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Isaac Bell #14
The Heist
Isaac Bell returns for another thrilling mission in a new book from the Grand Master of Adventure, Clive Cussler - pre-order your copy now!Charismatic, handsome, and fiercely loyal, Isaac Bell is a no-nonsense private detective at the Van Dorn Detective Agency. Travelling all over early 20th century America in pursuit of justice for his clients, chasing down a steam train in a sports automobile is all in a day’s work for Bell. And while he’s on the trail of thieves, killers, and sometimes much worse, he’ll have to use his every last wit to stay ahead of those he seeks, and to stay alive . . .Praise for Clive Adventure King' Sunday Express'Just about the best in the business' New York Post'Cussler is hard to beat' Daily Mail
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2024
546 people are currently reading
894 people want to read
About the author
Clive Cussler
647 books8,544 followersCussler began writing novels in 1965 and published his first work featuring his continuous series hero, Dirk Pitt, in 1973. His first non-fiction, The Sea Hunters, was released in 1996. The Board of Governors of the Maritime College, State University of New York, considered The Sea Hunters in lieu of a Ph.D. thesis and awarded Cussler a Doctor of Letters degree in May, 1997. It was the first time since the College was founded in 1874 that such a degree was bestowed.
Cussler was an internationally recognized authority on shipwrecks and the founder of the National Underwater and Marine Agency, (NUMA) a 501C3 non-profit organization (named after the fictional Federal agency in his novels) that dedicates itself to preserving American maritime and naval history. He and his crew of marine experts and NUMA volunteers discovered more than 60 historically significant underwater wreck sites including the first submarine to sink a ship in battle, the Confederacy's Hunley, and its victim, the Union's Housatonic; the U-20, the U-boat that sank the Lusitania; the Cumberland, which was sunk by the famous ironclad, Merrimack; the renowned Confederate raider Florida; the Navy airship, Akron, the Republic of Texas Navy warship, Zavala, found under a parking lot in Galveston, and the Carpathia, which sank almost six years to-the-day after plucking Titanic's survivors from the sea.
In addition to being the Chairman of NUMA, Cussler was also a fellow in both the Explorers Club of New York and the Royal Geographic Society in London. He was honored with the Lowell Thomas Award for outstanding underwater exploration.
Cussler's books have been published in more than 40 languages in more than 100 countries. His past international bestsellers include Pacific Vortex, Mediterranean Caper, Iceberg, Raise the Titanic, Vixen 03, Night Probe, Deep Six, Cyclops, Treasure, Dragon, Sahara, Inca Gold, Shock Wave, Flood Tide, Atlantis Found, Valhalla Rising, Trojan Odyssey and Black Wind (this last with his son, Dirk Cussler); the nonfiction books The Sea Hunters, The Sea Hunters II and Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed; the NUMA® Files novels Serpent, Blue Gold, Fire Ice, White Death and Lost City (written with Paul Kemprecos); and the Oregon Files novels Sacred Stone and Golden Buddha (written with Craig Dirgo) and Dark Watch (written with Jack Du Brul).
Clive Cussler died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 24, 2020.
Cussler was an internationally recognized authority on shipwrecks and the founder of the National Underwater and Marine Agency, (NUMA) a 501C3 non-profit organization (named after the fictional Federal agency in his novels) that dedicates itself to preserving American maritime and naval history. He and his crew of marine experts and NUMA volunteers discovered more than 60 historically significant underwater wreck sites including the first submarine to sink a ship in battle, the Confederacy's Hunley, and its victim, the Union's Housatonic; the U-20, the U-boat that sank the Lusitania; the Cumberland, which was sunk by the famous ironclad, Merrimack; the renowned Confederate raider Florida; the Navy airship, Akron, the Republic of Texas Navy warship, Zavala, found under a parking lot in Galveston, and the Carpathia, which sank almost six years to-the-day after plucking Titanic's survivors from the sea.
In addition to being the Chairman of NUMA, Cussler was also a fellow in both the Explorers Club of New York and the Royal Geographic Society in London. He was honored with the Lowell Thomas Award for outstanding underwater exploration.
Cussler's books have been published in more than 40 languages in more than 100 countries. His past international bestsellers include Pacific Vortex, Mediterranean Caper, Iceberg, Raise the Titanic, Vixen 03, Night Probe, Deep Six, Cyclops, Treasure, Dragon, Sahara, Inca Gold, Shock Wave, Flood Tide, Atlantis Found, Valhalla Rising, Trojan Odyssey and Black Wind (this last with his son, Dirk Cussler); the nonfiction books The Sea Hunters, The Sea Hunters II and Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed; the NUMA® Files novels Serpent, Blue Gold, Fire Ice, White Death and Lost City (written with Paul Kemprecos); and the Oregon Files novels Sacred Stone and Golden Buddha (written with Craig Dirgo) and Dark Watch (written with Jack Du Brul).
Clive Cussler died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 24, 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
May 1, 2025
The Heist
is the fourteenth book in the Isaac Bell historical thriller series started by Clive Cussler and continued by Jack Du Brul. In August of 1914, President Woodrow Wilson is meeting with the twelve bankers who have agreed to head one of the twelve newly created Federal Reserve Banks on the presidential yacht. Bell is attending the meeting as a security agent with his father, who will be the head banker of the Boston region. With the yacht comes under attack from an airplane, Bell shoots down the plane.
As he investigates the attack, Bell encounters other problems. While responding to a murder scene in Rhode Island, he learns of a heist planned for the new federal printing and engraving building in Washington D.C., where the new currency has been printed. Can he track down the thieves and currency before America’s economy is destroyed?
Bell is the chief investigator of the Van Dorn Detective Agency. He’s detail oriented, likes quick results, embraces societal and technological changes, and is a natural leader. He doesn’t enjoy wooing potential clients, but understands it’s part of his job. His strong sense of duty comes through his words, actions, and thoughts. The other characters did not have the depth of Bell’s character, but readers will get a good feel for their dynamics and relationships with others.
The plot is excellent with several twists and dialogue that felt natural. I was quickly pulled into the characters’ world. While the narrative is descriptive at times, it didn’t adversely affect the pacing. Instead, it transported this reader to the various events occurring in multiple states. The story is full of unpredictable moments that kept this reader guessing what would happen next.
This book will thrill fans of historical crime thrillers who enjoy a story with a mix of real and fictional characters woven into a fictional set of events. It captured the characters and lifestyles of the times and brought them to life. The story has a deeply involved plot with several seemingly disconnected crimes that culminate into an action-packed and astonishing conclusion. The novel highlights politics, law enforcement, government, greed, and the intersection where they all meet.
Overall, this is a briskly paced and entertaining page-turner that kept me engaged throughout the suspenseful and high stakes historical thriller. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Fans of historical thrillers will likely enjoy this series.
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam – G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Jack Du Brul provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 07, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.41 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
As he investigates the attack, Bell encounters other problems. While responding to a murder scene in Rhode Island, he learns of a heist planned for the new federal printing and engraving building in Washington D.C., where the new currency has been printed. Can he track down the thieves and currency before America’s economy is destroyed?
Bell is the chief investigator of the Van Dorn Detective Agency. He’s detail oriented, likes quick results, embraces societal and technological changes, and is a natural leader. He doesn’t enjoy wooing potential clients, but understands it’s part of his job. His strong sense of duty comes through his words, actions, and thoughts. The other characters did not have the depth of Bell’s character, but readers will get a good feel for their dynamics and relationships with others.
The plot is excellent with several twists and dialogue that felt natural. I was quickly pulled into the characters’ world. While the narrative is descriptive at times, it didn’t adversely affect the pacing. Instead, it transported this reader to the various events occurring in multiple states. The story is full of unpredictable moments that kept this reader guessing what would happen next.
This book will thrill fans of historical crime thrillers who enjoy a story with a mix of real and fictional characters woven into a fictional set of events. It captured the characters and lifestyles of the times and brought them to life. The story has a deeply involved plot with several seemingly disconnected crimes that culminate into an action-packed and astonishing conclusion. The novel highlights politics, law enforcement, government, greed, and the intersection where they all meet.
Overall, this is a briskly paced and entertaining page-turner that kept me engaged throughout the suspenseful and high stakes historical thriller. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Fans of historical thrillers will likely enjoy this series.
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam – G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Jack Du Brul provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 07, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.41 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
June 20, 2024
This is the first book I ever read in the Isaac Bell series and I didn’t realize it took place entirely in the early 1900s but it was a very pleasant surprise. I was expecting a typical Cussler tale, which it kinda was but at least in a different time period. I’ll definitely check out others in the series. Isaac doesn’t shy away from dishing out the violence and there are definitely some scenes in the book that’ll stick with you - especially the lumber yard and the alligators!
All in all a very entertaining and thrilling action adventure.
All in all a very entertaining and thrilling action adventure.
December 29, 2024
The summer of 1914, when the attack on Woodrow Wilson's presidential yacht, where Van Dorn detective Isaac Bell had accompanied his father, and other bankers, as they sailed down the Potomac, was the beginning of a horror few months for Bell. At the time of the attack, he shot the small plane down, saving those on board the yacht. With brand new currency notes set to be launched to America's public, it was a race against time to stop those who wanted to destroy the Federal Reserve system and the country's economy and Bell soon became aware of the criminals involved. Knowing who they were up against, Bell had several attempts made on his life. Could he, and friend and fellow Van Dorn detective, Archie, find and stop those responsible before it was too late?
The Heist is the 14th in the Isaac Bell series by Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul, who continued with this series when Cussler sadly passed away in 2020. I've read pretty much all of Cussler's novels and don't recall as much violence as is in The Heist, but that said, I did enjoy it, although it's not quite up to Cussler's standards IMO. Isaac Bell reminds me of Jack Reacher in this book, super human and continuing on regardless of injury! Recommended.
The Heist is the 14th in the Isaac Bell series by Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul, who continued with this series when Cussler sadly passed away in 2020. I've read pretty much all of Cussler's novels and don't recall as much violence as is in The Heist, but that said, I did enjoy it, although it's not quite up to Cussler's standards IMO. Isaac Bell reminds me of Jack Reacher in this book, super human and continuing on regardless of injury! Recommended.
June 10, 2024
Another great Issac Bell adventure!
October 2, 2024
Time for another Clive Cussler Wednesday.
It's 1913, and The Federal Reserve is about to start issuing greenbacks. Meanwhile, Isaac Bell solves an old fashioned locked room mystery.
Then somebody steals all the money in the vault of the Reserve, and Bell tries to track down the robbers.
Very exciting. Weird that there is no real conspiracy angle with the Fed, though.
It's 1913, and The Federal Reserve is about to start issuing greenbacks. Meanwhile, Isaac Bell solves an old fashioned locked room mystery.
Then somebody steals all the money in the vault of the Reserve, and Bell tries to track down the robbers.
Very exciting. Weird that there is no real conspiracy angle with the Fed, though.
April 6, 2024
Not an unbiased review as I prefer the Isaac Bell (historical) series even over the Dirk Cussler series.
This seems to be Jack Du Brul's fourth in this series after beginning with 7 of the Oregon Files novels, but as he has co-written very well in the more modern-day series, it's all to the good. The thing of basic importance is the research, and he has done that as expertly as expected. Lots of familiar Van Dorn agents and friends as well as new people historically based in the new Treasury Department and Bureau of engraving. But don't forget a new assassin and more gangs! Greenbacks are the newest thing in US dollars and the banks need to do the in-person work. Before the funds can even get to the banks there is a well organized and creative bunch of crooks who steal the money and TRY to Take out Agent Bell. Nice try, fellas! Great hair-raising read.
I requested and received a temporary EARC from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley. Thank you also to copyright holder Sandecker RLLLP for continuing to back this Series and all the others. Yes, I do plan to add this to my audio collection. Pub Date 07 May 2024
This seems to be Jack Du Brul's fourth in this series after beginning with 7 of the Oregon Files novels, but as he has co-written very well in the more modern-day series, it's all to the good. The thing of basic importance is the research, and he has done that as expertly as expected. Lots of familiar Van Dorn agents and friends as well as new people historically based in the new Treasury Department and Bureau of engraving. But don't forget a new assassin and more gangs! Greenbacks are the newest thing in US dollars and the banks need to do the in-person work. Before the funds can even get to the banks there is a well organized and creative bunch of crooks who steal the money and TRY to Take out Agent Bell. Nice try, fellas! Great hair-raising read.
I requested and received a temporary EARC from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley. Thank you also to copyright holder Sandecker RLLLP for continuing to back this Series and all the others. Yes, I do plan to add this to my audio collection. Pub Date 07 May 2024
May 16, 2024
Uncharacteristically Cussler, sadly
I own and have read every book penned under Cussler's name to include his children's books and car book. I have also read 5 of Du Brul's books so had the high expectations that I have always found in the story telling. Not so in this book. It lacks the enthusiasm and intriguing narrative. Cussler's writing style, no matter the series, follows a familiar pattern, which this book lacks. Perhaps the outline left by Cussler lacked the detail. Loaded with flowery prose as if to fill space, it added nothing to story. Though deaths do occur in Cussler's books, the graphic detail of men being burned alive, describing their agonizing screams or cut up in saws and wood choppers would disappoint Cussler who attempted to appeal to a younger reader. The story finally picked up steam half way through only to be minimized but the graphics. Cussler, I believe, would not be happy.
I own and have read every book penned under Cussler's name to include his children's books and car book. I have also read 5 of Du Brul's books so had the high expectations that I have always found in the story telling. Not so in this book. It lacks the enthusiasm and intriguing narrative. Cussler's writing style, no matter the series, follows a familiar pattern, which this book lacks. Perhaps the outline left by Cussler lacked the detail. Loaded with flowery prose as if to fill space, it added nothing to story. Though deaths do occur in Cussler's books, the graphic detail of men being burned alive, describing their agonizing screams or cut up in saws and wood choppers would disappoint Cussler who attempted to appeal to a younger reader. The story finally picked up steam half way through only to be minimized but the graphics. Cussler, I believe, would not be happy.
June 15, 2024
Decent Isaac Ball, as the he and the Van Dooren Agency, investigate a possible murder of a wealthy, Newport socialite, an aerial attack on President Willson's yacht during a meeting of the future heads of the Federal Reserve Banks, and finally the audacious billion dollar "Heist" from the new "Fed."...I couldn't help but notice, legacy author Jack Du Brul's use of many of the Anti-Fed arguments, using the voice of one of the conspirators...It sounded like it was ripped from the pages of G. Edward Griffin's "The Creature from Jekyll Island"...It kind of made me sympathetic to that character...Just good Cussler fun!
July 4, 2024
Another excellent entry in the Isaac Bell series. I was a fan of DuBrul's work long before he started co-writing with Cussler and he never disappoints.
As mentioned in the title the central storyline is a massive heist. As it happens, Bell was in position on a related matter early on.
Impressive sleuthing, several murders and great characters make for a impelling story.
As mentioned in the title the central storyline is a massive heist. As it happens, Bell was in position on a related matter early on.
Impressive sleuthing, several murders and great characters make for a impelling story.
June 17, 2024
A generous 3 stars. The only similarity to a Clive Cussler book is in the title. Some clever twists within the book but overall a so-so book
December 18, 2023
A group of twelve bankers meet on the President's yacht to discuss the particulars of setting up the Federal Reserve System. The president is called away due to his wife's illness and leaves the yacht. The yacht proceeds down the river and is attacked by an airplane dropping incendiary bombs. Isaac Bell is on board with his father, one of the bankers. He jumps into action and gets the water hoses going to put out the fire. Then he sees the plane coming around again so he breaks into the Arms cabinet and pulls out a Hotchkiss machine gun and fires on the plane. He hits the plane and its pilot and watches it go down in the Maryland countryside.
This is the beginning of a case for the Treasury department but Bell can't keep himself from thinking about it. Meanwhile he is called out to investigate a suspicious death in Rhode Island. This is the beginning that will touch these two cases in to a wild ride of a case. Dangers and near death experiences occur in rapid succession and the reader won't be able to put the story down.
This is a fabulous read. The author has expertly written a true sequel in this wonderful series.
This is the beginning of a case for the Treasury department but Bell can't keep himself from thinking about it. Meanwhile he is called out to investigate a suspicious death in Rhode Island. This is the beginning that will touch these two cases in to a wild ride of a case. Dangers and near death experiences occur in rapid succession and the reader won't be able to put the story down.
This is a fabulous read. The author has expertly written a true sequel in this wonderful series.
November 15, 2024
This reading by Jack Du Brul is a pretty good copy of Clive's style, a superhero who becomes a one-man army, defying all schemes of a wealthy criminal. It contains an airborne bombing, a sinking ferry, some human-eating gators, a wild airboat ride in the swamps, and an attack by the Irish dock workers only to have Isaac Bell never breaking into a sweat. Add a few classic cars to the chase, one can fully sit back and enjoy the ride of excitement.
Jack does justice to a man (Clive) whom I once met while he lived in Colorado as he discussed one of his ship stories.
Jack does justice to a man (Clive) whom I once met while he lived in Colorado as he discussed one of his ship stories.
August 24, 2025
It’s not good. I didn’t realize it was 14th in the series but it stands alone pretty well all things considered. It’s just that the author writes women as if he’s never met or spoke to one?? Like bro what are we doing. The plot could be good but it lacks the depth that makes it a page turner for me
September 7, 2024
More Clive! I love this series 😇
August 30, 2025
There's been a very weird phenomenon here on Goodreads over the last couple of years. Books under the "Clive Cussler" banner have been getting very high ratings. We're talking well North of 4.30. That puts them all firmly ahead of the likes of War and Peace, and in the case of the recently rated The Heist, a 4.39, which is knocking on the door of Lord of the Rings. Is the publishing company spamming this site w/fake ratings and reviews? I'm not a conspiracy theorist, and I'm certainly not a book snob. I just find it a bit... curious.
Anyway, back to The Heist. I've dabbled in the Cusslerverse over the years. I've read some Dirk Pitt, and nearly all of the NUMA books since Graham Brown took over the series. The quality of the latter has fallen way off IMO, and I've decided to bail. But I'd never read anything from the Isaac Bell series. I thought that the basic premise sounded interesting, what with its early 20th century setting and non-oceanic setting. And of course, since Jack Du Brul (an author I've read before) took over, the ratings have skyrocketed. So with a little bit of skepticism, I decide to give it a go.
This is not a bad book. Not at all. Unlike so many of the Cussler books, this one has an actual story and plot! And it keeps things more grounded than the increasingly ridiculous NUMA books. But I just don't get the glowing praise. Bell isn't the most likable character, nor are the supporting characters who occupy his universe. It all helps to knock the entire thing down a peg because while I like the adventure well enough, I just don't care for my companions.
Anyway, back to The Heist. I've dabbled in the Cusslerverse over the years. I've read some Dirk Pitt, and nearly all of the NUMA books since Graham Brown took over the series. The quality of the latter has fallen way off IMO, and I've decided to bail. But I'd never read anything from the Isaac Bell series. I thought that the basic premise sounded interesting, what with its early 20th century setting and non-oceanic setting. And of course, since Jack Du Brul (an author I've read before) took over, the ratings have skyrocketed. So with a little bit of skepticism, I decide to give it a go.
This is not a bad book. Not at all. Unlike so many of the Cussler books, this one has an actual story and plot! And it keeps things more grounded than the increasingly ridiculous NUMA books. But I just don't get the glowing praise. Bell isn't the most likable character, nor are the supporting characters who occupy his universe. It all helps to knock the entire thing down a peg because while I like the adventure well enough, I just don't care for my companions.
June 30, 2024
Clive Cussler does adventure/action stories very well, and the Isaac Bell series is set in the early 1900s. I think the book is even better without all the modern devices - weapons, communication - so the Van Dorn detectives must solve the problems with brain and brawn.
November 20, 2025
The Heist is an excellent entry, offering a great mix of historical fiction combined with fast-paced action, adventure, and compelling sleuthing.
The Isaac Bell Adventures has quickly become my favorite of the series started by Clive Cussler. Jack Du Brul has done an outstanding job capturing the essence of Cussler’s classic style (like the spirit of Dirk Pitt), but with a refreshing focus.
What I especially enjoy is the introduction of different technologies developed during this time period, rather than just focusing on the usual nautical or automotive aspects.
This is a truly wonderful series—I can't wait to read the next installment, #15!
June 19, 2024
Heist, July 24, Texas
Good read. Some unexpected turns. Some expected character actions. If you like the bell series you'll like this one too. Enough intrigue and suspense to keep you reading.
Good read. Some unexpected turns. Some expected character actions. If you like the bell series you'll like this one too. Enough intrigue and suspense to keep you reading.
October 23, 2024
Another fun Isaac Bell adventure.
But what would fans of the book “The Creature from Jekyll Island” think of this novel portraying the Federal Reserve in a positive light?
Meanwhile, nice to see Isaac toting .45 autos again.
But what would fans of the book “The Creature from Jekyll Island” think of this novel portraying the Federal Reserve in a positive light?
Meanwhile, nice to see Isaac toting .45 autos again.
June 10, 2024
I love this series, and how they can intertwine real events/people into the story. Often times I don't even realize the characters are real people until I stop and google their names. I can't wait for the next one since they are always a fun time.
June 14, 2024
4.5 out of 5 stars. It's been a while since I've read an Isaac Bell book, but this one brought it all back. A very good read, but it seemed to be a bit quick. And there just felt like something was different. Probably that Clive Cussler is gone, so it wasn't written by him? A very good book nonetheless. The descriptions of the trains though...... oof.
January 19, 2024
Clive Cussler’s The Heist is a new Issac Bell adventure penned by Jack du Brul. Though Bell, star detective of the Van Dorn Detective Agency, in the early 1900’s, is my favorite Cussler series, this novel left me feeling that the character is losing just a bit of steam.
The story has all of the elements of a Cussler adventure, an airplane strafing bullets onto a ship board meeting of bank heads, I found the plot a bit slower than usual.
The opening mystery carefully solved by the detective had the feel of a Sherlock Holmes pastiche, and seemed misplaced and unrelated to the tale that followed it. Later the reader is shown that there is a connection, however that style made The Heist less of a page turner than it could have been.
Still, I am glad I read it, and no doubt will read the next one. My hope is that the next novel returns to form, to which this one is close.
The story has all of the elements of a Cussler adventure, an airplane strafing bullets onto a ship board meeting of bank heads, I found the plot a bit slower than usual.
The opening mystery carefully solved by the detective had the feel of a Sherlock Holmes pastiche, and seemed misplaced and unrelated to the tale that followed it. Later the reader is shown that there is a connection, however that style made The Heist less of a page turner than it could have been.
Still, I am glad I read it, and no doubt will read the next one. My hope is that the next novel returns to form, to which this one is close.
August 26, 2024
I Miss Clive
I have never written a bad review on a Clive Cussler book…this is my first. I love the Isaac Bell series…and this one still has a lot of suspense and fairly good story line…with one significant mistake. But that is not my issue. The difference was the needless graphic violence it contained in many parts of the story. While Cussler books have always had violence…they have always been less descriptive than this one. I have read all the Clive Cussler novels, so I feel I am in a good position to make this comment. I will assume this is based on Jack Du Brul’s writing…An author I have liked in the past…but I think this will be my last book by him.
I have never written a bad review on a Clive Cussler book…this is my first. I love the Isaac Bell series…and this one still has a lot of suspense and fairly good story line…with one significant mistake. But that is not my issue. The difference was the needless graphic violence it contained in many parts of the story. While Cussler books have always had violence…they have always been less descriptive than this one. I have read all the Clive Cussler novels, so I feel I am in a good position to make this comment. I will assume this is based on Jack Du Brul’s writing…An author I have liked in the past…but I think this will be my last book by him.
August 31, 2025
This is the latest book in the Isaac Bell series and the first one written solely by the co-author Jack Du Buel continuing the series storyline. The presentation of the story continuing the pre-FBI agency called the Van Dorn agency in these books is done smothlessly but this author has changed how the characters interact with each other giving them a more playful tone that wasn't seen in the former 13 prior books in this series. But that slight change didn't decrease the reading enjoyment of the the tale in this novel.
The Heist in this tale, is an attempt to control the currency in print being put into circular by the newly formed Federal Reserve in 1914. Before this time, in the USA, we had no standard forms of currency across the entire nation, just like we didn't have a joint railroad system. With the start of the Federal reserve system, all the bill denominations would have a standard facing and back, printed on a special paper with a certain type of ink. They wanted to standardize the bills plus hopefully create a safe secure system that prevents counterfeiting. But like today's age of digital hackers, counterfeiters and thieves found opportunities to try to control the bills in circulation. What was the best part of this novel was how Isaac Bell figured out who was the mastermind that connected all the different situations he was experiencing-that not only threatened his life-but were all interconnected. At the end of this case, Isaac Bell needs a well deserved vacation to rest. We also get to see his wife Marion, get a bit involved, by helping him supplying some movie props and also as a backup deterrent to any escapees.
The Heist in this tale, is an attempt to control the currency in print being put into circular by the newly formed Federal Reserve in 1914. Before this time, in the USA, we had no standard forms of currency across the entire nation, just like we didn't have a joint railroad system. With the start of the Federal reserve system, all the bill denominations would have a standard facing and back, printed on a special paper with a certain type of ink. They wanted to standardize the bills plus hopefully create a safe secure system that prevents counterfeiting. But like today's age of digital hackers, counterfeiters and thieves found opportunities to try to control the bills in circulation. What was the best part of this novel was how Isaac Bell figured out who was the mastermind that connected all the different situations he was experiencing-that not only threatened his life-but were all interconnected. At the end of this case, Isaac Bell needs a well deserved vacation to rest. We also get to see his wife Marion, get a bit involved, by helping him supplying some movie props and also as a backup deterrent to any escapees.
May 7, 2024
** “I guess if you’re going after the biggest score of greenbacks in history, it has to be the most meticulously planned heist.” **
Author Jack Du Brul continues the legacy of Clive Cussler’s Isaac Bell series with its 14th installment, “The Heist.”
Van Dorn Detective Agency’s lead detective Isaac Bell is on the presidential yacht for a special meeting to discuss the creation of the Federal Reserve Bank. But when an aerial attack hits, he finds himself drawn into a case deeper than the attempt on the yacht and its important members of the banking industry.
As he digs into the case, as well as into a mysterious death of an influential Rhode Island woman, he finds himself pulled into one of history’s greatest heists. Can Isaac solve the mystery, and possibly save America’s economy?
After the passing of Cussler, Du Brul does a seamless job of continuing Bell’s incredible story in “The Heist.” It features all our favorite characters, like Bell and his wife Marion, fellow detective Archie Abbott, and agency owner Joseph Van Dorn, as well as new characters, including a creepy Irishman, and historical characters like Woodrow Wilson and author Eliot Ness. He keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, all while creating a high-paced story with many stressful moments, yet also some comedic times too.
Fans of action-filled stories and historical novels will love “The Heist.”
Five stars out of five.
G.P. Putnam’s Sons provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Author Jack Du Brul continues the legacy of Clive Cussler’s Isaac Bell series with its 14th installment, “The Heist.”
Van Dorn Detective Agency’s lead detective Isaac Bell is on the presidential yacht for a special meeting to discuss the creation of the Federal Reserve Bank. But when an aerial attack hits, he finds himself drawn into a case deeper than the attempt on the yacht and its important members of the banking industry.
As he digs into the case, as well as into a mysterious death of an influential Rhode Island woman, he finds himself pulled into one of history’s greatest heists. Can Isaac solve the mystery, and possibly save America’s economy?
After the passing of Cussler, Du Brul does a seamless job of continuing Bell’s incredible story in “The Heist.” It features all our favorite characters, like Bell and his wife Marion, fellow detective Archie Abbott, and agency owner Joseph Van Dorn, as well as new characters, including a creepy Irishman, and historical characters like Woodrow Wilson and author Eliot Ness. He keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, all while creating a high-paced story with many stressful moments, yet also some comedic times too.
Fans of action-filled stories and historical novels will love “The Heist.”
Five stars out of five.
G.P. Putnam’s Sons provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
June 10, 2024
Here is my Summary Free and Spoiler Free review of the Heist by Jack Du Brul (and the deceased Clive Cussler). I enjoyed the book of the series as much as I have enjoyed the other books of the series and that is 4 stars. I do prefer the Dirk Pitt stories and the Oregon Files to Issac Bell in general the historical setting of the Issac Bell books makes them different enough from the other series.
I have read just about everything in the Clive Cussler universe and I have enjoyed almost all of them. The 100 years old in history technologically advanced (for back then) Detective and Villians are quite entertaining. I typically enjoy a little history and water adventure with my thrillers and this book does not disappoint.
The villians are well written and believable, Issac Bell is as he always is, and the audacity of the heist is thrilling (which seems redundant in the genre Thiller, in actually does not happen as much as you would think). The middle of the story drags a little slow which is the reason for the missing 5th star.
Anyway if you read all the Cussler books, yes go ahead and read this one. If you have read a few Issac Bell or Cussler books and stopped for some reason, this is a good one to start again. There is not a real need to read the Issac Bell books in order. If you read an Issac Bell book and did not like it, there is nothing I can say is different about this one.
I do look forward to the next book by Jack Du Brul on Issac Bell Adventures.
I have read just about everything in the Clive Cussler universe and I have enjoyed almost all of them. The 100 years old in history technologically advanced (for back then) Detective and Villians are quite entertaining. I typically enjoy a little history and water adventure with my thrillers and this book does not disappoint.
The villians are well written and believable, Issac Bell is as he always is, and the audacity of the heist is thrilling (which seems redundant in the genre Thiller, in actually does not happen as much as you would think). The middle of the story drags a little slow which is the reason for the missing 5th star.
Anyway if you read all the Cussler books, yes go ahead and read this one. If you have read a few Issac Bell or Cussler books and stopped for some reason, this is a good one to start again. There is not a real need to read the Issac Bell books in order. If you read an Issac Bell book and did not like it, there is nothing I can say is different about this one.
I do look forward to the next book by Jack Du Brul on Issac Bell Adventures.
May 15, 2024
It is 1913 and Issac Bell, lead Investigator of the Van Dorn Detective Agency, is attending a meeting between President Woodrow Wilson and 12 prestigious bankers from around the nation, on the presidential yacht. His father being the banker from Boston. Woodrow Wilson wants to launch a federal bank backed by the newly set up federal reserve. These bankers are here, selected to head the new bank in their region.
There is a reason Isaac did not follow in his father's footsteps and become a banker. He quickly becomes bored and steps out of the meeting. On deck he sees an airplane approach from a distance. Having piloted a few he watches in interest. Then it flies overhead and drops an object. Bell is no longer bored! It is an insindiary and the plane recircles for a second attempt. Through quick action Bell neutralizes the threat. Who wants to kill the President?
This incident begins a chain of events that have Bell allowing himself to be believed dead as he follows a criminal as bad as any he has matched wits with in the past. It is imperative he stops his adversary. What would happen if the newly formed federal reserve was victim the of the biggest heist in history while still in its infancy?
Thank you to netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the opportunity to enjoy thisbaction packed e-ARC
There is a reason Isaac did not follow in his father's footsteps and become a banker. He quickly becomes bored and steps out of the meeting. On deck he sees an airplane approach from a distance. Having piloted a few he watches in interest. Then it flies overhead and drops an object. Bell is no longer bored! It is an insindiary and the plane recircles for a second attempt. Through quick action Bell neutralizes the threat. Who wants to kill the President?
This incident begins a chain of events that have Bell allowing himself to be believed dead as he follows a criminal as bad as any he has matched wits with in the past. It is imperative he stops his adversary. What would happen if the newly formed federal reserve was victim the of the biggest heist in history while still in its infancy?
Thank you to netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the opportunity to enjoy thisbaction packed e-ARC
May 17, 2024
The Heist~~~~~
In 1914 America President Woodrow Wilson is about to launch the Federal Treasury and has brought together bank leaders of many big cities when a bombing aeroplane tries to destroy the presidential yacht where the meeting takes place. Someone doesn't want this launch to happen and Van Dorn lead detective Isaac Bell, on the yacht with his banker father, will find out who it is.
In The Heist Bell gets distracted by a murder case and trying to survive a couple of harrowing murder attempts in this new adventure in a series started by Clive Cussler many years ago and now written by Jack du Brul, or at least this one is. Du Brul has long written Cussler's Oregon Files books.
I didn't know if I would enjoy du Brul's writing as much as Cussler's, but it was definitely a page-turner and fun to read. Bell reminds me of Cussler's famous Dirk Pitt character in his heroic ability to get the bad characters, usually men, and even McGyver with his clever strategies to keep himself alive, even if he's beat up and a sorry sight. Du Brul is a pretty good substitute for the late Cussler, if not as funny. Cussler always appeared as a minor character in his books, or some of them.
Warmly recommended!
In 1914 America President Woodrow Wilson is about to launch the Federal Treasury and has brought together bank leaders of many big cities when a bombing aeroplane tries to destroy the presidential yacht where the meeting takes place. Someone doesn't want this launch to happen and Van Dorn lead detective Isaac Bell, on the yacht with his banker father, will find out who it is.
In The Heist Bell gets distracted by a murder case and trying to survive a couple of harrowing murder attempts in this new adventure in a series started by Clive Cussler many years ago and now written by Jack du Brul, or at least this one is. Du Brul has long written Cussler's Oregon Files books.
I didn't know if I would enjoy du Brul's writing as much as Cussler's, but it was definitely a page-turner and fun to read. Bell reminds me of Cussler's famous Dirk Pitt character in his heroic ability to get the bad characters, usually men, and even McGyver with his clever strategies to keep himself alive, even if he's beat up and a sorry sight. Du Brul is a pretty good substitute for the late Cussler, if not as funny. Cussler always appeared as a minor character in his books, or some of them.
Warmly recommended!
June 7, 2024
Isaac Bell returns to confront another devious mastermind…and to solve the biggest bank theft in US history…
Clive Cussler The Heist by Jack Du Brul is the second posthumous Isaac Bell novel written, and the author maintains the quality I have come to expect of the stories…
From Rhode island to new York to Georgia to Louisiana, Isaac Bell is on the case to sold a theft from the new federal reserve bank.
Millions of new bank notes have been stolen in a daring theft as the United States works to establish a national bank for all the states.
As Europe is in turmoil in the dark year of 1914, other forces are at work to destabilize the United States for their own ends.
Like with many Isaac Bell stories, several elements are heavily tied to railroad travel, but you’ll also get a taste of barge, airplane, and airboats along the journey.
Meanwhile, despite being set a century ago, the story also brings up political sentiment as relevent then as it is today…
I’m anxious to see if the series eventually draws Bell into World War I (previously hinted at in prior stories)…
Clive Cussler The Heist by Jack Du Brul is the second posthumous Isaac Bell novel written, and the author maintains the quality I have come to expect of the stories…
From Rhode island to new York to Georgia to Louisiana, Isaac Bell is on the case to sold a theft from the new federal reserve bank.
Millions of new bank notes have been stolen in a daring theft as the United States works to establish a national bank for all the states.
As Europe is in turmoil in the dark year of 1914, other forces are at work to destabilize the United States for their own ends.
Like with many Isaac Bell stories, several elements are heavily tied to railroad travel, but you’ll also get a taste of barge, airplane, and airboats along the journey.
Meanwhile, despite being set a century ago, the story also brings up political sentiment as relevent then as it is today…
I’m anxious to see if the series eventually draws Bell into World War I (previously hinted at in prior stories)…
July 17, 2024
All of the books that have the Cussler imprint (this is yet another not actually written by Cussler) have the same tedious protagonist who is a model American male, handsome, strong, bold, courageous, smarter and more capable than anyone he encounters. Isaac Bell, again, overcomes incredible odds and manages to escape injury-free from things like driving a motorcar onto the roof of a train and then being thrown off the train. I'm complaining, but I did read it, even if I eventually began to laugh at the increasing implausibility of it all.
On the other hand, you know what you're getting into with the Cussler books; a so-called "man's man" that is a one-dimensional archetype, with a cast of supporting characters intended to make him look even more capable. But that's what it is.
Is there a storyline? Yeah, somewhere in the book, but does it matter? This is the written equivalent of the Fast & Furious movies, where they've long since dumped the idea of a thoughtful and coherent story for eye-popping stunts.
On the other hand, you know what you're getting into with the Cussler books; a so-called "man's man" that is a one-dimensional archetype, with a cast of supporting characters intended to make him look even more capable. But that's what it is.
Is there a storyline? Yeah, somewhere in the book, but does it matter? This is the written equivalent of the Fast & Furious movies, where they've long since dumped the idea of a thoughtful and coherent story for eye-popping stunts.
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