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)

Another enjoyable Adventure

This is an intriguing adventure for Isaac. I also think it is one of the darker novels about the detective. A Propaganda machine lead hunters and protectors all over the United States. Highly recommended for those who enjoy the work of detectives.

Great Detective

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

I have enjoyed the whole Isaac Bell series so far. Each book has it's own issues, twists and turns. Lots of interesting detective work when they had to do the leg work and a sweet love story worked in.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

Isaac Bell

Any additional comments?

Try this series, start with book one and you will not be disappointed. Easy listening, interesting bad guys, smart detective work and great outcome.

more great action!

love the isaac bell series! narrator is perfect pick. i always enjoy his character accents.

Just cant go wrong

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

Anything Clive Cussler writes is in my top 10

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Hes one of the few performers i look for in a quality book

Any additional comments?

Isaac Bell is one of my favorite characters of all time. you cant miss with these stories

Nice change of pace

Love the store well read. Enjoy stories centered around this time period you will like this one.

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.

Gentleman Detective Story with Elegance & Romance

What did you love best about The Thief?

An interesting twist on the history of talking film.

In general I love Isaac Bell's character that always displays integrity, being a gentleman yet will just not give up attempting to solve who is at the center of the crime.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Always Isaac Bell in all the novels thus far.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

Very big problem - I simply love all the depictions by Scott - one of my favorite readers.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The more nasty the villans are the more difficult it is to hear or read.

Yet another great book

I greatly enjoyed this book yet again!! Clive Cussler again returns with a great book!!! I cannot wait to read the next one!

Thanks audible

Great story!

Enjoyed listening to this story, it was a very nice addition to the series! Scott Brick did amazing, as always!