Dead Mountain

The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident

By: Donnie Eichar

Narrated by: Donnie Eichar

In February 1959, a group of nine experienced hikers in the Russian Ural Mountains died mysteriously on an elevation known as Dead Mountain. Eerie aspects of the incident—unexplained violent injuries, signs that they cut open and fled the tent without proper clothing or shoes, a strange final photograph taken by one of the hikers, and elevated levels of radiation found on some of their clothes—have led to decades of speculation over what really happened. This gripping work of literary nonfiction delves into the mystery through unprecedented access to the hikers' own journals and photographs, rarely seen government records, dozens of interviews, and the author's retracing of the hikers' fateful journey in the Russian winter. A fascinating portrait of the young hikers in the Soviet era, and a skillful interweaving of the hikers narrative, the investigators' efforts, and the author's investigations, here for the first time is the real story of what happened that night on Dead Mountain.

©2013 Donnie Eichar (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Something Out There

Before coming across this audiobook, I’d never heard of the disappearance of Soviet students in the Ural Mountains known as Dyatlov Pass Incident, but the mystery reeled me in. It might as well be an idea for a Twilight Zone, or X-files script.

Nine young, healthy, experienced hikers set out on a trek through the Urals, set up camp, and then flee their tent without proper gear, or even their shoes. Their bodies are later found frozen and injured. Why did they leave?

Donnie Eichar, who narrates himself, wanted to know too, so he set out in their footprints to solve the riddle. His book offers an investigation that gives a heartbreaking portrait of these doomed hikers, the search for them afterwards, and his own inquiry.

His conclusions may not have settled all the questions surrounding the Dead Mountain incident, but the story getting there is as engrossing as any unsolved mystery.

Mystery solved?

What did you like best about Dead Mountain? What did you like least?

I was fascinated by this story, even before I read the book. I didn't have a great understanding of the facts, and the author does a great job at laying out facts, and keeps the story line intact. To that point, I thought in many instances the author could have delved deeper into narratives, individual bios, etc. I also would have loved to have heard more on the other, more wilder explanations, and he does cover this briefly towards the end of the book. I just honestly think some of those would have been very interesting to hear about in-depth.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Donnie Eichar?

He has a pretty dry narrative style, almost a monotone at times.

Did Dead Mountain inspire you to do anything?

I looked up the facts quite a bit while I was listening to the book, searching for images, clues, etc.

Excellent but….

Intriguing story with an incredible and satisfying ending. The reading of the story was so flat that it almost destroyed it.

Fantastic

Absolutely fantastic, I was listening every spare moment I had. The answer to the mystery is no less than astounding.

Great mystery solved!

Tragic tale that needed to be put to rest by the truth. Well done! A great read (listen).

Highly recommend

Magnificently researched, perfectly presented. Donnie Eicher’s abilities at observation along with his openness to a culture, language and situation completely foreign to him allowed him to get information and to develop a very believable thesis.

Absolutely amazing.

this book is fantastic and the narrator does it so much justice.
In a word just Wow!.

Not Bad Not Great

I have a love for mountaineering, alpine climbing, and overall winter adventures that challenge your character. I also for some reason Russia and Russian history. That being said, I was a sucker for the story.

I tried to love it from the beginning but I found myself feeling more like I've invested a certain amount of time into the story, I might as well finish it. I have this thing about finishing things/books/movies even if I know I am no longer sold on it. But, nonetheless, I found myself finishing it out.

Yes, I was not expecting the ending, but at the same time, the author seems to have wanted to write about a very interesting True Story but seems to have put little effort into much of the scientific evidence to base his ending on. It was a bit of a letdown. Yes, very interesting theory and story.

The narrator could have used some coffee and maybe try reading it early in the morning when he had more energy. It read like a coma patient flat-lining. One tone, one voice the entire time. I ended up making myself coffee just to stay awake.

Monotone

That is one of two issues I have with Dead Mountain. The narrator reads as if he has no dramatic flair,
"Just the facts, m'am". My other issue is the author's denigration of those who have "explanations" of what happened to the Dyatlov party as he tells his story. Then he offers his own theory which is at least as specious as other theories. His expansion of some points regarding the affair is admirable, however. This is decent place to start if your knowledge of the incident is little or none.

A great mystery

What an exciting and touching passage. Riddled with mystery and entwined into colorful and vibrant lives of each character, this book was hard to let down. I wanted to know everything about the disappearance as soon as I learned the first bit of evidence. The ending won't leave you disappointed either. #mystery #russia #disappearance #detective #winter #sweepstakes #tagsgiving