The Thief

An Isaac Bell Adventure, Book 5

By: Clive Cussler, Justin Scott

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Detective Isaac Bell returns, in the thrilling new adventure from the number-one New York Times best-selling author.

On the ocean liner Mauretania, two European scientists with a dramatic new invention are barely rescued from abduction by the Van Dorn Detective Agency's intrepid chief investigator, Isaac Bell. Unfortunately, they are not so lucky the second time. The thugs attack again - and this time, one of the scientists dies.

What are they holding that is so precious? Only something that will revolutionize business and popular culture - and perhaps something more. For war clouds are looming, and a ruthless espionage agent has spotted a priceless opportunity to give the Germans an edge. It is up to Isaac Bell to figure out who he is, what he is up to, and to stop him. But he may already be too late... and the future of the world may just hang in the balance.

©2012 Clive Cussler (P)2012 Penguin

Critic reviews

“Bell just keeps getting more interesting. Cussler is turning out some of his best work.” (Booklist)

“Clive the Incredible.” (Kirkus Reviews)

Typical Clive Cussler! EXCELLENT

Isaac Bell at his finest. Recommend you read the entire series in order. Great Work Clive!!!

once again it's the indomitable Isaac Bell and the very capable VanDorn agency to task.

I enjoy the that this like the Saturday matinee movies we went growing up, my friends , popcorn great entertainment!

(Very) mildly disappointed! Great novel!

With The Gangster, the 9th book in the Isaac Bell series, being released in 3 days, I'm trying to make it through the prior 8 novels before the release. The Thief is Book 5 in this wonderful historical thriller series. It appear to be set in the year 1912. Isaac Bell and Marion finally get married on a cruise ship crossing the Atlantic to New York.

The twin themes of the book are Germany's preparation for war and the transitioning of the motion picture industry from silent films to "talkies" which is being enabled by the invention of a device that allows for synchronization of sound with video. The inventors, a German professor and his star student, are aboard the cruise ship. Also aboard is the thief who is determined to steal the invention.

This is a complex novel with almost continuous action and suspense. The action begins on the Cunard Line's Mauretania, goes to New York then to DC, then to San Francisco, then back to New York and finally back to the Mauretania cruise ship. Marion plays a bigger role in The Thief than in prior books in the series.

A historical point: The Thief exposes Thomas Edison as more a thief of technology than as an inventor. That is historically accurate. Thus the title of the book could be referring to Edison as much as the German "acrobat" who is seeking to steal the motion picture technology.

My mild disappointment with The Thief is that the plot is a little too complex. The authors handle it well, but the listener must pay very close attention to avoid getting lost.

Scott Brick's narration is flawless.

Standard Cussler Fare

I like to listen to books by Clive Cussler and those who co-write with him. The combination of these authors and Scott Brick make for some interesting listening. I have found that I can "take" Cussler books with moderation and in small doses. Took much Cussler for me can lead to disinterest.

Great storyline and reading

I have enjoyed Clive Cussler books, especially the Issac Bell series. This does not dissapoint! Scott Brick is ny far my favorite narrator on Audible.

Another Excellent Issac Bell Novel

I really enjoyed this story. Issac Bell is one of my new favorite characters. I really enjoy the historical points smattered in here and there.

Love this series, and Scott Brick

Scott Brick just makes this series even better, love the history of the books can't wait for the next one

Another excellent Bell story

Where does The Thief rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

If you have enjoyed the previous Bell stories then you will enjoy this one. I really love the time period these books are in. If you enjoy Cussler or Bell get the book

What did you like best about this story?

Main character and competition with the villian. Really good chess match.

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

All of Scott's performances are good IMO.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

People may think I am crazy but I really enjoyed the Epilogue. Really was a nice ending to the book.

A Good Beach Book

This is the perfect book to read while sipping your favorite libation on a hot beach. The plot moves well without requiring much from the reader, the narrator does a decent job, the characters fit into the plot but again, don't require emotional involvement from the reader.

The premise behind the plot is pretty weak. I found myself asking why Isaac Bell and the Dorn Agency were so worked up about the development of the first motion picture camera. Even when the reason is revealed, it doesn't yield the big AHA. That's why it's a good beach read -- it doesn't really matter.

The setting of the book on the Mauretania is perhaps the the most entertaining part of the whole book. The description of how the engines were fed by coal is detailed and paints a vivid picture of a hellish job in a nightmare environment.

I've listened to a lot of audiobooks narrated by Scott Brick, and have given him some scathing reviews. In this one, he succeeds in controlling his worst flaws as a reader. Every sentence doesn't end with an uptilt of his voice, making it sound like a question. His attempts at character accents are improved. He even tries to add emphasis rather than reading every sentence as if it's all of the same degree of gravitas.

All in all, this is light fare. It's mindlessly enjoyable and keeps the listener's interest. Don't look for anything more. If you're tired and looking for a filler before starting something more substantial, I recommend it.

The Review: An Issac Bell Piece

After the intensity of 'The Wrecker' and the adventure of 'The Race' this installation had some big shoes to fill. It fell somewhat flat, speculation leads me to believe the publisher pressured the writers to expunge sections to keep the book shorter. If that is the case then shame on them. I feel the villain was not as well developed as he could have been something I have really enjoyed from this series. Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed this book, I mean if you read the last four books your certainly can't stop now. As always great period tech and very accurate history.