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)

Typical Clive Cussler! EXCELLENT

Isaac Bell at his finest. Recommend you read the entire series in order. Great Work Clive!!!

once again it's the indomitable Isaac Bell and the very capable VanDorn agency to task.

I enjoy the that this like the Saturday matinee movies we went growing up, my friends , popcorn great entertainment!

(Very) mildly disappointed! Great novel!

With The Gangster, the 9th book in the Isaac Bell series, being released in 3 days, I'm trying to make it through the prior 8 novels before the release. The Thief is Book 5 in this wonderful historical thriller series. It appear to be set in the year 1912. Isaac Bell and Marion finally get married on a cruise ship crossing the Atlantic to New York.

The twin themes of the book are Germany's preparation for war and the transitioning of the motion picture industry from silent films to "talkies" which is being enabled by the invention of a device that allows for synchronization of sound with video. The inventors, a German professor and his star student, are aboard the cruise ship. Also aboard is the thief who is determined to steal the invention.

This is a complex novel with almost continuous action and suspense. The action begins on the Cunard Line's Mauretania, goes to New York then to DC, then to San Francisco, then back to New York and finally back to the Mauretania cruise ship. Marion plays a bigger role in The Thief than in prior books in the series.

A historical point: The Thief exposes Thomas Edison as more a thief of technology than as an inventor. That is historically accurate. Thus the title of the book could be referring to Edison as much as the German "acrobat" who is seeking to steal the motion picture technology.

My mild disappointment with The Thief is that the plot is a little too complex. The authors handle it well, but the listener must pay very close attention to avoid getting lost.

Scott Brick's narration is flawless.

Standard Cussler Fare

I like to listen to books by Clive Cussler and those who co-write with him. The combination of these authors and Scott Brick make for some interesting listening. I have found that I can "take" Cussler books with moderation and in small doses. Took much Cussler for me can lead to disinterest.

Great storyline and reading

I have enjoyed Clive Cussler books, especially the Issac Bell series. This does not dissapoint! Scott Brick is ny far my favorite narrator on Audible.

Another Excellent Issac Bell Novel

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.

Love this series, and Scott Brick

Scott Brick just makes this series even better, love the history of the books can't wait for the next one

Another excellent Bell story

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

If you have enjoyed the previous Bell stories then you will enjoy this one. I really love the time period these books are in. If you enjoy Cussler or Bell get the book

What did you like best about this story?

Main character and competition with the villian. Really good chess match.

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

All of Scott's performances are good IMO.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

People may think I am crazy but I really enjoyed the Epilogue. Really was a nice ending to the book.

Clive and Issac do it in style

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

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