Read it Instead

I normally love when a nonfiction book is read by the author, but this guy just isn’t cut out for it. It’s a well-written and interesting book but the narrator’s interest in the subject does not come out in his monotone delivery. Couldn’t get through it on audiobook.

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Intriguing. Exhaustive.

I had heard about the Dyatlov Incident many years ago: Nine 1950s Russian hikers found shoeless and dead from "an unknown compelling force" hundreds of metres from their camp .. but really knew nothing about the details. American documentary film-maker Donnie Eichar does a very good job investigating every aspect surrounding the tragedy: the personalities involved, the isolated winter hike itself, the search, the contentious inquest, and theories as to what happened.
The writing is capable, the case is presented with logical structure and admirable pacing, and the author largely avoids the more fantastical conjecture (aliens, government conspiracy, escaped psychopath, etc). He went so far as to travel to Russia, interview family members and the one reclusive survivor, and retrace the footsteps of the expedition. Despite "hanging his hat" on the Vortex/Infrasound theory, Eichar painstakingly tries to be objective and largely succeeds.

[I personally think the recently-proposed subsistence "slab" avalanche hypothesis makes the most sense]:
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.wired.com/story/dyatlov-pass-incident-slab-avalanche/amp

As is often the case where authors read their own work, Eichar is an inferior reader. His diction and timbre are fine, but his cadence is lilting & staccato, his tone is too matter-of-fact, and he reads much too slowly (I recommend listening to this book at 1.25X). I would describe the performance as "adequate". Audible Studios probably should have insisted on a professional reader.

Despite some drawbacks in production value, however, this fascinating exposé is worth 8 stars out of 10. 'Dead Mountain' is packed with information about a genuine unsolved modern mystery and is well worth a listen.

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Slow. Good one to far asleep by.

Slow, almost put me to sleep. The performance was mundane and monotone. Mite have been an interesting story if he put more intrigue into his delivery.

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In depth and gripping story

I knew little of this incident but was caught to date with great investigative depth. I could hardly turn off the recording. The narration was an easy listen.

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3 people found this helpful

A Deadly Masterpiece

I adored this book, so well written and researched! I highly recommend to any Russian History nerds out there!

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Well researched … tragic but great story

It’s nice to understand the real circumstances behind such a riveting mystery. Eichar manages to bring each of the climbers to life as real people.

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so interesting!

This story was well presented in an interesting and new way. You learn about all the theories and possibilities of the group's disastrous end, from new perspectives. Well worth a read or listen.

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1 person found this helpful

alright - short

It was short, didn't get into the conspiracies as much as I expected. He read it well, gave it a dark tone. enjoyed that part.

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hiking mystery solved at last

easy listen and good story. interesting conclusion to decades old Russian hiking mystery. if you like wilderness stories and/ or enjoy hiking this book is worth your time.

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Outstanding

What a mystery. The author fully lays out what is and is not known about the incident, alongside his own path of discovery. Fascinating and highly recommended.

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