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Rating: 
Summary: Is the truth in there?
Review: Authors Redfern and Roberts have done a masterful job of compiling government files, both British and American, about everything from UFOs to Spontaneous Human Combustion, shedding much light on what there governments really know (at least, based on files that were released to the public). Though some mysteries are solved or, at least, given plausible explanations, others still remain up in the air (so to speak).The book could have benefitted a little by being fleshed out with outside material. The chapter on Men in Black is intriguing, but ultimately leaves some nagging questions. And a few case histories from medical literature could have helped the chapter on spontaneous human combustion. The section on UFOs is well done, but those looking for insights into Roswell, MJ-12, or the Rendlesham/Bentwaters incident will find nothing here (though, in all fairness, each of those topics have been the subject of numerous books of their own). Despite these caveats, and the fact that this book will be disappointing to the hardcore conspiracy buff (who will, no doubt, distrust just about anything the government says), this book is highly recommended for those looking for solid answers based on genuine research and solid reasoning.
Rating: 
Summary: Watching the Watchmen
Review: I felt this book was worth the time spent reading for what was left out as much as what it contained. It dwells on the reams of unclassified files from American and British archives and the strange things studied by these governments. The authors go out of their way to say that they have not uncovered evidence of Bigfoot, the Greys, or psychic powers. Considering the subject area, these disavowals keep the overall tone of the book impartial and believable. That is NOT to say that both the American and British governments were never interested in these and other subjects. The authors dwell on actual files discussing crop circles, the Mt. Ararat anomaly, UFOs, psychic phenomena, cattle mutilation, the Loch Ness monster, and spontaneous human combustion. There is extensive quotation from such documents throughout the book, which provides an insightful look at how our governments approached these issues. In a few places the authors put forth plausible theories behind certain events, but never do they cross the line into overblown speculation. Our society's fascination with the paranormal is as important as paranormal events themselves. This book is a great resource for someone interested in how official investigations have tackled the subject.
Rating:
Summary: Yes, there are real X-Files!
Review: Redfern and Roberts have assembled a masterful
collection of what cryptozoological,ufological and
other mysterious material is to be found in
official intelligence files. For general readers unaware of the interest that
the intelligence network has had in these unexplained
cases, this book is a revealing insightful look at that
topic. For those who are extremely knowledgeable
about a wide spectrum of the unexplained, they will
be disappointed if they set the yardstick on "newness"
- an objective that is not that of the authors. The casual reader will be interested in the texture
of the material that actually intrigues the government,
and this book reviews the evidence that such, indeed,
has been a concern of spies, spooks, and bureaucrats. The style, also, is easy to read.
Rating:
Summary: Yes, there are real X-Files!
Review: Redfern and Roberts have assembled a masterful
collection of what cryptozoological,ufological and
other mysterious material is to be found in
official intelligence files. For general readers unaware of the interest that
the intelligence network has had in these unexplained
cases, this book is a revealing insightful look at that
topic. For those who are extremely knowledgeable
about a wide spectrum of the unexplained, they will
be disappointed if they set the yardstick on "newness"
- an objective that is not that of the authors. The casual reader will be interested in the texture
of the material that actually intrigues the government,
and this book reviews the evidence that such, indeed,
has been a concern of spies, spooks, and bureaucrats. The style, also, is easy to read.
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