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

Exciting

Scott Brick is a very talented reader. The story has many twists and turns that you will enjoy.

Yet another brilliant Clive original!

Extremely captivating with exquisite details throughout that easily put you at the scene nearly 115 years ago. So brilliantly written with close to a half dozen unexpected twists and turns. Cheers Clive, cheers!

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."

Pay attention, tracks don't appear to be in order

What made the experience of listening to The Wrecker the most enjoyable?

Enjoyed the story line and the narrator. Some of the tracks appear to be out of order, especially in chapter 1 which makes for a confusing read. As long as you pay attention, you can follow the story.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Plot was excellent.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Narrator was believable, an enjoyable read

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

na

Any additional comments?

none

Aventure Edge of your seat

The was a great adventure, very hard to stop listening. Cussler always delivers, add Scott is and it is just good extra stuff!

Wrecker ruined my sleep!

This book was so exciting I had a hard time stop listening...! Awesome! Stirring images in my mind! You will love it!

A Classic Match between author and narrator.

What made the experience of listening to The Wrecker the most enjoyable?

Clive Cussler and Scott Brick continue to work as a great team. Both add interesting nuances to the plot, depth to the characters and sustain reader interest throughout!

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

Yes - This one is another example of the artist's polished skill.

a Louis L'Amour dirk pitt

great storyline in the issac bell series. keeps it interesting. a western Era Moriarty class villain

very enjoyable book

great story and memorable characters
fast paced with complex plot and situations.
good detail about trains and the turn of the century Era.

Entertaining! Great narration!

This was my fourth-- and one of my favorite--Cussler novels. If you like the I. Bell series, this is worth the listen: great plot structure, interesting characters, and engaging narration by Brick.