The books in this visually exciting series read like suspense thrillers and cover appealing topics for middle school readers. Students will appreciate the easy-to-read layouts: well-paced text is presented in manageable paragraphs, each topped with a blue heading. Caption bubbles and sidebars provide additional information, adding to the readability and visual appeal of the series. Thought-provoking questions and examples of similar phenomena from various cultures keep readers engaged. The series is fair minded and doesn’t make judgments, but students are encouraged to make their own based on content. All sides are presented, with incidents set forth as they’re known to have occurred. Where incidents haven’t been explained/understood, the volumes say so and alternative explanations are offered. Excellent photos and fascinating “Investigating” double-page inserts are interspersed throughout each volume; the latter provide in-depth perspectives. Back matter includes a glossary, an index, and additional text and digital resources. VERDICT Highly recommended for schools and public libraries. Students will learn much from this excellently written and designed series.