Book Review:
"Sky High Suspense: The Thrilling True Story of the Infamous Skyjacker and His Daring Escape!"
"Skyjack is a gripping and meticulously researched account of the infamous D.B. Cooper hijacking, delving into the mystery surrounding the case and uncovering new evidence that sheds light on this unsolved crime."
What Is the Book About?
Skyjack is a thrilling true crime story about the infamous hijacking of a Northwest Orient Airlines flight in 1971. The hijacker, known as D.B. Cooper, demanded $200,000 and parachutes before jumping out of the plane with the money and disappearing without a trace. Despite an extensive manhunt and investigation, his identity and whereabouts remain unknown to this day.
Through interviews with witnesses, FBI agents, and amateur investigators, author Geoffrey Gray pieces together the events leading up to the daring heist and explores various theories surrounding Cooper's true identity. Ultimately, Skyjack delves into larger themes of mystery, adventure, and obsession while shedding light on one of America's most captivating unsolved mysteries.
What Makes This Book Different?
1. Unique Historical Event: The Skyjack Book by Geoffrey Gray stands out because it tells the story of one of the most notorious unsolved mysteries in American history - the hijacking of a Northwest Orient Airlines flight in 1971. This event, commonly known as the D.B. Cooper case, has captivated people's imaginations for decades and remains an enduring mystery to this day. By delving into this real-life crime and its aftermath, Gray offers readers a fresh perspective on a well-known event.
2. In-Depth Investigation: What sets Skyjack apart from other books in its category is Gray's extensive research and investigation into the case. He not only combed through official records and documents but also conducted interviews with witnesses, suspects, and law enforcement officials involved in the case. This level of detail allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of what happened during that fateful flight and how it affected everyone involved.
3. Engaging Narrative Style: While some non-fiction books can be dry or overly technical, Skyjack manages to keep readers engaged with its gripping storytelling style. Gray weaves together multiple perspectives and timelines seamlessly to create a compelling narrative that reads like a thriller novel rather than just another true crime book. His attention to detail also adds depth to each character's motivations and actions, making them feel more relatable despite their involvement in such an extraordinary event.
Writing Style & Pacing
Skyjack is a non-fiction book written by journalist Geoffrey Gray that tells the story of one of the most infamous plane hijackings in American history. The tone of the book is investigative and suspenseful, as Gray delves into the details and motives behind this daring crime. He presents a mix of interviews, research, and personal experience to paint a vivid picture of both the hijacker and the events leading up to and following his actions.
The structure of Skyjack follows a chronological timeline, starting with the day of the hijacking in 1971 and then jumping back in time to explore each character's background before gradually moving forward again. This allows for a deeper understanding of their motivations and how they all came together on that fateful day. Despite its detailed approach, Skyjack is not a slow read. The narrative moves at an engaging pace, keeping readers hooked as new information is revealed about each person involved in this puzzling case. Overall, Skyjack offers an intriguing blend of true crime reporting and storytelling that will keep readers on edge until its dramatic conclusion.
About the Author
Geoffrey Gray is an American author, journalist, and screenwriter. He has written for publications such as New York Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, and Vanity Fair. His work covers a wide range of topics including true crime, politics, and entertainment. With his extensive experience in investigative journalism and captivating storytelling skills, Gray has become known for his immersive writing style that brings readers into the heart of the story.
Gray's credibility to write Skyjack: The Hunt for D.B. Cooper stems from his previous work in covering true crime cases and unsolved mysteries. In 2011, he published the critically acclaimed book "The Lost City of Z" which delved into the mysterious disappearance of explorer Percy Fawcett in the Amazon rainforest. This book showcased Gray's ability to research and uncover new information about a decades-old case while also keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Furthermore, Gray's background as a screenwriter adds another layer to his credentials as an author for Skyjack. He knows how to craft a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish - an essential skill when it comes to writing about such a notorious criminal case like D.B. Cooper's hijacking in 1971. Overall, Geoffrey Gray's expertise in both journalism and storytelling make him highly credible to write this book which promises to be a thrilling exploration of one of America's most infamous crimes.
Historical or Topical Context
Skyjack is a non-fiction book that delves into the notorious case of D.B. Cooper, an unidentified man who hijacked a Northwest Orient Airlines flight in 1971 and extorted $200,000 before parachuting out of the plane and disappearing without a trace. The story takes place during the height of air travel in the United States, when security measures were much more relaxed compared to today's standards.
The setting is primarily in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, specifically Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington. This area was known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities but also had a reputation for being home to eccentric characters and counterculture movements. It was against this backdrop that D.B. Cooper executed his daring heist and vanished into thin air, leaving behind a trail of clues and theories that have captivated people for decades. The landscape also played a crucial role in Cooper's escape plan as he requested specific flight paths over certain landmarks during his negotiations with authorities on board the plane. Overall, Skyjack explores not only the mystery surrounding D.B. Cooper but also offers insight into American culture during this turbulent time period.
Most Powerful or Memorable Moments
1. The opening chapter, "The Heist," immediately grabs the reader's attention as it recounts the daring hijacking of a Northwest Orient Airlines flight by infamous skyjacker D.B. Cooper in 1971.
2. In Chapter 5, "A Master Plan," Gray delves into the backstory and motivations of D.B. Cooper, revealing his troubled past and possible connections to organized crime.
3. One standout scene is when Gray meets with Lyle Christiansen, a suspect who was investigated for being D.B. Cooper but ultimately cleared by authorities. Christiansen shares his side of the story and provides insight into how he became entangled in the investigation.
4. Another impactful moment is when Gray uncovers evidence that suggests D.B. Cooper may have actually survived his parachute jump from the plane and lived out his days under an alias in Las Vegas.
5. In the final chapters, Gray explores various theories and speculations surrounding D.B. Cooper's identity and ultimate fate, leaving readers with a sense of mystery and intrigue about one of America's most notorious unsolved crimes.
Lessons or Takeaways
After reading Skyjack, readers can learn about the fascinating true story of D.B. Cooper and his infamous hijacking of a Northwest Orient Airlines flight in 1971. They will gain insight into the mind of this mysterious figure and the events that led up to his daring escape with $200,000 in ransom money. Through interviews with witnesses, law enforcement officials, and even suspects, author Geoffrey Gray pieces together a detailed account of the hijacking and its aftermath.
Readers may also feel a sense of awe at Cooper's audacious plan and ability to outsmart authorities for decades. The book delves into various theories surrounding Cooper's identity and fate, leaving readers to reflect on their own beliefs about what truly happened on that fateful night over Washington state. Additionally, Skyjack offers an intriguing look at the cultural impact of this unsolved case and how it has captured public imagination for generations. Ultimately, readers will be left pondering the enduring mystery of D.B. Cooper and his place in American folklore.
Reader Reactions and Critical Acclaim
The general sentiment from reader reviews of "Skyjack" by Geoffrey Gray is overwhelmingly positive. Many readers praise the book for its gripping and suspenseful storytelling, with some even calling it a page-turner. Reviewers also appreciate the author's thorough research and attention to detail in recounting the true story of infamous skyjacker D.B. Cooper. Some readers also note that they were impressed by how well Gray was able to balance factual information with his own interpretations, creating a compelling narrative.
In addition to receiving praise from readers, "Skyjack" has also received recognition from various literary sources. It was named one of the best nonfiction books of 2011 by Kirkus Reviews and was a finalist for both the Edgar Award and Anthony Award for Best Fact Crime Book in 2012. The New York Times Book Review called it "a remarkable feat of investigative journalism," while Publishers Weekly described it as "an engaging tale filled with colorful characters." Overall, "Skyjack" has been widely acclaimed for its thrilling story, meticulous research, and skillful writing style.
Who Is This Book For?
1. True crime enthusiasts - The Skyjack book would most appeal to readers who have a keen interest in true crime stories, especially those involving high-profile cases and mysteries.
2. Aviation history buffs - With its focus on the infamous D.B. Cooper hijacking, this book would also attract readers who are interested in aviation history and the development of air travel.
3. Thriller fans - The gripping and suspenseful nature of the story makes it a perfect fit for readers who enjoy thrillers and fast-paced narratives.
4. Conspiracy theorists - This book delves into the various theories surrounding the unsolved case of D.B. Cooper, making it a must-read for those intrigued by conspiracy theories and unsolved mysteries.
5. Non-fiction readers looking for an intriguing read - Even if someone does not fall into any specific category, anyone with an interest in non-fiction books that explore real-life events in a captivating manner would thoroughly enjoy reading Skyjack.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
1. Detailed and Gripping Account of a Real-Life Hijacking
One of the biggest pros of Skyjack is its detailed and gripping account of the real-life hijacking that took place in 1972. The author, Geoffrey Gray, spent years researching and interviewing those involved in the hijacking to piece together a comprehensive and accurate retelling of the event.
2. Balanced Perspective on Controversial Figure D.B. Cooper
D.B. Cooper, the mysterious man who pulled off one of the most infamous unsolved crimes in American history, has long been a subject of fascination and speculation. However, Gray manages to present a balanced perspective on this controversial figure by delving into his background and motivations while also acknowledging his criminal actions.
3. Exploration of Conspiracy Theories Surrounding D.B. Cooper
In addition to providing an objective look at D.B. Cooper's life and actions, Skyjack also explores various conspiracy theories surrounding his identity and fate after he parachuted out of the plane with $200,000 in ransom money. This adds another layer to the already intriguing story.
4. Insightful Analysis on Airline Security Measures
The hijacking not only had significant consequences for those involved but also brought about major changes in airline security measures across America. With interviews from former FBI agents and aviation experts, Skyjack offers insightful analysis on how this event shaped airport security protocols that are still used today.
5.Provides New Information About D.B.Cooper Case
Despite being over four decades old, there are still many unanswered questions surrounding the D.B.Cooper case which continue to fuel public interest.Skyjack provides new information about key players involved in this crime as well as potential leads that have never been explored before.This makes it a must-read for anyone interested in solving this enduring mystery.
Cons:
1. Difficult to Follow: Some readers may find the book difficult to follow due to the large number of characters and events that are introduced throughout the story. The narrative jumps between different perspectives, making it challenging for some readers to keep track of what is happening.
2. Slow Pacing: While some readers may appreciate the detailed research and background information provided in this book, others may find that it slows down the pacing of the story. The numerous flashbacks and historical context can make it feel like a slow read at times.
3. Lack of Emotional Connection: Despite being based on a true story, some readers may struggle to emotionally connect with the characters in this book. This could be due to the non-linear storytelling or because there are so many characters involved that it is hard to form a strong attachment to any one individual.
4. Incomplete Story: While Skyjack does provide an extensive account of D.B Cooper's hijacking and its aftermath, some reviewers have criticized its lack of closure on certain aspects of the case. For example, there is no definitive answer as to whether Cooper survived his jump from the plane or not.
5. Confusing Structure: The structure of this book has been described by some as confusing and disjointed, with multiple timelines and perspectives interwoven throughout each chapter. This can make it difficult for readers who prefer a more straightforward narrative style.
Final Thoughts:Should You Read It?
is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, aviation history, or just a thrilling tale. Gray's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book both informative and entertaining.
The story of D.B. Cooper and the unsolved mystery surrounding his infamous hijacking will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Gray delves into every aspect of the case, from Cooper's background to the FBI investigation to various theories about his identity and whereabouts.
But beyond just being an intriguing mystery, Skyjack also offers insight into larger themes such as obsession, fame, and American culture in the 1970s. It paints a vivid picture of this unique moment in time when air travel was still glamorous but also vulnerable to security breaches.
Overall, Skyjack is a well-crafted and gripping read that will leave you wanting more. So whether you're a fan of true crime or simply looking for an exciting page-turner, I highly recommend giving this book a chance.
Where to Buy?
Buy "Skyjack" on Amazon
Buy Now
