Vanishing Act: A Crashed Airliner, Faked Death, and Backroom Abortions

by Jerry Jamison

This book tells the twisted true story of twentieth century con man Robert Spears. Chief among Spears's misdeeds was a sophisticated and elaborate network of abortion clinics deftly disguised as legitimate practices that generated a reported $20,000 a week in the 1950s. However, when Dr. Spears was about to go on trial for his abortion operation, he stunningly “died” in an airplane crash, leaving his widow to collect the equivalent of a million dollars in life insurance. As the FBI investigated, they uncovered an astonishing, mind-bending tale of murder, abortion rings, and false identities—more than 22 aliases for Spears alone—as well as insurance scams and investment fraud that stretched over decades. But that was far from the end of the story. Peeling back layer after layer, a world of schemes virtually beyond comprehension was exposed that left families, businesses, entire industries, and future generations in ruins. And yet Robert Spears proved to be the ultimate slippery fish. The FBI was never able to pin him down for the heinous downing of an airliner filled with innocent souls and the murder of his dearest friend. Methodically researched and meticulously sourced from FBI reports and hundreds of news articles and publications, Vanishing Act is one of the great con man stories of our time.

Genres: True Crime, History

288 pages, Hardcover

Published April 15, 2025

About the author

The author of more than 40 published full-length fiction novels, Jerry Jamison has been an award-winning advertising copywriter with over 60 national writing and creative development commendations during his career. As the principal of a California-based advertising agency, he has helped create and guide successful and memorable campaigns for a wide range of clients throughout the country. The “Tales of Suspense” Series (currently 25 stories), is his first foray into the mystery/thriller genre.

Reviews

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly Researched and Utterly Absorbing.
Vanishing Act by Jerry Jamison is a gripping and well-documented account of Robert Vernon Spears—a conman who faked his own death, committed murder, and ran illegal abortion clinics across the U.S. Jamison’s writing is crisp and engaging, weaving historical detail and investigative research into a story that reads like a thriller.
With its mix of aviation disaster, identity fraud, and criminal enterprise, this book delivers a compelling look into one of America’s most brazen criminals. A must-read for true crime fans and history buffs alike. Thanks to BookSirens and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vanishing Act by Jerry Jamison is a story of a con man, murder, and ties to the secret world of abortion in the first half of the 20th century. It’s almost too unbelievable but it all happened. The first couple of sentences seemed like this was going to be an amateurish read and then Jamison fires up his writing skills. He unravels the wild story of Robert Spears and it makes for a compelling read. How this story was never made into a movie, or at least a Netflix series beggars belief. Thank you to #netgalley and #rowmanlittlefield for the opportunity to preview this book.

[Natasha Gunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading this book I had never heard of the man featured, Robert Vernon Spears. Which given the tale of his life is astounding. Lifelong confidence man, an illegal abortionist, and most certainly the cause of flight 967s demise. It was quite a story.

I haven't read anything by Jerry Jamison before but I found his writing style enjoyable. While I like reading true crime novels sometimes an author's writing style is so overbearing. Not the case here for me. I did have to backtrack twice due to how events were laid out, which I found briefly confusing.

Introduction to other people of interest in this man's life is well handled. I'm sure you've read some books where you feel like you just get waaay too much information about people who are just side players. That always irks me personally, but was a nonissue here.

There are some great quotes referenced from various parties in the book. It struck me that the research was very well done to produce this. A good selection of photographs is included so you can get to know your subject. I would not mind reading more from this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a copy.

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wild ride. This book read more like fiction b/c it’s so hard to believe one person could pull off so many schemes using so many identities and get away with it for so long. But with the lack of technology it certainly was easier. I felt so bad for his family and victims whose lives were completely destroyed by his greed and selfishness. If you love a book that is nothing but plot twists and sheer craziness, you will fervently enjoy this book. It goes very quickly b/c it is hard to put down. You’ll be left scratching your head, still trying to figure out how this man pulled off so many elaborate schemes. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not 100% sure what to expect when I selected this book. I love true crime and had never heard the story of Robert Sears. The story is so outlandish and insane I had to Google a few times to make sure I was ready a true story! Jerry Jamison did an amazing job of telling this story. It seems to wild to be true. Because some of it took place in the Dallas area, it was even more personal to me to read. I know Gaston Street and I remember the Dallas Times Herald. I highly recommend this book to anyone who love True Crime. Even if true crime isn't your thing, if you like suspense, mystery, or thriller, you are likely to enjoy this book. I read it in less than 24 hours. (book not purchased)

[Elmwoodblues · Rating 1 out of 5]

What vanished here was an editor. A Buick becomes a Pontiac on page 1, and we are introduced to the inner thinking of characters based on...I don't know, the author's thoughts?

When a Bill O'Reilly trope can act as a pallet cleanser, you know you are on to something unique.