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
"A Must Listen"
The Wrecker is one of those stories that makes you feel like you are there. The narrator has done a masterful job of depicting all the varied characters in this story. Wonderfully done!
Definitely a 'Must Listen'.
"A great read"
I enjoyed "The Chase" but wasn't thrilled with it. This book, on the other hand was terrific. It was everything I expect from CC but without the water and/or ships. It's Defiantly worth the download and read. I highly recommend it!
sports announcer, cyclist, enjoys to travel and the outdoors.
"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.
"Wanted to Love It, But Didn't"
Scott Brick does a great job narrating this book, in fact he really does a phenomenal job bringing this to life. My biggest issue with The Wrecker was its heavy emphasis on trains. Unless you have had a childhood of train sets and history of train books lying around your bedroom floor I don't think you will get a lot out of this book. The action in the book is good, and The Wrecker proves to be a worthy villian, but the books heavy reliance on trains starts to run thin throughout the book.
"Serious fun."
This is a series where Cussler keeps writing amazingly well although just a bit cartoonish. The narrator is perfect for its style. precise elegant diction, might almost be pompous if it weren't so entertaining. No one has written as enthusiastically on the marvels of Victorian era technology since Sherlock quoted rail timetables to Dr. Watson.
There's nothing wrong with cartoon characters, Superman and Batman were. Cusssler's cast of characters are fleshed out a lot more than those guys for amusing adults, and that works.
Would make a great movie series. "Bet you can't eat just one."
Travel a lot for work and spend a good deal of time in the car.
"I Love This Series"
This is a great series. I can't wait to dig my claws ito the next book. The characters are excellent! I could totally see Dirk Pitt reading all about Issac Bell. :-)
"What a great book!"
Scott Brick is to Isaac Bell what Clark Kent is to Superman. What an unbelievable journey across these vast plains at the turn of the century. Rich characters, scenery and dialog. You really feel as though you are on the train and taking part in the Van Dorn investigation. Can't wait to finish the Chase.
I have listened to over 250 books in the last 10 years. I tend to listen to certain authors and try to read all their books. I listen while exercising and driving which makes the time past enjoyable.
"Great new action hero"
The combination of Clive Cussler and Scott Brick cannot be beat. Cussler's new action character in the person of detective Isaac Bell adds a new dimension to an action hero in historical fiction. The Chase and now The Wrecker, I hope is the start of a series compatible to my favorite action character Dirk Pitt. The historical fiction in the Isaac Bell stories has a more real scheme that the NUMA adventures..
"Awesome!!!! Buy it 100%"
This is what Audible is all about--a great story--great characters and , as always, Scott Brick bringing it all to life. The man is just fantastic. If you like historical fiction, you will be in heaven. One that i wished wasn't ending.
Mike, New Canaan, CT