The Beast of Bray Road: Tailing Wisconsin's Werewolf

by Linda S. Godfrey

In the early 1990s, the small town of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, made national headlines with reports of strange, hairy, wolf-headed creatures that sometimes walked upright and seemed not afraid of man stalking the cornfields just outside of town. The canid sensation was soon dubbed "Beast of Bray Road," after the location of the first reported sightings. Nobody has ever been able to prove whether the beast is a flesh-and-blood werewolf or will-o'-the-wisp, demon dog, or noble animal. But the author gives the reader plenty to chew on. Drag these stories into the safest recesses of your private den. Then make up your own mind, if you do so at all, only after the marrow has been extracted and well digested.

Genres: Nonfiction, Paranormal, Werewolves, Cryptozoology, Monsters, Cryptids, History

216 pages, Paperback

First published July 28, 2003

Reviews

[Gerald Matzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Godfrey presents an entertaining study of the topic of wolf-like creatures like the one that was sighted in her home area of Southwest Wisconsin. The history of such creatures was well-researched, citing appearances around the country and in other parts of the world. She got into this subject as a small-town journalist simply reporting local stories but the accounts got picked up by other agencies and she has become somewhat of an expert on such things. In spite of her noteriety in the field of cryptozoology, her writing style is simple and often lighthearted which makes this an enjoyable read. Those who have heard her speak say that her presentations have the same flavor. I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Alex Bledsoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book ostensibly relates the stories of a werewolf-type creature seen in rural Wisconsin. Since the sightings were both brief and few, the book is mostly digression into historical precedent and speculation, as well as documenting the author's attempt to wrest a movie deal from the material. Its largest flaw, to me, is the author's total acceptance of eyewitness accounts as always genuine and accurate. The writing itself is well-done, and if you're interested in the topic, it seems a thorough gathering of the few available facts.

[Sharon A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OK. A fairly well-written account of how this beast blossomed into a national story. Disappointed about the poor sources - mostly general books and non-credible websites - which is strange for a journalist. I would quibble with several assertions, for example, why were large black cats even mentioned as they certainly don't fit. I wished for more serious research than this. It's the only decent source out there but rather weak overall. I would have rated 2.5 stars, right in the middle if that was possible.

[Hilary "Fox" · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, Linda S. Godfrey.

I love your work so much but it never fails to frustrate me.

The Beast of Bray Road is not the easiest of Godfrey's books to track down. This was the monster sighting that got her career as a dogman enthusiast started, as she ended up covering the Beast of Bray Road werewolf beat back when it first took the news. This book documents the bulk of that experience, and what came after. Between the pages of this book you'll find a succinct history of dogman/werewolf/bigfoot/who knows sightings around the Bray Road/Wisconsin/Minnesota area and a small history of the media coverage of such events.

As Godfrey's forays into this furry phenomena continue over the years she's dug her claws deeper into eyewitness testimony and what it might mean. This book does a little bit of that in the final chapter, but she leaves it all largely up to reader speculation. She doesn't try to figure out whether the sightings are good or bad, or what the creature might be after. This is simply establishing that there is something going on that is a bit more canid than ape.

As always, I wish that Godfrey had a more in-depth book out on these topics - or that anyone would. I think there is a lot more historical work to be delved into - particularly when it comes to folklore surrounding cynocephali and werewolves etc. that is just not being done. Every time I open Godfrey's book I want more of that rather than her discussing the same sightings that I now know she's been trotting out since book one.

Will it happen? I dunno. I still hope so. If not, maybe I'll have to write it.

[Dilliwag · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been waiting to read this book for quite some time. When I finally tracked it down via interlibrary loan, I dug in with great anticipation. I'm almost finished with the book--only 15 pages to go--and I find myself disappointed. The author does a nice job of pulling together the various "werewolf" sightings throughout Wisconsin's history. As she did a great deal of fieldwork in relation to contemporary sightings, this is definitely the strength of the book. Where the book falls short, however, is when Godfrey shifts out of reporting and delves into the paranormal, folklore studies, and mythology. I realize this isn't her forte, but her research doesn't go much beyond books you'll find in just about any well stocked store. I wish she'd turned to some of the academic work found in these area--I suspect there's a wealth of information waiting to be unearthed.

All that said, The Beast of Bray Road, is a fun, if not all that intellectually engaging, read. Based on Godfrey's information, I hope to make a WI werewolf tour in the near future.

[Xanthi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having seen a tv program on this subject, I thought I’d give this book a read. I enjoyed the show and my interest was piqued. I had not heard of this cryptid before.
The book is probably best suited to readers who are not too familiar with cryptozoology, as the content might be a bit too familiar, other wise. I’m not a crypto buff, so it was fine for me.
The section specific to the Bray Rd Beast is only a relatively small portion of the book. Other sightings in the state and surrounding states are mentioned, overseas, modern and ancient. Werewolves, were animals, theories, media coverage etc are touched upon too.
If you’re looking for anything groundbreaking or in-depth, you will be dissatisfied with this book. But if you’re mildly curious about cryptids in general you should find this book entertaining enough. I think it’s strongest point was the author’s tone which was mildly amusing. She neither lampooned nor took it all too seriously but hit a gently bemused medium.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Wisconsin, some residents have reported seeing a creature that looks sort of like a werewolf. It's been sited along Bray Road a number of times. The author recounts the stories with a great deal of humor. She does believe the eye witnesses have seen something unusual. But, not wanting to be "dogmatic," she doesn't take sides on what the eyewitnesses may be seeing. A really fun, but spooky, read!

[David Veith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 1st half of the book got a 4.0, 2nd half was more like a 2.25. Still an enjoyable read though. Lots of werewolf stories through out history and more recent sightings and other tidbits. The 1st half was more of the local legend itself and eyewitness accounts and what not. The 2nd half started out ok with other stories in history, but author kept talking about his screenplay that never got going. Not really part of werewolf lore.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book about werewolf sightings in Wisconsin. The author is very level headed (and funny) and has done her research.

[Sarah Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, a good overview, informative

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author did a good job of reporting her interviews and findings. Made me consider that there's something out there. Now I want to know more about dogman.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I watched the companion documentary of this book on Amazon Prime a year or so ago. My dad has lived in Wisconsin briefly and my husband’s family is from the state as well, yet neither had ever heard of “The Beast of Bray Road.” Once I found out there was a book, I was eager to dive more into the subject.

Frankly it was a very fun and quick read. I enjoyed all the pictures and didn’t feel like it was a re-tread of what I watched in the documentary. Our home in Colorado is similar to some of the settings where the werewolf encounters in the book took place in that we have neighbors but there is also a lot of open space separating the homes. It’s just wild enough that we get a lot of coyotes, deer, foxes, mountain lions, bobcats, etc. and our state’s paranormal residents include UFOs, sasquatch, or the very rare Wendigo sighting (all of which are touched on in the book to various degrees). Reading the eyewitness accounts from people who live in similar places was pretty creepy as I could easily picture something similar being possible in my own backyard.

I noticed a lot of people dinged this book for not being solely about the beast of Bray Road. The author does go into the history of werewolves and includes stories from other countries and states, but I enjoyed this addition to the book. Werewolves must be a weak spot for me in the supernatural phenomena department because I wasn’t aware of a lot of the history she presented. I think Big Foots get a lot of the attention in North America, so I liked getting to learn more about werewolves in general. I thought she tied in this aspect well and her notes on other cryptids in that it was all in the name of debunking what this beast could and could not be.

After a quick glance at the author’s website, it looks like the last beast encounter was 2012. I’m not sure if the beast of Bray Road was a moment in time type of story or something that continues on to this day, but I enjoyed my brief foray into this nugget of odd Midwest history.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

An interesting examination of sightings related to the Beast of Bray Road, the history of werewolves and other creatures in the Midwest, and possible explanations for the slew of sightings.

The author provides various stories told to her throughout the years. She explores the possibility of the unexplained with an open mind and a quick wit. She works in various mythology and folklore as well as a smattering of different oddities around the Midwest. I enjoyed the little pockets of humor and her own personal ties to the subject matter.

Well-written and nicely researched with interesting, thorough information and dashes of humor throughout. An interesting read for any cryptid fans, especially those familiar with the Midwest.

[Bob Proctor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read The Beast of Bray Road and gave it four stars. I'm skeptical of werewolves but a lover of Wisconsin Lore, mainly when it centers around where I grew up. Bray Road is just a couple miles east of the Proctor family farm in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Many roads, villages, and establishments mentioned were in my stomping ground. The book significantly contributes to the field of cryptozoology and American folklore studies. Godfrey’s balanced reporting and engaging storytelling offer readers an in-depth look at a modern legend that continues to captivate imaginations. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this book provides a thought-provoking journey into the unknown. I was never lucky to see the werewolf, sasquatch, or bigfoot.

[A.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved my first book about cryptozoology! She did an excellent job investigating as well as of speculating every angle possible to guess the identity of the beast. She's got a good sense of humor, so not only is this book creepy, but also tongue-in-hairy-cheek. A fascinating read.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know what I expected from this book but it fell very flat for me. The fact that all the people in the book, including the author, are obviously ignorant to the size of wolves is very evident. It was 170 pages and should have been a breeze but it took forever.

[Christine Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining short book about one of the US’s more interesting urban legends, written by a local journalist. She takes a light hearted approach to the subject but still has done her research and you do wonder what some of the earlier, serious minded witnesses saw.

[Cathy O. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars seems generous. None the less, I was interested in the tale. All areas mentioned in SE Wis are near areas we frequent. I was struck by how different this would play out today with social media. As it was, the beast caused frenzy even before viral social media stories became a thing.

[Elizabeth Judd Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable look at a cryptid local to my old home in Wisconsin. This is the best of Linda Godfrey’s books on werewolves/dogmen in my opionion; it’s also the first one that she wrote.
(It’s also got a small bit about wulvers in Scotland, which is where I live now, so that’s nice too!)

[Nathan Worthington · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a very entertaining read. What was or is the "Beast" of Bray Road? No idea but this book does shed some light on the situation & provides some possible solutions to the problem.

[Mary Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

very repetitive

This was a good book I just wish it had been the first book I read about, the dog man, werewolf, beast of bray road.

[Mission Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda is THE expert on the strange story of the Beast of Bray Rd. Her expertise as a journalist shine through in this, the most comprehensive book on the Wisconsin cryptid.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read for anyone who is interested in cryptozoology, and especially if the reader is also from Wisconsin. The author does a good job of reporting on local sightings of strange creatures as well as giving a broader overview of werewolf lore; and she does so with a good deal of humor!

[Ian Barrera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back in the early 1990's there were many sightings of a strange creature that roamed around Elkhorn Wisconsin's country side. If you are from Wisconsin mostly likely you heard of this famous tale.

[Jay Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most interesting authors I've ever followed. All of her books are amazing and will keep you on the edge of your seat. R.I.P. Linda.