The Secret History of Twin Peaks: A Novel

Diane, it is 8:16 PM, Central Daylight Time, October 22, 2016. I am holding in my hand a green hardback book wrapped around a half dustcover (itself adorned with the most wonderful trees you can imagine) titled "The Secret History of Twin Peaks: A Novel by Mark Frost." Its construction is solid and sturdy, and its price reasonable, especially at the substantial discount Amazon was gracious enough to provide. All in all, this is a solid book, reasonably priced. I'm now opening the book. It's contents, Diane, are a marvel. This is a few streets down from the Hardy Boys--maybe a few counties. Each and every page stands out: an 18th Century handwritten expedition report here, a government document there, transcripts, newspaper clippings, pictures, and footnotes. Footnotes written by FBI Special Agent T____ P_____, who seems to be trying to make heads or tails of this masterwork of an enigma along with me. After spending quite a bit of time with this strange book, I've gotten a lot of insight into the history and events of this fascinating town, and of the even more bizarre collection of states we humbly call the US. Mysteries and secrets abound both in and out of Twin Peaks, some considerably and shockingly real, others enjoyably peppered with fiction, all of it, to the last word, magnificently well written and believable. I've also learned certain details containing loose ends left untied 25 years ago after the untimely cancellation of the television series, Twin Peaks. Some unresolved plotlines, I can say with confidence, are duly resolved as of the publication of this work. This does not mean, however, that the answers are all out in the open; nor does it mean that this work doesn't sow several questions in its own right. This is not a book, Diane, to take at face value. While it is enjoyable enough for casual reading and keeping up with old familiar characters, there seems to be something beneath the surface. Strange and obvious inconsistencies pepper the work. Inconsistencies that stand out over the care and research otherwise blended into its construction. We may have an unreliable narrator on our hands, or maybe even something much much more. I've taken a look at a live interview with author Mark Frost, who said the following in response to such changes: "In life you have to learn to live with paradoxes, and sometimes what we think we know isn't what actually happened. Sometimes what we think really happened isn't something that we actually know. And sometimes things will be revealed further down the line that will help clarify all those things." In conclusion this is a magnificent insight to the world of Twin Peaks, a fine bridge between the 1991 TV series and its 2017 resurgence, an entertaining look into the surreal side of American history, a solid study of the difference between mysteries and secrets, and a damned fine mystery in its own right. This is gonna need a few pots of coffee, Diane, and at least another reread.

This is not a novel in the traditional fashion. What it is, is a collection of letters, documents, newspaper clippings, and photos. These start way back with Lewis and Clark and go all the way forward to now. It’s a bit slow in the first 100 pages but after that the collection hits its stride. It becomes suggestive, gloomy, and quirky; much like the series. The attention to detail is really nice. The footnotes are distracting, but they do add to the overall body and contain their own add-in of data. The cover is beautiful, and I am surprised the price wasn’t higher. The cover is highly embossed and gives it the feel of a book much older than it is. It is apparent that pride was taken in making this, and it is something that Mark Frost should be proud to have his name on. Does it answer questions? Heck yes it does. Sometimes those answers are subtle; a single line in a document. Other times it’s a headline about a bank explosion that you can’t un see. DON’T flip through it casually if you want to read it the whole way through. Yes, the answers are there for a whole lot of things you may have wondered, and a lot of things that may not have dawned on you no matter how many times you have read it. Are there any bad points? Maybe. It depends on what you want. If you want something that tells the story in a way that is very fitting of the Twin Peaks world, this is the book for you. If you want a novel to just read through, you may be disappointed. The one bad thing for me was about every 50 pages there would be something incorrect for the time period, like cellophane on a 1947 pack of cigarettes, or a 1800s’ era person using a bit of modern slang. This isn’t an issue once it gets to the 1960s’ and if you are not big into history it’s quite possible that you wouldn’t even notice. It just broke the continuity for me which was a bummer since I was trying to get back into the Twin Peaks feel. A lot of material produced for a TV show or movie tend to be filler to make more dollars from a franchise. This book was written for fans, by folks who care about the fans and the Twin Peaks world. It answers a lot of questions, but still leaves enough unsaid that season three will be very welcome. I think this book does exactly what Mark Frost said it would, bridge the gap between the seasons.

For Twin Peaks fans who can’t wait for the show to return this spring Flatiron Books is offering The Secret History of Twin Peaks by Mark Frost, one of the original creative driving forces behind the program, and for Peaks freaks the volume is just sheer delight. The book’s big conceit is that this “history” is an unofficial cache of documents, that purport to tell the “real” or “secret” history of that fabled small Pacific northwestern community, using mostly primary source materials, such as letters, journals, diaries (Twin Peaks has always been big on diaries), newspaper and magazine articles, and government documents, many of a highly classified nature. The compendium was organized by the “Archivist,” who offers his own unique interpretation on the research material, along with providing some exposition to fill in narrative gaps. It’s not a spoiler to say that yes, the Archivist was a resident of Twin Peaks, who did appear on the original series, and while the Archivist’s identity is revealed by the end most Peaks fans will have figured it out before then. Adding another layer of meta-narrative to the proceedings is the facf that the “history” was discovered in the summer of 2016 “from a crime scene that is still under active investigation” and has made its way into the hands of FBI Deputy Director Gordon Cole (who appeared in the original series, portrayed by David Lynch himself). Cole has organized the material into a top-secret FBI dossier and turned it over an agent for “comprehensive analysis, cataloguing and cross-referencing against all known databases under Code Red Measures.” The identity of this agent is also kept secret until the end, intriguingly, the agent’s name appears in the the IMDB cast and crew listing for Twin Peaks 2017. The history itself begins in the early nineteenth century, with the first recorded arrival of Euro-Americans in the vicinity of what is now present day Twin Peaks, in the form of the Lewis and Clark expedition. This early material sets the tone for most of the book. There are intimations that Lewis and Clark, besides the official purpose of searching for the Northwest passage, were also conducting a covert mission in the region for President Thomas Jefferson. Native American mythology, along with hints of the Masons and the Bavarian Illuminati, are featured. It quickly becomes clear the Twin Peaks area over the centuries has been a sort of Grand Central Station for extraterrestrial activity, paranormal phenomenon, and secretive societies. The “history” draws on influences ranging from alt-archeology, “Chariots of the Gods,” the “X-Files,” Thomas Pynchon, and ghost stories told around camp fires. Much of the second half of the book, which is set in the twentieth century, revolves around Douglas Milford, a Twin Peaks resident (who did not appear on the original series, his brother, Dwayne Milford, was the town mayor who appeared in several episodes). The apparent victim of an alien abduction in his youth, Milford leads a troubled life until joining the Army during World War II. After the war is over, he begins a career in military intelligence, centered around investigating the widespread sightings of U.F.O.s in the early days of the Cold War. Milford becomes a “Smoking Man” type of character, a shadowy figure who seems to connected, in one way or another, with virtually every rumored government conspiracy and cover-up of the second half of the twentieth century, from Roswell to the Kennedy assassination to Watergate. After he “retires” from government service, Milford returns home to Twin Peaks to publish the local newspaper. As the “history” moves into the later half of the twentieth century more residents familiar from the show begin appearing in the material, and we get to learn more of their “backstories,” along with those of several landmark Twin Peaks institutions, including the Double R Diner and the Bookhouse. The murder of Laura Palmer, the inciting incident of the original series, is mentioned tangentially, and FBI Agent Dale Cooper even makes a brief documentary appearance. The “history” ends in the spring of 1989, the time the original series was set, and, like the series, ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger. Pulling off a novel like this can be like walking a tightrope. To Frost’s credit, he really pulls it off, providing a real-page turner with a new revelation or surprise on every page. Like the show itself, the “history” raises more questions than it answers, and even many of the answers are up for debate. Yes, some of the U.F.O. material can seem a little repetitious at times, but that’s a a minor quibble, not a major complaint. Like the TV show it is based on, “The Secret History of Twin Peaks” is a real original, offering hours of reading pleasure to those willing to suspend their disbelief and open their minds. Now, time for another piece of pie.

An outstanding read, much more than just a novelty tie-in to the iconic series. Not only does it prepare the reader for the show's return in 2017, it expands and deepens the mysteries that have always been central to its appeal, filling in some concrete details but opening up more questions. It also takes an ingenious approach to weaving the world of Twin Peaks into a larger context of real-world history, tying factual events and real-life figures to the mythology of the show. Best of all, the ingenious format- the book takes the form of a newly-discovered secret dossier covering the history of the town, compiled by an unknown "archivist" and filled with notes and comments by an FBI agent assigned to unravel its mysteries- provides an excellent window into this strange and fascinating universe, making the reading experience just as addictive as the weird and wonderful show that inspires it. A must-read for fans, and a perfect introduction for newcomers who want to dive in for the first time.

The premiere is tonight, and while I got this and read it when it came out I thought it would be the perfect time to write a review of this book. Mark Frost's Secret History of Twin Peaks is a beautiful book. It is a mixed-media paranoid wander through a file compiled by an unknown FBI agent – and it is our job to examine the evidence and read a partner-agent's notes in order to unravel the mysteries contained within. This agent tracks a variety of conspiracy theories and real (and imagined) histories that wander in and out of the original canon and plot of the shows. What is most impressive about this book is the manner in which it is presented. The book, paper, and binding are extremely high quality – it is a beautiful book. The material is presented in a mixed-media format that looks as if you are actually flipping through the folder itself. It is footnoted and organized chronologically and includes some real gems including a menu from the RR. The character revelations and places where it matches are fantastic, and I am really looking forward to learning how this book bridges the gap between seasons one and two and tonight's season three. Leeeeeeeeet's rok.

If you're a fan of the mysteries and characters surrounding the not-so-quiet town of Twin Peaks, this book is for you. Presented as a dossier of files, photos, and analyses collected by "The Archivist" (whose identity must be determined by the FBI agent reviewing the files at the request of Gordon Cole), this "secret history" of Twin Peaks goes deeper into what may or may not be behind the supernatural and otherwise unexplained events of the town. The files go all the way back into early American history (like, "Lewis and Clark" early), and continue up until just after the end of the original season 2 finale (now no longer a series finale, thanks to the show's return on Showtime). Fans looking to have lingering questions answered will likely have mixed reactions, as Twin Peaks has never been about wrapping up its mysteries in tiny little bows. While the fates of some characters are explained or revealed, the bigger questions are not. (My guess is that the new series will address these larger cliffhanger questions at some point in its run.) But if you love Twin Peaks and want to get a detailed glimpse into what's behind the red curtain, this book is definitely worth checking out.

A feast for Twin Peaks fans, or perhaps even folks wanting a unique true crime or mystery novel with sci-fi and paranormal twists. Mark Frost does a great job of building out the Twin Peaks world with this fictional history blended with actual facts in a story that reaches back into early United States history and into the Twin Peaks town of the 1990's. Written from the point of view of an FBI agent assigned to review a found cache of files some one in the town has been writing, keeping, and researching on the people and history of Twin Peaks. A very unique and entertaining approach. The book also fleshes out a lot of the TV series and movie story with additional details, character bios and backgrounds, and "secrets".

Mark Frost (co-creator of the massively influential cult TV series Twin Peaks) has presented longtime fans with a volume that is both engrossing and frustrating. Despite what the cover may tell you, this is not a novel. Rather it is a presentation of a dossier of notes, photos, and clippings. It begins with a memo from Gordon Cole outlining an assignment for Agent "TP" to analyze the dossier and identify its author. The note closes with a promise of "more work to do," possibly a reference to the long awaited third season set to air in 2017. Readers hoping to launch straight into a follow-up of the cliff-hanging final episode to the original series will be disappointed. In fact, don't expect that at all, as it's not the book's goal. Instead, the first third of the book reads more like a mish-mash of conspiracy theories and Twin Peaks fanfiction. I don't mean that disparagingly- as a big Twin Peaks fan, I was fascinated by the way Frost weaved true events, real-life hoaxes, and conspiracies together as a backdrop for what transpires in the television series. What's disappointing, sadly, is when the book starts to move in to territory covered within the TV series. Rather than expand the world of the TV series, the book is often at odds with it. Many of the stories and events involving characters from the show flatly contradict what happened in the show's universe. For example: *Hank and Norma's teen romance is rewritten, complete with a needless aside to Vietnam existing probably only to remind us that this happened in the 60s *Around the same time Hank is a henchman for Jean Renault, which conflicts with their meeting in season 2 of the TV series *Norma's mother "Ilsa" dies in 1984. In the series, "Vivian" is Norma's mother/food critic appearing very much alive in season 2 These are relatively minor. There are many more inconsistencies like this, some much larger in impact. Additionally, the book isn't even consistent with itself- in one major oversight, a character who dies in 1969 writes a newspaper article in 1986! So I am torn on whether to recommend this or not. There was so much I enjoyed about it that I wish I could overlook its flaws. However as a Twin Peaks fan, I found the altering of events and characters from the series to be confusing and frustrating. I wish Mark Frost had spent a little less time research alien conspiracy theories, and more time studying his own source material. One last note- one of my all-time favorite bits of Twin Peaks fan-material is the Twin Peaks Timeline, a document compiled by Edwin Nomura and hosted by the classic fansite glastonberrygrove.net. When this book was announced I was excited to imagine that for the first time in a dozen or so years, the timeline could be updated with new information. Now I realize that in order to do this, the book would practically be its own timeline!

A aparência, qualidade e acabamento do livro são excepcionais. Linda capa dura, páginas grossas, além do conteúdo, que pra quem é fã, é muito interessante e te dá muita profundidade na história de Twin Peaks.

Never written a review before and never had any intention to, but I am impelled to do so now in light of the negative reviews thus far submitted for this book, which I feel are wholly unjustified. Let me be clear, I am a HUGE Twin Peaks fan. In fact, I almost don't feel ridiculous in saying that each episode, for me, is almost like a rosary bead, helping me keep count of the number of Hail Marys said, as 'the mysteries [of Twin Peaks]' are contemplated... almost. NEVERTHELESS! I am not in any way the kind of mug who would gobble (like a turkey in the corn) up any and every piece of franchisey cash-in ephemera related to something they love. That being said, let me now proceed to saying that, so far (104 pages in, I think), this book is AMAZING!! It begins with a memorandum from Gordon Cole, briefing an unnamed agent on a new murder (or 'crime scene' I think it says actually... I assume murder...) that occurred THIS YEAR IN JULY 2016. Said memorandum explains that said crime scene may relate to a spate of murders which occurred in 1991, in Twin Peaks, and that said agent is tasked with going through this trove of evidence which has been recovered, and reporting back with findings/conclusions. The book then the proceeds, page by page, by presenting all of this 'evidence' which has been recovered - this, in and of itself, for me, is an incredible way of telling a story (in fact almost 'genre-inventing/busting', unless it's been done before I guess) - thumbing your way through old newspaper clippings, photographs, lost letters, and so on, all with annotations from the unnamed agent to whom it is addressed, and all relating to (and enriching in the process) the history of Twin Peaks, is THRILLING. To give you one example, without giving too much away (avoid the following regardless if you want to go in blind, and if you're already sold at this point then you should do so!), there are letters in this book, supposedly recovered and written by certain members of what you might call, 'the pioneers' or 'the pilgrims' of early American history, in which the authors talk about meeting Native Americans for the first time, in the Pacific North West... and one of these Native Americans, it is explained, gives the explorer/pioneer/pilgrim a RING(!!)... and when asked where they got the ring, they say they got it from 'white people', BUT...... ACCORDING TO ALL RECORDS, THESE EXPLORERS WERE SUPPOSEDLY THE FIRST WHITE PEOPLE TO REACH THIS FAR INTO THE INTERIOR OF NORTH-WEST AMERICA!! Cue goose-bumps. Another fascinating thing that's happening in this book is that the pioneers mentioned are actually real people/pioneers... and one in particular, in real life, has a 6 day ish gap in their actual published memoirs/journals, which historians actually speculate upon, in real life, like 'what happened?'....... and this book purports to have recovered these missing pages of the journal, and these purported pages purport to document said pioneers going to a strange place......... in other words, it seems the author has taken real-life gaps in historical people's lives and histories, and attempted to weave the Twin Peaks mythology right into the heart of American history. THAT BLOWS MY MIND. Who knows, maybe the next 250ish pages won't amount to anything wholly incredible and/or altogether cohesive... but I'm already a satisfied customer at this point(!), and all signs so far indicate that I'll love the rest! You'll read about Mayor Milford as a cub scout, Owl Cave will be mentioned, even Roswell is mentioned... and who knows what's to come! This book presents the mysteries of Twin Peaks as something that both predates the original series, and, rightly I think, something that will likely outlast season 3. It grounds the Lynchian abstractions that make Twin Peaks the (more than just a) great show it is, in a degree of context and historical detail, WITHOUT in any way reducing Twin Peaks's mysteries to 'this explanation' or 'that'. To me, much like the best 'non-Lynch episodes' of Twin Peaks do, this book serves as a sort of reaction to, and reflection on, the abstract and surreal aspects of Twin Peaks that usually present themselves in the Lynch episodes - like a WHOA WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED LAST EPISODE/SEASON - it aims to make more comprehensible, and more tangible - without being reductionist (crucially) - the perennial and inexplicable mysteries at the heart of Twin Peaks, and in doing so it creates a new sort of 'platform' of new material which Lynch can, in future episodes, depart from, and twist or mess with or whatever, taking Twin Peaks into newer and even more strange territories! In other words, this book sets the stage for season 3, and as such you should be DEVOURING it, in preparation for season 3! Make the purchase!

Inizialmente mi aspettavo un testo che trattasse le sorti degli abitanti della tenebrosa Twin Peaks, raccontandone gli ultimi venticinque anni. In realtà vi è poco di tutto ciò, ma il libro risulta comunque estremamente interessante, poiché contribuisce a delineare il background di alcuni personaggi secondari, e ad aprire squarci molto, molto interessanti, relativi ad altre figure. Utile per conoscere un po' meglio la città di Twin Peaks dall'interno, anche se comunque molti aspetti vengono del tutto (consapevolmente) tralasciati, poiché destinati ad essere ripresi, e più esaustivamente analizzati, nel nuovo libro, appena pubblicato (e che ho immediatamente acquistato, questa volta in lingua italiana). I testi, in inglese, sono scorrevoli e piacevoli, e la qualità del libro è sorprendentemente elevata. Splendida la scelta grafica, con mappe, foto, ritagli di giornale e lettere, che rendono effettivamente l'idea di un dossier compilato a mano. Un libro che consiglio a tutti gli amanti della serie. Un libro che non darà la rispose cercate - su questo è meglio esser chiari - ma aiuterà a tratteggiare ancor meglio il contesto in cui si sono svolti i fatti raccontati nella serie! Il mondo di Twin Peaks è, semplicemente, meraviglioso!

I have just finished the Secret History of Twin Peaks during my lunch break and I want more! I devoured this book like BOB and his fellow anomalies from the black lodge would feast on garmonbozia. I wished I could stop to savour every mouthful, but I could not put it down until I read the last page. This experience put me right back in that misty town and reacquainted me with it's inhabitants, shedding light on some of their secrets and creating new ones in the process. This is a universe that has many more mysteries to discover and potentially solve. Twin Peaks MUST continue beyond the existing show and literature! I can only hope that Frost and Lynch take us further down this windy path of wierdness and wonder.

No es una novela (sino un dossier deuna investigación) ni cubre los 27 años entre temporadas, pero explica muchas cosas del pasado de Twin Peaks y sus personajes. Por la cantidad de fotos y cartas, es necesario leerlo en libro o en tablet; en e-reader, muchos pasajes son casi ilegibles por la naturaleza del contenido.