Solving a Cape Mystery - the "Orb of Chatham"

Need a little something to put you in the Halloween mood? The "Orb of Chatham" may be just the thing. "Orb", is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Chatham resident, Bob Staake. Staake is the author/illustrator of over thirty books and is well known for his illustrations and children's books.

In "Orb", Staake weaves a taut tale of ghostly suspense. In 1935 five Chathamites witnessed a black orb rolling through the streets, fields and waterways of the small fishing village at the elbow of the Cape. What was this orb witnessed by so few town residents? Where did it come from? Where did it go? What did the witnesses have in common? And why did those same five witnesses all disappear on the same October night two months later?

There is an eerie starkness to Staake's black and white illustrations. The pages are simple yet compell the reader to forge on. But, like a treasure map, the book is just the beginning. The pages of the "Orb of Chatham" contain clues that will lead the reader to the larger scope of the mystery at OrbOfChatham.com. Find the clues and unlock a pirate's booty of orb clues--photographic evidence, witness biographies, theories and much more.

Is the story true? Did a mysterious orb roll through Chatham one dark summer night in 1935 taking the only five witnesses two months later? Most likely not. Nonetheless, "Orb" has a bit of a "Blair Witch" feel to it. That kind of "is it true or isn't it" Internet buzz and back story that led to the overwhelming success of "The Blair Witch Project".

The "Orb" is a clever mystery with a solid mythology that demands the reader/site surfer's attention. Endless maps, clues and evidence make for a fun, interactive evening. Put on your Sherlock cap and try your luck at solving this original Cape Cod mystery.

"The Orb of Chatham" was written and illustrated by Bob Staake. Published by Commonwealth Editions of Beverly, MA: ISBN: 1-933212-14-4 and is available online and at most area bookstores.