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  • Dead Mountain

  • The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident
  • By: Donnie Eichar
  • Narrated by: Donnie Eichar
  • Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (87 ratings)

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Dead Mountain

By: Donnie Eichar
Narrated by: Donnie Eichar
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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.

Editorial reviews

Editors Select, March 2014 - Full disclosure: I've been obsessed with the story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident – the name given to the mysterious unsolved deaths of nine young experienced hikers in the Russian Ural mountains in 1959 - since I first heard the story a few years back. Filmmaker-turned-author Donnie Eichar seems to share my enthusiasm, because after years of researching the case, he emptied his savings and traveled to Russia on a mission to recreate the hikers’ journey and uncover the truth behind their deaths. Although this was a familiar story to me, I was completely absorbed by Eichar’s retelling. He weaves his own journey seamlessly in with a retelling of the hikers’ story (which he recreates through their photos and journal entries), along with a detailed breakdown of the investigation following their disappearance. And as a documentary filmmaker, Eichar makes sure he has his timelines and sources straight throughout the book. Above all, I was most impressed by how Eichar treated the Dylatlov Pass Incident as so much more than a creepy tale. He manages to bring a deep human quality to the story, along with immense reverence for the fallen hikers (tone that comes through in his careful narration). I came away from this book feeling as if I had known each one of them - and longing for some closure more than ever before. I won't spoil the outcome of his investigation, but I think it's safe to say that anyone who is interested in this story - or real-life mysteries in general - will be left with plenty to ponder. —Sam, Audible Editor

What listeners say about Dead Mountain

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Fantastic

A fantastic view into the Dyatlov incident. I’m still not certain what took place on that mountain but this book was a fantastic insight into true events and experiences felt by both the victims and the author. A definite must read/listen for those who are also fascinated by the Dyatlov Pass mystery.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Intriguing

This was a very interesting listen - not only because of the mystery itself but the lifestyle and times of these hikers. I really enjoyed learning about them and the countless theories surrounding their deaths. The conclusion-which I won't spoil- didn't quite satisfy me entirely- but it still is an intriguing idea.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Sad and puzzling

A bleak story with moments of intrigue, Russia is depicted unfavorable. The narrator was at times hard to listen to.

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The truth is out there

Credible theory to a the mysterious deaths of nine hikers. The story and narration by the author was good and easy listening. Can recommend.

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Dead Mountain Brings Story to Life

I’ve heard this story told a number of times via podcasts and elsewhere but this is really the definitive work on the Dyatlov Pass Incident. Dead Mountain is not just a good mystery, it’s stands alone as an excellent non-fiction work. Kudos to Donnie Eichar.

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Interesting and entertaining

I had never heard of the Dyatlov Pass incident until a friend told me about it. Very interesting and good and unexpected ending.

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Fascinating but very very sad

This is an amazing very sad story
Well told
Well researched
Thank you for providing this Audible

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Incredibly informative but narration is a little dul

fantastic book, it goes into great detail behind the politics, social, economical influences at the time of the hiking disaster. The final explanation is well thought out and is supported by good insight, knowledge and research.

I found the narration a little dull. I don't usually mind dry clear cut narration but this was just a little flat for my liking.

Overall a very insightful book, certainly worth while listening to.

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an amazing, eye opening new take on this mystery.

DonnieEichar has taken a modern and fresh look at the terrifying and brutal mystery that is the 'Dyatlov Pass Incident'. His fluid layout of writing allows for an easily followed listen with chapters being told from both present and past. This allows the reader to easily place themselves into the harsh, chilling mountains where this tragic events occurred. with the last chapter being Donnies' recreation of the event through his eyes with newly gathered evidence, some readers may finally see this as an answer to the mind numbing mystery that occurred all those years ago.

excellent read and absolutely perfect delivery.

Highly recommended for anyone who has ever had any opinion on the mystery.

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Gripping, fascinating story

What made the experience of listening to Dead Mountain the most enjoyable?

The author / narrator did an excellent job. Very interesting and well researched story, fascinating to no end yet satisfying.

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