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Sinister Swamps: Monsters and Mysteries from the Mire
When it comes to iconic landscapes, nothing can rival the ominous allure of a swamp. Within these haunting domains of moss-draped trees and brackish waters lurks some of nature’s finest work, along with some of the most compelling mysteries and spooky legends the world has ever known. From reports of unknown beasts, ghostly figures, and spook lights to tales of missing persons, lost planes, and witches, swamps inevitably ooze with intrigue as they offer a glimpse into a primordial past that may well reflect our very origin. For the last decade, noted author and adventurer Lyle Blackburn has delved into the world of swamps, collecting reports of strange phenomena and boating through their bubbling backwaters to seek the truth behind the fascinating tales. Do monsters, ghosts, and other bizarre entities truly exist in these unique and primitive regions? Find out by joining Blackburn's eerie exploration as he parts the mossy curtains to expose the sinister secrets within some of North America’s most notorious swamplands.
- GenresCryptozoology
264 pages, Paperback
Published May 26, 2020
39 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 18, 2022
There is no better guide through the darkest, spookiest swamps than Lyle Blackburn. Cryptids, ghosts, witches, and even UFOs lie in wait in some of our most unexplored territories. Perfect summer read!
June 21, 2020
Blackburn guides you through the muck and mire of America’s mysterious marshes and boggy backwaters exploring creepy encounters and spooky happenings. He brings to light all the creatures, cryptids, ghosts and otherworldly occurrences that have been hiding in the dark, sinister swamps across the country. Well written and packed with first hand reports that are sure to make your hair stand on end.
July 13, 2020
This one is by far the worst of Mr. Blackburn’s books.
He has his history all messed up with some of the Native American tribes. Sure they were treated badly.
But he never mentions that the Seminole and Creek tribes were black slave holders. They practiced chattel slavery. When they were moved to Indian Territory in the 1830s, they refused to free their slaves and took them with them. Thousands of slaves died on the march, forced to carry their masters’ goods and belongings. How about telling the TRUE
History?
Then there is the tale of a mass murderer in the swamp in Georgia. Wilson by name. This fella supposedly killed dozens of people. Finally a posse sets out to render vengeance. When confronted, Wilson raises a shot gun, which miss fires. The posse riddles Wilson with bullets.
The next paragraph starts with ‘after Wilson was lynched’. Come on...you can do better.
I cannot recommend this book.
He has his history all messed up with some of the Native American tribes. Sure they were treated badly.
But he never mentions that the Seminole and Creek tribes were black slave holders. They practiced chattel slavery. When they were moved to Indian Territory in the 1830s, they refused to free their slaves and took them with them. Thousands of slaves died on the march, forced to carry their masters’ goods and belongings. How about telling the TRUE
History?
Then there is the tale of a mass murderer in the swamp in Georgia. Wilson by name. This fella supposedly killed dozens of people. Finally a posse sets out to render vengeance. When confronted, Wilson raises a shot gun, which miss fires. The posse riddles Wilson with bullets.
The next paragraph starts with ‘after Wilson was lynched’. Come on...you can do better.
I cannot recommend this book.
July 25, 2020
Wonderful Spooky Swamp Lore
This is another excellent book from author Lyle Blackburn. A noted cryptid researcher, he has appeared on numerous shows and written several books on various mysterious creatures. Never mind the sample, just buy the book. Pick up any book he writes, they stand out among a crowded pack.
Knowledgeable and myth and monsters, his works are thourough, well researched and easy to follow and this book is no exception. This is a leisure read through the swamps, bogs and creeks, with tales of creepy creatures. Along the way, fond memories are shared. Reading this book feels like you've spent some quality time with a dear friend, listening to spooky tales of things that inhabit the various swamps. I enjoyed it very much and can't wait for the next one. If you haven't already, read his Boggy Creek books, they are superb. A must read for cryptid lovers.
This is another excellent book from author Lyle Blackburn. A noted cryptid researcher, he has appeared on numerous shows and written several books on various mysterious creatures. Never mind the sample, just buy the book. Pick up any book he writes, they stand out among a crowded pack.
Knowledgeable and myth and monsters, his works are thourough, well researched and easy to follow and this book is no exception. This is a leisure read through the swamps, bogs and creeks, with tales of creepy creatures. Along the way, fond memories are shared. Reading this book feels like you've spent some quality time with a dear friend, listening to spooky tales of things that inhabit the various swamps. I enjoyed it very much and can't wait for the next one. If you haven't already, read his Boggy Creek books, they are superb. A must read for cryptid lovers.
June 12, 2021
Swamps!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially as it had me looking up things of interest to me (Ottine Swamp, Great Dismal Swamp) to check into them further. That's how I know I'm having a good read, when it inspires additional research. I also enjoyed "blowing up" the swamp photos to have a closer look. Makes me want to go exploring. I was actually a bit disappointed when the book ended, I could have read on and on...! The writing style is also right up my alley, and well edited to boot. Thank you for some enjoyable time spent Mr. Blackburn.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially as it had me looking up things of interest to me (Ottine Swamp, Great Dismal Swamp) to check into them further. That's how I know I'm having a good read, when it inspires additional research. I also enjoyed "blowing up" the swamp photos to have a closer look. Makes me want to go exploring. I was actually a bit disappointed when the book ended, I could have read on and on...! The writing style is also right up my alley, and well edited to boot. Thank you for some enjoyable time spent Mr. Blackburn.
February 14, 2021
I Just love this author’s writing style. It’s beautifully descriptive without falling into purple prose. He really brings across the creepy feel of the environments he describes, with local lore about ghosts, cryptids, crime, history, and natural history.
We have wetlands in Australia but they’re not like these US swamps as described in this book, so it was also nice to get a bit of information about their ecology, to go along with the spooky stuff.
We have wetlands in Australia but they’re not like these US swamps as described in this book, so it was also nice to get a bit of information about their ecology, to go along with the spooky stuff.
February 5, 2021
Monsters and Mysteries belong together. Throw in a swamp and its a triple dose of creepy captivation. In Sinister Swamps, Blackburn uses history, story, and setting as a backdrop for modern day encounters. With strong swamp characterization and active writing, Blackburn pulls us in, making it feel like we’re the ones paddling through America’s remote backwaters.
June 22, 2020
None better.
There is no one who spins a better monster yarn, than Blackburn. His thorough investigation and research comes through, as he relates these spooky tales. A great book.
There is no one who spins a better monster yarn, than Blackburn. His thorough investigation and research comes through, as he relates these spooky tales. A great book.
October 7, 2020
Good overview
I prefer Lyle’s earlier books where he spends considerable time on just one cryptid creature but this sampling of stories from various swamps throughout the US was an interesting survey of what might be out there.
I prefer Lyle’s earlier books where he spends considerable time on just one cryptid creature but this sampling of stories from various swamps throughout the US was an interesting survey of what might be out there.
September 24, 2020
Some very creepy stories here. Enjoyable and really makes you wonder what is really going on...
December 2, 2020
Awesome read!!
Now I want to go exploring.
Now I want to go exploring.
March 8, 2023
Lyle presents his research in an easy to follow manner with a hint of humor that makes the information flow quite well.
December 9, 2024
Swamps can be scary
May 2, 2021
Sinister Swamps is not only Lyle Blackburn's latest book, but also familiar territory for the intrepid seeker of monsters and mysteries. Blackburn's deep knowledge of the southern states and their swamplands means no mangrove is left unexplored and no cypress tree left unclimbed.
And, whereas Blackburn has become more famous for his association with the Boggy Creek monster, and southern Sasquatch in general, here, he delves into all things spooky, including ghostly tales, ancient curses, witchcraft, and worse.
Blackburn writes with journalistic quality and shrewdness, always presenting facts and frights with balance. This is an excellent addition to his already excellent library of beastly books.
And, whereas Blackburn has become more famous for his association with the Boggy Creek monster, and southern Sasquatch in general, here, he delves into all things spooky, including ghostly tales, ancient curses, witchcraft, and worse.
Blackburn writes with journalistic quality and shrewdness, always presenting facts and frights with balance. This is an excellent addition to his already excellent library of beastly books.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews