Scary Monsters and Super Creeps: In Search of the World's Most Hideous Beasts

by Dom Joly

Dom Joly sets off round the world, but this time he's not looking to holiday in a danger zone - he's monster hunting. Ever since he was given a copy of Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World for his ninth birthday Dom has been obsessed with the world of cryptozoology - monster hunting - and in Scary Monsters and Super Creeps he heads to six completely different destinations to investigate local monster sightings. He explores the Redwood Curtain in northern California in search of Sasquatch; in Canada he visits Lake Okanagan hoping to catch a glimpse of a thirty-foot snake-like creature called Ogopogo; and near Lake Tele in Congo he risks his life tracking the vegetarian sauropod Mokele-mbembe. Naturally he heads to Loch Ness - but for this hunt he has his family in tow; he treks across the Khumbu Valley in Nepal looking for Yeti; and in the hills above Hiroshima in Japan he enlists the help of a local man to find the Hibagon, a terribly smelly 'caveman ape'. Are the monsters all the product of fevered minds, or is there a sliver of truth somewhere in the madness? Either way, the search gives Dom an excuse to dive into six fascinating destinations on a gloriously nutty adventure. In typically hilarious and irreverent fashion, Dom explores the cultures that gave rise to these monster myths and ends up in some pretty hairy situations with people even stranger than the monsters they are hunting.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Audiobook, Humor, Cryptozoology, British Literature, Travelogue

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[Littlegreengoblin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think that there are two things that you have to consider before reading this book. The first is this: are you a fan of Dom Joly? To be completely honest, I didn't enjoy this book very much simply because I have no idea who Dom Joly is, what his accomplishments are, etc. He seems to be famous in the UK (at least he makes it a point of telling us so; his arrogance may be his sense of humor but I didn't enjoy it) and he makes a lot of references to his TV shows, past travels, and other works, but honestly those just flew right over my head because I couldn't care less. I think that when he wrote this book, he had a very specific target demographic in mind: his fans in the UK. And I was not one of them. TBH, this just seemed like one of those things that publishing houses publish BECAUSE the author is already famous and has a reliable fan base, not because the author is necessarily a good writer.

The second thing to consider with this book is that you shouldn't read it as travel writing. That is definitely my opinion at least. The book classifies itself as travel writing but I strongly disagree that anyone should read it as such. I work at a travel agency and a lot of my work revolves around researching on places. Therefore, I've somewhat developed a nose for good and bad travel writing and if this is travel writing, then it is BAD travel writing. For one, it's written in white man's perspective. Which isn't bad in itself, only if you're the type of white man who will call unfamiliar Japanese food "cat puke". He literally runs away from a lot of people as well (which isn't a bad idea in a lot of cases, but I just feel like there's a vague cultural breach there), and fails to really tell us the nuances of his encounters with other cultures. He does however talk in excruciating detail about EVERYTHING ELSE he does: what he eats, where he sleeps, what he does in airplane lounges, mundane things that I don't think are necessary to the story (like meeting a guy he thought was famous in that bar, like what was the point?). Especially since a lot of times, his expeditions fail and he just ends up wandering around.

There's also a condescension in the way he talks to people to treats other cultures. I got really peeved with the whole Japanese "cat puke" thing because it's things like these that show you what kind of traveler you are. Granted, I haven't traveled as extensively as Joly has but I think that common etiquette just dictates that you not call exotic food "puke".

The one good thing about this book is that Joly does write with a sense of humor. So there's that. And the one portion I enjoyed was the Yeti portion (followed closely by his trip to Congo even though he never actually made it to Lake Tele). Everything else was just kind of boring or tedious because nothing spectacular really happens. At least nothing spectacular that I felt invested in. Joly does admit in the beginning that the book isn't necessarily about monsters, but just about his travels. I just wish he'd stop using "monster hunting" as a crutch. If you want to do travel writing, then JUST DO IT! Especially since we get nothing of value about monsters in your book that we wouldn't get doing a simple Google search.

So in the end, I feel like the only reason you should read this book is because you are a Dom Joly fan and want to learn more about his life. If you (like me) give no fucks about Dom Joly, then don't read it. And if you are like me (and are not a Dom Joly fan but read it anyway), then I suggest you don't read it as travel writing but as a self-absorbed piece of confused essay writing.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally worth the 99p I paid for this book, that's not a slight on Mr.Joly's work, in fact this is the first work of his I've read and it was a blast from start to finish. Funny and easy to enjoy it made me want to drop everything,pack a bag and go monster hunting.

[minnajee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hupaisa kokoelma kertomuksia koomikon hirviöjahdeista eri puolilla maailmaa. Eka oli hienoin, sitten taso hieman notkahti, mutta miellyttävää matkaluettavaa silti. Täytyy lukea muitakin Jolyn matkailukirjoja.

[Jo Berry ☀️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a British person I remember Dom Jolly from the prank show, Trigger Happy TV. I normally hate practical 'jokes' and don't want tv shows to encourage them, but from what I can recall, Dom seemed to stay on the right side of things and not slip into frightening or humiliating innocent people. Still, a love of pranking means I won't warm to you, so I hadn't rushed to read any of Dom's later books.

However, I did enjoy this. He seems to have left his practical joking days behind and turned into a humorous travel writer. And I love a fun travel book. Dom's style is similar to Bill Bryson, although Bryson packs his books with lots more information about the places he visits and you feel like you're learning things. He also has a more mature sense of humour. This is a lighter version, but I enjoyed listening to it as an audiobook read by the author himself.

In this book he's looking for cryptids. He visits Canada to search of a lake monster called Ogopogo in Lake Okanagan. Then over to Japan to find the Hibagon. Next to Lake Tele in Congo for the vegetarian dinosaur Mokele-mbembe. Then back to North America to find Bigfoot, before a trip to Nepal to search for Bigfoot's frosty cousin, the Yeti. Finally, Dom returns home to the UK to hunt for the Loch Ness Monster - but this time with his family for company.

I definitely enjoyed it enough that I'm already lining up another of Dom's travel books, 'Dark Tourist'.

[Brian Clegg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've come across two very different versions of Dom Joly. One is the pleasant family guy I've seen in Cirencester's best coffee shop. The other is the 'TV personality' who has appeared in the kind of excruciatingly unfunny shows that I wouldn't watch with a barge pole. (This is not quite a mixed metaphor if you use Decartes' model of light.) Luckily, Scary Monsters and Super Creeps was written by the former Joly.

Although ostensibly about hunting down famous monsters from bigfoot to the ogopogo, it is probably best read as a humorous travel book, one of my favourite genre, and the reason I bought it. There are some wonderful writers in this genre - think, for instance, Bill Bryson, Dave Gorman and Stuart Maconie. In fact, for me, the humorous travel book is far better than the serious kind.

In principle, Scary Monsters ticks all the boxes. We've got a funny, self-deprecating narrator and interesting locations to visit. Not only do we get Loch Ness, but we also get to see the likes of Japan and the Republic of Congo through Joly's eyes. Like all good travel stories, some of his adventures are fraught with problems, and a couple of near-death experiences. What can possibly go wrong?

It's really hard to put your finger on what is wrong with this book - but there is something. It's not Joly or his writing. It's not the places he visits or the people he meets. I think, in the end, it's the theme that doesn't work. Although the frameworks that some humorous travel books are hung on are pretty flimsy (I'm talking to you, Dave Gorman - not to mention that other guy who went round Ireland with a fridge), at least they have the potential to be fulfilled. Going to see mythical monsters inevitably lacks a satisfactory conclusion.

It probably doesn't help that Joly's monster hunting technique is essential to turn up at the alleged location and mooch around. A problem that is reinforced when, in at least one situation, the travel problems he faces are so big that he never even makes it to the monster's home. Along the way he meets lots of people who, when asked 'Have you seen the monster?' say 'No, I haven't, but I know lots of people who have.' And like their secondhand stories, this book lacks the narrative drive to pull the reader in for long sections.

It really isn't a bad book, and worth taking a look if you are interested in cryptozoology (if only to see how not to do it) or like pretty well anything from the humorous travel shelf.

[o n o · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such a pointless book, did someone pay this guy to go on these quests? And who plans to go out in the Congo with only a week?

Narrarive was somewhat enjoyable at times, but the author comes off as ignorant and frankly, quite rude and culturally insenstive despite the fact that he emphasises how well-travelled he is.

He makes references to his shows and things most readers will have no idea about. I found it disorienting, and his accounts condescending.

[Stephen Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly more enjoyable than the other book of his I read, but still has a number of issues. Listened to the audiobook read by Dom which improved things a lot, allowing his unique dry delivery to come across.

Aspects I enjoyed more-so were the monsters I had no prior knowledge of on his visits to Japan, the Congo and Canada… the latter was especially surprising as I have visited Kelowna and didn’t notice anything about the Ogopogo. His near death experience of being stranded up a mountain after his car went off-road was another highlight… with a potential sighting of a mysterious footprint!

The more familiar legends of Nessie, the Yetti and big foot while they had some mildly amusing anecdotes from his encounters with members of the public / believers of ‘super creeps’ on the whole very little was learned, and this is the fault of the book. It serves very little in expanding your knowledge. I know this isn’t meant to be a deeply researched novel, but with every location visited it just seemed poorly planned. Experts not planned beforehand and not around or available leaving Dom to wonder around aimlessly forming few confusions.

With little to no concrete evidence, his quest to find these elusive monsters is ultimately underwhelming and frustrating. I know these monsters are all myths and he’s not going to secure an interview with Big Foot himself, but I would have liked it to have been a bit more investigatory. Also, as a fan of some of his televised prank and culture travel series, I couldn’t help but think this would have been far more enjoyable if he’d been able to have this commissioned for a TV series (allowing for his great surreal sketches) to get the full Dom package.

[Lizzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thé version i bought has a much cooler cover then this one. I would’ve judged it more accurately and probably wouldn’t have bought it with this one.

Anyways, it’s a readable book full of interesting adventures and weird people. Dom Joly, who is not someone I knew about before reading this, comes across as a culturally insensitive, self-absorbed, arrogant, entitled asshole. Just reading about his “elbow wars” on airplanes made me instantly hate him and his entitled middle-aged man energy. He comes across as ill-prepared and lazy (his “research” often includes excerpts from Wikipedia or random nearby signs), and like a spoiled city boy relying on much more talented and organized people to keep him safe. The writing isn’t good, feels like a series of long blog posts, often chronically restaurants, food, random encounters with annoying people, and airplane hijinks. More context and nuance would have been appreciated, with less Bill Bryson-esque bitching. Truly astonishing to me how many travel writers are obnoxious, out of shape men who think we should care about what drinks they ordered at the end of the day in the hotel bar. Still, it had enough interesting travel details for me to be engaged enough to finish (especially since I had purchased this book at Daunt Books when looking for something I couldn’t get easily in the US), but was so frustrating otherwise that I never want to read anything by him again.

[Luke Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scary Monsters and Super Creeps is Dom Joly's written account of his attempts to investigate some of the world's more famous monsters. This includes the yeti and bigfoot, as well as Nessie, but also some you may not have heard of, such as Mokele Mbembe and the Japanese Hibagon - another variant of alleged, hairy, wild man.

Joly's travels take him from Canada to the Congo. But overall, this seems to be a book that can't make up its mind what it is. It's not really travel writing, as Joly appears to be incompetent in organising the bear basics (perhaps deliberately so for laughs). That said, the chapter dedicated to Nepal would pass as decent enough to most readers of globe trotting adventures. Less can be said for his "monster hunting", which would leave most investigators - armchair based or otherwise, chomping at the bit, as it seems as haphazard as it is halfhearted.

Overall, you won't learn a great deal about the places Joly visits or the creatures he is looking for. But you will get 200+ pages of his humour and insight. So, if that's your thing, then you won't be disappointed. But if you're looking for anything else, you probably will be.

[Richard Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mildly entertaining travel log, specifically documenting the silliness that accompanies Dom while he goes in search of “The Big Six” scary monsters. I had the feeling that rather than “Dom has been obsessed with the world of cryptozoology” being the motivation for this book, actually Dom had some success with Dark Tourist, and wanted to do another travel log. Having realised that he could use the title “Scary Monsters and Super Creeps” (referencing the David Bowie album by the same name) this set the scope for this book. It is worth noting however that I have absolutely no evidence for this assertion, but that too is rather fitting for this book.

Other than being somewhat over credulous regarding the existence of these creatures, the problem is that rather predictably there is very little monster activity. What fun there is in the book actually comes from the amusing anecdotes of the author in his travels. “Hilarious” – No, amusing Yes.

[Corey James Soper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a travelogue with a gimmicky premise: to hunt for crytozoology marvels like Nessie or Mokele-Mbembe, but that's largely a vehicle for Joly's comments on mundane human absurdity, small-mindedness and self-importance. This takes him from the jungles of the Congo to the peaks of the Himalayas and to, erm, Inverness, in search of these creatures. A lot of these (mis)adventures generally involve him getting pissed and moaning about his hotel - this is more Karl Pilkington than David Livingstone - but he does trek out into some wonderful places and have some great experiences.

Whilst his commentary on the travels and travails is often very funny at times it slips into self-indulgence and some of the anecdotes don't really hit the mark. As a result of being a description of real trips, it tends to be tonally all over the place, which I think is the source of some of the negative reviews.

I'd say I really like it: it is an odd, brave, somewhat Quixotic little book. But I couldn't honestly say the execution is a strength.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dom Joly travels around the world in search of creatures that may or may not exist - Bigfoot, the Yeti, Ogopogo, and the like. He doesn't find any of them, but that doesn't really matter, because this book is more about the journeys than the monsters. And those journeys are filled with odd incidents, interesting people, and travelling frustrations, all recounted for us with Joly's judicious jocularity. It doesn't hang together as well as Dark Tourist, and there aren't as many memorable scenes. Even so, if you did like Dark Tourist, this is a travelogue you definitely don't want to miss. As before, Joly's self-narrated audiobook is the best mode of consumption.

[Andy Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read about Dom Jolly’s adventures travelling around the world in search of some of the more iconic monsters such as Big Foot as well as a few lesser known cryptozoological mysteries. You won’t find a great deal new on these creatures but you will find a frank, entertaining dialogue of the travels and on Mr Jolly’s experiences filled with a dry wit and a few interesting observations.

[Julian Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and lighthearted read - despite the potential drama involved in the dangerous world of monster hunting.

His writing is highly entertaining, as are his adventures, and he proves that there is just enough belief left in the world to accept that any unknown creature could still be there - waiting for an astute, professional such as himself, to discover it.

A fun adventure travelogue (with a large dose of cryptozoology thrown in for good measure).

Great stuff

[James Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dom Joly has such a great way of finding humor and meaning in the strange corners of the world. My favorite parts were the off-the-path stories — the weird little places and weirder people he stumbles across when he wanders away from the task of monster hunting. Those moments feel the most real and memorable.

[Anna Harbin · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are looking for something that is about any form of cryptozoology, this is not the books for you.
If you want to hear the not very funny ramblings of a privileged middle aged white man? Go right ahead!

[James Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and alot of fun, Dom Jolys constant frustration with all the difficulties of travel such as bureaucracy and local politics getting in the way of something as harmless as looking for Bigfoot make it a very funny and painfully relatable read

[Richard Luck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun - no, it's not going to give Dr Karl Shuker any sleepless nights but this is the definition of good time spent in excellent company.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a variety of takes and tales here. Not sure how much I'd seek more of the same, but I didn't hate my time on his journey. The writing isn't bad, but nothing to rave about.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining travelogue in search of some of the world's most infamous mythical creatures.

[Clive Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good.
I’m a big fan of Dom’s crackpot travel adventures and this was the gap in my collection. Funny, interesting, well written.

[Simon Burdus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and easy to read

[Clive Bevitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read.

[Zel Polev · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was underwhelming. I liked the Dark Tourist and was expecting to like this one. I just thought the jokes were too tame to be made up and too unlikely to be true. It fell into a weird limbo where it isn't credible enough to be funny and if it isn't true, then it is pretty tame as far as written jokes go. The set up of the Ogopogo and the propositioning joke was unimaginative. I thought the same of the Fountainhead and the Turner diaries joke. It felt like a character rather than a genuine point of view. If this was a character, then it is really unimaginative. If it is made up, I'd expect it to be more than what it is.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. It's nearly on a par with Dom Joly's previous book called The Dark Tourist which I found hilarious.
This time Dom is off on a monster hunt - think the Yeti and the Loch Ness Monster. However, he included some monsters that I'd never heard of such as the Hibagon and Mokele-mbembe and the difficult journeys to try to find them.
But I think my favourite journey was to find Ogopogo in Canada - read it, you'll like it!

[Jonathan Northall · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with cryptozoology, the book fails to really prove existence of these creatures. Having said that, the book is a fascinating read about travel and how it can just get you in to real trouble. Dom Joly manages to capture the frustration and desperation of the situations with great comic effect. I'm glad that his problems are all our problems, at times, in foreign climes.

[Alex Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

After listening to The Dark Tourist I immediately got this book on Audible to listen to in the car. Travelling to and from work definitely became much more interesting. Great 2nd book from Mr Joly. I definitely recommend this book - especially as an audio book.

[Ellen Hooley · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was alright. If you like Dom Joly I would recommend Dark Tourist or Look at me.

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Dom! Had this as audio in the car, prefer a proper book really, but it's too dangerous.

[Jane Chiappino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny as you would expect, love the fact that i found out about 3 monsters i had never heard of! Great the the nessie was the least covered as we all know and have our opinions on that one!