Although he doesn't actually come out and say so, David Roberts is probably the single most important writer who has brought Everett Ruess to the attention of the general public. He did so first by bringing Everett to the attention of his friend Jon Krakauer who included a chapter on Everett in 'Into the Wild'. Then, Roberts wrote two articles a decade a part for National Geographic Adventure magazine on Everett.

Finding Everett Ruess is really well done. The first part is a dispassionate biography of Ruess. Roberts strengths as a mountaineer who has himself extensively explored the same ground as Everett allows him to put into context Everett's achievements; especially Everett's extended solo travels at a very young age into more-or-less unknown land. Roberts also brings out Everett's talents as a young writer and artist.

The next section of the book explores the mysterious disappearance of Everett in the back country at the age of 20. Everett has never been seen since Nov of 1934. Roberts explores all that is known of the searches, clues and theories of the next 50 to 60 years.

The last sections read like a fast paced detective novel as Roberts talks about the latest discoveries and clues. Everett seems to be almost on the edge of discovery. Everett Ruess remains the mysterious missing young artist, adventurer and writer.