The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel

Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I

By: Douglas Brunt

Narrated by: Scott Brick

This instant New York Times bestselling “dynamic detective story” (The New York Times) reveals the hidden history Rudolf Diesel, one of the world’s greatest inventors, and his mysterious disappearance on the eve of World War I.

September 29, 1913: the steamship Dresden is halfway between Belgium and England. On board is one of the most famous men in the world, Rudolf Diesel, whose new internal combustion engine is on the verge of revolutionizing global industry forever. But Diesel never arrives at his destination. He vanishes during the night and headlines around the world wonder if it was an accident, suicide, or murder.

After rising from an impoverished European childhood, Diesel had become a multi-millionaire with his powerful engine that does not require expensive petroleum-based fuel. In doing so, he became not only an international celebrity but also the enemy of two extremely powerful men: Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil and the richest man in the world.

The Kaiser wanted the engine to power a fleet of submarines that would finally allow him to challenge Great Britain’s Royal Navy. But Diesel had intended for his engine to be used for the betterment of the world.

Now, New York Times bestselling author Douglas Brunt reopens the case and provides an “absolutely riveting” (Chris Bohjalian, #1 New York Times bestselling author) new conclusion about Diesel’s fate. Brunt’s book is “equal parts Walter Isaacson and Sherlock Holmes,[and] yanks back the curtain on the greatest caper of the 20th century in this riveting history” (Jay Winik, New York Times bestselling author).

Critic reviews

"Narrator Scott Brick brings energy and emotion to his reading of novelist Brunt’s (Trophy Son) nonfiction debut, positing a surprising explanation for Diesel’s disappearance. Brick ably conveys the wealth of historical details and previously unknown information while adding a note of intrigue and momentum to the mystery." (Joanna M. Burkhardt)

"Scott Brick narrates this biography of Rudolf Diesel magnificently...his intonation, pacing, and understated inflection are all excellent, making this a captivating production."

Just a girl and an audio book.

I love history and I learned so much listening to this book. Well done! I am fascinated.

Excellent

Best historical account of the industrial age I've read. But more than history, its a story...reads like a mystery novel.

fascinating

well wrote, well paced, well read.

I was captivated from start to finish and came very close to finishing it in one session.

Learned so much

Great storytelling that paints a great picture of an age similar to our own. A time when technological advances were upending the world. Every single day while listening to this book, I would share two or three fascinating tidbits with my wife.

Reads like a novel but so much historical information!

This is so well researched. I appreciate how the author connected the dots across countries, industries and two world wars. I could not stop listening. The mystery still looms large!