If you’ve ever driven across the sun-drenched mesas of the Land of Enchantment and felt a prickle on the back of your neck, John LeMay has the explanation you’ve been looking for. His book, New Mexico Monsters, is more than just a collection of urban legends; it is a vibrant, meticulously researched, and utterly joyful celebration of the state’s rich supernatural tapestry.
Whether you are a hardcore cryptozoology enthusiast or just someone who loves a good campfire story, this book is a refreshing desert breeze in the world of paranormal literature.
A Masterclass in Regional Folklore
What sets LeMay apart is his deep-rooted connection to the soil he writes about. As a New Mexico native, he doesn’t just report on these entities; he treats them as essential threads in the cultural fabric of the Southwest.
LeMay expertly balances historical accounts with modern sightings, covering a staggering array of creatures:
- The Classics: Compelling deep-dives into La Llorona and the Chupacabra.
- The Obscure: Fascinating look into “Devil Donkeys” and “The Thunderbird.”
- The Truly Bizarre: Accounts of pterodactyls in the desert and the infamous giants of the north.
Engaging, Witty, and Thorough
LeMay’s writing style is a highlight of the experience. He manages to be authoritative without being dry, and skeptical without being a spoilsport. He approaches every witness account with a sense of wonder and respect, often injecting a dry wit that makes the pages fly by.
The book is also impressively organized. Instead of a chaotic list of “he-said-she-said,” LeMay categorizes sightings by type and geography, making it an excellent field guide for your next road trip through the Gila Wilderness or the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
More Than Just “Scary Stories”
At its heart, New Mexico Monsters is a tribute to the power of storytelling. LeMay illustrates how these myths evolve alongside the people of New Mexico, blending Native American lore, Spanish colonial history, and modern Americana. It’s a book that encourages you to look at the horizon with a little more curiosity and a lot more imagination.
“To read LeMay is to realize that the desert isn’t empty; it’s teeming with the echoes of our ancestors’ fears and the mysteries of our own backyard.”
Final Verdict: A Five-Star Treasure
If you want to support a local historian who truly knows his craft, or if you simply want to be entertained by the “wild side” of the Southwest, grab a copy of New Mexico Monsters. It is a bright, captivating, and essential addition to any library of the unexplained.
Highly recommended for:
- Travelers looking for an “offbeat” New Mexico guide.
- Fans of The X-Files and cryptozoology.
- History buffs interested in the intersection of folklore and culture.
Happy hunting (from a distance, of course)!
Don’t forget to read the other blogs in my BASEMENT BOOK SHELF series. To add this book to your creepy library, click on the book cover below.