Five Stories That Aren’t What They Seem
In this week’s edition of The Wonder Reader, readers are invited to dive into a collection of captivating stories that unravel mysteries and explore the darker sides of human nature. The newsletter features a range of gripping tales, starting with the perplexing case of Ryan Borgwardt, a kayaker who vanished under mysterious circumstances. Despite extensive search efforts, rescue teams struggled to find any trace of him, leaving his fate shrouded in uncertainty. This story highlights not only the challenges faced by search and rescue teams but also the emotional toll on families left in limbo, wondering what happened to their loved ones.
Another fascinating story featured is that of a seemingly perfect man who defrauded multiple women out of hundreds of thousands of dollars using fake identities. Over the years, he charmed his victims, leading them into a web of deceit before they ultimately banded together to bring him to justice. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of trust and betrayal in relationships, as well as the resilience of those who refuse to be victimized. Additionally, the newsletter explores the intriguing transformation of Matthew Cox, a former con man who once spun elaborate tales to scam millions, now attempting to make a living by writing true crime stories. This twist adds depth to the concept of redemption and the blurred lines between fact and fiction in storytelling.
The Wonder Reader also tantalizes with other intriguing diversions, such as audacious sports memorabilia heists and the controversial claims surrounding a manuscript that suggests Jesus was married. Each story invites readers to question their perceptions and delve deeper into the narratives that shape our understanding of truth and morality. With a mix of mystery, crime, and unexpected turns, this edition promises to spark curiosity and provide a delightful escape into the world of storytelling. Whether you’re seeking thrill, intrigue, or simply a good read, these selections offer a rich tapestry of human experience that is sure to captivate.
This is an edition of The Wonder Reader, a newsletter in which our editors recommend a set of stories to spark your curiosity and fill you with delight.
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The kayaker who went missing—and stayed missing for so long that rescue teams were at a loss. The seemingly perfect man who conned women—and was brought to justice by his own victims. The following stories pack a double punch, starting with a mysterious circumstance and tracing the story to places unknown and unexpected. Today, sit back and explore five gripping reads that aren’t what they seem.
The Missing Kayaker
By Jamie Thompson
What happened to Ryan Borgwardt?
Read the article.
The Perfect Man Who Wasn’t
By Rachel Monroe
For years, he used fake identities to charm women out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Then his victims banded together to take him down. (
From 2018
)
Read the article.
The Con Man Who Became a True-Crime Writer
By Rachel Monroe
In his old life, Matthew Cox told stories to scam his way into millions of dollars. Now he’s trying to make it by selling tales that are true. (
From 2019
)
Read the article.
Still Curious?
They stole Yogi Berra’s World Series rings. Then they did something truly crazy.
The childhood friends behind the most audacious string of sports-memorabilia heists in American history
The unbelievable tale of Jesus’s wife
:
A hotly contested, supposedly ancient manuscript suggests Christ was married. But believing its origin story—a real-life
Da Vinci Code
, involving a Harvard professor, a onetime Florida pornographer, and an escape from East Germany—requires a big leap of faith.
Other Diversions
The end of naked locker rooms
Why hotel-room cancellations disappeared
An evening ritual to realize a happier life
PS
Courtesy of Charles H.
I recently asked readers to share a photo of something that sparks their sense of awe in the world. Charles H., 68, from Hot Springs, Arkansas, shared this photo from “early in the morning in August 2025 as I was leaving Guymon, Okla., driving through the Okla. panhandle to hike Black Mesa. Shots of the moon never seem to capture the awe, but I took this photo anyhow and was surprised later to see the halo of a cloud.”
I’ll continue to feature your responses in the coming weeks.
— Isabel
