The wrecker

Cussler, known primarily for his contemporary high-tech thrillers, steps back in time more than a century, in fact in this rousing sequel to The Chase (2007). Van Dorn Detective Agency operative Isaac Bell returns, this time to track down a clever saboteur who's been dubbed the Wrecker. Seems the Wrecker has it in for the Southern Pacific Company, and he will stop at nothing, including murder, to keep the company from putting through a new railway line between San Francisco and northern California. Isaac is a sharply drawn series lead, and the story, as befits a railroad-themed thriller, moves at a brisk clip. In addition, there's a very nice surprise in the final scenes. Readers who have sensed a certain been-there-done-that feeling in some of Cussler's recent novels will be pleased to find a new spark here. More Isaac Bell novels would be most welcome.--Pitt, David Copyright 2009 Booklist

Set in 1907, the rousing second thriller to feature detective Isaac Bell (after The Chase) from bestseller Cussler and Scott pits Bell against "the Wrecker," who's been destroying trains and railroad facilities around the country for no apparent reason. These horrific incidents are wreaking havoc on the plans of Osgood Hennessy, the Southern Pacific Railroad's president, who's constructing the massive Cascade Canyon Bridge in Oregon. If the project isn't completed by winter, Hennessy's bankers will withdraw financing and his company will be destroyed. As in the first book, the purposefully stilted writing style takes a little getting used to, but there's plenty of excitement to be had in a world where massive, fire-breathing trains fly along at speeds of up to 120 mph. While the Wrecker's identity is revealed early on and there's never any doubt that Isaac will get his man, readers will find many thrills and much diabolical cleverness along the way. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Following his refreshing and exciting foray into early 20th-century California with The Chase, Cussler returns to the land of yesteryear. Someone is out to destroy a major railroad by wrecking trains, blowing up tunnels and bridges, and killing people. Railroad detective Isaac Bell is brought in to bring the Wrecker to justice. He is ably assisted by much of the same group who appeared in The Chase. Unlike Cussler's other adventure novels (the "NUMAr Files" and Dirk Pitt series), which depend on over-the-top futuristic technology, this new book is limited by history and cannot extend reality too far, all of which makes the novel work. It doesn't hurt that Bell is a more realistic hero and not a superman, although he is very much capable of taking care of himself. Verdict Richly enhanced with well-researched historical and technological details, Cussler's latest offers a welcome change of pace from the Dirk Pitt books. A very enjoyable romp. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 7/09.]-Robert Conroy, Warren, MI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Cussler, known primarily for his contemporary high-tech thrillers, steps back in time—more than a century, in fact—in this rousing sequel to The Chase (2007). Van Dorn Detective Agency operative Isaac Bell returns, this time to track down a clever saboteur who's been dubbed the Wrecker. Seems the Wrecker has it in for the Southern Pacific Company, and he will stop at nothing, including murder, to keep the company from putting through a new railway line between San Francisco and northern California. Isaac is a sharply drawn series lead, and the story, as befits a railroad-themed thriller, moves at a brisk clip. In addition, there's a very nice surprise in the final scenes. Readers who have sensed a certain been-there-done-that feeling in some of Cussler's recent novels will be pleased to find a new spark here. More Isaac Bell novels would be most welcome. Copyright 2009 Booklist Reviews.

Early 1900s detective Isaac Bell wants to know who's sabotaging the Southern Pacific Railroad's express line. Best way to visit the West-The Chase, which introduced Bell, was a hit. With a national tour. Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Following his refreshing and exciting foray into early 20th-century California with The Chase, Cussler returns to the land of yesteryear. Someone is out to destroy a major railroad by wrecking trains, blowing up tunnels and bridges, and killing people. Railroad detective Isaac Bell is brought in to bring the Wrecker to justice. He is ably assisted by much of the same group who appeared in The Chase. Unlike Cussler's other adventure novels (the "NUMA Files" and Dirk Pitt series), which depend on over-the-top futuristic technology, this new book is limited by history and cannot extend reality too far, all of which makes the novel work. It doesn't hurt that Bell is a more realistic hero and not a superman, although he is very much capable of taking care of himself. VERDICT Richly enhanced with well-researched historical and technological details, Cussler's latest offers a welcome change of pace from the Dirk Pitt books. A very enjoyable romp. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 7/09.]—Robert Conroy, Warren, MI

Clive Cussler and Justin Scott put Isaac Bell, überoperative for the Van Dorn Detective Agency, in pursuit of a truly monstrous villain in The Wrecker. The eponymous criminal is an extremely resourceful and amoral saboteur who uses the economic and labor unrest of 1907 to recruit expendable henchmen in his attacks against the Southern Pacific Railway. The power and importance of the railroads at that time are matched by the loose financial and political climate, making the Wrecker's ambitious scheme more than possible. A tight pace, great action scenes, and wonderful descriptions of the age add to the fun of this historical thriller. (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Set in 1907, the rousing second thriller to feature detective Isaac Bell (after The Chase) from bestseller Cussler and Scott pits Bell against "the Wrecker," who's been destroying trains and railroad facilities around the country for no apparent reason. These horrific incidents are wreaking havoc on the plans of Osgood Hennessy, the Southern Pacific Railroad's president, who's constructing the massive Cascade Canyon Bridge in Oregon. If the project isn't completed by winter, Hennessy's bankers will withdraw financing and his company will be destroyed. As in the first book, the purposefully stilted writing style takes a little getting used to, but there's plenty of excitement to be had in a world where massive, fire-breathing trains fly along at speeds of up to 120 mph. While the Wrecker's identity is revealed early on and there's never any doubt that Isaac will get his man, readers will find many thrills and much diabolical cleverness along the way. (Nov.)