Joe Nickell - Böcker

The O.J. Simpson trial. The Lindbergh kidnapping. The death of Marilyn Monroe. The assassination of the Romanovs. The Atlanta child murders. All controversial cases. All investigated with the latest techniques in forensic science. Nationally respected investigators Joe Nickell and John Fischer explain the science behind the criminal investigations that have captured the nation's attention. Crime Science is the only comprehensive guide to forensics. Without being overly technical or treating scientific techniques superficially, the authors introduce readers to the work of firearms experts, document examiners, fingerprint technicians, medical examiners, and forensic anthropologists. Each topic is treated in a separate chapter, in a clear and understandable style. Nickell and Fisher describe fingerprint classification and autopsies, explain how fibers link victims to their killers, and examine the science underlying DNA profiling and toxicological analysis. From weapons analysis to handwriting samples to shoe and tire impressions, Crime Science outlines the indispensable tools and techniques that investigators use to make sense of a crime scene. Each chapter closes with a study of a well-known case, revealing how the principles of forensic science work in practice.

For centuries, eyewitnesses around the world -- from America to Africa, Argentina to Scotland -- have reported sightings of dark, mysterious creatures in area lakes that surface briefly, only to quickly disappear. While the most famous lake monsters, those living in Loch Ness and Lake Champlain, have gained international notoriety, hundreds of lakes around the world are said to shelter these shadowy creatures. Lake Monster Mysteries is the first book to collectively approach these widespread mysteries from a scientific perspective. By using exhaustive research and results from firsthand investigations to help separate truth from myth, the authors foster our understanding of what really lurks in the cold, murky depths. Benjamin Radford and Joe Nickell are considered to be among the top lake monster authorities in the world. Here they share unique insights into many of the world's best-known lake monsters. They interview dozens of people and discuss the different types of lake monster sightings, delve into possible explanations for those sightings, and examine hoaxes, evidence claims, and legends surrounding the monsters. The authors have conducted groundbreaking fieldwork and experiments at lakes, examined photographic evidence, and analyzed the most current sonar readings. Incorporating newly-revealed information and up-to-date developments, the cases in Lake Monster Mysteries are in-depth, firsthand investigations that will inform and entertain both avid lake monster researchers and lovers of unexplained mysteries.

The Holy Grail, the Lance of Longinus, and the True Cross are some of the most revered artifacts in the world today. These Christian relics are also a source of limitless controversy. They have incited bloodshed and, some say, are a source of miracles. They inspire fear and hope among the faithful, and yet are a perennial target for skeptics, both Christian and secular. To research the authenticity of numerous Christian relics, Joe Nickell employs a scientific approach, using such techniques as radiocarbon dating, polarized-light microscopy, and forensic serology. Examined here are such significant relics as the Shroud of Turin, the multiple heads of John the Baptist, and the "incorruptible" corpses of saints. For each relic, Nickell examines evidence indicating that the item is legitimate, evidence suggesting that it is not, and whether or not the relic and the miracles attributed to it can be recreated. In addition to his own experiments, Nickell presents findings from the world's top scientists and historians regarding these controversial objects of reverence and ire. But he is ultimately guided by the maxim, "extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof." In treating each relic as a mystery to be solved, Nickell seeks only to find the truth.

Paranormal investigator Joe Nickell is equally at home when recreating the mysterious Nasca lines at a remote site in Kentucky as he is in his research lab at the office of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. He has traveled the world, seeking to understand its strange mysteries. Nickell does not engage in hype or sensationalism, yet he avoids the instinctive dismissiveness of many skeptics. Instead, he scientifically investigates the claims he encounters with the intention of finding the truth. Guided by the notion that the extent of the evidence must be commensurate with the extent of the claim, and by the principle of Occam's Razor -- that the simplest tenable explanation is most likely correct -- Nickell has spent his career uncovering the truth behind seemingly inexplicable phenomena. In Adventures in Paranormal Investigation, Nickell presents the case files of his examinations of claims ranging from alien abductions to zoological enigmas. He investigates snake charmers, alien autopsies, crystal skulls, a Russian girl with X-ray eyes, Jack the Ripper, and a haunted gas chamber at Dachau, among many others. He even reveals how intuition has changed his life, causing him to meet the daughter he never knew he had. Nickell brings his trademark skepticism to each investigation, carefully observing each claim and using scientific methods honed over many years to discover the real stories behind these fascinating tales.

What constitutes historical truth is often subject to change. Through ingenious detection, the accepted wisdom of one generation may become the discredited legend of another -- or vice versa. In this wide- ranging study of historical investigation, former detective Joe Nickell allows the reader to look over his shoulder as he demonstrates the use of varied techniques in solving some of the world's most perplexing mysteries.All the major categories of historical mystery are here -- ancient riddles, biographical enigmas, hidden identity, "fakelore," questioned artifacts, suspect documents, lost texts, obscured sources, and scientific challenges. Each is then illustrated by a complete case from the author's own files.Nickell's investigation of the giant Nazca drawings in Peru, for example -- thought by some to provide proof of ancient extraterrestrial visitations -- uses innovative techniques to reveal a very different origin. Other cases concern the 1913 disappearance of writer and journalist Ambrose Bierce, the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, the truth about the identity of John Demjanjuk ("Ivan the Terrible" to Polish death camp victims), the fate of a lost colonial American text, the authenticity of Abraham Lincoln's celebrated Bixby letter, and the apparent real-life model for a mysterious character in a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne.In reaching his solutions, Nickell demonstrates a wide variety of investigative techniques -- chemical and instrumental analyses, physical experimentation, a "psychological autopsy," forensic identification, archival research, linguistic analysis, folklore study, and many others. His highly readable book will intrigue the scholar and the history buff no less than the mystery lover.

Nationally known historical investigator Joe Nickell tells us how to identify and date old photos and how to distinguish originals from copies and fakes. He addresses forensic application, "surreptitious photography," and legal concerns. Particularly intriguing is his discussion of camera tricks, darkroom deceptions, retouching techniques, computer technology, and trickery detection. Nickell concludes with an exciting look at "paranormal" photography: alleged photographs of ghosts, UFOs, and legendary creatures, "miracle pictures," and psychokinetic (ESP-produced) photos.

Detecting Forgery reveals the complete arsenal of forensic techniques used to detect forged handwriting and alterations in documents and to identify the authorship of disputed writings. Joe Nickell looks at famous cases such as Clifford Irving's "autobiography" of Howard Hughes and the Mormon papers of document dealer Mark Hoffman, as well as cases involving works of art. Detecting Forgery is a fascinating introduction to the growing field of forensic document examination and forgery detection.

What constitutes historical truth is often subject to change. Joe Nickell demonstrates the techniques used in solving some of the world's most perplexing mysteries, such as the authenticity of Abraham Lincoln's celebrated Bixby letter, the 1913 disappearance of writer and journalist Ambrose Bierce, and the apparent real-life model for a mysterious character in a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Nickell also uses newly uncovered evidence to further investigate the identity of the Nazi war criminal known as ""Ivan the Terrible.""

On small-town ballfields and county fairgrounds, the sideshow performers set up their tents and trailers in the shadow of the Ferris wheel. There they amazed us with daring feats such as fire eating and sword swallowing, intrigued us with exhibitions of human oddities and various "anatomical wonders," and yes, deceived us with illusions such as "Atasha the Gorilla Girl" and even outright fakes. These bizarre spectacles engaged the mind as well as the eye. Was the human blockhead act, in which the performer pounded a large nail or ice pick into his nostril, real or fake? Was the so-called alligator boy genuine or a "gaffed" oddity, painted with glue to produce a scaly simulation of reptilian skin? While the sideshows have now all but vanished from the American landscape, they leave a fascinating legacy of romance and mystery. Many of their secrets remain, only grudgingly given up, if at all, by aging showmen and "bally talkers." Joe Nickell -- once a carnival pitchman, then a magician, a private detective, and an investigative writer -- has pursued sideshow secrets for years. He has interviewed the showmen and performers, collected carnival memorabilia, researched the published literature, and even performed some classic sideshow feats, such as eating fire and lying on a bed of nails while a cinderblock was broken on his chest. Secrets of the Sideshows reveals the specific methods and tricks behind the performances, the showmen's tactics for recruiting performers and attracting crowds, and more. Nickell also examines the behind-the-scenes secrets of sideshow life, including details of the remarkable personal lives of those men and women billed as "freaks."

Utilizing their experience as professional crime-solvers, authors Joe Nickell and John F Fischer delve into the labyrinth of the unknown armed with open minds and the remarkable array of information sources and scientific methods available to the modern investigator. Examined are such classic enigmas as the haunting of Mackenzie House (Toronto's rebel statesman is said to tread noisily upon the stairs of his historic home); the question of the 'Crystal Skull' (the 'grand-daddy of all crystal balls'); the case of 'The Two Will Wests' (two prison inmates with the same name, identical features, and similar fingerprints); plus bleeding doors, phantom pictures, restless coffins, disappearing footprints, human fireballs, and miraculous portraits - a fascinating panoply of mind-bogglers, riddles, and ambiguities. The methods, procedures, and sources used by Nickell and Fischer to solve these 'mysteries' included forensic and microchemical analysis, controlled testing, archaeology, instrumental analyses, iconographic studies, genetics, deductive logic, photography, art history, pathology, engineering, genealogy, police records, and plain common sense.Neither a mere collection of stories nor a categorical debunking, this book goes beyond the spine-tingling to focus on details of available evidence, appropriate investigative strategies, and convincing explanations for these intriguing 'occult' mysteries. The answers provided may disappoint the determined believer in the supernatural - but the solutions, and the fascinating methodology used by the authors, are as unique and interesting as the perplexing cases on which they are based.

Educational studies indicate a critical lack of scientific awareness in children and young adults. Is it because science is no longer perceived as challenging, interesting, or just plain fun? Looking for scientific facts can be as enjoyable as "playing detective".Joe Nickell realized that a mere series of debunking stories might hold a child's interest, yet not kindle the development of critical skills. If children could be fully involved in the investigation of strange occurences . . . if the investigations could have all the thrill of a ghost story yet reinforce rational over irrational thought, and science over superstition . . . then the book as a whole would be an appealing introduction to logic, critical analysis, and the scientific method in action.In The Magic Detectives, Nickell presents thirty "paranormal" investigations in the form of brief mystery stories. Clues are embedded in each story; at the end of each account, the child can turn the book upside down to reveal the conclusion that professional "magic detectives" have already reached. Included are examinations of the "mummy's curse," bigfoot, haunted stairways, the Amityville Horror, the Loch Ness monster, poltergeists, and more.The "note to teachers" which follows the text of the book recommends that The Magic Detectives be used as an illustrative aid for teaching valuable skills to young people. Nickell makes specific suggestions for assignments, and includes a list of references consulted which can serve as a list for further reading.

Mysterious happenings. Famous apparitions. Things that go bump in the night. Since earliest times, public fascination and popular imagination have focused on phenomena known as "supernatural." But extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. When mysteries and coincidences seem too remarkable to be true, reason demands careful investigation and analysis of the facts rather than the invocation of "unknown forces."Utilizing their experience as professional crime-solvers, authors Joe Nickell and John F. Fischer delve into the labyrinth of the unknown armed with open minds and the remarkable array of information sources and scientific methods available to the modern investigator.Examined are such classic enigmas as the haunting of Mackenzie House (Toronto's rebel statesman is said to tread noisily upon the stairs of his historic home); the question of the "Crystal Skull" (the "grand-daddy of all crystal balls"); the case of "The Two Will Wests" (two prison inmates with the same name, identical features, and similar fingerprints); plus bleeding doors, phantom pictures, restless coffins, disappearing footprints, human fireballs, and miraculous portraits - a fascinating panoply of mind-bogglers, riddles, and ambiguities.The methods, procedures, and sources used by Nickell and Fischer to solve these "mysteries" included forensic and microchemical analysis, controlled testing, archaeology, instrumental analyses, iconographic studies, genetics, deductive logic, photography, art history, pathology, engineering, genealogy, police records, and plain common sense.Neither a mere collection of stories nor a categorical debunking, this book goes beyond the spine-tingling to focus on details of available evidence, appropriate investigative strategies, and convincing explanations for these intriguing "occult" mysteries. The answers provided may disappoint the determined believer in the supernatural - but the solutions, and the fascinating methodology used by the authors, are as unique and interesting as the perplexing cases on which they are based.

How was Joaquin Argamasilla able to see through metal? How did Daniel Home float through the air - high enough to hit his head on the ceiling? How was Evangeline Adams able to predict the future? Could these people actually perform the impossible?Wonder-Workers! reveals the secrets of these and seven other famous magicians, psychics, and mediums. Investigative writer Joe Nickell tells their stories and examines their claims in the light of science to learn whether they truly did possess powers beyond the range of nature and normal human experience. Dr. Nickell (himself a wonder-worker) guides young readers through these amazing stories, encouraging them to question the unbelievable and discover the truth behind some of the world's greatest mysteries.

Investigative writer Joe Nickell and forensic analyst John F. Fischer probe ten tantalizing mysteries that, for decades, have defied rational analysis and convinced many people that supernatural events really do happen. Using their skills and experience in historic document examination and forensic research, Nickell and Fischer carefully scrutinize the evidence for a variety of strange historical, paranormal, and forensic phenomena. Taking neither a credulous nor close-minded approach, the authors search for answers to these questions and other mysterious conundrums. Their deductions and proposed solutions (which make use of blood chemistry, forensic analysis, document examination, and a knowledge of stage magic) are truly worthy of Sherlock Holmes and will keep readers turning the pages to find out the rest of the story.

The willingness of people to believe in magical icons, mystical relics, and miraculous pictures (like the Image of Guadalupe) is almost as curious as these phenomena themselves. Though they cry out for scientific investigation, millions of people blindly accept them as fact. Historical and paranormal investigator Joe Nickell confronts such strange events, powers, and objects as the Shroud of Turin, bleeding or weeping statues, burning handprints, liquefying blood, ecstatic visions, miraculous cures, and people speaking in tongues in "Looking for a Miracle". Departing from standard critiques of religion, Nickell carefully investigates the evidence relating to specific claims. Religious believers and rationalists alike have much to learn from this revealing examination of the evidence for the miraculous.

Guardian angels, demonic spirits, extraterrestrial visitors--are these entities figments of the imagination, or is there evidence for their existence? Famed psychic detective Joe Nickell answers these questions in his lively book.From the "Newberry Demon" of 1679 and the strange phenomena produced by 19th-century spiritualist mediums to such modern enigmas as alien abductions, bigfoot sightings, and the bizarre mystery of Atlanta's "House of Blood," Entities examines eyewitness accounts and other evidence for strange beings worldwide.Without dismissing or advocating any particular view, Nickell takes a detective's approach to controversial claims, shedding light on dozens of otherwise perplexing mysteries. This bookwill challenge, anger, amuse, and fascinate but, most importantly, it will enlighten. Believers and skeptics alike will benefit from the careful analysis that appears on every page.

This work provides an accurate, in-depth examination and scientific evaluation of the most famous hauntings in American history as depicted in popular films and television programs.Neither a debunking book nor one written for the "true believer" in the paranormal, American Hauntings objectively scrutinizes the historic evidence behind such hugely popular films as The Exorcist, The Amityville Horror, An American Haunting, The Conjuring, and The Haunting in Connecticut to ascertain the accuracy of these entertainment depictions of "true life" hauntings. The authors then compare these popular culture accounts against the alleged real-life encounters and impartially weigh the evidence to assess whether each incident actually took place.Written by highly credentialed, recognized authorities on the paranormal and social psychology, this book contains meticulously documented, science-based information written for a broad audience, from middle and high school students and those taking introductory courses at a university level to general readers. There is no other work that provides as careful and unbiased an evaluation of the most famous hauntings in American history. The book also examines the reliability of popular television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and Paranormal Witness.

UFOs and space aliens are visiting Earth?! Now it's time to get the facts!Did a "flying saucer" really crash near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947, and have we been victims of a sinister government conspiracy to hide its alien occupants in a secret facility? Is there truth behind the swirled crops phenomenon? Have humans been abducted by aliens?In an effort to counter media misinformation The UFO Invasion offers definitive, behind-the-scenes accounts of each case of extraterrestrial visitations and paranormal claims. This fully documented look at sightings, encounters, the Roswell incident, "MJ-12" documents, crop circles, the "alien autopsy," and more will challenge, illuminate, anger and amuse. Included are revealing articles by Robert A. Baker, Robert E. Bartholomew, Joseph A. Bauer, William B. Blake, Robyn M. Dawes, C. Eugene Emery, Zen Faulkes, John F. Fischer, Kingston A. George, Jr., Philip J. Klass, Joe Nickell, James E. Oberg, Peter J. Reeven, Ian Ridpath, Robert Sheaffer, Armando Simon, Lloyd Stires, Trey Stokes, Dave Thomas, Richard L. Weaver (Col. USAF), Jeff Wells, and Robert P. Young. Also, SETI coordinator Thomas P. McDonough ponders searching for extraterrestrial intelligence.

This authoritative book about the controversial 'shroud' of Turin, claimed to be the burial cloth of Jesus, presents overwhelming evidence that the cloth is actually the creation of a clever medieval artist. From the earliest known document that mentions the shroud - a letter from a 14th-century Catholic bishop reporting that the artist had confessed - Joe Nickell traces the historical, iconographic, pathological, forensic, and physical and chemical investigations of the purported relic. He details the microchemical tests that revealed artists' pigments on the image and tempera paint in the areas claimed to be bloodstains Working with a panel of distinguished scientific and artistic experts, the author links the reported medieval confession and the scientific proof of pigments by demonstrating that the much-touted 'photographically negative' image can actually be convincingly simulated by means of an artistic technique employed in the Middle Ages. "Inquest on the Shroud of Turin" has all the elements of a good detective story as well as of an expertly presented judicial inquiry.Nickell notes the fact that few scientists with the requisite skills have examined the cloth (generally, those who did became sceptics). He concludes that this is one of the many suspicious circumstances in the cloth's known history of seven centuries. The so-called 'shroud' of Jesus can only be traced to about 1355, when it surfaced at Lirey, France. For the thirteen centuries from the reputed death of Jesus of Nazareth until that date, there is no evidence that his burial garments were preserved or that the 'shroud' was in existence. Even readers who do not believe in so-called holy relics will be fascinated by Nickell's methodical uncovering of the truth about the cloth. However, nothing in this book attacks the faith of Christians.

The willingness of people to believe in magical icons, mystical relics, and miraculous pictures (like the Image of Guadalupe) is almost as curious as these phenomena themselves. Though they cry out for scientific investigation, millions of people blindly accept them as fact.Historical and paranormal investigator Joe Nickell confronts such strange events, powers, and objects as the Shroud of Turin, bleeding or weeping statues, burning handprints, liquefying blood, ecstatic visions, miraculous cures, and people speaking in tongues in Looking for a Miracle. Departing from standard critiques of religion, Nickell carefully investigates the evidence relating to specific claims.Religious believers and rationalists alike have much to learn from this revealing examination of the evidence for the miraculous.

A noted investigator of the paranormal explores the historical, geographical, and cultural reaches of various "manimals" and other humanoid entities-among them such monster men as Gigantopithecus and Neanderthals; hairy man-beasts like Sasquatch and the elusive de Loys' Ape; supernatural beings, including werewolves, vampires, and devil men; and supposedly spaceship-borne entities like Mothman and the Roswell humanoids. This book takes the reader on expeditions into wilderness areas, explores historical contexts, and brings folkloric and iconographic evidence to bear on a category of mysteries as old as humanity.

Are ghosts real? Are there truly haunted places, only haunted people, or both? And how can we know? Taking neither a credulous nor a dismissive approach, this first-of-its-kind book solves those perplexing mysteries and more--even answering the question of why we care so very much. Putting aside purely romantic tales, this book examines the actual evidence for ghosts--from eyewitness accounts to mediumistic productions (such as diaphanous forms materializing in dim light), spirit photographs, ghost-detection phenomena, and even CSI-type trace evidence. Offering numerous exciting case studies, this book engages in serious investigation rather than breathless mystifying. Pseudoscience, folk legends, and outright hoaxes are challenged and exposed, while the historical, cultural, and scientific aspects of ghost experiences and haunting reports are carefully explored. The author--the world's only professional paranormal investigator--brings his skills as a stage magician, private detective, folklorist, and forensic science writer to bear on a topic that demands serious study.

An entertaining, comprehensive, and science-based study of miracle claimsIs the Shroud of Turin really the burial cloth of Jesus, produced by a miraculous burst of radiant energy at the moment of Resurrection? What happens at faith-healing services to provide apparently miraculous cures? Steering between the twin pillars of belief and disbelief, experienced paranormal investigator Joe Nickell examines these claims and more. Relying on his forty-plus years of experience in tracking down the solutions to mysteries, Nickell uses on-site examinations, lab experiments, and other detective methods to uncover the facts behind the most incredible claims. He evaluates the evidence in six major categories of miracle claims: miraculous images (such as "weeping" icons); magical relics (like the Shroud of Turin and the Holy Grail); miracle healings (at Lourdes or at the hands of healers like Benny Hinn); visionary experiences (including near-death experiences); saintly powers (such as stigmata); and "the devil's work" (such as demonic possession).Conveying the sense of adventure surrounding the investigation of any mystery, this is both entertaining reading and a comprehensive, science-based study of miracle claims.

UFOs and space aliens are visiting Earth?! Now it's time to get the facts!Did a "flying saucer" really crash near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947, and have we been victims of a sinister government conspiracy to hide its alien occupants in a secret facility? Is there truth behind the swirled crops phenomenon? Have humans been abducted by aliens?In an effort to counter media misinformation The UFO Invasion offers definitive, behind-the-scenes accounts of each case of extraterrestrial visitations and paranormal claims. This fully documented look at sightings, encounters, the Roswell incident, "MJ-12" documents, crop circles, the "alien autopsy," and more will challenge, illuminate, anger and amuse. Included are revealing articles by Robert A. Baker, Robert E. Bartholomew, Joseph A. Bauer, William B. Blake, Robyn M. Dawes, C. Eugene Emery, Zen Faulkes, John F. Fischer, Kingston A. George, Jr., Philip J. Klass, Joe Nickell, James E. Oberg, Peter J. Reeven, Ian Ridpath, Robert Sheaffer, Armando Simon, Lloyd Stires, Trey Stokes, Dave Thomas, Richard L. Weaver (Col. USAF), Jeff Wells, and Robert P. Young. Also, SETI coordinator Thomas P. McDonough ponders searching for extraterrestrial intelligence.