The Miracle Detective

I have read a lot of books and reports on the remarkable events taking place in Medjugorje, a small town in Croatia in the European Balkans. But Miracle Detective is by far the best of the lot. Sullivan considers not only the reported apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which have continued on a daily basis since June 1981, but provides a wealth of historical background to enable the reader to put Medjugorje into context. Centuries of ethnic, tribal and religious conflicts have made the Balkans into a seething pot of intolerance and hatreds. Certainly not the place where one might expect the Mother of God to make an appearance. On the other hand, it may be exactly the kind of place where she would want to intercede to try to bring an end to the devilish violence that has gone on there for hundreds of years.Sullivan's book also does a great job of explaining the messages that have been given to the Medjugorje seers and details the results of the many scientific and observational reports regarding the Medjugorje events. Whether you believe or not, no other existing book comes close to providing the kind of analysis and perspective that this one does. Sullivan himself had some extraordinary experiences at Medjugorje and elsewhere which he discusses dispassionately and thoughtfully. His cool approach to the subject lends credibility to his conclusions as he reports what anyone, including a skeptic, should see if approaching this subject with an open mind. As a former A-list journalist, Sullivan's writing style is clear, direct and easy to digest.Besides Medjugorje, Sullivan discusses other famous Marian apparitions, including Fatima, Lourdes, La Salette, Garabandal, Akita, Rwanda, and the bleeding Madonna statue in Civitavecchia, Italy. He takes the reader into the Vatican for a unique understanding of how the Church's headquarters approaches these indications of supernatural intervention. What you learn there should surprise no one, but it may dismay some.Whether familiar with Medjugorje or not, every person should read this book. If the apparitions are real--and they certainly appear to be--something very significant is going on there and you should arm yourself with knowledge about it. If you decide the apparitions are not real, at least you will understand why so many of us might say to you, "You've been warned."

Excellent book. Gave great insights into the visionaries, the locals, the pilgrims, and the politics around this place. The Catholic Church itself has not made any final judgment on the authenticity of the visions. He does admit some very personal spiritual experiences he had, but leaves a final judgment open. I remember when I made a visit to San Giovanni Rotundo, home of Padre Pio. I left with the thought that, whatever a final judgment might be, something very special and very spiritual is going on there. I think both skeptics and believers can get a lot out of this book.

This was exactly the book I wanted and needed: a thorough and sensitive and beautifully written investigation of the appearances of the Virgin Mary at Medjugorje, with much investigation of other recent apparitions as well. Sullivan is an extremely gifted journalist who combines clear reporting with just enough personal feeling and insight to make this a truly gripping read. Believers and non-believers will find in this book the answer to a multitude of questions as to what has been reported about Lourdes, Fatima and Medjugorje, and how the Catholic Church has responded to this information. I read the book word for word from beginning to end and it has greatly expanded my understanding of one of the complex mysteries of our time. It left me wanting to visit Medjugorje and Lourdes, and to study the works of mystics and the works of those who study them. There is an immense cast of characters here, including visionaries and Vatican investigators, as well as vivid descriptions of life and war in the Balkins, and much to ponder about attitudes towards the Virgin Mary and responses to her in our time. This is also a highly enjoyable book, filled with useful bibliographic references, a rich addition to the literature on the themes it engages. Sullivan's personal spiritual journey is revealed here with great generosity of spirit, yet his writing is always sophisticated and restrained in the best way. I am a fan of Randall Sullivan now and hope he gives us more work in this field.

This is the story of a Pulitzer Prize winning writer who wrote for Rolling Stone and Gentleman's Weekly, as well as multiple books. He read a story about some ghostly apparition in Oregon. This story is the very interesting opening to the book and it is easy to see his interest. The article ends with a disclaimer from the Catholic Church stating it has not determined the validity of the story. Being very curios with an analytical mind he decided to investigate who it is that decides this....and Rome is where his quest starts. He meets people who explain the long process and meets the "devil's advocate," who is the so to speak prosecution of the cause. They try to prove it false. There a many very interesting facts, everything he learned is packed into this without being overwhelming. From there he finds himself exploring the miracle in Medjugorje. The Gospa appears or has appeared to certain young people. This all started under a communist (or otherwise oppressive) government. Here he meets the seers and the townspeople. I will be looking for them when I go. I know many of their deepest secrets. There are surprises and this is just beautifully written, filled with history. He describes the conditions about scenery and climate with words that bring you there with him. A book to pass on.

I ordered from here because they were the cheapest for the book. Comparing prices in different sites this was by cheapest and by a lot. I presumed the book would be second hand due to the low price but it came today in perfect and in new condition. It also came faster then was expected.I wrote a review on the shop who sold me the book but now I want to add a review about this book. I'm halfway through and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. For anyone who wants to read a balanced book on Medjugorje then this is definitely a good one. He goes into great detail and insight which makes for a fascinating read. I'm really enjoying it. It's a pity this book isn't in ebook form.

The book's title is misleading, as "detective" suggests a forensic approach that the writer does not take. His investigation could not be regarded as providing any meaningful evidence, as he tends to simply state anecdotal evidence, frequently without giving any authority or source, and with no attempt to critically analyse it.The book is more concerned with his personal expectations and experiences, which while they might be interesting in their own way, do not amount to detective work. He seems critical of anyone who does not share his credulity, without making it clear why. Ironically, he also criticises other books for showing bias, which I would say is equally applicable to his own. He seems to think that not being a practising Catholic is enough to absolve him of bias, although he clearly has some kind of mystical quest.Altogether it was quite readable, but for those who want to evaluate the evidence for/against Marian apparitions, this is not the book to read.I would recommend instead Encountering Mary by Zimdars-Swartz which is by a professor in religious studies, and authoritative, but also readable.

If you're interested in history there's a lot in it for you. It is interesting, but his personal story is lost in all the historical detail. You have to wait until the very end to get the answers to some of the questions you'll be asking yourself from the start of the book.

then it just sort of was a bit much. To be honest. Maybe some day Iʻll finish it. I donʻt know.

This book was amazing!!! When you read it, it will change your whole perspective on life and wonder why these kind of stories never seem to make it to main stream television. Simply mind blowing and also interesting to see how a skeptic could be changed by this journey. This book makes it very clear that even though we may not be able to see it, a heavenly eternal afterlife most certainly exists as does hell.