The Dyatlov Pass Mystery: NOT A Cold Case

by Henning Kuersten, Keith McCloskey, Dr. Massimo Teodorani

Amazon Bestseller in History, Mountaineering and ExpeditionsJohn Hay, Warner Brothers director and two-time EMMY award definitive work on the case; convincing, well researched and played out with such conviction, that by the time I got to the end of the book I couldn’t think of any other solution to the mystery that remained plausible.On 1. February 1959, a group of nine experienced hikers perished in -30° under mysterious, gruesome circumstances in the Ural mountain range, on the slope of Mount Kholat Syakhl, also referred to as "Dead Mountain" or "1079". Three weeks after the incident, their abandoned but strangely intact tent was found, slashed open from the inside. The student hikers fled without proper clothing and boots to a ravine at the base of the mountain, where it seems they didn't die from hypothermia alone, but from traumatic violent injuries and burns. Strange last photographs taken by the hikers and high levels of radiation found on some of their clothes have led to decades of speculation over what really happened.The Dyatlov Pass mystery is one of the most perplexing mysteries in the international history of mountaineering, and probably the most controversial forensic crime case in Russia. But was it murder, KGB conspiracy, a rocket accident coverup or some unknown natural or supernatural force, like the "Gods in Shining Garments" which the local Mansi hunters mention, or the "fireballs" chief inspector Ivanov believed in up to his death? Are there undervalued or misunderstood eye witnesses of the tragedy, or has anyone even had a similar close encounter since, on that mysterious mountain of fire & ice, where compasses deviate more than 30°?This gripping nonfiction documentary discusses and debunks multiple existing theories with the help of professional image analysis, rare video footage, eyewitness reports, previously misinterpreted evidence and Occam-style common sense. Through the help of science, the author unravels the secrets behind the fateful journey to that deadly mountain in the freezing Russian winter, and for the first time ties together all seemingly contradicting puzzle pieces into a big picture. Extensively illustrated with visual material, ranging from recovered film frames to newest amateur footage, the book leads the reader to the spectacular solution of the mystery. Which turns out to be surprisingly close to the initial official conclusion of "unknown compelling force", but far from the better-than-nothing avalanche theory, which has seen a prominent renaissance after the 2020 Russian reopening of the case.The author Henning Kuersten studied Computer & Information science at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, and Psychology at Queen's University in Kingston, Canada. He is owner of a company specialized in software for image analysis. He is also a dedicated mountaineer who has survived a horrific incident on the 4049 meter high Piz Bernina, which, together with his professional experience in Photography and Psychology, has helped him to understand the fate of the Dyatlov group.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, True Crime

419 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2021

Reviews

[Karen Inkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tragic loss!

Russia most infamous mountaineering tragedy, The Dyatlov Pass, 1959, named after the leader of the expedition.
This true story has baffled by so many and is still unsolved, although many differing reasons and theories for this tradegy have been given. It follows the last days of the team before their demise and give opinions based on facts and knowledge gained from different sources and experts.
You can clearly see a vast amount of research has gone into the production of this book as well as drawing on personal experience. It is a fantastic achievement by this talented author to put it all together in a way that all the scientific elements are easily understood. From all the evidence, there are many scenarios and suggestions of possible causes of the deaths of all this team. However, the new information and observations made by the author has shed a different light on the whole tradegy and a plausible new scenario on the events that took place. It certainly gives you plenty of insight and makes you sit and ponder all the different theories. It helps that the main points are highlighted so you can piece together important information to form your own opinion but as I read on kindle the pictures are all black and white so the references made to colour unfortunately did not apply. I have never read a book like this before but I have learnt so much about AAPs, ball lightening and St Elmos fire which can explain the thought behind an alien invasion theory. Great read, really enjoyed!

[Mark Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended for anyone that loves a good mystery!

What a fascinating story! I love true stories and this one is a page turner with pictures to back the authors theories and analysis. I whole heartedly recommend the Dyatlov Pass Mystery: Not a Cold Case by Henning Kuersten to anyone that likes true-life mysteries. This is a compelling historical thriller carefully researched and well written—just what I was looking for. It left me wanting more. Thank you Henning Kuersten!

[Nellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always had a slight interest in this case, but after reading this book I am even more interested in this case. The author not only gave a great back history pertaining to the circumstances, he provided photos that I never seen before and made the book much more appealing.
I was interested in his different theories throughout also. (again, makes me want to do more of my own research)
I also liked that this author made me feel like I was there with these hikers. I could feel their terror. He created a story within true events that made the book much more appealing.
Often times when I read a "true event" book, it is a dry read...but not The Dyatlov Pass Mystery: NOT A Cold Case. There is no slow parts. It is a hard book to put down.
So in conclusion: I give the author a huge thumbs up and the book a double thumbs up.
Thank you for a great read.

[H.G. Ahedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminded me of the x-files a TV series that I used to love to watch. It explored unexamined phenomena and unusual sighting. It was fiction of course but I enjoyed the theories and the bizarre mysteries. Sometimes the mystery was solved and other times we were left speculating. This was so much similar!

I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary type mystery about an incident that occurred several years ago and documented in several blogs, books, and media. There are so many theories and the author complied them a very interesting way. I couldn't stop reading and went through all the evidence one by one... I felt like a real life detective.

If you are into true mysteries, this is the book of you!

[Emma. Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eyeopening

Kuersten gives readers like myself who have been both fascinated and puzzled by the Dyatlov Pass Incident , a true insight into very probable cause. For me with the use of diagrams and explanations into APP being a very real cause as to the groups demise, I now find myself with far fewer questions and a much better understanding of this type of bizarre and scary naturally occuring phenomena. Praise for kuersten and his mammoth effort in going into plenty of detail to thoroughly explain this mystery and hopefully put the 'unsolved' to bed! I recommend all people interested in the Dyatlov pass incident read thrkugh this book. 10\10!

[Stipe Lozina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Unique Take on the Incident

Before even beginning to read this book, I was very well met with several prominent theories regarding the Dyatlov Pass mystery, and after finishing this one, I was very impressed.

The author of this book has a unique take on the incident, and from what I know, this may very well be one of the most probable explanations of this mystery.

And that is why I can surely recommend you to read this book for yourself, and be met with a new theory that may be the explanation of this mystery.

[Jacque' Spellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far the best explanation.

This book makes more sense than any other I have read on this. It may not answer all the questions, but does answer most of them.

[Nate Stearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for history and mystery buffs!

This book was extremely compelling. The author, Henning Kuersten solves a chilling, gruesome and mysterious 62-year-old cold-case using his company's specialized image analysis software. He thoroughly discussed the previously misunderstood evidence and the use of his own mountaineering experience to close the case. More over, The demise of the Diatlov group is fascinating. There are plenty of photos and diagrams to support his analysis, so don't flip through the book before you read it or you may ruin the suspense. Highly recommended for history and mystery lovers!

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough look at the facts

I’ve always been aware of this incident, but never realised how mysterious and intriguing it really is, until now. The author thoroughly delves into the event and presents all the known facts in an unbiased way giving a plausible scenario of what might have happened using those facts towards the end. The writing itself was great presenting it all in an easy to read way. It keeps your interest piqued and I’m sure if you’re like me you’ve probably developed a few theories of your own after reading this. I’m about to go off and do some research of my own as the author suggests.

[Sandra Azócar Azócar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the books I've read about the Dyatlov Pass incident, this one has the theory that has convinced me the most.
It is a well-written book with a lot of information, and backing up of what is claimed.

[Rebecca Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

The mystery intrigued me, the book started off with many research information then once I got into it, I couldn't stop reading. I love cold cases and mystery backed up by research.

[Caitlin Tabacchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly researched and engaging

While I do enjoy a good conspiracy theory, I would like to believe I know where to draw the line. I do however prefer a plausible explanation over fantastic imagination; which is why I enjoyed this book immensely. This book is well researched and thoroughly explores all possible scenarios. The author attempts to explain the impossible without entertaining the improbable (I for one believe his explanation is the likely scenario!). I also appreciate the care and respect with which he uses when discussing our main characters. They were real people with real families who are still without a true explanation, and he treats them as such.

[Nancy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This case has fascinated me for years. The avalanche theory makes a lot sense but still just didn't sit quite right. Now with the APPs and Ball Lightning I think it definitely makes the avalanche theory not quite as plausible. For me the question of why they didn't return to dig out their clothes after the avalanche was over puzzled me. They all got out and retreated to the woods. They built a fire. Why didn't they go back and at least retrieve some items?
I enjoyed reading this book and I find the theory postulated quite as plausible as the avalanche theory if not more plausible.

[Nan Madara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

This is a book you really want to take your time with. Conclusions are well reasoned the writing is fantastic the research is impeccable I can't say enough good things about this book It's one of the best studies of this incident that I have ever read

[Eleanor Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-thought out and researched documentation of this unsolved mystery. I love that the author used the actual location pictures used to support arguments. I especially liked the author's use of similar accounts for comparison.

[Samarium Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great investigative work. The author provides as much scientific and historical evidence to solidify his arguments. He is also open to accept any evidence that prove a different take on the events the Dyatlov group experienced. Great!!

[Robert M Rosso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seems A Reasonable Explanation

I am not one who's going to accept the possibility of aliens or paranormal activity. I don't easily accept secret government experiments, either. I am neither a physicist nor an engineer, but the explanation from this author seems plausible to me.

[Kim De Quip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended.

[Diamond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think his research and theory are solid, but the writing and editing aren't good. Further editions fixing those issues, I'd probably give it 4*.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intelligent ‘plasmas’ & apparently ‘they’ have been around for an VERY LONG TIME ?

[Taksya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sono indecisa tra le tre e le quattro stelle, ma l'impegno messo da Henning Kuersten nella dimostrazione della sua teoria è ammirevole e gli permette di arrivare a quattro.
Ennesimo libro sull'incidente del Passo Dyatlov, ricco di riferimenti e descrizioni di vari altri incidenti e manifestazioni collegati alla sua teoria: globi di plasma, dall'origine presumibilmente naturale ma ancora misteriosa, che avrebbero attaccato i nove ragazzi, provocando la fuga dalla tenda e, almeno per un paio di loro, la morte diretta.
Con una introduzione di Keith McCloskey (nei suoi libri Mountain of the Dead: The Dyatlov Pass Incident e Journey to Dyatlov Pass, 2nd Edition: An Explanation of the Mystery la teoria era più sull'insabbiamento post esperimento/manovre militari andate male) e varie appendici scritte da Massimo Teodorani (astrofisico e divulgatore scientifico di cui sopra l'esistenza in questo libro) che confermano la teoria di Kuersten.
Dell'incidente si parla poco, vengono descritti i fatti salienti dell'ultima notte e vengono paragonati a decine di altri resoconti.
Dettagli a favore della teoria sono evidenziati ad ogni passaggio, le foto dei strani globi luminosi scattati dai ragazzi sono esaminate e, cosa a favore dell'autore, non vengono forzate interpretazioni dove eventi più semplici possono essere stati la causa di morte.
Nel complesso la narrazione è interessante, forse ripetitiva nel citare tutti gli altri episodi simili avvenuti in passato, e non troppo complicata nelle descrizioni scientifiche.
Il mistero può dirsi risolto? Assolutamente no, ma un nuovo tassello si unisce alla marea di teorie credibili e fattibili.

[M. K. French · Rating 4 out of 5]

On February 1, 1959, a group of nine experienced hikers died on the slope of Mount Kholat Syakhl, also referred to as "Dead Mountain" or "1079." Three weeks after the incident, their abandoned but strangely intact tent was found, slashed open from the inside. The team fled without proper clothing and died from hypothermia, traumatic violent injuries and burns. Strange last photographs taken by the hikers and high levels of radiation found on some of their clothes have led to decades of speculation over what really happened.

Many theories over the years had been posed: radiation poisoning, a KGB conspiracy, murder within the group, a natural oddity or a supernatural force that they fell victim to. Henning Kuersten had studied computer information science, specializing in image analysis, and is a hiker himself. Working with local experts and going through all of the original documents, photographs and search records, he built up a case as to the actual fate of the nine hikers. From the start of this book, he realizes that it's difficult to separate fact from fiction when he's beginning his search 62 years after it happened. The prior research and historical context is given in the first chapter, then we dive into the current look into this mystery.

All of the concrete facts are outlined, including summaries of the autopsies with photos. It's very much like reading the equivalent of a documentary on the Discovery or History channel. The amount of detail is amazing and clearly laid out. We have the reconstructed sequence of events about the last hours of the team's lives, the weather conditions of the area, and even conditions in the subsequent years. The pass itself, renamed for Dyatlov, was known to have strong winds, odd impacts on compass readings, and occasionally strange sounds or lights. Each of the major theories are explored in this book, which also makes for fascinating reading.

Mr. Kuerstin sets up an explanation that fits the available data, acknowledging his limitations and that we will never know for certain what happened to the hiking team. The recreation of events certainly matches what we know, and reads like the reenactment that shows would have to dramatize events. The Dyatlov hikers went through something extraordinary, leaving behind a mystery that still fascinates people.

[Verity Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stranger things in heaven and earth...

I'm not *entirely* convinced of the author's conclusions about the events of the fateful night. Partly this is because I have read other books that debunked the idea that the lights seen by others in the area occurred on the exact same night. Partly it is because the author doesn't do a very effective job of explaining why the hikers would fear returning to the tent. (If the lightning could strike them at the tree, it could strike them anywhere!) But that does not mean that there is nothing to the ball lighting/plasma theory.

The best part of this book is the exploration of a little-understood phenomenon. And like other natural phenomena, it is creepy as hell. Tornadoes perform some of the same inexplicable harmless vs killer antics. Anyone who has seen the aftermath of tornadoes can testify to the utter weirdness of finding delicate or light objects completely unmoved or unharmed right next to items or areas that have been utterly destroyed. No wonder people have attributed such events to gods or fairies or UFOs! The people described in the church event must surely have believed they were under attack by demons.

What this book really adds to research on the Dyatlov tragedy is an examination of the final photographs. The reappearance of some of the missing frames sheds quite a different light on the mystery. (As one might expect!) And it makes more sense of the fact that the primary inspector believed so firmly in the literal (alien-free) UFO theory.

[Astrid Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally!

Before this window appeared, the very one, in which I am now entering the review, pictures of other books about the Dyatlov Pass incident appeared under a summary of this book with the header: "Readers also enjoyed..." This is both right and wrong. Yes, I have read all but one of these books about the mystery on the Dyatlov Pass. But I didn't enjoy every one of them. Some reach a conclusion I don't agree with, but are good reads, like Donnie Eichar's "Dead Mountain" or Keith McCloskey's "Mountain of the dead." Others, like the book by Svetlana Oss, are difficult to read and reach – pardon me – incredibly silly conclusions. What was painfully missing all the time, when it came to the mystery in which nine Soviet hikers died in the northern Ural Mountains, under uncertain circumstances, was a book that had literary qualities, is based on facts and finally provides a satisfactory solution to the mystery that happened in 1959.
Well...

Voilá.

Henning Kuersten has achieved to write this very book!
It is a masterpiece in this field. And surprisingly is how the explanation, which is invariably brought about coherently, is not only convincing, but also leads to an explanation, which is not what most readers had assumed to be the conclusion they are going to accept. But I promise not one skeptic will be able to escape the logic of Kuersten's statements and arguments, you simply have to agree to Kuerstens conclusion.

The book‘s enlighting, a good read. No, a terrific read. The one book I have been waiting for. For years. It's finally here.

[Jena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta historia de "Dyatlov Pass Incident" es una muy conocida por mucha gente. En enero de 1959, se realizó una excursión al Monte Otorten en la parte subpolar de los Montes Urales, por 9 jóvenes, la mayoría en sus veinte años, que perecieron de una forma incomprensible que ha creado una serie de teorías a su alrededor para tratar de resolver este caso de una forma convincente. El gobierno soviético lo cerró diciendo que murieron por hipotermia, porque la temperatura promedio era de -20 centígrados. Sin embargo, también existe la teoría que dice que murieron por la ola expansiva provocada por la explosión de un misil; otra propone que murieron por el ataque de un OVNI; otros cuentan que se toparon con un Yeti.
El autor Kuersten, tiene su propia teoría, la aparición de un fenómeno que suele darse en el Cáucaso y que en inglés se llama BL o EBL , Ball Lightning o Extreme ball lightning, y que se pueden traducir como bolas de energía o bolas de plasma, que pueden surgir de una tormenta eléctrica, una especie de rayo de forma de pera o redonda, con una luz muy potente y puede fraccionarse en pocas o muchas bolas más, que al contacto con un objeto o la tierra misma pueden explotar y producir quemaduras y la muerte. Se trata de una teoría que descarta las anteriores.
Es un libro interesante que permite conocer el estudio de nuevos fenómenos atmosféricos que confundimos con los OVNIS.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can honestly say my hours spent in nature are often my most treasured as they help me self-regulate my mood.

Contact with nature has been widely recognized to promote health and well-being but there are many times that it may not be stress-free or safe and still, we are drawn to it and try to be as prepared as possible.

Since beginning my book blog I have received countless requests for book reviews and one I'm currently hooked on studying is Dyatlov Pass Mystery NOT A Cold Case (216 pages, 100+ color images).
I received this historical thriller from Henning Kuersten. He opens this story with a quote from Neil Armstrong and dedicates it to the nine scientists who perished in uncertain circumstances on what became known as Dyatlov Pass.

On Jan 23, 1959, 8 males and 2 females ages 20 to 37 began their journey, a category lll, with Otorten their goal - a mountain 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) north of the site where the incident occurred.

On January 27, they began their trek. One male turned back due to illness and the remaining nine went on. It's presumed they lost their direction due to what appeared to be decreased visibility and they set up a camp on a slope - diaries, and cameras the hikers had were used to track their last days.

Interlaced in this extraordinarily compelling story of history, science, and politics are numerous case studies and the author's theories and analysis.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

This was a truly memorable and thought-provoking read. The blend of history and mystery that this case presents to the reader was well represented in this book. The author does a great job of presenting the facts of this case with precision and expertise, while also allowing room for profound thoughts and engaging theory work that the author gives to readers to touch upon the stranger aspects of this case.

The amount of research and discovery the author allows for in this book was remarkable to watch unfold. The images and pieces of evidence the author provides within this book help elevate the wild and chilling theories that are explored and debunked. The way the author brings to life science and history, along with the passion for mountaineering as a whole, made this a compelling read.

The Verdict

Thrilling, mindful, and engaging, author Henning Kuersten’s “The Dyatlov Pass Mystery: Not a Cold Case” is a must-read nonfiction book on mountaineering and world history. The way the culture of the time and setting was implemented into the facts of the case and the presentation of the people who became the victims of this infamous study was greatly represented in this book, making this infamous case feel alive on the page.

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough look at the facts

I’ve always been aware of this incident, but never realised how mysterious and intriguing it really is, until now. The author thoroughly delves into the event and presents all the known facts in an unbiased way giving a plausible scenario of what might have happened using those facts towards the end. The writing itself was great presenting it all in an easy to read way. It keeps your interest piqued and I’m sure if you’re like me you’ve probably developed a few theories of your own after reading this. I’m about to go off and do some research of my own as the author suggests.

[Kris10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dyatlov Pass Mystery is a case that has always fascinated me ever since I first heard about it on an episode of Expedition Unknown with Josh Gates. Finding this book was an amazing stroke of luck. Kuersten has definitely done his research while writing this book! And with his own near-death experience, he gives firsthand accounts and theories about what he thinks had happened to those unfortunate students in the Dyatlov Pass. This is an incredible read and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good unsolved mystery, especially when there's so much evidence and clues, but no real definitive conclusion. Because that's what this case remains....unsolved.

[Tom Leverett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book where the author covers all his bases and concludes that all these hikers died as a result of a ball lightning event. Compared to the other theories (rocket, avalanche, UFO, government, etc.), his is reasonable and possible, and explains many of the conditions hikers were found with, when they were finally found. The author has a lot of experience with digital photos, and got some of his insight just from his knowledge of what cameras produce; that was helpful.