Product Description
His curiosity piqued by an offhand comment by a relative, agent Magnesen launches his provate investigation into the controversial meeting between Howard Hughes and Melvin Dummar and the validityof the handwritten Howard Hughes Will which named Dummar as an heir…. More >>
This is an incredible book, and I would highly recommend it. The true story of Melvin and Howard is stanger than fiction – and far more fascinating!
Rating: 5 / 5
The Investigation by Gary Magnesen represents the trifecta of historical research. Magnesen has the rare combination of an FBI career, Nevada residency and a degree in psychology as implements to harvest the truth in regards to the “Mormon Will.”
Fragmented by time and lore, the tale of the unlikely Samaritan, Melvin Dummar is cast in the bright white light of a logical and linear review by a skeptic armed with nothing more than his background and compelling logic as arrows in an intellectual quiver.
I followed the suspicion and misgivings associated with the tale of Melvin Dummar associated with the holographic Will penned by the late Aviator, Industrialist and enigma, Howard Hughes. Shadowing Magnesen’s process and logic was eased by his descriptive narration of personal doubts and the path required to find a logical end. He was not on a quest, nor does he seem influenced by the story which ultimately led to his involvement. If anything, he was drawn by the mounting inconsistencies and unfinished stories by those directly effected by Mr. Dummar’s tale.
I was fascinated by the process which he undertook in this unlikely task to add clarity to a foggy footnote from the past (1976). The mind numbing research of court and county records, with the juxtaposition of interviews including citizens from towns whose glory days have long since passed into modern history added an element of humor, without diminishing the value of those who still reside there.
Each chapter was a building block which reinforced the tale told by Melvin Dummar as more than plausible. In fact, I was totally convinced he was telling the truth.
The teaser associated with this story is the revelations of a pilot employed by Hughes in the sixties. Although his contribution to the book is barely represented by two dozen pages; his story contained the most unanswered questions or inconsistencies of the 263 pages representing Dummar’s tale. The following observations are not a condemnation of the man, simply a set of examples which Magnesen held me rapt throughout the story!
1. When Deiro flew into the unpaved, unlighted airport at night, the previous pages referenced a truck illuminating the approach end of the runway. Yet on the night in question the truck was at the far end (in the pilot’s eyes) of the runway. Any landing upon a gravel surfaced, unlighted airport at night would be a large risk at best and possibly illegal, at worst.
2. It is written on page 102, “The fact that Daniels (geologist) was having a beer or two in the morning tells us something about him.” Yet the pilot (Deiro) having too many Johnny Walker’s and needing to take a nap is not questioned in regard to his credibility. Drinking within eight hours prior to a commercial flight is illegal!
3. Upon the pilots return to Las Vegas, since nobody asked; he didn’t bother reporting his loss of the passenger he departed with seven hours earlier.
The preceding examples are a reflection of my intrigue and justification for a media (website) to communicate with this author.
This book is at a minimum, a `can’t put it down read’ combined with intrigue, injustice and surviving principals!
Rating: 5 / 5
I never knew about this book until recently, when I heard author Gary Magnesen and Melvin Dummar doing an extensive (several hours) radio interview. They both appeared to be very credible guys telling an incredible story. I found myself riveted to the radio until the very end of their appearance, which (I think) was about 2 am! I bought the book later that day.
To my surprise, former FBI Agent Magnesen is a very good writer. Like other readers, I found myself enjoying the book so much, it was hard to put down. Magnesen pieces together a convincing case to support Melvin Dummar’s claim about picking up a nearly dead Howard Hughes on a desolate dirt road in the middle of the desert late one winter night. Like the author (and most others), I’ve always been skeptical about Dummar’s dubious story. Magnesen’s The Investigation has persuaded me to believe that Dummar’s story is most likely true, and that he very possibly saved Howard Hughes’ life.
Magnesen also makes a somewhat persuasive, though not compelling, case regarding the authenticity of the so-called “Mormon will”. Despite the author’s best efforts to authenticate the will, I’m personally not convinced that it was actually written by Howard Hughes. I can certainly understand if other readers come to a different conclusion.
Gary Magnesen does a commendable job uncovering the critical details of this 30 year old cold case. It’s a shame that he launched his investigation after so much time had passed, when many of the potential witnesses and nearly all of the physical evidence are lost to history. Still, The Investigation a well written, fascinating story with ample detail to make this a “must read” for anyone interested in the life of Howard Hughes and/or Melvin Dummar. Highly recommended.
Rating: 5 / 5
This is a fast read, Ive read all the HRH books and this was intresting. I think the author did a fine job. After reading this book I felt that indeed Hughes would have loved the drama that swept the nation, Even in death he is larger then life. The book is a great read and will be surprising….
Rating: 4 / 5
It took a the span of 24 hours to read this book. Every second I was not working or taking care of a 10 month-old baby I was hiding in a corner with my nose stuck in this book. The author starts as a skeptic, but through brillant research and persistence he uncovers the truth of this long-awaited fiasco. His years of FBI experience really shines through his journey to the untold story. Highly Recomended!
Rating: 5 / 5