D.B. Cooper: What Really Happened

by Max Gunther

The incredible true story of the hijacking, escape, and years of hiding.

Genres: True Crime

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1985

About the author

Max Gunther was an Anglo-American journalist and writer. He was the author of 26 books, including his investment best-seller, The Zurich Axioms.

Born in England, Gunther moved to the United States at age of 11 after his father, Franz Heinrich became the manager of the New York branch of a leading Swiss bank, SBC.

Gunther graduated from Princeton University in 1949 and served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1951.

He worked at Business Week magazine from 1951 to 1955 and during the following two years he was the contributing editor for Time Magazine. He also contributed to Playboy, True, Reader's Digest, TV Guide, McCall's, and Saturday Evening Post.

Reviews

[Eve]

this was super entertaining but i feel like it just all can't be 100% true... they would have to have solved it conclusively by now. either way it was written with a great manner of storytelling and it was highly enjoyable!

[Kelly]

This one had the best explanation but the least concrete facts, But somehow I believe this one the most so far.

[Rachel Jacobs]

I really enjoyed this book and if it is true what a fantastic tale to one of the countries most intriguing mysteries.

[David]

This entire book is a story told to the writer by an anonymous source (anonymous to both reader and writer) as to the true story of D.B. Cooper. The source claims to be a spouse to Cooper after the hijacking. She never reveals her true name, Coopers true name, any physical evidence tied to the case, or any other information that can be used to verify her story.

So, if you’re looking for a possible resolution to the case rooted in evidence, this isn’t it. I could forgive this if the story were at least engaging and well-written but it really wasn’t. By the halfway point I was eager to move on.

[K]

A fascinating read, whether you believe it or not.

Also, just as a note, this article was also very interesting (it cites this book as the starting point for one researcher's conclusion about Cooper's true identity)
https://www.oregonlive.com/news/erry-...

[Plorqk]

Pretty good if it's true

[Pulp_Fiction_Books]

Fascinating if for no other reason than we don't know one way or another if Gunther was conversing with the real DB Cooper.

[Heidi]

4.5 stars

Like a lot of people, I am not
completely convinced that this all
happened. The author does have some
evidence.

Well written, very interesting in
my opinion.

There have been at least 60 books
written about the D.B. Cooper case.

I was very impressed with some
interesting statements the author
made about American society in
general.

[Niel]

Man, I read this a long time ago. Published in '85, so I guess I read it when it was fairly new. Can't comment on the accuracy of the story, but it was a fun read. Of course, that whole mystery lends itself to story telling. If the Cooper story intrigues you, check it out.

[Matteo S]

The mysterious story of D. B. Cooper's hijacking. This book reveals all different ways that the hijacking could've taken place in. It also explains who the suspects are and why people think that they are suspects. This book is highly fascinating. I would re-read this book ten times.

[Sara]

I am very intrigued with this whole story. I just wish that "Clara" would come out and bring more truth to the story with other objects of proof.

[Jen Watkins]

Interesting story.

[Susan]

Skeptical from the beginning but turned out to be compelling and believable.