[W]hen we're faced with events we cannot understand, it's natural for our brains to create a narrative--even if it means casting the world in terms of 'us versus' to potentially dangerous ends, as Brotherton puts it. 'There are more conspiracy theorists out there than you might expect,' he writes. 'Chances are you know some. Chances are you are one.'

Time

[Brotherton] casts doubt on the assumption that far-fetched beliefs are reserved for the simple-minded or the exceedingly paranoid . . . Although we like to think our judgments are based on evidence, Brotherton reveals that a host of psychological factors come into play whenever we choose what to believe.

Scientific American

Brotherton relates the history of conspiracy theories, from the Illuminati and the Great Fire of London to Area 51 and the 9/11 attacks. But he is loath to write off any of these ideas as limited to a lunatic fringe.

Psychology Today

Clearly written and with liberal use of humor and numerous examples from scholarly research, this title provides a valuable look at why conspiracy theories abound and why we should continually assess our thinking.

starred review, Library Journal

Brotherton illustrates how incomplete, contradictory, coincidental, and incongruent information can allow people to see conspiracies and connections where there are none, due in part to the theories' plausibility and humans' innate desire for order . . . While Brotherton might not convince all believers to remove their tinfoil hats (a concept whose origin he explains), it's sure to make readers question their worldview.

starred review, Publishers Weekly

[Brotherton's] writing style is inviting and even cheeky, and the book is a page-turner. A thoughtful, general analysis of conspiracy theories arguing that belief in secret plots is neither new nor unusual but a time-tested part of the human experience.

Kirkus Reviews