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

Great book, amazing characters!

I have to say that Scott Brick took me a while to understand. The first few books of his that I listened to, I did not care for his narration. But, the more that I have listened, the more I have come to not only like his style, but LOVE it. He is such a talent, and this series brings out his best side, without question.

These Clive Cussler books that revolve around Isaac Bell are so good! I love that is is set at the turn of the 20th Century. The detail and voicing lent to the story by the author are so great, and spot on how I imagine the time period to be. I also love the aspect that these books revolve so importantly around the railroad and trains. Trains were such a huge part of the world at this time in our country. That thread pulls these books together so nicely.

You will not be disappointed in this series. I have loved every minute of it, and I can't wait to get on to the next chapter!

Well worth the purchase

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

Of the few I have purchased its well worth it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Isaac Bell

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

No

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

Laugh: Yes Cry: Yes

Great story but for me a slow starter

What did you love best about The Wrecker?

The story itself after it got going was interesting and was very believable

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Wrecker?

How the wrecker devised the attacks

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

Scott Brick is a master no mater what story he is reading

Freight Train of Action!

To the reviewer that said this book focused too much on trains....REALLY!?! If you read the blurb before purchase, it said it was about a villain who sabotages trains...The Wrecker. I am a huge fan of Cussler's work and am hooked on the Isaac Bell series now. What readers and listeners have to understand is that these are adventure stories, not deep meaningful works. Of course there is action, of course there are improbable escapes, and yes, the good guy will always win! That is not a spoiler, there are more books in the series so obviously Bell survives.

Another good one added to Cussler's resume.

Fun railroad nostalgia

This book is set in early 1900s and includes a lot of historical fun about trains. Good characters. Good romance story. Great detective story.

The Wrecker Outstanding Cussler Novel

Narrated by Scott Brick, this is a tense thriller with a great hero Isaac Bell. Cussler weaves American history with the exploits of the great detective Isaac Bell. Watch for more Isaac Bell stories including the The Spy which is another outstanding story; a must read and a must listen. Scott Brick is an outstanding narrator and a storyteller you wont forget.

I can't stop listening

I recently retired, and listening to this series has blown all my goals out of the water. I started with The Thief, and grabbed this one next. Both have been barn-burners. I had some goals when I retired and these two books are working hard to derail my plans. Its good to have a good read that is thrilling and adventuresome, full of surprises without the graphic sex and violence. Can't wait to listen to the entire series!

Mazargreen

Great story, enjoyable, character development, love that he’s creating new characters outside of the original. Dirk Pitt novels really enjoyed listening to this.

Excellent story & read

Wonderful story the Isaac bell series never fails to be
an exciting read great characters & Scott brick brings the characters to life he is superb!

The suspense and engineering work of the early days of the rail

I disliked the cussing but liked the history, the excitement of the story and storyteller