The Striker

By: Clive Cussler, Justin Scott

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Turn-of-the-century detective Isaac Bell goes undercover as a coal miner for his first solo mission in this novel in Clive Cussler's #1 New York Times bestselling series.

It is 1902, and a bright, inexperienced young man named Isaac Bell, only two years out of his apprenticeship at the Van Dorn Detective Agency, has an urgent message for his boss. Hired to hunt for radical unionist saboteurs in the coal mines, he is witness to a terrible accident that makes him think something else is going on…that provocateurs are at work and bigger stakes are in play.

Little does he know just how big they are.

Given exactly one week to prove his case, Bell quickly finds himself pitted against two of the most ruthless opponents he has ever known—men of staggering ambition and cold-bloodedness who are not about to let some wet-behind-the-ears detective stand in their way.

Critic reviews

“James Bond style flair with sabotage and villainy…a great action thriller.”—The Associated Press

“This origin story (every hero needs one) will give Bell’s fans a fresh look at their favorite private investigator.”—Booklist

“The action flows swiftly, and the authors do a good job depicting the work conditions and the class warfare of the time.”—Publishers Weekly

A Peek Into the Early Isaac Bell

Of all the series that Clive Cussler and his co-authors produce, the Isaac Bell series is far and away the best. Justin Scott writes a rollicking story with detailed characters and believable storylines.

His lead character, Isaac Bell is determined (living the van Dorn Agency motto "We never give up!"), intelligent, and capable. Yet he is human making mistakes along the way with other people paying the price.

Scott creates 2 excellent villians for us to dislike and describes the primary villian in exquisite detail so we can see him in our minds clearly. And the second villian hides so well in the shadows keeping us yearning to find out more about him. Yet the writing is not tedious or boring but keeps the reader engaged the whole way.

Scott Brick is one of the best narrators in the business and adds his consistently high quality reader to this book. Whenever I see Scott Brick listed as the narrator, I know I will enjoy the book. I was once again pleased with The Striker.

Classic Cussler

Just enough dialogue and background to move the story along and be entertaining. The plot is well thought out and the characters are easy to pick up. The narrator does a good job.

Another great cussler with issac bell

Yet again, clive cussler brings a great issac bell story! This was my favorite one yet! Thank you audible for helping me to enjoy this fantastic story!!

Cussler is brilliant!

Whether it is Dirk Pitt, the Fargos or Isaac Bell. Once you pick up a Cussler novel, you don't want to put it down.
The Striker is yet another grand adventure of Isaac Bell. Lots of twists and turns, some I didn't see coming. Great read!!!

flashback!

I love the fact that this book is a flashback to a younger Isaac Bell. great story line and performance.

Incredible!

Fantastic story. Even better narration. Cussler never fails to spin an incredible story. Scott Brick puts life into narration beautifully, with emotion at the right moment and enthusiasm in the action and suspense.
Don't miss this one!

Pure enjoyment

Cussler and Scott, and their hero Isaac Bell never disappoint.
Yes, perhaps the writing isn't as polished as Dickens, as creative as Vonneguet, or fun as fun as Twain. But it sure is hard to put down (or stop listening in this case).

Just a good ole ride down the road.

Excellent, really enjoyed this one.

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

The striker does very well against the other Cussler books, it's probably the best Isaac bell book so far.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Issac Bell character, especially with Brik's performance really works well. The story doesn't often leave Bell so you don't really get enough time to form any strong connections with anyone else.

Which scene was your favorite?

It's asking me what my favourite scene is, but that would surely be spoiling it.

Any additional comments?

The Wrecker and The Theif are both great, after that I felt the series was getting a bit tired, this one goes back in time to the early part of Bell's career, and it's just what these books needed!
Most of the hero's in adventure books (apart from Bond) grow old and end up being the president, and it gets well boring. Issac was heading that way, so it's great to go back to the whippersnapper days.

Interesting Subject & Best Bell yet.

Would you listen to The Striker again? Why?

Yes, I rarely listen to books twice but Scott Brick's voice is a pleasure and there was enough action I know I've missed a point or two.

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

As always Great, one of my favorite readers. When I'm not sure what I'm in the mood for he is one of the performers I check and see what else they've done.

Any additional comments?

Clive Cussler has a a great style even now when he partners with other writers, he rarely lets me down for a good time, adventure, mystery and action all in one book. I wasn't sure I would like the Issac Bell Adventures and this is the best yet.

excellent step back to beg. of Isaac's career

unfortunately I wasn't really as interested in the coal strikes in the strikebreakers as I had been in the trains and flight, but that didn't make it any less powerful a story!