Dead Mountain

The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident

By: Donnie Eichar

Narrated by: Donnie Eichar

Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Authors shouldn't narrate.

Quite interesting but the best example of why authors shouldn't narrate their own book. So monotone. Maybe it would be better to "read" this book.

Misleading

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. This was more like one man's obsession with an unexplained mystery and how he internalized and acted upon his obsession. Its a story about the author and certainly does not offer an "Untold True Story" of the Incident. The various explanations for the incident itself (weather phenomena, aliens, conspiracy, etc.) are interesting but none prove very realistic. I appreciate the effort involved, but it wasn't for me nor can I recommend it

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Finally I can move on to something else

Greatly researched and written. Worth your time

I loved the entire book and the effort made by the author to solve the mystery in an honest fashion. The twist at the end was excellent and riveting.

Such intrigue

So many facts and information. I've always been curious about the Dyatlov incident. This book gives so much information and explains many facts that disproves most common theories about what really happened. If you're a history fanatic and enjoy historical mysteries, then this is the book for you.

Engaging

Was not aware of this event, but drawn to its description in Audible. The format of its telling, the writing and audio performance, was totally captivating. Eichar's explanation of the tragedy is the most plausible of the theories presented.

Monotone narration

I really really wanted to like this audiobook. It was well written, the research was great, and it was such an adventure but the narration killed it for me. It was such a struggle and there were some parts that called for a different tone, some enthusiasm, even a laugh.

Mystery solved?

This is a good exam of the the theories and it’s an interesting investigation of what is known about the hikers, body recovery and the theories.

Compelling, challenges your thoughts

The story was always compelling to me and I thought I'd leave with some conclusions as to what might have occurred on the mountain to these hikers, but I left with more questions than I began with. The author does a solid job of interspersing his experiences with those of what the hikers might have encountered, but as is usually the case in an oppressive regime still wrapped up in the thought process of the cold war era, I found myself growing frustrated with the lack of cooperation and clarity.

While the conclusions the author draws is rife with holes, it's compelling. I left asking why this phenomenon he describes isn't happening more often in remote locations with similar landscapes, topography, etc. Upon the book reaching its conclusion, it just ends .....quickly. I could have used a more detailed deep dive into this condition that may have led to the downfall of these hikers.

With that being said, the only slight complaint I might have is with the methodical, monotone narration. When I wanted the narration to be thought inducing, I found it sometimes sleep inducing in the manner the book is read. Still, I enjoyed the topic and would recommend this production to anyone looking to learn more about a 60+ year mystery.

Amazing Story

Whoa. You will never in a million years see this coming. Fascinating true mystery - if you like those things (I do!), you'll love this. Only downside is the author's rotten narration - almost made me give up, he's so monotone. But the story is worth it - hang in there. I still see the hikers in my mind and can't imagine how terrifying their last night must have been.

A Great Antidote For Insomnia

This story is further proof, if further proof is needed, of the rule that authors should stick to writing and leave narrations of their stories to the pros. Donnie Elchar, perhaps afflicted with a temporary spasm of narcissism, decided to read his own work.

"Monotone" is defined as "a vocal utterance or series of speech sounds in one unvaried tone." Yet, "monotone" seems to fall short as an adjective appropriate to the audible edition of this work. "Mumbling", "muttering" and "stammering" are verbs that might assist.

Tragically, Mr. Elchar's reading was so annoying and so ineffective that it completely obscured the superhuman effort he put into researching this alluring tale that persists on the fringes of conspiracy/UFO/government coverup literature.

My advice: buy the Kindle or print edition and read it, if you like this kind of story.