The Last Master Outlaw: How He Outfoxed the FBI Six Times But Not A Cold Case Team

Full disclosure: I know the author/lead investigator Tom Colbert via our mutual membership at a gym. Our association ends there, but I should note that Tom was the impetus for pointing me to this book as I would most likely not have found it otherwise. And am I so very glad to have gotten his recommendation. A fascinating and page turning read. I was in law school when the hijacking occurred and have wondered through the years about the who, how, why, etc. of this crime. Colbert and his team have clearly done exhaustive work in assembling their study and in reaching their conclusion. I am by nature a contrarian and a skeptic, (as well as a long ago criminal defense practitioner before I moved into corporate work) and as such I cannot say I come away 100% convinced "beyond a reasonable doubt". At least not quite yet, as I am now consumed thanks to this book in wanting to learn more, including following Tom's ongoing FOIA suit versus the FBI for release of the FBI files. If Robert Rackstraw was not the hijacker, the expose of his life and deeds is fascinating in itself. But convinced or not regarding the hijacking, this is an outstanding read, well written, fast paced, and supported by copious footnotes. In fact I read it twice back to back as I had let myself miss several key bits in my hasty first read. I suspect this book and the continuing efforts of Tom and his team may very well lead to the definitive and incontestable answer to this amazing whodunnit. Very highly recommended.

This book (and the accompanying History Channel program) affected me on many levels. It is a thriller, it is a master class on investigative journalism, and it is a sad commentary on the state of the FBI, and the degeneration of the rule of law in this country. Some people may wonder why it matters - Cooper didn't injure or kill anyone - no he didn't, but what he did was essentially an act of domestic terrorism. He inspired fear for airline passengers and inspired copy cats to try to repeat his act of terrorism. I was a child in the 70's, but I remember the news when some of the money was found in 1980 and my late Father (who was an Army veteran) and my older brother discussing the found money, and my Dad told my brother "that was never about money, that was a gotcha". I didn't understand what he meant till I read this book. What is even scarier to me than a man like Cooper/Rackstraw is that fact that a private citizen had to go to court to get to the truth because our government will protect a criminal - as long as they also perform criminal acts for our government. That should concern everyone. Congratulations and thank you to Thomas Colbert and the entire team, knowing that there are still people who believe that truth still matters and are willing to work towards it gives me hope.

I’m giving this high rating because the book was entertaining. It kept me wanting to turn the pages. And for his many faults, Rackstraw’s charisma comes through , and he is an interesting subject. There are intriguing claims and bits of circumstantial evidence (particularly Rackstraw s relationship with Dick Briggs), but I’m not convinced that R was DB Cooper simply because the photo of R from October 1971 shows a fuller face and more hair than the 1970 Army shot that the authors keep trying to use as evidence of a resemblance to the sketch of the highjacker. I also agree with other reviewers that there are contradictions in the authors’ claims and attempts to link circumstantial evidence that doesn’t really add up. Cooper may have been a master outlaw, but Rackstraw may only have been an outlaw and only so much of that, as you’ll see if you read the book.

Fascinating and fun. I think the team nailed it. The fact that the subject called himself 'Cooper' as a young man in awe of a skydiver friend of his unfortunate stepfather sent chills down my spine. Details and details like that added up. There is no fluff in this book; they stick to the story with minor diversions for something truly unusual like the dying young mother who helped the FBI. Most of us can't imagine a person like this so we look at them with a "logical" mind and think things like "he couldn't survive going out the back of a 727". But, of course, we see special forces and seals in full gear jumping out of the backs of planes all the time now. I doubt logic was a factor anyway. There are easier ways to get money for a person like this. I think he did it because he could. The man was brilliant, ruthless, fearless, did his research, made his plans over and over in his exploits, and, yes, he made it to old age. It's amazing the people who do and a shame his stepfather didn't.

I bought this off a recommendation from a friend. I knew nothing about this case except the name Cooper. I consider most of these types of books as money grabs intended for the gullible, but I gave it a chance since I knew my friend not to be the conspiracy theory chasing type. I was glad to be proven wrong. This is not only an excellent read but an incredibly thorough and convincing one too. The amount of research and detail that went into finding this man is truly staggering. I am without a doubt convinced they have found DB Cooper, but I will say no more to so as not to spoil the surprise. If you have any interest in D.B. Cooper, read this book. If you like solving mysteries, read this book. If you enjoy reading about true crime and true detective work, read this book. It's the real deal.

I am only halfway through this book but felt compelled to write a review at this time. While this is a very interesting read and the character quite colorful I am fully convinced that they have the wrong man. First and foremost Mr. Robert Rackstraw was much younger than the descriptions of the stewardess and others. The real Dan Cooper was rather subdued for a hijacker and described as calm, nice, polite, sophisticated which are descriptions of a more worldly and mature man. Another more concerning point is what he did after the hijacking. If you had just gotten away with a major hijacking and substantial cash wouldn't you lay low and aspire to lead a nice quiet life afterwards? Bob Rackstraw did nothing of the sort but was all over the map with all kinds of activities and endeavors attracting much unwanted attention to himself. At any rate this is a very interesting character study of a complicated man but unlikely suspect. A far more compelling suspect is the Northwest Airlines employee Kenny Christiansen detailed in Into the Blast. Also my favorite suspect has always been the enigmatic Dan LeClair described in Max Gunther's book D.B.Cooper What Really Happened? Particularly because he was described as Canadian which fits perfectly with his habits and temperament. Have yet to read Martin Andrade's book Finding D.B. Cooper which follows up on Max Gunther's theory. The truth is still out there!

I was very disappointed with the inconclusiveness of the DB Cooper miniseries which aired on The History Channel. With my interest in the subject piqued, and my curiosity not yet satiated, I decided to read the definitive account of the story- The Last Master Outlaw, by Tom Colbert. I literally (pun intended) could not put the e-book down. The narrative was reminiscent of a Robert Ludlum novel, the detective work worthy of Sam Spade, and the subject matter as pertinent and entertaining today as it was forty-five years ago. All I can say for Robert Rackstraw is "Geronimo," look out below, your run of good luck has abruptly ended and there is no evading the dogged determination of a veteran newsman like Colbert. Overall, an excellent read- interesting material masterfully told by someone who took the time to research it all.

It was a good read but then again there was so much information that the author wanted to get in and I understand why but there seemed at times the book went from subject to subject too fast. I’m sure it was just me though.

Everything I ever wanted to know about D.B. Cooper. Great research and investigation, and great writing, I was completely absorbed. Kudos to Thomas Colbert and his cold case team.

Focused on one man and is an excellent read. If you are interested in the DB Cooper case then this is a great introduction.

Very enjoyable read...

Very well written and highly enjoyable read. You have to make your own mind up though.

A bit of a slower read, but the story is very interesting. A great story overall how this was pieced together.