The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I

Written 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).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Sep 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9781797164052

Douglas Brunt

Douglas Brunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel and host of the top-rated SiriusXM author podcast Dedicated with Doug Brunt. A Philadelphia native, he lives in Connecticut with his wife and three children. Visit DouglasBrunt.com for more information.

Reviews for The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel

[Hilary Sumner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was right up my street… I am a former mechanical engineer with a grandfather from Munich. I currently work as a patent attorney and my son is a third generation submariner. This book hit upon every aspect of significance in my life. It was well drafted, had an air of mystery, provided historical insights, and celebrated Diesel in a way that he deserves. Thanks for the great book!

[Stacy Klein · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Intriguing story full of history, mystery and a biography worth knowing.

[Anthony Radford · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic and eye opening tale of genius inventor. Well written and laid out.

[Teevra Bose · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing book and Super reading craft. Pls suggest more of this combo, if there

[Michelle Brown · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The history of innovation and perseverance, or something we can all learn from.

[andre · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an amazing and wonderful story and delivered SO well!

[Matt Mathison · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a fantastic man and a fantastic book. Well worth the read.

[Alexandra Squiers · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a fascinating piece of history well told. The characters were unique and interesting. The level of intense invention in this period is hard to believe, even as we live in the resultant bounty.

[jhykes · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This probably should have been an extended essay rather than a full-length book. The ending was interesting, but much could have been cut from the first three quarters.

[Wilma Branstetter · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Strongly recommending this book for many reasons--biography, history of the period 1870-1920+, the science and equipment, and more. Douglas Brunt brought this untold story out in a very informative way and makes the mystery of Mr. Diesel's life and obscurity worth knowing. Impressive research and story, indeed.

[Dave Radlauer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Gripping little-known and stranger than life tale of a noteworthy but largely forgotten technical innovator.

Gorgeous narration is rich as aged mahogany.