The Wrecker

By: Clive Cussler

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 14 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

In The Chase, Clive Cussler introduced an electrifying new hero: the tall, lean, no-nonsense detective Isaac Bell, who, driven by his sense of justice, travels early-20th-century America pursuing thieves and killers - and sometimes criminals much worse.

It is 1907, a year of financial panic and labor unrest. Train wrecks, fires, and explosions sabotage the Southern Pacific Railroad's Cascades express line and, desperate, the railroad hires the fabled Van Dorn Detective Agency. Van Dorn sends in his best man, and Bell quickly discovers that a mysterious saboteur haunts the hobo jungles of the West, a man known as the Wrecker, who recruits accomplices from the down-and-out to attack the railroad, and then kills them afterward. The Wrecker traverses the vast spaces of the American West as if he had wings, striking wherever he pleases, causing untold damage and loss of human life. Who is he? What does he want? Is he a striker? An anarchist? A revolutionary determined to displace the "privileged few"? A criminal mastermind engineering some as yet unexplained scheme?

Whoever he is, whatever his motives, the Wrecker knows how to create maximum havoc, and Bell senses that he is far from done - that, in fact, the Wrecker is building up to a grand act unlike anything he has committed before. If Bell doesn't stop him in time, more than a railroad could be at risk - it could be the future of the entire country.

Filled with intricate plotting and dazzling set pieces, The Wrecker is one of the most entertaining thrillers in years.

©2009 Clive Cussler (P)2009 Penguin

Another great story by Clive Cussler

I was entertained for starting to the end with no slow downs in between this great story.

Gripping and detailed as usual

Loved it. Narrator great. Best way to travel in an RV is with audible and clive cussler.

Good reads!

Again Clive cussler has did an outstanding job on this book and series I highly recommend it!!!

Has Issac Bell Met His Match?

Cussler does it again with his Van Doren detective series. This time it is 1907 and Issac Bell must find out who is sabotaging the building of a Railroad line. But it seems that there is much more than just simple sabotage: the Wrecker is extremely smart and seems to be very dedicated to his cause, which makes him extremely dangerous.

The premise of the story is good, with descriptions of the technology of the ira adding well to the setting. It is thrilling and the action keeps the book running smoothly, with just enough interplay of the characters to hold it together without dragging the story line. The identity of the Wrecker is well hidden until about halfway through the book adding to the suspense, however, the revelation to the reader is well timed and not a letdown as it changes the element from who is he to when will Issac Bell also discover his identity and then stop him.

However, do not analyze the descriptions and situations too carefully as there are some flaws that could be distracting, instead go with the action and enjoy the escapism that the book brings.

All-in-all an entertaining and enjoyable book.

One of the best stories I have heard in years

This is one of the best books I have listened to in years. Bravo to Cussler, Justin Scott and Scott Brick is fantastic ! I can not wait to read the next Issic Bell Story.

Another great adventure courtesy of Clive Cussler

What did you love best about The Wrecker?

Scott Brick does an outstanding job of bringing the book to life. His accents for the different characters really let you visualize and identify with the different personality. Clive Cussler add unique specific details that let you see exactly what is the scene in. The detail and authenticity he adds to the story is amazing. He adds nuances which help you fill in all the gaps. AAAA+++

Isaac Bell at his very best!

This Bell novel is my favorite of the three I have read so far. That isnt to say I didn't enjoy the others, but this one really stood out for me as something special and enjoyable. I have been a Cussler fan since I read "Raise the Titanic" when I was ten years old. As I have grown, I have always counted on Clive Cussler to get me through long airport layovers. This book though brought a real depth to Isaac Bell, and added the real suspese that he may not actually get his man. If you haven't read any of the Bell novels, this is great one to start with!

not your typical cussler

Thoroughly enjoyed this yarn on a long road trip. There were so many twists and turns that we felt we were in the race to catch the wrecker along with the main characters. When we got to our destination we didn't want to stop listening!!!

entertaining western thriller

Would you listen to The Wrecker again? Why?

no, it wasn't THAT good. I only listen to books a second time if there is something integral to the story that I missed. I don't think I missed anything.

Who was your favorite character and why?

the Wrecker, unpredictable

Which scene was your favorite?

the castle

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Any additional comments?

good western, a little predictable

heart stopping action until last oeriod!

loved it! glued to my seat until end. fast paced action packed couldn't stop listening !