Over a span of 39 years, 26 aliases, 28 arrests in 20 cities—and nearly a dozen imprisonments—Robert Spears lived a con artist’s life of unparalleled adventure and intrigue. But that is far from the end of his story.
Shortly before Thanksgiving Day in 1959, a plane exploded in mid-air, killing all forty-two passengers and crew and leaving scattered debris and bodies across the otherwise tranquil Gulf waters. Listed on the manifest was Dr. Robert Spears—once the highly regarded president of the Texas Naturopathic Association. Father of two small children with a lovely, society-minded wife and an elegant home in an exclusive neighborhood, it was a monumental tragedy for his family as it was for all the souls lost that day.
Less than two months later, Robert Spears miraculously “rose from the dead” in Phoenix where he was promptly arrested. Headlining newspapers nationwide—“Man Downs Airliner to Fake Death”—Spears was discovered to have cleverly switched identities and persuaded a friend, Al Taylor, to fly with his plane ticket. Asking him to carry “a package” on board, Spears drove away in his buddy’s car with his wallet and driver’s license.
As the FBI began to investigate, they uncovered a stunning, mind-bending tale of murder, abortion rings, and false identities, as well as insurance scams and medical fraud that stretched over decades. Methodically and carefully researched through FBI records, “Vanishing Act” tells the complete and shocking story of con man Robert Spears for the first time.
Tracy S –
Dr. Robert Spears—husband, father and president of the Texas Naturopathic Association seemed to have it all. He died in an air crash only to rise again some time later.
This is a truly interesting read. Dr Spears is a con man and a man that can manipulate people to get what he wants.
HIs crimes are clever, he managed to get away with being charged over some but eventually was apprehended for others.
The author has done a good job with the drama of Spears life and crimes. I was fascinated from the start and really enjoyed my reading time
Michael –
Vanishing Act by Jerry Jamison is a story of a con man, murder, and ties to the secret world of abortion in the first half of the 20th century. It’s almost too unbelievable but it all happened. He unravels the wild story of Robert Spears and it makes for a compelling read. How this story was never made into a movie, or at least a Netflix series beggars belief. Thank you to #netgalley and #rowmanlittlefield for the opportunity to preview this book.
Holly M –
An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!
Barbara Butcher (Author of “What the Dead Know”) –
An amazing story, well-told and hard to put down.