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wonder_kinder's review against another edition
3.0
ok crime novel. fun chase story. trains, cars, banking are detailed and interesting. good fun read.
dozylocal's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Lots of cars, trains and chases. Hunting down a clever bank robber. Surviving the San Francisco earthquake and fire. If you were looking for action, this is where you'll find it. Sometimes the mechanical details regarding cars and trains from the 1900s was, although interesting, a little overwhelming. It's still a fun read.
Lots of cars, trains and chases. Hunting down a clever bank robber. Surviving the San Francisco earthquake and fire. If you were looking for action, this is where you'll find it. Sometimes the mechanical details regarding cars and trains from the 1900s was, although interesting, a little overwhelming. It's still a fun read.
gabbeebe's review against another edition
2.0
I struggled for a bit trying to decided how I felt about this book, suspecting I thought it was sexist, but not wanting to label it so just because it has a male protagonist. At last I found the exact sentence that illustrated how much this book was not written for women: "Then Bell said 'Everything is delicious. You'll make some lucky man a wonderful wife one day.' The words came like a warm breeze across the nape of her neck and a flush of blood flowed across her breasts, hardening the nipples.'"
The author seems to be under the misconception that the slightest hint of marriage from a male suitor turns women on and makes them randy. Not quite.
If you can get past the blatant sexism and that Issac Bell is whole unrealistic as a character, it is an adventure story that has its place among the reading public.
The history tidbits were interesting.
The author seems to be under the misconception that the slightest hint of marriage from a male suitor turns women on and makes them randy. Not quite.
If you can get past the blatant sexism and that Issac Bell is whole unrealistic as a character, it is an adventure story that has its place among the reading public.
The history tidbits were interesting.
rebelbelle13's review against another edition
3.0
I was upset to hear that Clive Cussler had passed away, and I felt guilty that I had never read any of his novels. I picked up this little gem in a used book store and dove right in. The story takes place during 1906 in the Western part of the US. The characters bounce around using trains and the latest automobiles of the time period, the brilliantly villainous Cromwell staying one step ahead of our protagonist and James-Bondesque good guy Bell. It's believable to a point, except Bell can do no wrong and all the women fall over themselves in his presence. It's a bit of a Gary Stu fantasy, but there's still a good time to be had here. If you enjoy heist stories, and the good cop figure chasing after the bad thief, then this is the book for you. The reason why I've rated it lower is the fact that the narrative stalled around 1/3 of the way in, and it took some convincing to dive back in and finish it. The other is the appalling romance. Granted, Cussler isn't known for his romance stories, and there's a reason for that. The insta-love happened so quickly that I was sure that Bell was using Marion for her connection to Cromwell, and didn't believe that he really cared about her until the end. There's no relationship development for either of them. I wasn't expecting a great American romance story, but come on, Cussler. All this to say, it was fine, enjoyable for what it was, but not much else.
sharksfan32's review against another edition
4.0
This book started a little slower than most of Mr. Cussler's other works. But stick with it. it will soon have you flipping through the pages to see how Isaac Bell catches the infamous Butcher Bandit.
finnjie's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
dabrit's review against another edition
3.0
Wanted to like this more than I did. Should be fantastic, age of steam, western theme, evil badies, romance, dramatic ending. But just too many stretches of the imagination for me. The writing was not mature and I kept thinking to myself, well why has that character done that? It doesn't make sense. If you are happy to suspend your disbelief and want a face paced historical detective story then this is for you. Not so much if you put any thought into what you read. Sorry
jennifermreads's review against another edition
5.0
I'm hooked to Cussler and ready to read more! A page turner even for a non-western fan. The train chase had me on the edge of my seat.
** Edit to review 2020: Still, over 10 years later, I recommend this book to library patrons. Every single one returns to me and says "THANK YOU! THIS WAS INCREDIBLE!"
** Edit to review 2020: Still, over 10 years later, I recommend this book to library patrons. Every single one returns to me and says "THANK YOU! THIS WAS INCREDIBLE!"
mmelberg's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75