Destined to become a classic of adventure literature, The Last Season examines the extraordinary life of legendary backcountry ranger Randy Morgenson and his mysterious disappearance in California's unforgiving Sierra Nevada - mountains as perilous as they are beautiful. Eric Blehm's masterful work is a gripping detective story interwoven with the riveting biography of a complicated, original, and wholly fascinating man.

Listening Length

12 hours and 34 minutes
Author

Eric Blehm
Narrator

Jonathan Davis
Audible release date

November 17, 2015
Language

English
Publisher

Audible Studios
ASIN

B015QHSQQG
Version

Unabridged
Program Type

Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length	12 hours and 34 minutes
Author	Eric Blehm
Narrator	Jonathan Davis
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	November 17, 2015
Publisher	Audible Studios
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B015QHSQQG
Best Sellers Rank	#13,748 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) #1 in Park & Recreation Industry #8 in Biographies of Environmentalists & Naturalists (Audible Books & Originals) #25 in Animals (Audible Books & Originals)

Customer reviews

5 star		78%
4 star		15%
3 star		4%
2 star		2%
1 star		1%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Steve

Beautifully written story about the Sierras and the National Park Rangers that protect them

Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2019

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Having lived in California for over 20 years, I try to go to the Sierras as much as possible- I came across this book while listening to a podcast, bought it, and could not put it down. The book is a non-fiction biography/mystery about one of the true heros of the backcountry, Ranger Randy Morgenson, who disappeared while on duty in the Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP. This book is part narrative epitaph, part mystery, part love story, and part a guide to reflection on the beautiful wilderness that Randy and other NP Rangers serve in each season. This book ranks high on my list of outdoor literature, every bit as suspenseful as "Touching the Void" or "Into the Wild." If you love the Sierra mountains, America's National Parks, or just wilderness areas in general, this book will be a rewarding read.

8 people found this helpful

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CountryLane

Fantastic read if you like the outdoors and mysteries!

Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2019

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A friend insisted that I read Fearless by Eric Blehm and it was OK. However, in perusing the back cover, I noticed this book mentioned as an award winner. Being an avid Sierra's hiker, I couldn't resist checking it out. Initially, I was bummed thinking that the author laid out the conclusions far too early. However, that's not the case and you'll really relish the second half of the book as they go through the SAR process and reach the final reveal. Beyond, telling a compelling story, Eric Blehm really captured the essence of the protagonist and his visceral connection to the Sierras. This insightful view is explained in the afterword, which is also a must-read. Highly Recommend!

5 people found this helpful

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Bob

Great writing of a mysterious outdoors disappearance

Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2016

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Blehm is a great writer, you can see the journalistic skills at work in the level of detail he puts into this story. I wish all such writers took the time to do such thorough research and present all facets of the subject. Ranger Randy was really brought to life, from his interesting childhood growing up in Yosemite, with an nature focused father, who was friends with Muir and others. This carried through to Randy's 28 years as a seasonal Ranger at SEKI, his college years, time in the Peace Corps, climbing in the Himalayas, through decades of marriage. Through the mystery of Randy's disappearance Blehm leaves the reader to judge (or not) the flaws and consequences of this interesting man; one who certainly gave more to the Parks and those who visited than he received, though he himself may have disputed that.

4 people found this helpful

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BernerMom

Lasting Impact

Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2018

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This book, the story, the way it was told, has stayed with me for a month now. I didn't want it to be over, so I reread portions, have talked with my husband endlessly about it. Hated to finish it and hand it over to him to read. Eric clearly relates to the high country in the way that Randy did, in order to portray him that way. That's what drew me in so quickly and so thoroughly, because that's what the high country does to me. That's how I feel, that's how I sense it, that's how much it is a part of me. I'm no backcountry ranger, and as I age I'm not getting there as much or as far as I'd like, so there is this longing always there. It was so fulfilling to read about Randy's love of the Sierra. (My backcountry is not the Sierra but equally loved). It was haunting the way Randy disappeared and wasn't found for so long. And that was fitting, too. I was grateful for Alden Nash's final theory on what happened to Randy. That made the most sense. This book was absolutely beautiful, bittersweet and heart wrenching. Thank you Backpacker Magazine for the recent list of 10 classics to read. This is one of my all time favorites. Thank you Eric Blehm!

30 people found this helpful

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Exceptional Human perspective

Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2007

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This is an exceptional story well researched and written by Eric Blehm. I'm a city person. I hike minimally, for enjoyment only, with the requirement being that I'm always end up in a nice hotel room that night. So clearly, Randy Morgensen, a seasonal park ranger for 28 years who grew up in Yosemite Valley, led a vastly different life from me and probably most readers. And maybe that's the best part of this book. Eric Blehm has done an excellent research job showing us how the influences in Ranger Randy's lives led him to his love of the Sierra Nevada's and his low paying, low rewarded job as a park ranger which he loved immensely. The passages where the intelligent Randy makes humorous comments intended to modify the behavior of campers into protecting and preserving the park are witty and show what a great love he had for the land.

Reading this book I can honestly say I don't know a single person like Randy Morgensen. I know American consumers. People who work to spend money and enjoy their lives. But Randy had a higher purpose. While his parents may have been disappointed that he didn't finish his college education, he had found his calling early and it had nothing to do with money.

But even this intelligent, thoughtful man has flaws and these eventually lead to the break-up of his marriage after an affair. And this personal drama arrives right at his untimely death to create a "perfect storm" of doubt and uncertainty as to how he really passed. The author's expert at the end takes all the evidence and delivers a plausible cause of death with minimal information which is fascinating.

But just as fascinating was learning of this life and yearning for the high Sierras. That is what I take away from this book, a man truly in love with nature more than himself. Read this book for enjoyment, mystery fascination, and to learn of another way to enjoy our massive country.

5 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Damian Waters

Both sad and life affirming

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 7, 2014

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You know from the outset that the book is not going to have a positive ending, but there is a lot of positivity as the story unfolds and provides an interesting insight into a way of life that most of us will never experience.

One person found this helpful

Alexandre Silva

Great book!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 18, 2018

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Great book! Amazing story of a very interesting character.

R. Fleming

Meh

Reviewed in Canada on March 16, 2022

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I love outdoor adventure/rescue books. There are a lot of great ones. This is not one of them.

Philippe Lazure

Great book

Reviewed in Canada on December 3, 2021

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Great and deep book about the outdoors and the choices we make in life ! I recommend it strongly to everyone !

Andy

Meh.

Reviewed in Canada on September 26, 2018

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A somewhat entertaining read about the life of an eccentric and unlikeable man. I wouldn't recommend, but that's just like my opinion n stuff man.

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