The Conspiracists

“In this empathetic debut study, ethnographer Cook explores the rise of “conspirituality,” a mix of new age spirituality and far-right, anti-government conspiracy, among middle-aged white American women. She does so through in-depth portraits of two women who stormed the Capitol on January 6… Most affecting of all is the relationship forged between Cook and her subjects, an intimacy that highlights the extent of the women’s isolation. It adds up to a moving call for compassion for those on America’s fringes.” –-Publishers Weekly

“A large and compelling part of the book follows two disparate women, Tammy and Yvonne, who were both convicted and jailed for their actions on January 6… . Their involvement in the world of conspiracy moves into the realm of conspirituality, a mash-up of conspiracies, New Age philosophies, and white supremacist ideas. Cook explores their beliefs with curiosity and open-mindedness in this thoughtful and timely book.” —Booklist

“Through [these] stories, bolstered with scholarship and analysis, emerges an honest yet empathetic portrait of women looking for hope and belonging… . This look at a little-understood community may help people whose loved ones have gone down the proverbial rabbit hole.” –Library Journal

“For anyone who has wondered how so many women went down the QAnon rabbit hole, Cook’s deep dive into two women’s stories is a must-read. A compelling, eye-opening account of the vulnerabilities and vitriol that have dragged so many women into unimaginable beliefs.” –Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, author of Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism and professor and founding director of Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL), American University

“Insightful, nuanced, and thoughtful, The Conspiracists offers a refreshing take on the complex and often misunderstood world of conspirituality. It expertly blends empathy and honesty with captivating storytelling.” –Eviane Leidig, author of The Women of the Far Right

“As conspiracy theory belief becomes more mainstream and acceptable, it becomes that much more important to understand what it offers believers. Through empathy and curiosity, The Conspiracists reveals how two women sought community, personal success, meaning, and a higher purpose to their many traumas in the delusions of QAnon and the false promises of gurus–leading to them going to prison for storming the Capitol. This is a deeply reported and highly compelling examination of a problem we are only just starting to grasp.” –Mike Rothschild, journalist, conspiracy theory expert, and author of The Storm Is Upon Us and Jewish Space Lasers

“A richly detailed, lucid, and compassionate account of the world of conspiracism. Through the personal journeys of two women, The Conspiracists casts an essential light on the appeal and endurance of conspiracy theories in a time of polarization and political extremism.” –Cécile Simmons, author of CTRL, HATE, DELETE

“The Conspiracists shows that when belonging and identity are on the line, facts are negotiable and the unbelievable feels like home. Drawing on years of inside access, Noelle Cook weaves a research-rich narrative about the overlooked force driving modern American conspiracism: women who channel their hurt into politics-shaping crusades.” –Travis View, cohost of the QAA podcast

Noelle Cook is an ethnographer and researcher specializing in the online and offline participation of women in conspiratorial and right-wing movements. As an associate producer of The Conspiracists, a feature documentary by Page75 Productions, Cook examines how identity, belief, and belonging shape extremist communities. Her work bridges academia and media to explore the forces driving radicalization.

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