Caffeinated Reviewer

Sophia Rose is on the blog today with a nonfiction listen you’ll want to grab. Mysteries of the National Parks: 35 Stories of Baffling Disappearances, Unexplained Phenomena, and More by Mike Bezemek, narrated by Dean Gallagher. Grab an iced tea and check out her thoughts.

Discover the hidden mysteries of America's national parks!

America's national parks are best known for stunning beauty and outstanding adventure—but these natural wonders also hold some of the world's greatest mysteries. Why did an ancestral civilization abandon their stone cities in the mountains of Colorado? Flying past Mt. Rainier, did a pilot really spot nine shiny objects that spawned the UFO craze? Was a contorted crater in Utah's dramatic Canyonlands created by a meteorite strike? Join outdoor expert and writer Mike Bezemek as he explores baffling disappearances, unexplained phenomena, and the secret history of our national parks.

Featuring 35 puzzling stories, Mysteries of the National Parks takes readers to every corner of our diverse and beautiful country. You'll explore some of the most beloved national park units; Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Dinosaur National Monument, Blue Ridge Parkway, Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, and many more! Mysteries of the National Parks is the first book to delve into the most enigmatic happenings across the National Park Service. Bezemek's vivid storytelling brings each mystery to life, immersing readers in the intriguing settings and legendary characters while revealing previously untold details. Meanwhile, readers will learn how to visit these mystifying sites. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, national park enthusiast, or true crime fan, this riveting collection is a must-have addition to your library. Perfect as a gift or unique travel companion, Mysteries of the National Parks will leave you ready to set out on your own national park adventure.

Sophia Rose’s Review

I’m a road trip junkie and will happily go out of my way for a day visiting a national park or national monument.  So, I was excited to come across Mike Bezemek’s blend of travel, history, inexplicable mysteries, and true crimes taking place at various national parks. 

Mysteries of the National Parks is formatted separated into regions of the US.  Most of the stories come out of the Western region which just happens to be the park region I’m most familiar with.  That said, Bezemek brought out little known and unknown stories or natural phenomenon’s that captivated my attention early.   Associated with Golden State NP was the tale of a WWII observation blimp crew’s mysterious disappearance or the young honeymoon couple disappearing during their white water rafting trip down the Colorado River, or the female outlaw living in the Dinosaur Nat’l Monument area.

Some of the tales are natural wonders like the odd crater in Canyonlands NP or true crime like a story of Everglades NP and Al Capone, but each entry accompanies travel tips for visiting each of the parks.

Some of the stories were more interesting than others.  I was riveted with the story of the boy who disappeared under sand dunes on an Indiana Beach yet moderately interested in the speculation of how the Great Sequoias got so tall and old.

Dean Gallagher was a new to me narrator and I would definitely listen to more of his work.  He kept it all lively and interesting with his clear narration and changes to take on the voices of the people in the stories.

What the Mysteries of the National Parks has done is enthuse me to visit even more National Parks and take in the local color as well.   If you want a blend of National Parks travel information and stories of local color associated with each of the parks, do put in your earbuds and give this one a listen.

Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm

About Mike Bezemek

Mike Bezemek is an award-winning author of books and stories with an adventurous spin. His publications include Outside, Smithsonian Magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors, National Parks Magazine, Men's Journal, Sourcebooks, Mountaineers Books, U Nebraska Press, Terrain, Duct Tape Diaries, Paddling Magazine, and more. Over the years, he's lived on both U.S. coasts, and in the middle, and spent several years' time doing the road-life thing around the country.

About Dean Gallagher

Dean Gallagher has been narrating audiobooks for over a decade, with over fifty books spanning multiple genres. He has bachelor's degrees in both theater and communications, as well as over thirty years of stage experience in a wide array of roles. His lifelong love of reading and performing, combined with a boundless curiosity, resulted in an active career as a narrator and actor. Dean and his wife, Rebecca, both work as narrators in Chicagoland.

About Sophia Rose

Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.

Goodreads

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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