Loch Ness Uncovered: How Fake News Fueled the Greatest Monster Hoax of All Time

Gr 5 Up–The belief in the Loch Ness Monster is often linked to other cryptid encounters and supernatural beliefs that date back many years. However, according to this book, the appearance of the Loch Ness Monster is a relatively new phenomenon. In 1934, a man snapped a grainy photograph of a water creature. The subsequent media frenzy was a meticulously constructed news story that has been sustained by a collection of tricks and pranks perpetrated by popular experts, and published by newspapers more interested in sensational stories than factual news. The perspective of this title differs from others in that it does not focus on the validity of the monster’s existence. Rather, it explores in great detail the methods and reasons this hoax was created and perpetuated. As Siegel pulls at each string of the mythology surrounding the Loch Ness Monster, she provides clear analysis of why this myth became a world fascination and still draws countless spectators to the region. Typical readers of the unexplained may be disappointed at this book’s perspective, but those who want to be challenged to think critically about misinformation, fake news, and biases will find this a thoughtful and appealing read.