When You Find My Body

The Disappearance of Geraldine Largay on the Appalachian Trail

By: D. Dauphinee

Narrated by: Traci Odom

When Geraldine "Gerry" Largay first went missing on the Appalachian Trail in remote western Maine in 2013, the people of Maine were wrought with concern. When she was not found, the family, the wardens, and the Navy personnel who searched for her were devastated. The Maine Warden Service continued to follow leads for more than a year. They never completely gave up the search. Two years after her disappearance, her bones and scattered possessions were found by chance by two surveyors. She was on the US Navy's SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) School land, about 2,100 feet from the Appalachian Trail.

This book tells the story of events preceding Geraldine Largay's vanishing in July 2013, while hiking the Appalachian Trail in Maine, what caused her to go astray, and the massive search and rescue operation that followed. Her disappearance sparked the largest lost-person search in Maine history, which culminated in her being presumed dead. She was never again seen alive. The author was one of the hundreds of volunteers who searched for her. Gerry's story is one of heartbreak, most assuredly, but is also one of perseverance, determination, and faith. For her family and the searchers, especially the Maine Warden Service, it is also a story of grave sorrow.

©2019 Denis Dauphinee (P)2019 Tantor

R. I. P. Inchworm

I’m 62 and hope to hike the AT at retirement. I vow to take a course in how to read a compass and some type of survival class. She didn’t die in vain.

Sad, but true, story

Sometimes, a seemingly simple action/decision has great consequences. In this case, it didn't end well. She sounds like a lovely person with a loving family. My heart goes out to them all.

planning to hiking the AT?

this book drives home the importance of survival skills and land navigation. take this book to heart, and prepare for the worse scenario.

educate before hiking

I liked the comprehensive approach it took to tell all the details of the loss of Jerry. I also liked the educational value of the book for the readers.

Beautifully Narrated and Written

You can tell the author cared a lot about Gerry - did his research and wrote a very thorough book. Towards the ends there’s a few parts that seem a bit repetitive - but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Such details to the search, who was involved, the passion and concern everyone shared, what they believed Gerry was feeling, thinking and experiencing - it kept me engaged and I didn’t mind it too much. The narrator also did a beautiful job.
This book most definitely honors the memory of Gerry.

Good recounting of a sad story.

Very well written account of Gerry Largey's story. It leaves you feeling as though you knew her, her family and the searchers personally.

Cautionary tale, not much suspense

This was a good look into the Appalachian trail hiker realm and a good look at the difference between novice hikers and experienced outdoorsmen. It was a heartbreaking story that was well plotted through different sources. A good read, but not a murder mystery if that’s what you’re looking for. A very important reminder to be prepared for the worst while out in the wilderness, especially as far as using a compass and map is concerned.

New Hiker - great book!

Sad but learned a lot! Very inspirational. Thanks much for her family sharing this story.

Humbling

Appalachian Trail hikes are one of my interest. Since I still work full time, sections are the only thing I can do until retirement or a lottery win.
When I started this book, I wasn’t sure I could read it. However I stuck with it and was pleased. The story was well written and the additional tips on being lost were a plus. My condolences to the family, thank you for sharing this story.

Could Have Been A Tad Shorter

Overall, this was a fast, easy listen. It has a lot of history of the AT and not much of Geraldine Largay's personal story I was listening for. There really is not much to say about the Geraldine Largay story, as there weren't that many details. In summary, she was an extremely friendly, memorable lady, who enjoyed life to its fullest but was not prepared for the prospect of getting lost on the AT. I am not meaning to make light of her or her demise--it was a real tragedy. I only wish learning of her experience helps to save others from experiencing a similar plight--and it will for some. But too many others have their own stories already written their heads before starting out and will not care to take the precautions because it certainly won't happen to them on such a widely traveled and popular trail. Or maybe it just will?

Narration very business-like but totally adequate.