The Big Book of American Cryptids: Monsters, Legends & Mysterious Creatures from Every State By Jannette Quackenbush They’ve been seen in the fog of backroads, the depths of lakes, and the shadows of mountain hollows—creatures science can’t explain, but witnesses can’t forget. The Big Book of American Cryptids uncovers more than 300 monsters, mysterious beings, and unexplained creatures reported across all 50 U.S. states, curated by folklorist and author Jannette Quackenbush—creator of Dark Journeys with Jannette and Monsters, Cryptids, and Mysterious Wild Beasts. Drawing on over four decades of research, Quackenbush gathers accounts from old newspapers, folklore archives, and firsthand eyewitness reports to reveal the creatures that have haunted America’s forests, lakes, and skies for generations. From Bigfoot and Mothman to lesser-known regional beasts like Bessie of Lake Erie, the Ozark Howler, Jersey Devil, and Loveland Frogman, each entry includes details of the creature’s origins, sightings, and the legends that surround it. Inside you’ll find: Cryptids and mysterious creatures from all 50 states Eyewitness accounts, folklore, and regional myths Rarely documented monsters and forgotten legends Detailed creature descriptions and origin histories About the Author As founder of the 21 Crows American Folklore Archives, Jannette Quackenbush has become one of the leading researchers of Appalachian and Midwestern hauntings as well as the study of cryptids and unknown animals in North America. Her investigations include work on creatures such as Bigfoot, the Grassman, Mothman, Bessie of Lake Erie, and the Loveland Frogman, connecting eyewitness reports with folklore and geography. In addition to her writing and archival research, Quackenbush has led public hikes and field explorations focused on ghost and cryptid legends—most notably her Moonville Night Hikes and Haunted Hocking Hills Adventures, which guide visitors through real haunted and creature-sighting locations. Through these programs, she shares historical context, eyewitness accounts, and folkloric origins while encouraging participants to explore Ohio’s haunted landscapes and backwoods legends for themselves. As one of America’s foremost folklorists, she blends meticulous historical research with field investigation and storytelling that challenges skeptics and inspires believers. These are the tales that make you question what truly roams the wild edges of our world. Perfect for readers interested in cryptozoology, American folklore, monsters, mysterious wildlife, and the unexplained.