The Thief: Isaac Bell #5

The quality of this and the other books in this series of historical fiction had led me to order the rest of the set. Very well done.

What more can you say about the author, his books are always a top notch read. Great story lines.

Satisfactory

Isaac Bell returns for another early 20th Century adventure. As the German war machine is building, they attempt to kindap two scientists from a trans-Atlantic liner, but Bell can't fathom why.This is far from the most exciting of the Isaac Bell novels, with actually surprisingly little by way of action and much more investigation, but as such it feels like a better constructed plot. It does lack the trademark technological focus of some of the earlier stories which focussed on cars, trains, planes, though there is a little of this in the treatment of early film production.Despite this, I'm continuing to enjoy the Bell stories more than Cussler's other spinoffs. Perhaps it's the historical setting, but I notice less of the plot holes that appear in the modern-day stories and things seem much more believable.It's also worth noting that there are a number of typos in my copy - I wonder whether the extreme three-month turnaround between books is making the proof-reading process rushed. I find this quite irritating in a novel as it tends to break me out from the flow of the story. I also find the illustrations laughable and filled with spoilers - what's the point of showing me a picture of a pivotal scene that hasn't happened yet?Overall, a well constructed story that could perhaps do with a tiny bit more excitement. Cussler's output has yet to return to its peak but has definitely picked up from recent lows.

Van Dorn detective Isaac Bell is at it again in Clive Cussler's newest entry into the series.Isaac Bell and fellow Van Dorn detective Archie Abbott are returning from Europe with a prisoner. While on board the liner Mauretania, they witness three men trying to abduct two others. Bell thwarts the attempt and the thugs disappear. It turns out that the two men who were almost apprehended are Clyde Lynds and Franz Bismark Beiderbecke; scientists who have invented an astounding new device. This device has the capability of adding sound to motion pictures.A second attack takes place and this time, one of the scientists isn't as lucky as before. Isaac Bell persuades his boss Joseph Van Dorn to provide security for Clyde Linds, the surviving scientist. He will need it because General Major Christian Semmler, otherwise known as "The Acrobat", has his sights set on Lynds' invention as a tool for developing German propaganda films.Once in New York, a cross-country chase ensues between Bell and the acrobat and such period characters as Thomas Edison and J.P. Morgan make appearances in the story. Bell must stay one step ahead of the acrobat, or risk having the plans for Lynds' invention fall into the hands of the Germans.I've become a big fan of the Isaac Bell series. I enjoy period history fiction, and Cussler and co-author Justin Scott have done a great job of blending in fast-paced action and adventure into a real-time setting. The addition of true period characters such as Edison and Morgan make the story all the more realistic. Of course, Isaac Bell and the other characters are well-developed, and the story is full of twists and turns. Just when you think you have it figured out, andother twist comes along to throw you off.I recommend "The Thief" very highly. The story is fun and full of adventure, and you have good guy Isaac Bell to root for.