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jef_1f's review against another edition
3.0
Normally I devour Clive Cussler novels but I had a hard time getting in to this book. I thought the motivations behind the villain were a little weak and unbelievable.
jbayer's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
kimal25's review against another edition
3.0
This book was okay. I am told Clive Cussler is better than James Rollins. However, I do not agree. This was an okay read, but nowhere near the thrill of Rollins.
pjc1268's review against another edition
3.0
It was a good read, I am starting to like Isaac Bell's adventures the more I read of him. I look forward to his next adventure.
jaxboiler's review against another edition
3.0
Another good book from Clive Cussler in the Isaac Bell series. This is always a nice change of pace from his normal, modern day hero to a hero that is leaving in the US in the early 1900's.
srchief's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy the series both from a look at the early 1900's and as a mystery. It is fun to read about the new airplane (previous Issac Bell book) and the film projector that has the capability to carry, amplify and synchronize sound to film. Follow Issac Bell through the turn of the century advancements as he tracks down the villain's that are up to no good! Throw in references to the Titanic, the early rumblings of WWI and early Hollywood, mix it all up and you have a very interesting backdrop for a good mystery.
lizziej's review
5.0
My favourite so far of the Isaac Bell series. Less technical descriptions instead just concentrating on a good narrative
phxkevin's review
4.0
Superfast paced book, lots of action
What the author(s) do with this series: Clive Cussler and Justin Scott know how to write a book. This is part of the series called the Isaac Bell Adventures. This paragraph applies to all books in this series. Isaac is an investigator for a private firm whose motto is that the always get their man The books are set in the early 1900’s and are based on the author’s fascination with the leading technologies of the time – things like fast (by their standards) trains, automobiles and ships. New technologies are introduced like aeroplanes and talking pictures. Depending on the book, many of the social issues of the day are woven into the story such as strikes and strike breakers, gangs running businesses, stock speculators and manipulators as well as later in the series the storm clouds of what will become World War I. The author is skilled at bringing in the details of how society works in that era, such as how beef makes it to NYC, or how different strata of society operate in SFO
Do you need to read this series in order: Probably not, but I think you will miss out on the character development of the protagonist and his lady friend.
Triggers: there is an ample supply of violence – in this book it’s at a high level -- people die, from violence (fires, gun shots, bombs, crashes, knives, beatings, accidents). Some of the violence is directed at kids.
The Thief is about the swirling war clouds of WWI and the nascent ”moving pictures” business (Edison Trust, monopolies). Of the books in this series this is the best one so far.
What the author(s) do with this series: Clive Cussler and Justin Scott know how to write a book. This is part of the series called the Isaac Bell Adventures. This paragraph applies to all books in this series. Isaac is an investigator for a private firm whose motto is that the always get their man The books are set in the early 1900’s and are based on the author’s fascination with the leading technologies of the time – things like fast (by their standards) trains, automobiles and ships. New technologies are introduced like aeroplanes and talking pictures. Depending on the book, many of the social issues of the day are woven into the story such as strikes and strike breakers, gangs running businesses, stock speculators and manipulators as well as later in the series the storm clouds of what will become World War I. The author is skilled at bringing in the details of how society works in that era, such as how beef makes it to NYC, or how different strata of society operate in SFO
Do you need to read this series in order: Probably not, but I think you will miss out on the character development of the protagonist and his lady friend.
Triggers: there is an ample supply of violence – in this book it’s at a high level -- people die, from violence (fires, gun shots, bombs, crashes, knives, beatings, accidents). Some of the violence is directed at kids.
The Thief is about the swirling war clouds of WWI and the nascent ”moving pictures” business (Edison Trust, monopolies). Of the books in this series this is the best one so far.
srchief's review
4.0
I really enjoy the series both from a look at the early 1900's and as a mystery. It is fun to read about the new airplane (previous Issac Bell book) and the film projector that has the capability to carry, amplify and synchronize sound to film. Follow Issac Bell through the turn of the century advancements as he tracks down the villain's that are up to no good! Throw in references to the Titanic, the early rumblings of WWI and early Hollywood, mix it all up and you have a very interesting backdrop for a good mystery.
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