Notes from the Shelf

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Over the course of making The Paranoid Perspective podcast (and previously with the Let’s Be Brief(ed) podcast), I’ve gone down more rabbit holes than I can count. Along the way, I’ve read a lot of books that led to new questions, strange truths and eerie parallels.

This list collects the books that have shaped episodes, sparked theories or just left me thinking long after the episode aired. If you love diving into conspiracies, unsolved mysteries and the stranger corners of the internet, dive into this list, and if something catches your eye, be sure to check out the episode it inspired, available anywhere you listen to podcasts. You never know what secrets you’ll stumble on.

Toppamono: Outlaw. Radical. Suspect. My Life in Japan’s Underworld by Manabu Miyazaki

This book was for our “Monster with 21 Faces” episode (on both podcasts, with The Paranoid Perspective being a more condensed version, and Let’s Be Brief(ed) being a three episode deep-dive). This book is an autobiography by the prime suspect of the case, but most of it was about his childhood growing up in a yakuza family.

The Japanese Mind by Roger Davies

This book was also used for the “Monster with 21 Faces” episode to explain the Japanese culture and mindset in general. I read it first as part of my college Japanese courses, and it’s very insightful.

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Abandoned: The History and Horror of Port Chatham, Alaska by Larry Baxter

This book heavily inspired the “Portlock Alaska” Bigfoot episode on Let’s Be Brief(ed). It’s one of my favorite topics for an episode, and the book contained a lot of details about different sightings.

Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado-Perez

This was the primary source for the “Unveiling Invisible Women” episode on Let’s Be Brief(ed). There were a lot of shocking facts inside this book. It was hard for me to read without getting angry, but it’s very insightful.

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Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi by Susan Hendricks

This was used for the “Delphi Murders” episode on both podcasts. Susan Hendricks worked closely with the families involved, so it was a good insider perspective.

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Eyes in the Sky: The Secret Rise of Gorgon Stare and How It Will Watch Us All by Arthur Holland Michel

This was the primary source for the “Gorgon Stare” episode on Let’s Be Brief(ed). There was a lot of good information on the advancements in drone surveillance, and some of it definitely made us uncomfortable.

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College Girl, Missing:  The True Story of How a Young Woman Disappeared in Plain Sight by Shawn Cohen

This was used for “The Disappearance of Lauren Spierer” episode on Let’s Be Brief(ed). Shawn Cohen was a reporter who worked very closely on the Lauren Spierer investigation, so this book was pivotal for the episode.

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Merging Dimensions: The Incredible Saga of the Bradshaw Ranch by Tom Dongo and Linda Bradshaw

This was used for the “Bradshaw Ranch” episode on The Paranoid Perspective. There were a lot of good photos inside of the paranormal claims, which sparked a lively discussion.

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Got a favorite from the list? Or maybe one you think we have to cover? Reach out—I’d love to hear what conspiracies or mysteries you’re obsessed with!

And if you haven’t already, give The Paranoid Perspective and Let’s Be Brief(ed) a listen. Let’s Be Brief(ed) is currently on hiatus, but all the old episodes are still available anywhere you listen to podcasts. The Paranoid Perspective has new episodes every Monday at 11am CT on every podcast platform as well as full video episodes on YouTube.

Each episode dives into the eerie, the unexpected, and the unexplained—with plenty of skeptical side-eyes and “wait, WHAT?!” moments. You bring the curiosity; we’ll bring the rabbit holes.

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