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Lost Boys of Hannibal: Inside America's Largest Cave Search
In 1967, the largest cave search in US history unfolded in historic Hannibal, Missouri, the boyhood home of author Mark Twain. Three modern day Tom Sawyers, with no caving expertise but an abundance of bravado, made Hannibal ground zero for a terrifying calamity that would leave its traumatic mark for half a century.
Joel Hoag, his brother Billy, and their friend Craig Dowell vanished after exploring a vast and complex maze cave system that had been exposed by highway construction.
Fifty years later, their fate remains the ultimate unsolved mystery.
Joel Hoag, his brother Billy, and their friend Craig Dowell vanished after exploring a vast and complex maze cave system that had been exposed by highway construction.
Fifty years later, their fate remains the ultimate unsolved mystery.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2018
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179 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 20, 2018
This was a hard read for me as I experienced this tragedy firsthand. I was 20 years old at the time & was raised a block from the Hoag family (one of their sisters was a classmate of mine) & had been a Christian youth class teacher of Craig Dowell. My childhood home was the parsonage next to South Side Christian Church from 1951-1965, & my playground was where the highway 79 roadway was being constructed. Mr. Wingate did an excellent job detailing the tragic event as it unfolded. I also learned some new information that he unearthed in his investigations. His attention to detail was excellent & told in a way that honors the memory of the boys & their families. I still live on the south side of Hannibal & pass Murphy's Cave area daily. There isn't a day that goes by when I pass by that area or ride over the 79 roadbed where I once used to play that I don't look & wonder. Some day we'll know, maybe not here on earth but when we go to our heavenly home. May God grant peace & comfort to the Hoag & Dowell families.
April 11, 2018
I enjoy true adventure/rescue stories, so I thought this book would be right up my alley. It's an interesting tale: in the mid 1960s, three boys from Hannibal, MO went off to explore a nearby cave and never returned, triggering a huge search that ultimately yielded no clue as to the boys' fate.
Unfortunately, while this book is decently written, it desperately needed the eye and hand of a strong editor. Once author Wingate has set up the scenario, he doesn't seem to know how to progress logically through the chronology of events, nor where it's appropriate to flesh out the facts with historical and biographical data. At roughly the halfway point of the book things really get disorganized; in the space of a few pages he segues from a discussion of the doomed Floyd Collins cave rescue to a biographical sketch of one of the rescue cavers and from there leaps back into the search at a highly dramatic moment, leading to major disorientation for the reader. A little further on he goes off on a long tangent about the history of caving in the Missouri area, leaving the reader wondering if we'll ever find out how the subject search in Hannibal ended.
There are other errors a good editor would have caught and corrected: for example, a passing reference to country music legend Patsy Cline spells her last name with a "K." Also, late in the book during a segment about controversial search leader William Karras, Wingate quotes this passage from a 2008 paper by historian Jack Speece: "His aggressive style, along with an eye for publicity and a knack for showmanship, rankled many." In the very next paragraph, Wingate references the Speece paper again, with the exact same quote. Throughout the book there's a great deal of repetition and a sense that it was heavily padded to reach its 262 page length.
I have no doubt that author Wingate did exhaustive research for this book. It's a shame that his editor and publisher didn't make certain that it was as error-free as possible, and that Wingate's research was more tightly organized and presented.
Unfortunately, while this book is decently written, it desperately needed the eye and hand of a strong editor. Once author Wingate has set up the scenario, he doesn't seem to know how to progress logically through the chronology of events, nor where it's appropriate to flesh out the facts with historical and biographical data. At roughly the halfway point of the book things really get disorganized; in the space of a few pages he segues from a discussion of the doomed Floyd Collins cave rescue to a biographical sketch of one of the rescue cavers and from there leaps back into the search at a highly dramatic moment, leading to major disorientation for the reader. A little further on he goes off on a long tangent about the history of caving in the Missouri area, leaving the reader wondering if we'll ever find out how the subject search in Hannibal ended.
There are other errors a good editor would have caught and corrected: for example, a passing reference to country music legend Patsy Cline spells her last name with a "K." Also, late in the book during a segment about controversial search leader William Karras, Wingate quotes this passage from a 2008 paper by historian Jack Speece: "His aggressive style, along with an eye for publicity and a knack for showmanship, rankled many." In the very next paragraph, Wingate references the Speece paper again, with the exact same quote. Throughout the book there's a great deal of repetition and a sense that it was heavily padded to reach its 262 page length.
I have no doubt that author Wingate did exhaustive research for this book. It's a shame that his editor and publisher didn't make certain that it was as error-free as possible, and that Wingate's research was more tightly organized and presented.
April 17, 2020
This is a tough read but even tougher to put down. Mr. Wingate writes with a journalist's insight and clarity, a scientist's curiosity, a father's tender heart and a true friend's compassion (the people involved were his friends and neighbors). This true story is amazing, fascinating and heartbreaking.
The interviews with people who had also gotten lost in caves as children but met with a happier resolution provided great insight into what the Lost Boys may have experienced. I found it to be chilling and haunting. Yet the recaps and reflections of friends and families provide a degree of resolution and many of the boys' family members reflect upon the experience with grace and gratitude.
Mr. Wingate honors the boys and all who tried to help them with his respectful analysis of the events. This is a remarkable "untold story" which deserves to be known and understood.
This book is highly recommended!
The interviews with people who had also gotten lost in caves as children but met with a happier resolution provided great insight into what the Lost Boys may have experienced. I found it to be chilling and haunting. Yet the recaps and reflections of friends and families provide a degree of resolution and many of the boys' family members reflect upon the experience with grace and gratitude.
Mr. Wingate honors the boys and all who tried to help them with his respectful analysis of the events. This is a remarkable "untold story" which deserves to be known and understood.
This book is highly recommended!
January 13, 2019
Interesting history since I was about to graduate from high school while this tragedy unfolded. I had been back in California only a year and part of me still was connected to Missouri. However, the outcome is known at the beginning, and much of the book is spent on side stories of different cave experts. I am still interested in Hannibal and the cave system there, but found the book running out of energy half-way through.
December 31, 2017
This is a gripping story about three missing boys and the efforts of The community, country and world to find them.
December 20, 2017
It is not surprising that Mr. Wingate is a great storyteller. His background as a respected journalist assures that fact. What may come as a surprise to some readers is that he tells more than just a tragic and dramatic story here. His intimate knowledge of the time and people and place make this book a piece that transcends journalism or reportage.
The book focuses on life and loss and death and searching for answers to the seemingly unanswerable. He points out, in a subtle and intriguing way that we all have the potential to become lost, never to be found, despite the the best efforts of those who search.
I applaud his sincerity, his use of language and his commitment to documenting more than just history, but also social and humanistic issues.
I understand that the author took 20+ years working on this book, and his resolution to his craft is admirable, while the lack of resolution to the mystery of the "lost boys" is somewhat universal in helping us understand that sometimes the only answer is no answer at all
The book focuses on life and loss and death and searching for answers to the seemingly unanswerable. He points out, in a subtle and intriguing way that we all have the potential to become lost, never to be found, despite the the best efforts of those who search.
I applaud his sincerity, his use of language and his commitment to documenting more than just history, but also social and humanistic issues.
I understand that the author took 20+ years working on this book, and his resolution to his craft is admirable, while the lack of resolution to the mystery of the "lost boys" is somewhat universal in helping us understand that sometimes the only answer is no answer at all
December 26, 2017
This book had me in its grip right from the start. It was thoroughly researched and written as only someone who was touched by this tragedy could have. Clearly, the author has a way with story-telling and making the reader seem a part of that time and place. I can't help but wonder how many of that generation of dawn to dusk exploring children lost some innocence that day and the days which followed. I highly recommend this book.
April 28, 2018
I read this book between high school substitute teaching duties and was so intrigued that I haven’t been able to stop talking about it w/ my coworkers! (Several of them downloaded the book!) John Wingate’s thorough research, amazing interviews, attention to detail, and vocabulary make for a great read. He truly captures the pastoral life of Hannibal in the pages of this book, as well as providing really cool info on caves and caving. I was eight-years-old and lived 30-miles south of Hannibal when the “Lost Boys of Hannibal” went missing. I, too, have wondered about their fate during the past 50-years. There were little “Easter Eggs” nestled in the pages that made the story about these boys even more personal for me. For example, Jim Arrigo, a caver who had been stopped for speeding enroute to the search for the missing boys talks about following a Missouri State Trooper’s lead through my native Bowling Green doing 110-mph! There was a mention of Hannibal PD Officer Jack Floyd and his dog Nemo getting in on the search. I actually recall Jack telling me about this experience many years later in his role as Bowling Green Police Chief. I also learned that Louisiana Limestone is named for Louisiana, Missouri, located in my native Pike County. And, when I read that State Representative Steve Carroll presented a proclamation on the 25th anniversary of the boys’ disappearance in a ceremony dedicating a monument to the boys, I found another connection. Steve is the brother of my college bestie, Connie Benson. When the two of us graduated from Hannibal-LaGrange College, their parents threw a graduation party honoring both of us! I would really love to see this book made into a movie. That, too, would be riveting! Kudos to John Wingate for a masterful job memorializing Craig, Joey, and Billy.
September 6, 2022
This book could of been a better book if it had a good editor and probably a different author. I understand the author knew the kids but his attempt at telling their story didn't work.
There were parts that were repetitive, bad spelling, and jumping from topic to topic. There is one part where the author says you can find a map in the photo section when there is no photo section. The map is found at the beginning of a chapter a few chapters before the chapter where the map is actually mentioned. Maybe an earlier draft had a photo section before choosing to just scatter photos throughout. The problems after all that is that the book is disjointed and ended up confusing me at certain points so I had to reread many times. Maybe this book wouldn't have been so disjointed if the author kept to just the story keeping it small and to the point. The authors choice to write a longer book on very little information means a lot of filler that's not needed. Such as mentioning UFOs like it was relevant to the story of the missing boys.
I am glad that this story is written down so it's not forgotten but I just wish it was done better.
There were parts that were repetitive, bad spelling, and jumping from topic to topic. There is one part where the author says you can find a map in the photo section when there is no photo section. The map is found at the beginning of a chapter a few chapters before the chapter where the map is actually mentioned. Maybe an earlier draft had a photo section before choosing to just scatter photos throughout. The problems after all that is that the book is disjointed and ended up confusing me at certain points so I had to reread many times. Maybe this book wouldn't have been so disjointed if the author kept to just the story keeping it small and to the point. The authors choice to write a longer book on very little information means a lot of filler that's not needed. Such as mentioning UFOs like it was relevant to the story of the missing boys.
I am glad that this story is written down so it's not forgotten but I just wish it was done better.
August 10, 2018
This was a hard book to read for several reasons.
One, I knew the outcome, and there was certainly no happy ending to this story.
Two, it was very well written; with the descriptions of the places, the events and the people involved making everything feel very real. When a boy is sitting alone, cold, in the complete darkness of a cave waiting for his friends to return, I could feel my heartrate increasing as I felt the cave walls closing in.
Three, having lost my own son three years ago, I could really understand some of the emotions that the families were feeling. That brought back strong feelings for me. While my situation was so very different, I could understand how it was so much worse to not know what happened to these boys.
Despite all of the above, I'm very glad I read this book. I learned so much about cave systems, gained a huge appreciation for small town America at such an interesting point in history, and was interested in the way that the search was undertaken, as well as the changes in caving safety and rescue operations that came about after this kind of event.
It was an excellent book club book. We got the opportunity to discuss the book with the author during the meeting and that really added to our understanding of families, the search and the times.
Looking forward to a follow up boo from this author later this year!
One, I knew the outcome, and there was certainly no happy ending to this story.
Two, it was very well written; with the descriptions of the places, the events and the people involved making everything feel very real. When a boy is sitting alone, cold, in the complete darkness of a cave waiting for his friends to return, I could feel my heartrate increasing as I felt the cave walls closing in.
Three, having lost my own son three years ago, I could really understand some of the emotions that the families were feeling. That brought back strong feelings for me. While my situation was so very different, I could understand how it was so much worse to not know what happened to these boys.
Despite all of the above, I'm very glad I read this book. I learned so much about cave systems, gained a huge appreciation for small town America at such an interesting point in history, and was interested in the way that the search was undertaken, as well as the changes in caving safety and rescue operations that came about after this kind of event.
It was an excellent book club book. We got the opportunity to discuss the book with the author during the meeting and that really added to our understanding of families, the search and the times.
Looking forward to a follow up boo from this author later this year!
August 15, 2025
Interesting but repetitive
The story of the lost boys of Hannibal is very intriguing and equally heartbreaking. The author seems to get lost in repetition over the internal disagreements between caving societies and individuals that participated in the search. It took some effort to get through the book, because it felt as if I was just rereading a previous chapter with a few new sprinkles of new information. Eventually it all leads up to saying the disagreements led to different state and national approaches to cave search & rescue tactics/training moving forward. It's an alright book that gives plenty of due praise to the search efforts and equal sympathy for the loss suffered by everyone this situation touched.
The story of the lost boys of Hannibal is very intriguing and equally heartbreaking. The author seems to get lost in repetition over the internal disagreements between caving societies and individuals that participated in the search. It took some effort to get through the book, because it felt as if I was just rereading a previous chapter with a few new sprinkles of new information. Eventually it all leads up to saying the disagreements led to different state and national approaches to cave search & rescue tactics/training moving forward. It's an alright book that gives plenty of due praise to the search efforts and equal sympathy for the loss suffered by everyone this situation touched.
June 13, 2020
This is a heartbreaking true story of three boys who disappeared in Hannibal, Missouri, on May 10, 1967, and the huge cave search undertaken to find them. The author is from the area and was a friend and classmate of one of the boys. I liked this book because the author told the stories of many of the personalities who searched the caves in Hannibal trying to find the lost boys. It is such a sad event and a mystery that not even a shred of evidence - not a torn piece of fabric or a button or a flashlight - was found. There are some theories put forth, and the author leaves it to the reader to make his/her own conclusion as to why the lost boys were never found.
January 28, 2021
I grew up not far from where this tragedy happened and have visited Hannibal and Mark Twain Cave. I enjoyed the first few chapters of this book, which explains some family history and background of the three boys that went missing. It also details the cave rescue. I even appreciated the stories about previous boys being lost in the caves in the late 1800’s. However, I found the book to get pretty technical and veer off into other topics about specific cavers, etc. I found some of the theories on the boys missing to be interesting (ex. Gacy) but I skimmed the last half of the book. It’s amazing to me that these three boys have never been found!
April 30, 2023
We know the outcome before we start treading and unfortunately it isn’t good.
John Wingate gives us a well-reasoned account of the attempted rescue of three boys who went missing, believed to have been lost in a cave system near their home town of Hannibal. . He also gives us a great deal of information about cave systems and caving.
He has a personal connection with the story; he used to go to school with one of the boys who is believed to be buried in the cave system.
The account is a little repetitive at times; he tells us the story then shows us the newspaper report.
Nevertheless we can forgive him; he provides a good list of resources and many helpful photographs.
John Wingate gives us a well-reasoned account of the attempted rescue of three boys who went missing, believed to have been lost in a cave system near their home town of Hannibal. . He also gives us a great deal of information about cave systems and caving.
He has a personal connection with the story; he used to go to school with one of the boys who is believed to be buried in the cave system.
The account is a little repetitive at times; he tells us the story then shows us the newspaper report.
Nevertheless we can forgive him; he provides a good list of resources and many helpful photographs.
April 28, 2021
This was such a heartbreaking read. I wanted them to be found so bad.
Three boys vanish, supposedly while exploring a series of caves (recent dynamiting the area for new roads have opened up even MORE entrances into this impossible labyrinth)
While there is the slimmest chance they weren't in there (there is a short, but interesting theory at the end) More than likely they were.
My heart broke for this poor mother. She lost two boys to the caves, not long after lost another boy in a car accident, and still ANOTHER boy to a shooting.
Three boys vanish, supposedly while exploring a series of caves (recent dynamiting the area for new roads have opened up even MORE entrances into this impossible labyrinth)
While there is the slimmest chance they weren't in there (there is a short, but interesting theory at the end) More than likely they were.
My heart broke for this poor mother. She lost two boys to the caves, not long after lost another boy in a car accident, and still ANOTHER boy to a shooting.
June 9, 2019
I found this book, told from the author’s first-person perspective, a great read. The amount of detail John Wingate goes into is amazing. From the details of what kind of plane brought in the rescue workers, to how much food was made to fuel the rescue workers, to the personalities, of the major players who led the search. I felt the pain of the families who never received closure on what happened to their boys. This would make a great made-for-tv-movie!
July 26, 2019
Lost Boys of Hannibal
A touching and heart wrenching book. I Love Hannibal. I’ve been many times throughout my life. Toured the cave. Walked the strip. Heard the stories about these 3 boys. I don’t think anyone can fully understand all the time, energy and dangerous situations that people put into finding these boys. This book gives you that. My heart breaks for these two families and all the people who helped search for the boys.
A touching and heart wrenching book. I Love Hannibal. I’ve been many times throughout my life. Toured the cave. Walked the strip. Heard the stories about these 3 boys. I don’t think anyone can fully understand all the time, energy and dangerous situations that people put into finding these boys. This book gives you that. My heart breaks for these two families and all the people who helped search for the boys.
April 9, 2018
Stylistically, there's a lot of "The Martian" in this book. Gripping drama, fascinating scientific and technical detail. A really good read, and really good journalism!Lost Boys of Hannibal: Inside America's Largest Cave Search
July 10, 2018
This book tells the story of 3 little boys who went to go play in a cave that was opened up during road construction. This story hits close to home as 2 of the little boys would have been my cousins.
This story gives the insight into the lives of the cavers and rescuers who risked their own lives.
This story gives the insight into the lives of the cavers and rescuers who risked their own lives.
October 10, 2019
Good book
I was 12 years old when this happened. l lived in an adjoining county. Everyone was hoping the boys would be found. This book took me back in time, it was hard to put down.
I was 12 years old when this happened. l lived in an adjoining county. Everyone was hoping the boys would be found. This book took me back in time, it was hard to put down.
June 21, 2020
Not sure how to give a star rating on this book. Such a sad story with no answers. I sure learned a lot about caving and searches. Well written, though at times repetitive and not organized. I so wish they could have been found.
December 24, 2017
Unsolved mystery-several theories
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My hometown is nearby. I know this honors the Lost Boys & families. Kudos John!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My hometown is nearby. I know this honors the Lost Boys & families. Kudos John!
November 7, 2018
It was an interesting story.
August 13, 2018
Great story!
Never knew about the boys who disappeared, even though I’m from Louisiana, MO. What a gripping story and great read.
Never knew about the boys who disappeared, even though I’m from Louisiana, MO. What a gripping story and great read.
August 2, 2019
Interesting read due to being from the area and knowing the locations and people mentioned.
December 22, 2020
Really a fascinating story most people have not heard of. I gave the book 3 stars for added fluff that really was unnecessary.
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January 11, 2021I just couldn’t get into this book and I really wanted to. It’s local and historic, two things I like. I might pick it back up another time.
July 7, 2021
Growing up in Hannibal's Southside I have heard about these boys my whole life. Wingate's book finally explained the whole story.
February 15, 2022
Very exhaustive story of a frustrating and heartbreaking episode in American history.
April 11, 2022
Very sad story of 3 young boys who went exploring in the caves and were never found.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews