Award-winning journalist Gary Nunn investigates psychics, mediums and astrologers to understand their uncanny power and whether it's used for good or evil.
Gary has always been a sceptic. His sister Taren, an avid believer, consults mediums to navigate a family trauma. When Gary reports a news story about a clairvoyant's link to the collapse of a huge stockbroking firm, personal questions become professional. Why do such large swathes of the population want their fortunes told? Why this need to believe? What is he missing?
So begins a two-year investigation into the mysterious, unregulated world of psychics. Gary tries some out himself, sometimes with hilarious results. He hears about their involvement in the media, the corporate world, government, the criminal justice system and beyond. As we wade further into the post-truth era, Gary unearths the unprecedented power of psychics today.
Discover the world's most spookily accurate psychics and mediums, with stories so incredible even the sceptics cannot fully explain them. Believe in them or not, they'll impact who will date you, who will befriend you, who will hire you and even who will fire you.
The Psychic Tests is a gripping, often moving examination of trust, faith and connection. Strap yourself in - things are about to get weird.
About the Author
Gary Nunn is an award-winning journalist for media outlets in Australia, the UK and the US. He's Editor-at-Large for the Sydney Sentinel and the former Features Journalist for BBC Australia. Gary continues to write regularly for the BBC, in addition to the Guardian, the ABC, the Sydney Morning Herald, and the Australian Women's Weekly. He was a regular columnist for the UK's Guardian.
Prior to his journalism career, Gary spent over a decade in the not-for-profit sector, working as a communications professional for charities including Barnardo's, Camp Quality, Comic Relief and Stonewall UK. He then went on to become the Director of Communications at Change.org.
In 2019 Gary won a place for '13 outstanding journalists' on the Walkleys Our Watch Fellowship. He was a finalist for Journalist of the Year at the ACON Honour Awards 2019 and the LGBTI Awards 2019, and his feature on former nun Monica Hingston won the Faith Award that year.
Gary has a First Class Honours degree in English from the University of Leicester. He now splits his time between Sydney and London. Find him on Twitter @garynunn1
Industry Reviews
‘Nunn takes your hand and guides you through this world of startling truths and shocking lies. A terrific, brave book. I couldn’t put it down.’
Miriam Margoyles
‘Gary is the next Jon Ronson. Each page leaves you gasping or laughing out loud. Whether you’re a believer or sceptic, this funny, insightful and empathetic book will leave you questioning all of it, no matter what side you started on. You will not stop reading until you’ve devoured the last page. Gary is that good.’
Rosie Waterland
‘Sharp, insightful, authentic writing on a curious industry we’ve all wondered about at some point, seamlessly woven with Gary’s deeply moving personal narrative. There are moments in this wonderful story about human connection that will make you laugh out loud, shriek in shock and cry all in the same breath.’
Patrick Abboud, journalist and broadcaster
‘Nunn’s book is a work of lethal reportage, an exhilarating ride of scrutiny and flair. He lays out expansively and diligently the supernatural’s influence on the media, police, carceral system, celebrities, financial business people and ordinary people.’
Jessie Tu, The Age (October 2021)
‘Whatever your views on the subject, The Psychic Tests is an entertaining, informative, personal and thought-provoking book.’
The Canberra Times (September, 2021)
