Self-Styled: Chasing Dr. Robert Vernon Spears

by Alan C. Logan

In the early hours of November 16, 1959, a commercial airliner mysteriously plunges into the Gulf of Mexico and quickly becomes one of the most baffling mysteries in aviation history. Presumed dead in the wreckage of Flight 967, ticketed passenger Dr. Robert Vernon Spears is alive and well, speeding west on a southern highway, seizing the chance to leave his past behind--a past that defies all belief. But when Dr. Spears' old friend is also discovered missing, a more sinister plot begins to emerge. In the months that follow, the nation is spellbound by bizarre revelations of substituted passengers, hypnosis, deception, and hidden identities--dramatized across the headlines through a soap-opera rivalry between the wives of the two missing men. Each new twist is stranger than the last, as a larger web of political bribery, police corruption, crime, and deception is slowly uncovered. In a feature 1960 cover story, Life magazine concluded it was "a case so bizarre that even the most imaginative mystery writer would hesitate to use the plot." Yet, as incredible as this seemed at the time, it was still only a fraction of a much larger story spanning decades--of imposters, society romance, underground abortion rings, Hollywood connections, forgery, aliases, artful dodgers, and naturopathic quackery--with a cast of characters to match. Each player on a trajectory toward involvement, in one form or another, in the Flight 967 enigma. At the center was one of America's most prolific yet mysterious confidence men--a kind man, a gentleman, and a model husband. In a story that has never been told. Until now.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

362 pages, Hardcover

First published November 16, 2019

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

The remarkable, yet still-unsolved mystery of National Airlines Flight 967. Front page of almost every major newspaper and news media outlet when it happened. Way before my time .. BUT this book had me HOOKED after only a few pages. I cannot describe how timely this book is and how confidence men really operate; "Dr." Spears truly was THE great imposter. Makes "Catch Me if You Can" look like a joke.

The book is WAY more than a unsolved plane crash .. the cast of characters puts me in mind of the movie "The Usual Suspects" except Keyser Soze is actually real, and is name is Robert Vernon Spears.

From being incarcerated at Alcatraz, to impersonating a Canadian war hero, to performing back-alley abortions, to being a naturopathic doctor, and a medical doctor, to being buried in the "Field of Honor" at Dallas Restland Memorial ... you frankly can't make this level of crazy up. This is an example where life is stranger than fiction.

There is even a connection with MGM, Hollywood elites and Donald Loomis. If Netflix doesn't pick up the rights .. I might have to lol.

Honestly, this is one of the best true stories (author has 352 references listed) ever written. If you love true crime .. look no further. This book is a must read. I wouldn't be surprised if this was turned into a Hollywood blockbuster/mini-series.

[Jim Sarjeant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly well researched book about an event that I did not know in an era that I know well. A true story about a WW1 vet/con man, his best friend and a mysterious plane crash. The central figure’s cons included stints as a forger, financial theft, womanizer, and even a fake naturopath practice. Naturopathy actually imploded under his stint at the top of the organization. He then went into the booming illegal abortion business. There are some great photos some of which bring back memories. It’s quite amazing how much information is available to a researcher and writer. The detail is very impressive. I would highly recommend this book.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a crazy story and a true mystery. Did Spears blow up the plane? Did his friend live or die in the crash? We will never know. What we do know is that Dr. Robert Vernon Spears was a fantastic fraud.

I've long been fascinated by fake medicine that is allowed to be practiced in this country. This book outlines the fake exploits of naturopathic medicine. It also puts the reader in mid-century America, a simpler and more naive time but a time as filled with scammers as today.

I really enjoyed reading this well researched and written book.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about this book on the Barry County Historical website. He was born near my hometown so it interested me. What a life?!? I commend Alan Logan fo compiling the day a for the book.. very interesting true story.

[Michele · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very interested in finding out what happened. There was too many people mentioned and kept going back and forth in time p. It felt unorganized and chaotic. It was hard to follow . I had to google what happened and skip to the end of the book