Fingerprints and Phantoms by Paul Rimmasch is a fascinating look behind the scenes of criminal investigations, and the weirdness that may ensue. There are stories here of the clearly paranormal, stories of mistaken identity, and stories of the just plain weird and unusual. Each chapter is its own story, relayed in true storyteller fashion. While Rimmasch recounts the paranormal or quasi-paranormal aspects, he also shares more technical aspects of the job, which I enjoyed just as much. I love talking to officers about the unusual things they’ve encountered.
I adored Rimmasch’s witty, engaging style. This was a fun read, less technical, and more simple sharing of the fascinating and inexplicable things that these techs and officers came across. This is a perspective I haven’t found in all the many books our family has on folklore and the paranormal. ‘Who Ya Gonna Call’ was priceless. It was very clever of the officers to handle the situation by humouring the lady and ‘busting’ the ghosts. Also, the fact he was handed a baby owl while picking up a snack.
I appreciate Rimmasch’s candor in discussing the gallows humour inherent in this work. I started my studies in forensics, and can definitely appreciate such humour. Hospital workers and EMTs have similar (been there, too). You can’t face trauma day after day without that humour. You’d go insane, and burn out quick. But it isn’t something commonly discussed because the average joe might freak out at the perceived inappropriateness. I love that he pokes gentle fun at the absurd timelines of CSI shows, as well as their other unrealistic aspects. It’s true. The work is not that excitingly action packed, nor are the cases solved in a day, as they so often seem to be on these shows. Don’t get me wrong! I love CSI, and similar shows, but I’m well aware of the truth behind the flash.
If you enjoy folklore type books of the strange and unusual, Fingerprints and Phantoms is well worth checking out!
***Many thanks to Netgalley and Schiffer Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
