The Paranormal Ranger: A Navajo Investigator’s Search For The Unexplained, by Stanley Milford, Jr.
I read this book on a recent work trip to Ireland, as it seemed like an interesting take on the “supernatural memoir” subgenre that I rather enjoy on occasion. Upon due consideration, I think the best way of phrasing my reaction to the book is that I really enjoyed most of what was there, but I missed what wasn’t.
Let me be clear: It’s a really interesting book. Milford does an excellent job of framing his professional experience in terms of his Indigenous heritage and upbringing, and how an early encounter with what he identified as a skinwalker was foundational in his later professional life. Even more interesting was the way he outlined his approach to the paranormal aspects of his job once he became one of the elite Navajo Rangers. Milford’s logic was that it didn’t matter if someone was reporting a Bigfoot sighting or a possible case of witchcraft, they deserved respect and for their story to be heard, with a serious investigation of the story even if it turned out to be nothing, or a hoax. That won him a lot of points with me, and I particularly enjoyed those chapters where he went into detail on specific cases. And the way he interacted with the person who had made the report was equally as interesting as the followup investigation. Of particular note was one story of investigating the case of a woman who thought that witchcraft was being used against her at her isolated hogan. No spoilers, but both the approach and the resolution demonstrate what an excellent officer Milford was and what a great storyteller he is.
My main issue, honestly, is that the book wrapped up far too quickly. Milford did a great job of setting the stage for his role as the “paranormal ranger”, and I was excited by the possibility of what kind of stories he’d bring his thoughtful perspective to. But there were relatively few cases discussed, and I was left wanting more. Then on the back end there was a brief summary hypothesis of his theory of the paranormal, and a quick nod to his post-Navajo Ranger exploits on the UFO/paranormal convention circuit.
Do I regret having read it? Absolutely not. There’s a lot of food for thought in there, and the stories Milford does tell are engaging. I just wanted more of them.
Call it maybe 7/10, and particularly recommended to folks who want a more grounded take on some of the spooky stuff.