Fatal North Audiobook By Bruce Henderson cover art

Fatal North

Murder and Survival on the First North Pole Expedition

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Fatal North

By: Bruce Henderson
Narrated by: John Pruden
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It began as President Ulysses S. Grant's bid for international glory after the Civil War - America's first attempt to reach the North Pole. It ended with Captain Charles Hall's death under suspicious circumstances, dissension among sailors, scientists, and explorers, and the ship's evacuation and eventual sinking. Then came a brutal struggle for survival by 33 men, women, and children stranded on the polar ice. When news of the disastrous expedition and accusations of murder reached Washington, D.C., it led to a nationwide scandal, an official investigation, and a government cover-up.

The mystery of the captain's death remained unsolved for nearly 100 years. But when Charles Hall's frozen grave in northern Greenland was opened, forensic scientists were finally able to reach a shocking conclusion.

Now, telling the complete story for the first time, best-selling author Bruce Henderson has researched original transcripts of the US Navy inquests, personal papers of Captain Hall, autopsy and forensic reports relating to the century-old crime, the ship's original log, and personal journals kept by crewmen to bring to life one of the most mysterious tragedies of American exploration.

©2011 Bruce Henderson (P)2016 Tantor Adventure Travel Americas Arctic & Antarctica Crime Adventure Polar Region Explorer

Critic reviews

"Fans of adventure writing will appreciate this fine book." ( Publishers Weekly)
True Survival Story • Gripping Narrative • Fascinating Historical Account • Well-written Nonfiction
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Do you like mysteries AND survival stories? This is the book for you! I picked it up because the mystery was draw enough for me, but when the narrative shifted to detail the survival ordeal of a portion of the party I couldn’t put it down! It drags a little in the bits after, but all in all I really enjoyed it. Would recommend.

A fascinating 2-for-1 tale!

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As someone who loves a good Arctic Exploration book Fatal North did not disappoint. Very detail and stuck tot the facts.

A Great Arctic Exploration Read

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Excellent book and narration. I cannot recommend this enough. Hard to believe it's a true story, but it is. The first-hand journals make a big difference. Absolutely fascinating how they survived, and shocking how bad the "bad bits" are.

Excellent. Highly recommended.

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Great research, character development but reads like a murder mystery. My only complaint is that I was hoping to gain more insight into one of my family members who was on the Tigress who helped rescue the men of the Polaris, but it wasn't his story.

Intriguing Historical Murder, Rebellion and Survival of a North Pole Expedition

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One of the most well researched and engaging adventure sagas of a dysfunctional and overly ambitious attempt to reach the North Pole. Not quite the epic nature of Shackleton's survival challenges but very intimate in allowing us to sense the humanity of each significant player.

Thoroughly enjoyable and educational.

Exquisitely detailed narrative of Hall's North Pole Obsession

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a wonderfully detailed story about great men and some not so great men. I would recommend to anyone.

A tale of hardships and overcoming adversity

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This true story would make a great movie. It’s filled with murder, cowardice, bravery, the best and worst of humanity. I highly recommend it!

Couldn’t Stop Listening

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buen libro te lleva directo al frio artico y te deja pensando en todo lo q tenwmos

buen libro

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Like the Greeley Expedition of 1881-83, exposed here is yet another level of cowardice and criminal negligence by the US Government. As a former Army officer I can attest that we must never trust federal government officials to commit to what is honorable, responsible, and definitely not courageous.

Astounding Degree of US Govt Corruption

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What an interesting approach to a story and amazingly it’s true. A new favorite non fiction

So interesting!!!

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