and television, including the multi-award-winning The X-Files: The Official Archives and the bestselling The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the forthcoming Marvel Studios: The Art of Ryan Meinerding. Paul's fiction credits also include comic scripts for LEGO Adventures and Wallace and Gromit Comic.
His new instrumental music project is Aptøsrs (pronounced like the "apatosaurus" dinosaur). Debut album Elders it out now, mixed by Adam Noble (Biffy Clyro, Nothing But Thieves, Don Broco), and mastered by Robin Schmidt (Pixies, Royal Blood, Wolf Alice). It includes the acclaimed single Rust Mountain.
As a composer, Paul's thirty original scores include: Dave Stevens: Drawn to Perfection, the award-winning film about The Rocketeer creator/artist; Sidney & Friends, the 13-time award-winning feature documentary (which Paul also executive produced); thriller Hidden Valley Place (score mixed by two-time Grammy winner Sam Okell); and Raindance Film Festival Award-nominated drama Emily (co-composed with MPSE Award winner James Bellamy), starring Felicity Jones and Christopher Eccleston.
Under the alias of Cellarscape his albums include Exo Echo. This features 'Failsafe'—the theme song to NBCUniversal's docu-series Behind The Panel. The Independent Music Award-nominated Cellarscape album The Act Of Letting Go contains 'The Same Place', a duet with Anneke van Giersbergen, and 'Epinephrine'—its music video (written/directed by Paul) was officially selected for SXSW.
His other musical collaborations include Love Amongst Ruin (the band of former Placebo drummer Steve Hewitt), as the featured artist on their song 'Detonation Days'. He also duetted with Danish singer-songwriter Martha Meganie on her record Mistaken (produced by Grammy winner Flemming Rasmussen).
Paul lives in Los Angeles.
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July 17, 2021X-philes will rejoice at taking a trip down memory lane at full speed! This book is artistically put together to resemble FBI case files, depicting typed notes, crime photos, and redacted case notes. Those who have experienced the television series will recall episodes, and, maybe like me, will be eager to relive the episodes. Those who haven't will enjoy the feel of 'official' cases, which works well as an interesting read on its own, and, who knows - get them to check out this long-running series. The truth is out there!
Lisa - Information and Reader Services department.
Lisa - Information and Reader Services department.
February 5, 2022
All I can say is when is volume II coming out? This is such a great throwback to the original series with the case files from 50 episodes. The photographs and artwork inside are stunning, they look like they are 3D and come to life as you read the files.
If you loved the original series you'll love this fun, interesting book.
The only complaint I have is Goodreads has it as 224 pages, but it's actually 295 pages with artwork included.
If you loved the original series you'll love this fun, interesting book.
The only complaint I have is Goodreads has it as 224 pages, but it's actually 295 pages with artwork included.
September 18, 2020
I'd give 10 stars if it was possible! Absolutely love it and a true MUST HAVE for every x-phile!! 🤩
November 17, 2020
Twenty-seven years ago, The X-Files premiered on Fox. The series garnered a massive following of sci-fi fans who were just as invested in Mulder and Scully, as they were in the strange and unusual supernatural stories. READ MY FULL REVIEW AT YOUR MONEY GEEK: https://yourmoneygeek.com/review-the-...
While Mulder and Scully may have closed their final case in 2018, fans of the series can still delve into Agent Mulder’s own FBI files. If you are a fan of The X-Files who is looking to get your hands on additional material from the X-Files universe, you won’t want to miss out on this book.
This hearty book has page-after-page of stylized case files, newspaper clippings, mugshots, redacted government intel, and grizzly crime-scene photos. As you read through the faux case reports, you may stumble upon a handful of easter eggs, pulled directly from iconic X-Files episodes. You can find the full transcript of Eugene Victor Toom’s polygraph test from the first season’s “Squeeze” episode, the full menu from Big Top Diner from the second season, and so many other pieces of tie-in material that is sure to thrill any X-Files fan.
Like Mulder, you may find yourself obsessively combing through the book to see if the truth really is out there. Paul Terry has outdone himself with this collection of fifty of the most fascinating X-Files cases, sure to delight X-Files fans and cryptophiles alike.
Another enticing aspect of The X-Files: The Official Archives is that many of the additional backstories and materials included come directly from series creator, Chris Carter, as well as contributions from popular series writers like Frank Spotnitz and Vance Gilligan.
Unlike other books of this style, The Official Archives book is a believable collection. The handwritten notes, documents, and scribbles feel less like a mass-produced collectible book and more like authentic props stolen from the set of The X-Files. You’ll find yourself trying to turn pages and pick up images that aren’t actually real. It is truly a one-of-a-kind book.
If you’re looking to binge through The X-Files on Hulu, you may want to pick up a copy of The X-Files: The Official Archives to add to the viewing experience.
You can purchase The X-Files: The Official Archives from Abrams for $50.
While Mulder and Scully may have closed their final case in 2018, fans of the series can still delve into Agent Mulder’s own FBI files. If you are a fan of The X-Files who is looking to get your hands on additional material from the X-Files universe, you won’t want to miss out on this book.
This hearty book has page-after-page of stylized case files, newspaper clippings, mugshots, redacted government intel, and grizzly crime-scene photos. As you read through the faux case reports, you may stumble upon a handful of easter eggs, pulled directly from iconic X-Files episodes. You can find the full transcript of Eugene Victor Toom’s polygraph test from the first season’s “Squeeze” episode, the full menu from Big Top Diner from the second season, and so many other pieces of tie-in material that is sure to thrill any X-Files fan.
Like Mulder, you may find yourself obsessively combing through the book to see if the truth really is out there. Paul Terry has outdone himself with this collection of fifty of the most fascinating X-Files cases, sure to delight X-Files fans and cryptophiles alike.
Another enticing aspect of The X-Files: The Official Archives is that many of the additional backstories and materials included come directly from series creator, Chris Carter, as well as contributions from popular series writers like Frank Spotnitz and Vance Gilligan.
Unlike other books of this style, The Official Archives book is a believable collection. The handwritten notes, documents, and scribbles feel less like a mass-produced collectible book and more like authentic props stolen from the set of The X-Files. You’ll find yourself trying to turn pages and pick up images that aren’t actually real. It is truly a one-of-a-kind book.
If you’re looking to binge through The X-Files on Hulu, you may want to pick up a copy of The X-Files: The Official Archives to add to the viewing experience.
You can purchase The X-Files: The Official Archives from Abrams for $50.
December 17, 2020
Ok, anyone who knows me knows that I am a die-hard X-Files fan, but, when I first heard about this book, I was afraid it might be too "dorky" for me. Like, is this something where I have to pretend I'm reading "case files", but really it's just a big storybook? Well, I decided to take the chance anyway. Being a fan, my bigger regret would have been NOT getting the book, rather than potentially having unwisely spent some money. So I got the book, and I LOVE IT!!!!!
First of all, the book feels very sturdy. It's hardcover and the pages are nice and thick. The artwork and attention to detail are fabulous; I mean, it actually does feel like I'm reading case files! It's very easy to lose oneself in this book- the premise is really sound, fits with what we know of the X-Files universe, and it draws you in.
As I was reading these case files (51 in total, I believe), I was really admiring the thoroughness, such as newspaper clippings, which must have been created for the show even though the viewers never see them in detail. And, as I mentioned earlier, the artwork is incredible- the depth perception and coloring make everything look so real. I got so engrossed in this that, at one point, I got really upset about the 1998 fire and wish it hadn't ruined so many of the original case files. And then I had to take a moment to come back to reality and acknowledge that it is all pretend! Hahahahaha! How's that for a glowing review???
Seriously, if you're an X-Files fan, you need this book in your collection!
First of all, the book feels very sturdy. It's hardcover and the pages are nice and thick. The artwork and attention to detail are fabulous; I mean, it actually does feel like I'm reading case files! It's very easy to lose oneself in this book- the premise is really sound, fits with what we know of the X-Files universe, and it draws you in.
As I was reading these case files (51 in total, I believe), I was really admiring the thoroughness, such as newspaper clippings, which must have been created for the show even though the viewers never see them in detail. And, as I mentioned earlier, the artwork is incredible- the depth perception and coloring make everything look so real. I got so engrossed in this that, at one point, I got really upset about the 1998 fire and wish it hadn't ruined so many of the original case files. And then I had to take a moment to come back to reality and acknowledge that it is all pretend! Hahahahaha! How's that for a glowing review???
Seriously, if you're an X-Files fan, you need this book in your collection!
January 7, 2024
FIRST I would like to start how much I love The X-files.
This show carries a significant importance to my family since my aunt and my father used to watch it and my mother and father watched it everytime when it came out on TV and talked about in when they made phone calls. (due to their studies that time, their relationship was long distance.)
Years later i watched and I loved it so much, this book was my birthday gift from my aunt.
I've always had an interest in forensic science and crime cases and combined with x-files, this book was just perfect for me that it has got it's own corner in my shelf.
I read it at late times, on my desk facing my "I Want To Believe" poster and for a moment I was like "Damn I am so Dana Scully for real."
I can confirm that The X-Files: The Official Archives is my touchstone.
December 6, 2025
The premise of this book is that AD Walter Skinner has tasked Special Agent Leyla Harrison with compiling all files and reports of from the X-Files for posterity, especially since many were lost in the "fire of '98" and the powers that be have routinely tried to squash the X-Files. He has contributed copies of his own while Harrison has worked to locate further documents to complete the collection. This edition only includes, essentially, the "monster of the week" episodes, though it contains not just the original nine seasons, but also The X-Files: I Want to Believe film and Mulder's and Scully's return to the X-Files afterwards.
While it contained a large sense of nostalgia, it was a bit of a let-down. The files themselves are mostly brief summaries as told by Mulder, Scully, Doggett, Skinner and presumably Harrison. There are occasional photos and supplementary documents (such as autopsy reports and newspaper clippings), but as it's supposed to be the actual filed reports by the agents, it's far from complete as to what happened in a given episode, and at times is pretty dry and lacking the more interesting aspects. I know there's a second volume that contains all the UFO, conspiracy and Syndicate episodes, but I'm not sure how interested I am now that this was somewhat disappointing. If you're an absolute X-Files completionist it might be a must have, but as huge an X-phile as I am, I didn't enjoy it as much as I feel I should have.
While it contained a large sense of nostalgia, it was a bit of a let-down. The files themselves are mostly brief summaries as told by Mulder, Scully, Doggett, Skinner and presumably Harrison. There are occasional photos and supplementary documents (such as autopsy reports and newspaper clippings), but as it's supposed to be the actual filed reports by the agents, it's far from complete as to what happened in a given episode, and at times is pretty dry and lacking the more interesting aspects. I know there's a second volume that contains all the UFO, conspiracy and Syndicate episodes, but I'm not sure how interested I am now that this was somewhat disappointing. If you're an absolute X-Files completionist it might be a must have, but as huge an X-phile as I am, I didn't enjoy it as much as I feel I should have.
December 4, 2022
Okay, wow! I'm exhausted!
What a unique piece of work this is! This is NOT a run of the mill 'how they made The X Files' book, this is a spectacular 'What if you could gain access to all of Mulder and Scully's case files?'
It reads, looks and even FEELS like you got your hands on REAL X Files! The book is huge with pages that feel weighty, of solid quality and authentic! There's no hand holding here. These are Mulder's X Files, laid out in no discernible order. Make of the relevance what you will. We are stepping into INCREDIBLE DETAIL territory here! Autopsy reports, witness statements, photographic evidence and Mulder and Scully's case notes - on EACH case!
Yes, there's a covering and ending letter, something about how another agent has been forced to review the X Files and see if there's anything substantial within them - but make no mistake, if you ever wanted to pull open Mulder's cabinet and look inside, this is as close as you will ever get!
What a unique piece of work this is! This is NOT a run of the mill 'how they made The X Files' book, this is a spectacular 'What if you could gain access to all of Mulder and Scully's case files?'
It reads, looks and even FEELS like you got your hands on REAL X Files! The book is huge with pages that feel weighty, of solid quality and authentic! There's no hand holding here. These are Mulder's X Files, laid out in no discernible order. Make of the relevance what you will. We are stepping into INCREDIBLE DETAIL territory here! Autopsy reports, witness statements, photographic evidence and Mulder and Scully's case notes - on EACH case!
Yes, there's a covering and ending letter, something about how another agent has been forced to review the X Files and see if there's anything substantial within them - but make no mistake, if you ever wanted to pull open Mulder's cabinet and look inside, this is as close as you will ever get!
January 3, 2021
As a massive X-Phile since the show first started I was like a kid on Christmas morning going through this book. It was like taking a trip down memory lane of my all time favourite show.
Bonus points that one of the cases they covered was my favourite X-Files case of all time (Donnie Pfaster).
Bonus points that one of the cases they covered was my favourite X-Files case of all time (Donnie Pfaster).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2023
This is one of the better X-Files books I've seen. It's styled like a "real" collection of cases, collected for preservation and annotated by an Agent called Leyla Harrison (a minor X-Files show character). The introduction is a letter by Walter S. Skinner, outlining his hope that the project that Agent Harrison is undertaking, will preserve the truth. The volume is bookended by a similar letter, this time from Agent Harrison, where she also hopes to "preserve the truth against any who would seek to obfuscate it".
This book is not just simple text. It's full of reports, newspaper and article clippings, fast food menus, mysterious notes, crime scene photographs, etc., which all help to pull the reader into the world of the X-Files. The only bad thing is that as of 2023, there doesn't seem to be any future volumes coming. Too bad, as this was a pretty entertaining read.
This book is not just simple text. It's full of reports, newspaper and article clippings, fast food menus, mysterious notes, crime scene photographs, etc., which all help to pull the reader into the world of the X-Files. The only bad thing is that as of 2023, there doesn't seem to be any future volumes coming. Too bad, as this was a pretty entertaining read.
December 28, 2020
Book 41/50 for 2020 (I can squeeze a few more in this week. Getting one done a day at least). This book is perfect for the X-Files fan who loved the monster of the week episodes. Particular emphasis was on cryptids, biological anomalies and parapsychic phenomena. Presented as a compiled and annotated hardcopy of files it was fascinating to get a glimpse into some of the best episodes of the show. Leyla Harrison returns as special agent in charge in ensuring the X-Files are kept in bound hardcopy and not manipulated once they're digitized. I also loved how there were occasionally updates in the files by Special Agent Harrison.
November 7, 2025
This is a MUST read for any and all X-Filenatics like me!! It’s incredible getting to have a tangible copy of the x-files in your hands, and there is so much painstaking attention to detail. As someone who just finished binging the series for the first time, this was a nice walk down memory lane for me. I also love the framework narrative of Agent Leyla Harrison being the one compiling these files together; despite only being in two eps she was a standout character and it makes so much sense for her to be the one assigned this task. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read future volumes!
April 2, 2025
A love letter for X-Files fans. Perfectly looks like real case files and the evidence collected looks perfect.
Case reports are written perfectly and in character.
The annotations by Agent Leyla Harrison add updates to the cases and personal notes that add a new level to the cases.
I’m not much of a fan of the Monster Of The Week episodes of X-Files, but it was a great trip to relive those cases reading their reports.
I can’t wait for volume II which details my favorite episodes of X-Files: The Alien Mythology episodes.
Case reports are written perfectly and in character.
The annotations by Agent Leyla Harrison add updates to the cases and personal notes that add a new level to the cases.
I’m not much of a fan of the Monster Of The Week episodes of X-Files, but it was a great trip to relive those cases reading their reports.
I can’t wait for volume II which details my favorite episodes of X-Files: The Alien Mythology episodes.
May 28, 2025
Very weird "ebook"
I bought this book thinking that it would be in a regular ebook format, but instead what you get is a pdf-like scan of the physical hardcover.
Such a disappointment because the X-Files is one of my favorite series. I've heard that there is going to be a second one with aliens later this year; but I think I won't be getting it if results being like this one: just a scan of a physical copy.
I bought this book thinking that it would be in a regular ebook format, but instead what you get is a pdf-like scan of the physical hardcover.
Such a disappointment because the X-Files is one of my favorite series. I've heard that there is going to be a second one with aliens later this year; but I think I won't be getting it if results being like this one: just a scan of a physical copy.
February 8, 2021
It's f**king annoying that I must wait for roughly four weeks for my copy to arrive. And yes, I already order a Kindle edition of the book and IT'S FANTASTIC. There is nothing worth the hype than a well-sophisticated, frame by frame narrator and amazing realistic figures from the series itself. A must-have edition for all X-files's fan!!
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5/5
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5/5
August 28, 2021
So glad my husband bought this for me! Perfect for an X-Phile like me. A lot of fun stuff about the characters and the cases, all set up to look like a new agent in the FBI was made by A.D. Skinner to go through the X Files and compile them into this book as best they could (since there was that fire in Mulder's office when someone burned the files).
January 22, 2021
If you're an X-Phile you'll adore this, reading the files written by M & S themselves is like a dream come true!
If you don't understand the previous paragraph, don't even bother. This book is not for you.
If you don't understand the previous paragraph, don't even bother. This book is not for you.
December 7, 2023
What an absolute treat for every X-Files fan.
I had a great time reading (as much as I could) and being transported back to when I begged my parents to record the episodes because they aired past my bed time.
Absolute treat!
I had a great time reading (as much as I could) and being transported back to when I begged my parents to record the episodes because they aired past my bed time.
Absolute treat!
January 18, 2025
Beautifully made book for fans of the tv series.
There isn't really much new information about the X Files in this book but the collection of files, pictures and transcripts to acompany the episodes is an absolut must have for fans.
Best read along the episodes dealt with in the single Files.
There isn't really much new information about the X Files in this book but the collection of files, pictures and transcripts to acompany the episodes is an absolut must have for fans.
Best read along the episodes dealt with in the single Files.
October 4, 2020
I enjoyed reading this and watching the corresponding episode with each case file!
October 8, 2020
Do you love The X-Files? Read this book. Do you know someone who loves The X-Files? Buy them this book.
October 25, 2020
This was superb. Actual case reports based on episodes of the show. Must-have for true fans.
May 29, 2021
Paul Terry has created gorgeous books about two of my favourite tv shows. What other man is doing that much for me.
May 19, 2022
It’s a fabulous way to relive some of the tv show’s popular stand-alone monster episodes. Clever and creative.
June 28, 2022
Awesome supplement to the show. Certain episodes are setup as "official" FBI reports. Definitely a must for fans.
July 31, 2022
A fantastic book for all the x-files geeks out there.
November 19, 2022
just amazing to own as a fan of the series
January 24, 2023
I am in the middle of S5 of the X-Files and on page 136 in the same timeline as the Official Archives. It is a guide and then some for an XF Fan!
December 29, 2023
Fun read/view for X-Files fans. X-Files will forever be my favorite so I enjoyed it.
May 25, 2024
Pretty good, I bought this book when I got into x-files in 2020 to follow along. Really well put together and I enjoyed reading a chapter after watching the episode.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews