The Silver Bridge

The Classic Mothman Tale

By: Gray Barker

Narrated by: Michael Hacker

Written in 1970 by West Virginia ufologist Gray Barker, The Silver Bridge was the first book ever written on the mysterious Mothman creature, and still one of the best. Barker was the first researcher on the scene of both the Flatwoods Monster and Mothman cases. Known for his eloquent writing style, Barker became nationally famous for his seminal book They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers, which set the standard for reportage of the infamous Men In Black. In The Silver Bridge, Barker explores the murky psychological depths of life in West Virginia during the Mothman era of the late 1960s. This book was originally printed in small quantities and hence became very rare, fetching enormous prices. Now, for the first time, it is being made widely available to the general public. Inside, one finds many intriguing details about Mothman that previously escaped attention. This 2012 edition features new introductions by noted paranormal researchers Allen Greenfield, James Moseley, and Andy Colvin.

©2008 Andrew B. Colvin (P)2014 Andrew B. Colvin

A Wonderfully Moving Story About Mothman

If you could sum up The Silver Bridge in three words, what would they be?

To sum up The Silver Bridge in three words is difficult. I found this book to be a work of art. It was wonderfully moving, personal, and enlightening.

What other book might you compare The Silver Bridge to and why?

I wouldn't really compare The Silver Bridge to any other works because this was actually the first book written about the Mothman. It could be compared to John Keel's work on subject matter only. This was a more personal story written by a man with first hand knowledge and he was also a Ufologist.

Have you listened to any of Michael Hacker’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first performance I've had the pleasure of listening to by Michael Hacker. It was flawless. I will look for more from him now and in the future. He made a great story even better.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

If The Silver Bridge were to be made into a film, my tagline would be 'A story about the Mothman guaranteed to make you think.'

Any additional comments?

This subject is a huge interest of mine. I found this book to be very thought-provoking and added to the mystery of the Mothman. I absolutely loved it. This is a must read or listen for anyone with interest in Ufology or the Mothman. I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review.

An Outstanding performance and colorful characters

Where does The Silver Bridge rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Michael Hacker's narration places this audio performance within some of the best I've heard. The personalities of the characters come through loud and clear. It is a recording reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio. The writing style is a bit anachronistic but the story is a wild ride through Ohio and Pennsylvania in pursuit of flying saucers, Men in Black and the enigmatic Moth Man. Do yourself a favor and add this title to your library.

What other book might you compare The Silver Bridge to and why?

Nothing I have read or listened to is anything like this title.

What about Michael Hacker’s performance did you like?

Mr. Hacker has an innate talent for breathing life into characters and allowing the listener to become completely immersed in the story.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The movie has been done already.

Any additional comments?

An excellent selection. I highly recommend it.

Read by Burl Ives?

I was looking for facts about the Mothman case, but instead found this is a semi-fictional story book with a narrator that sounds like he's reading to children and acting out a play. I made it about 30 minutes before returning it. If you want an embellished Mothman story that is narrated like Winnie the Pooh, then this is for you.