Review by Booklist Review
Fleming approaches the Loch Ness monster question with a well-organized collection of evidence for readers to evaluate, practical ways of doing so, and an attitude of skepticism. In the book's fictional framework, the reader, "an investigator for the Black Swan (BSSI) investigative team," receives an envelope full of interviews, news articles, and other documents related to Nessie, the Loch Ness monster, and one question to answer: "Is it real?" Addressing the reader in second person, Fleming offers advice on types of evidence and how to evaluate them. Although several photos were taken of "monsters" in Loch Ness, they did not prove Nessie's existence. The book's black-and-white illustrations include many photos and a few pertinent drawings. From the first sightings in 1933 to the arrival of a famous big-game hunter (who incorrectly identified a hippopotamus footprint as that of the monster) to Fleming's warning to doubt any evidence leading to conclusions that you particularly want, this well-organized book offers an opportunity to learn about the Loch Ness Monster while becoming more skilled and skeptical when evaluating so-called experts and opinions voiced as facts. In short, this account of the history of Loch Ness monster sightings and theories is entertaining, informative, and useful for practical applications as well.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"You are an investigator for the Black Swan Scientific Investigation (BSSI) team," Fleming (The Enigma Girls) declares in the opening chapter of this interactive foray into unraveling "the natural world's greatest mysteries"--in this instance, the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. Transitioning from a cheeky second-person POV through which readers receive their mission into fluid third-person reimaginings of historical events, portrayed as the audience's "case file," the author launches budding cryptid sleuths into their investigation. The provided information ("Case File: What Lurks in the Loch?") features the history of the Loch Ness Monster and its purported sightings, as well as gathered evidence, including the footprints discovered by game hunter Marmaduke Wetherell and surgeon Robert Kenneth Wilson's infamous photo of the creature. Subsequent sections detail later investigations of the legend between 1958 and 1970 using sonar equipment and DNA testing. Utilizing a handy BSSI Investigator's Handbook--a critical thinking guide covering topics such as evidence, bias, and questionable witnesses, included via insets--the audience is encouraged to evaluate the case of the Loch Ness Monster. It's a clever, attention-grabbing read that fosters critical thinking skills and scientific methodology. Ages 8--12. (Mar.)
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Review by Horn Book Review
A prehistoric monster was sighted in Loch Ness! People say they have seen it. Newspapers have reported it. But does it really exist? Fleming involves readers in the hunt: "You are an investigator for the Black Swan Scientific Investigation (BSSI) team. Your job is to unravel -- if you can -- the natural world's greatest mysteries. Ghosts. Sea serpents. Aliens from outer space. You've tackled them all by asking the right questions and looking for evidence." In the untangling of this famous mystery, Fleming lets readers in on the tools of historical detection and narrative nonfiction writing, of which she is a master. Reader-sleuths learn the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence, and between evidence and proof. It turns out there's plenty of evidence, but is there proof? In the years since the first sightings almost a century ago, people have tried many ways to locate the monster: submarines, sonar, underwater cameras, infrared cameras, and even a gigantic comb raked through the water. But "no definitive evidence has been found." Sightings continue today, and "Nessie swims on, swift and elusive, in the imagination of millions." Back matter includes an extensive bibliography and source notes. Dean SchneiderMay/June 2025 p.109 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
