Let's call this book "Harmless Easy Airport Reading." Or maybe "Something to Read While Waiting for the No. 94 Bus."

Originally published in the United Kingdom as "Albert Jack's Ten-Minute Mysteries," this book -- "Loch Ness Monsters and Raining Frogs: The World's Most Puzzling Mysteries Solved" -- delivers just what its original title promised. Thirty-one mysteries get the Jack treatment, including the usual suspects: the Bermuda Triangle, Agatha Christie's solo vacation, the Mary Celeste, those pesky crop circles. Famed Big Band leader Glenn Miller shows up, as does Paul McCartney (but is that really Paul?).

The best chapters are the detailed and amusing history of decades of Bigfoot tracking, a truly chilling account of the disappearance of an entire Scottish lighthouse crew, and the sad medical bungle that may have cost Marilyn Monroe her life.

Jack isn't quite as witty as he thinks he is, but he excels at synthesizing facts and would-be facts and turning them into a light, enjoyable tale.

Don't expect the solutions promised in the title of this American edition. The author lays out everything; the conclusions are up to you. Sandra Howgate's black-and-white illustrations are a hoot, especially Nessie, the Loch Ness Elephant. Slip this book into your coat pocket as you head out to the bus stop.

KATHARINE HOLDEN