The Thief: An Isaac Bell Adventure, Book 5

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.

It was pure genius to set the Isaac Bell mysteries at the beginning of the 20th century. The rate of change, and the energy and enthusiasm are infectious.
The romance between Isaac and Marion is uncomplicated, which is a nice change from most fiction.
If you are looking for nuance and dark, conflicted characters, you will be disappointed.

Otherwise, catch a plane, go for a walk or bike ride, put on your headphones, and enjoy.

P.S. Justin Scott's work in the Ben Abbott series is worth a look.

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.

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.

90% of the book had difficulty maintaining my interest - little of the excitement you might expect from a Dirk Pitt novel. Come back Dirk, all is forgiven!

No but I might be careful when buying another book by same authors

Generally good

Disappointment

I would only consider the last 10% a really gripping read. I almost stopped reading it several times but hung in there to get to the end. The least good Cussler book I have read.

Well written book

Mystery and how Bell tracked down the villian

Simply the best. Have enjoyed all his narrated books

The ending

Great job by Clive

I always enjoy Clive Cussler books, especially when its read by Scott Brick. When Cussler writes with another author you can tell, but its a nice mix. The action and susspense are great, but this book had less banter and explaining of 100 year old machinesnes and more emotional and plot driven conflict. It works well, but I really wanted to know how some of the machines worked in this one. Over all it was another home run for the Isaac Bell series.

Descriptions of society, interior design, street scenes, transportation, weapons and motion picture technology make it seem that the author lived then. This apparent authenticity puts the reader in the scene.

I enjoyed this book as much as the others in the Bell series. However the impact of talking movies is a little far fetched when applying it to WWI. It was good reading.I enjoyed the way in which Cussler portrays life in that time period. As a instructor of Underwater Archaeology, I have students occasionally read Cussler's books for fun as well as some factual material
descriptions

in the middle

The wedding of issac Bell

Helps to feel as if you are watching the story from the inside, not just looking in.

No

I have really enjoyed this series, however this just did not hold my attention or hook me like the others. I enjoy the characters and the time frame so will continue to follow the series