Among the monsters said to roam the world’s jungles and desolate deserts, none is more feared than the chupacabra—-the blood-sucking beast blamed for the mysterious deaths of thousands of animals since the 1990s. To some it is a joke; to many it is a very real threat and even a harbinger of the apocalypse. Originating in Latin America yet known worldwide, the chupacabra is a contradictory and bizarre blend of vampire and shapeshifter, changing its appearance and characteristics depending on when and where it is seen. Rooted in conspiracy theory and anti-American sentiment, the beast is said to be the result of Frankenstein-like secret U.S. government experiments in the Puerto Rican jungles. Combining five years of careful investigation (including information from eyewitness accounts, field research, and forensic analysis) with a close study of the creature’s cultural and folkloric significance, Radford’s book is the first to fully explore and try to solve the decades-old mystery of the chupacabra.

"Covers the search for animals that may or may not exist, including evidence for and against the existence of cryptids"--Provided by publisher.

In this “often riotous, ultimately moving Cat’s Cradle for our time,” a Texas couple prepares for the apocalypse (Kirkus Reviews). In Austin, Milton and Rica are expecting their first child. It’s four days and counting. Not for the baby. But for the end of the world. Evidence: Haydon Brock, a godless television star has suddenly traded his Hollywood fame for salvation. A prophetic hermit crab is embarking on an unfathomable cross-country quest. Planes are dropping from the sky. And the president and first lady disappear. No omen is too inexplicable to Milton. He’s learned for a fact that our planet is one vast asylum for the incurably insane. And its cosmic guardians are about to close down the whole damn thing. Then Milton receives one more premonition: to seek out Haydon now holed up somewhere in Marfa. To what end Milton hasn’t a clue. To find out, Milton, Rica, and their best friend head west across an increasingly cataclysmic landscape of inter-dimensional time travelers, Jesus clones, sleep-deprived monks, ghosts, and angels in an epic and manic quest to outrun the last days on Earth. Combining humor, philosophical inquiry and an unforgettable cast of characters, “this sharp-witted satire” (Booklist) “is a future classic, and people will be reading [it] decades from now. I know I will” (Charles Yu, How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe).

Where would you be without the diverse jokes of this book? There are tons of people telling jokes but only so many can do it this well. No one in the world can compare to the notes jotted down here. It's no wonder they created a massive revolution of comedic idealism. If that was too complicated for you, let me elaborate with a simplistic senseless sentence. These jokes are the best thing you ever laid eyes on. They will calm your spirits and elevate your perceptions of life. They will treat your wounds and send your worries on their way. In this unique one of a kind collection, you'll be sure to experience electricity flowing through your veins, and be electrocuted into a hilarious eternal awakening of funniness. There's a new joke to be discovered on every page. It's truly the best piece of comedic work that ever existed. Jump on in and witness the divine laughter inside.

A story steeped in magical realism about love, fear, and the thrill of discovering who we were born to be, The Last Monster is a story about making peace with our insecurities and defending those who must hide what they really are. Sofia has never felt special. Not at school, or with her track team, and especially not since she’s become sick. She’s always been different, but this doesn't make her stand out . . . it's makes her invisible. Then something special lands right in Sofia’s lap. An ancient book that serves as a portal for the Greek philosopher, Xeno, one of Aristotle’s lost students. Sofia has been chosen to be the next Guardian. Suddenly Sofia is not only trying to survive middle-school cliques and first crushes, she’s in charge of protecting grotesquely beautiful, lonely monsters that have roamed the Earth for centuries. Drawn into Xeno’s violent and unpredictable world of mystery, Sofia learns that loving outsiders has a price. "While the fantastical elements are compelling, it’s the real-world situations that make this book stand out. . . a perfect recommendation for introspective kids who feel like outsiders."--SLJ "Garrett's prose, frequently poignant and sophisticated, is punctuated with wry humor."--Kirkus "The oft-used concept of finding one’s true self is employed here in a uniquely imaginative way, complete with occasional black-and-white illustrations. An appealing tale for readers dealing with their own insecurities."--Booklist

A PI deals with a father who claims his daughter ran off with Bigfoot, an eccentric billionaire, and a dead body in this rollicking mystery. She eloped with Bigfoot. Or maybe Bigfoot kidnapped her. Either way, I’ve been hired to uncover the truth behind Cindy Funk’s disappearance. Me? I’m Floyd, and I’m a PI living my life as Elvis would have wanted. Not just in sequined jumpsuits. With character. Cindy’s trail leads me to River City, Oregon—aka the Mythical Creature Capital of the World—where I catch Case #2. This one from an eccentric billionaire who’s lost a priceless piece of “art.” Enter one dead body and I end up deputized to solve Case #3, tracking down a man-eating mountain lion. Or maybe it’s a chupacabra. Or just an ordinary murderer. Hard to say. I’ve handled my fair share of crazy, but River City’s secrets have me spooked. With an influx of tourists arriving for the town’s annual Elvis tribute contest—what are the chances?—I’ve got to save the girl, solve the rich guy’s problem, and leash that chupacabra before a second body is discovered. Because it might just be mine . . .

Unlock the mysteries behind the world's most elusive creatures in Cryptids Exposed: Myths Debunked or Reality Confirmed? Dive deep into the fascinating world of cryptozoology as we unravel the truth behind legendary cryptids like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, Chupacabra, and more. Explore eyewitness accounts, scientific investigations, and the latest technology used in cryptid hunting. Discover how media and pop culture have fueled the lore of these hidden creatures, while we also debunk famous hoaxes and misidentifications. From sea monsters like the Kraken to lesser-known cryptids such as the Orang Pendek, this eBook offers a comprehensive analysis of both myths and facts. Are these creatures mere folklore, or could they truly exist in our world? Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this book provides captivating insights into the ongoing debate about cryptids—exploring the line between legend and reality. Perfect for anyone fascinated by the unknown, this deep dive into the world of cryptids will leave you questioning what’s really out there. This detailed and engaging eBook is a must-read for enthusiasts of mystery, mythology, and the unexplored frontiers of the natural world.

Mining a mountain of folklore publications, North American Monsters unearths decades of notable monster research. Nineteen folkloristic case studies from the last half-century examine legendary monsters in their native habitats, focusing on ostensibly living creatures bound to specific geographic locales. A diverse cast of scholars contemplate these alluring creatures, feared and beloved by the communities that host them—the Jersey Devil gliding over the Pine Barrens, Lieby wriggling through Lake Lieberman, Char-Man stalking the Ojai Valley, and many, many more. Embracing local stories, beliefs, and traditions while neither promoting nor debunking, North American Monsters aspires to revive scholarly interest in local legendary monsters and creatures and to encourage folkloristic monster legend sleuthing.

Life is tough for a single woman in a new city. Find an apartment, pay bills, hunt for a job... and dodge paramilitary vampire hunters. Cecilia Freeland didn't ask for vampirism. All she did was fight to survive. But her life is forever changed. Alienated from society and the law Cecilia has to stay ahead of Squad Five.