The Fall of Pan Am 103

by Steven Emerson, Brian Duffy

Genres: History, Middle East, Military Fiction, Politics, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[David Classing · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good and detailed look at the investigation into the bombing of Pan Am 103, and just how meticulous investigators picked through the wreckage and solved who was responsible.

This is a very good read and can be read in about two days

One thing that is touched upon is that, initially, Iran, Syria and Libya were the key suspects, and the evidence showed that out concisely and clearly. In 1992, however, Syria was dropped as one suspect nation, presumably because it joined George Bush's "Coalition of the Willing" in the war against Iraqi aggression into Kuwait. As we all know, a couple of Libyans were convicted of the crime, but one must wonder how many more were implicated from Syria remained free in exchange for cooperation in Operation Desert Storm.

[Rachel Grepke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall this was an okay read. Due to the different countries involved, some of the wording got me a bit lost in places. Very thoroughly researched and gave a great mental picture to the bombing. I especially appreciate the names of all the victims at the back of the book.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well… I realized not too long after starting this book that it was written in 1990, which means only two years had passed since the disaster over Lockerbie when this was published. Fair warning to any reader who comes after me, you will read this and (spoilers!) be fascinated by the tales of West Germany and Operation Autumn Leaves and a bunch of unaccounted for bombs that seem to have been sponsored by Iran and must surely be related to Pan Am 103, only to go online later and find out they indicted someone from Libya in 1991. That’s not to say this book isn’t interesting and a great exploration of politics and terrorism in the late 80’s. But if you’re looking for the story of who committed this crime, you’ll likely be turning to the internet an hour after you finish (as I am currently doing).

[Sai Theagaraj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lockerbie Investigation is a testament to 'Devil is in the detail'. An investigation and rescue operation of this scale in those times could have been staggering. But it was pulled off, thanks to the resilience, commitment and dedication of the entire team that operated across borders and drove to Lockerbie to offer assistance.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read. Although is was confusing at times because of all the players involved in the investigation.

[Edwin Martin]

This was the "other" interesting book in with the first book I wanted to read in a Reader's Digest condensed edition. I didn't remember any details about this terrorist act, so I sat down and read this in 2 days. The book was written before all the investigation was even finished, so now I need to make a quick Wiki read on it to see how it ultimately ended. But it is a thorough and still fast moving account of the first year and a half or so of the investigation.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the best of the books that I've read about the Lockerbie bombing. Being Scottish and having visited Lockerbie, I can remember vividly the events unfolding on the news and the horror of what happened. This is a look at the investigation into the bombing and it is a really fascinating and heart-wrenching read.

[Kevin Keating · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was published too close to the time of the event to be useful now. It was ok and kinda interesting but padded a little. Doesn't mention much about Libya.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book.