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 blend mystery, deception, and unexpected twists. The newsletter showcases five remarkable narratives that not only intrigue but also challenge our perceptions of reality. Among these stories is the perplexing case of Ryan Borgwardt, a kayaker who vanished under enigmatic circumstances, leaving rescue teams baffled and the community in suspense. Jamie Thompson’s exploration of this mysterious disappearance raises questions about the unpredictability of nature and human resilience in the face of uncertainty.
Another highlight is Rachel Monroe’s riveting account of a man who perfected the art of deception. Portrayed as the “perfect man,” this con artist charmed countless women, extracting hundreds of thousands of dollars from his victims. However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn when these women unite to expose him, demonstrating the strength of community and the power of shared experiences in overcoming adversity. Monroe also revisits the story of Matthew Cox, a former conman turned true-crime writer, whose life story blurs the lines between fiction and reality. These tales not only entertain but also provoke thought about the complexities of trust, betrayal, and redemption.
Additionally, The Wonder Reader invites readers to explore other intriguing diversions, such as the audacious heists of sports memorabilia and the controversial manuscript suggesting Jesus was married, reminiscent of a real-life Da Vinci Code. With an engaging mix of true crime, historical intrigue, and personal reflections, this edition promises to spark curiosity and provide a delightful escape into the unknown. For those eager to receive these weekly gems, signing up for the newsletter ensures a regular dose of captivating storytelling delivered every Saturday morning.
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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
