The Iron Storm

Isaac Bell #15

by Jack Du Brul, Clive Cussler

Van Dorn agent Isaac Bell knows that when the President of the United States asks you to undertake a special mission, the only appropriate answer is, “Right away, sir.”

As an official observer, Bell is supposed to avoid action, but that’s like asking a fish to shun water. After battling in the trenches, he finds himself flying beside a group of Allied aviators, unwilling to let them fight alone, even when they are faced with capture. Bell and his compatriots are imprisoned in a medieval castle—one that’s withstood the test of time and countless assaults by conventional weapons in its history. Escape lies tantalizingly close…but only with the help of the latest in battlefield technology.

But freedom may be short-lived. Even in the middle of a World War, Bell finds there are forces worse than those arrayed against the Americans on the battlefield. Opponents who are so evil that they are willing to set aside whatever rules of war still exist to take the fight
to where they think it belongs: the streets of the United States. And there’s only one man who can stop them…Isaac Bell.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Adventure, Suspense, Audiobook, Action

512 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2025

About the author

Jack DuBrul is a New York Times Best-Selling Author from Vermont who writes techno thrillers. Recently, he has been co-authoring "The Oregon Files" novels with Clive Cussler, taking over from Craig Dirgo with the third novel.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those who love historical mysteries and action thrillers will likely enjoy Clive Cussler The Iron Storm by Jack Du Brul. This is the fifteenth book in the Isaac Bell series and is set in March, 1917. The book starts with Isaac and a co-worker escorting 500 pounds of gold bullion to Liverpool to help the Allied war effort. But things don’t do smoothly.

While in England, President Woodrow Wilson tasks Isaac to be an official observer of the war so he can give a first-hand report of what American troops would face if the United States enters the war. He’s supposed to avoid action, but that quickly becomes impossible.

Bell is the lead detective for the Van Dorn Detective Agency. He’s detail oriented, likes quick results, embraces societal and technological changes, and is a natural leader. He’s a patriot, a risktaker, thinks quickly of solutions to problems, and is observant. He also relies as much on instinct as intellect. 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 author has a way of creating atmosphere that makes readers feel they’re fighting for their lives alongside the book characters. The world-building was fantastic. The plot is excellent and quickly pulled me into the storyline. While the narrative is descriptive at times, it didn’t adversely affect the pacing. Instead, it transported this reader to the various events occurring. Some may feel that there is a little too much description of weapons and gear, but I felt it made the story more realistic and easy to visualize. The novel also mixes in real people with those who are fictional. These include Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt, Manfred von Richthofen, and Zane Grey, but there are others as well. The novel highlights politics, war, and those who reject all forms of rule, authority, and hierarchy. Readers should be aware that there is a significant amount of violence and death contained in the story.

Overall, this is a briskly paced and entertaining page-turner that kept me engaged throughout the suspenseful, intriguing, and high stakes historical thriller. The book was terrific and transported this reader into the dark and terrifying world of a historical war. It was a rich assortment of history, politics, espionage, and war brought together with great world-building and an action-filled plot. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the 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. The publication date was September 9, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------
My 4.39 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, we get an Isaac Bell story that includes WW1. There were 14 books leading up to this one, and it was a real page turner. Some famous personas included in the book are the Red Baron, Winston Churchill and even a young FDR. I found the story to be very convincing, and the narrative was very crisp. Overall, an awesome book and well worth checking out!!

[Thomas George Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Cussler died in 2020; and Jack Du Brul was the Ghost Writer.

[Keith Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Spectacular! best Isaac Bell Adventure yet!!!

I can’t say enough how the writing flowed from one adventure to another keeping the reader on the edge of their seat so much that you have to take a brief respite before being drawn in again! Great illumination of the horrors of WWI and the slaughter that occurred on both sides of the war. Sadly, it was not the war to end all wars but the period piece sets the political temperature perfectly. Great read - my most enjoyable to date over the 15 Bell adventure novels.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early 1917, the war is raging in Europe. But Woodrow Wilson ran on the concept of not getting the country involved in what he referred to as a "European" war.

Wilson has been convinced by his advisors to send someone to the front to be his eyes and ears, and to see what would await American forces were they to join in.

In this 15th installment of the Isaac Bell series, of course he is the one sent. ln what's supposed to be a quick looksee at the front, followed by a flyover Isaac, in theory would be back shortly. Of course that would make for a short book.

Isaac runs into issues on every step of his journey (no details, because spoilers). Meanwhile there's also a group of anarchists stirring up trouble, including a group in NYC.

l have enjoyed Mr Dubrul's work since before he started co-authoring with Cussler and this is one of his best.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Bell adventure with over-the-top exploits stretching the limits of credulity.

[Neville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bell is sent to Europe to investigate the possibility of America joining the allies to end WWI, but he gets caught up in trench, air battles and then he wasn't meant to survive a flight in a German aircraft. The story then takes you to a battle that a group of fanatics want to start by blowing up key locations in New York using a German battle cruiser.

[Michael Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really an adventrue/detective story, pretty much war story
Book suffers from almost no involvement of Marion and Dorn detective agency.
Big break in the plot when Isaac goes back to occupied Belgium, then the story shifts to Azores and the battleship. What? how did that happend and why?
Book too long?
Unlikely that the sail boat beat a battleship to Long Island, without any explanation provided.
All in all one of the weaker plots.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

March 1917, Irish Sea. After being torpedoed once by the Germans, Isaac Bell finally arrives in England, escorting gold bullion for the war. Once there, he gets sent to France by the President as an observer at the Western Front near Paris to assess the possibility of America entering the war.
Another exciting, fast-paced story by Jack Du Brul. Remove the Isaac Bell content, and it’s essentially a World War I narrative that portrays events and conditions on the European front.

However, there’s also an anarchist group, out of Belgium, headed for the US, attempting to draw the US into the war and instigate the destruction of the Old World powers.

Footnote: 1)10 miles north of Eatons Neck would put the battleship on land in Norwalk, Connecticut. The Sound is only 7 miles wide at that point. Plus, they would be about 100 miles into the Long Island Sound. Wouldn’t someone have noticed a large German battleship before then?

Fave scenes: Bell & Flemming getting off the train in France, Bell’s emergency landing, releasing the ball bearings, and changing the jib.

[B.J. Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received a free advance review copy of this book from the publisher.

What I love about The Iron Storm is that Jack du Brul isn’t a stranger to Cussler’s world; he collaborated closely with him before Cussler’s passing as a ghostwriter and researcher. He's got the pulse of this series running through his veins, which lends a natural, heartfelt flow to the narrative. His talent shines through in his vivid descriptions and his earnest attempts to stay true to historical accuracy, or at least the spirit of it, in this thrilling historical fiction.

Now, I read an advanced uncorrected proof, so if there were any glaring factual errors, don’t come for me—I’m no historian, just an enthusiastic reader venturing into a world of medieval castles, roaring tanks, and relentless action. What you get within the pages of The Iron Storm is everything you could hope for in an Isaac Bell adventure—think of it as a James Bond thriller, but with more grit and possibly a few more mustaches.

The book didn’t disappoint me one bit. So, trot on down to your local bookstore because The Iron Storm hits the shelves today—grab a copy and plunge into a riveting adventure. Trust me, your next great escape is waiting between those covers! ╌★★★★★

Find my full review at https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/....

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

VanDorn Agency chief detective Isaac Bell is on assignment from US President Wilson to work with British Intelligence and the RAF to see the realities of The War To End All Wars prior to the US entry into the fray. Bell has been an avid pilot since the Air Race of 1906 and is thrilled with the different planes he gets to fly in this one. There's lots of fighting, escape from confinement/torture, and close combat, just like all of the stories by this group of authors. Excellent action/adventure novel whether you've read any of the other Isaac Bell stories or not. They easily stand alone, but not for long!
Jack Du Brul worked as a ghost writer/researcher with Cussler on the Isaac Bell and other series for a number of years, so he really has the art of deep research done and dusted.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley. ***** review #bookbub #goodreads #thestorygraph #librarything
#CliveCusslerTheIronStorm by #Jack Du Brul #IsaacBellAdventuresBk15 @putnambooks
#actionadventure #WW1 #anarchists #historicalthriller #VanDornDetectiveAgency 3historicalairplanes #Historicalpeople #Historicalplaces #fingertipresearch #weaponryofWW1

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only Isaac Bell can meet with Woodrow Wilson, FDR, Winston Churchill, travel to England and meet Ian Fleming’s father, and get into a dogfight with Manfred von Richthofen. And that only in the first half of the book!

I’ve long been a fan of the Bell series, more lower tech than the other Cussler series, and fun throwback to the turn of the 20th Century. This book didn’t disappoint in terms of action and Bell working to get his man. If you have read the series, you know what you’re getting and this delivers on the entertainment factor even if you find a hard time believing Bell channeling his inner Audie Murphy at one point.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Iron Storm by Jack Du Brul (co-authored with Clive Cussler) is the 15th installment in the Isaac Bell Adventures. Set amid the horrors of World War I, detective-agent Isaac Bell is sent to Europe in 1917 as an observer for the U.S. president but soon finds himself behind enemy lines after his plane is shot down. Captured and imprisoned in a medieval fortress, Bell must rely on both his wits and emerging battlefield technologies to engineer a daring escape. But the war is only part of the threat — a shadowy anarchist plot aims to spread terror from the trenches to American soil, forcing Bell to race across the Atlantic to prevent catastrophe at home. Non stop action.

[Jeffrey Corrado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I recovered my password here just to write this review. I had never read any books of this series, but am a huge ww1 buff and the cover caught my eye in barnes and noble. This book had constant action. By sea, by air, by train, by automobile, by sail, by foot, by horse drawn carriage, and, well i dont remember any bicycle parts. And as a ww1 buff, this was a delightful and amazingly accurate srory of The Great War. The description of trench warfare was so original to me that it has affected my idea of what it was. A note here is that this was one of a few parts of the book that were very violent and graphic, so you might want to be warned. The settings in this period piece were New York City, South America, and Western Europe. Then there was a handful of historical characters, which was done with accuracy, fairness, and fun. Often they were introduced with a wink. There was delightful and disciplined description of the adherence to the period woven thru the story as well, lest you forget that we are dealing with model Ts and blimps lol. Cultures like American, British, german, South American, Eastern European and gypsy are explored. Lest you think of this as all James Bond type action, there is a short and serious and mundane scene of confronting danger just to keep you honest. There’s quite a few personalities of side characters that have familiar humanity to them. The only problem I had with the book was how I kept imagining the protagonist, Issaac Bell. I thought of him looking and sounding like Sean Connery, when he’s really blond and American. I guess this is because I didn’t read any of the previous 15 books he’s been in, and I may have skimmed some descriptions at the beginning. Awesome awesome book, and a must read if you are a ww1 fan. It’s a real companion to aqotwf, Birdsong, and others.

[Sara Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

** “Our humanity is at stake on these fields, and we need to find a way to claw it back.” **

“Clive Cussler: The Iron Storm” by Jack Du Brul takes us onto the WWI battlefield as Isaac Bell gets tossed into a fight for humanity.

Tasked by President Woodrow Wilson himself with determining if America should join in the world war going on, Isaac Bell travels to Europe to see the situation himself. But when he is pulled into a hidden battle with an unknown enemy of Resistance fighters, his travels take him through many deadly events. He must use his know-how of fighting and survival to not only make it back home, but save both America and the world.

Featuring even more violence and deaths than previously seen in the Bell series, Du Brul continues Clive Cussler’s legacy of an action-packed non-stop thriller. A bit different from typical Bell stories as “The Iron Storm” takes place mainly in war and battlefield situations, he continues to draw on incredible characters as well as developing newly evil ones. He also includes real-life characters, like author Zane Grey, author Ian Fleming’s father Valentine, Winston and Clementine Churchill, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Fans of historical fiction and war stories will love “The Iron Storm,” which is due out Sept. 9.

Five stars out of five.

G.P. Putnam’s Sons provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

[G Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Du Brul is becoming a favorite author of mine. He does an exceptional job taking over the role of Clive Cussler, the writer. This latest version of Issac Bell's adventures takes us forward to the beginning of WW1. If you have read the past few novels from Du Brul with Issac Bell as the hero, you know he has allowed us to see the tensions and efforts America has tried to stay out of and yet support the forces of good vs evil. It's nice to know that our current status is not much different than 100+ years ago.

In this novel, Issac, once again is toeing a narrow line against getting involved in the coming war for the US. And as oft is the case, he finds himself thrust into situations he shouldn't be in. This time he gets asked by the President to give a first person account of what really is happening in Europe and provide this information so the President can decide whether to join or remain on the sidelines of the "War to End All Wars." Trying not to give away too much of the storyline, our author provides us with a real world look at exactly what war costs in the amount of human lives and destruction. I was fascinated with the different emotions I experienced as I read the book. While I was intrigued, I also found myself relating to the different heroes introduced in the book. Their main goal was to do the right thing while staying alive.

Great Book!

[Timothy Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far rages across Europe, an unknown enemy threats to set the rest of the world ablaze…

Clive Cussler The Iron Storm by Jack Du Brulbis the latest book in the Isaac Bell series…

1917…the European powers are engaged in the bloodiest fighting mankind has ever seen as the United States and other countries remain staunchly neutral…but it might be time to change that stance…

Isaac Bell, the top Van Dorn detective, is assigned a special task for no less than the president himself…to provide on the ground intelligence of whether the US should enter the war…

Unfortunately, other unknown parties are hard at work to complicate matters…

As Bell navigates the battlefields of Europe and a desperate race for the truth…the question remains if he will be watchful or fast enough to prevent needless death…or if a grim master plan will be accomplished…

I rather enjoyed this as it was more. Liter thriller than detective story…but it feels like it’s leading into the next chapter of Bell’s life…

Meanwhile there’s a healthy amount of historical footnotes and supporting cast appearances to satisfy regular readers of this historical fiction series…

[Tom - Reader of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amid the chaos of the First World War, Isaac Bell returns for another mission that begins as an observational role in Europe but quickly spirals into danger when he is captured and imprisoned within a forbidding fortress.

Set against the grim backdrop of the Great War, this is a classic escape adventure that excels at evoking the fear, uncertainty and brutality of the era. The historical setting is carefully realised, and the tension of captivity and survival is convincingly drawn, making this an absorbing and fast-moving read.

That said, the sense of genuine peril is occasionally undercut by Bell’s seeming invulnerability; at no point does it truly feel as though he is in mortal danger. Even so, this remains an engaging and traditional wartime adventure, firmly rooted in its period and thoroughly enjoyable for fans of Bell and classic historical thrillers alike.

[Cynde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is #15 in the Isaac Bell series ,a historical fiction series began by Clive Cussler now written by Jack Du Brul.
In every way another Isaac Bell adventure that doesn't disappoint! Non-stop action, danger and suspense as Isaac is on a mission for President Wilson to go to the British front lines of WWI and determine if the Americans should send troops to assist the Allies. As always , Isaac take the job very seriously and goes above and beyond with no regard for personal safety to get his "man". Plane crashes, ship sinkings, bombs, guns and bullets flying to the end. Just when you think everything is going okay the next disastrous thing happens.
The reader won't be able to put it down. This is a fabulous read !

[Gloria ~ mzglorybe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit unusual for Isaac Bell insofar as the setting is during WW1 and he’s on a mission for President Wilson to gather information at the front lines. A bit dangerous to say the least but Bell isn’t one to turn down a plea for help, especially not from the President himself.

Non stop action here and many obstacles get in his way, keeping the reader at the edge of his seat. My husband is a fan of this series and read it first. He was not disappointed and gives it a 4 out of 5 rating.

The suspense and intensity of the events surrounding Bell’s quest kept us thoroughly engaged. Happy to recommend.

Thanks to GP Putnam & Sons, via NetGalley for the e-copy prior to publication for my review.

[Ricki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Steeped in history of WW1, this book in the series finds Isaac escorting gold donations from NY to England for the war effort. Of course there is a heist/chase but this is not the real storyline.

Isaac is tasked by Pres Woodrow Wilson to head to the front lines of the war and access if the US should enter the war. He's taken to the front line trenches, flown in a combat mission (the Red Baron) makes an appearance, finds anarchists that want to disrupt the war and finds/battles a Dreadnought. There are horrors of battle he won't soon forget.

I had previously noted that this historical adventure series is not a favorite but I keep giving it a chance. Unfortunately I think it's my last. Fortunately, the "on the Jump" saying is kept to a minimum.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Iron Storm" by Jack Du Brul is an average read. Isaac Bell escorts gold bullion to England designated to aid funding the UK's WWI war effort. He prevents its theft attempt. President Wilson asks Bell to go to the western front to get his take on whether the USA should enter the war. Isaac goes through a series of adventures in which he goes to battle when the Germans overrun the Allied forward trenches, he tangles with the Red Baron, gets captured, escapes & is conned by anarchists into a near suicide mission. Bell then chases the anarchists across the Atlantic to spoil a plot to to bombard NYC with a stolen Battleship. The tale is too long, all over the place, has too much name-dropping of historical characters. This one really stretches believability. 3 Stars at best.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son refuses to read any of the Clive Cussler Universe books continued by the solid lineup of "Legacy" authors. Jack Du Brul's Philip Mercer series was a favorite of mine, and I appreciate his contributions to maintaining the Cussler Universe, even if my son does not. In the fifteenth Isaac Bell historical series, Bell, at Woodrow Wilson's request, embarks on a fact-finding mission about the United States' possible entry into WWI. He ends up entangled in trench warfare, air battles, and a confrontation with anarchists targeting key locations in New York City using a stolen German battle cruiser. Always entertaining!

[Bob Murdock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Du Brul takes Isaac Bell off to a wild adventure that normally doesn't come in a detective's lifetime. It is the time of World War I and the US has not entered the conflict yet. Historical figures come into play as Franklin Roosevelt, as a cabinet advisor, suggests Isaac take the role as President Wilson's observer of the action in Europe. Wilson is mulling over joining the war and is looking for info. From here Isaac goes from the battlefield trenches to the harbor of New York City to accomplish
his mission. It is not an easy path. Entertaining use of historical figures made for an easy read.

[Drew Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very suspenseful and thrilling Issac Bell novel.

At the request of President Woodrow Wilson, Issac Bell travels to Europe to observe what is going on with the Allies and the Germans in World War I.

Bell gets involved with Allied aviators and gets imprisoned in a medieval castle. He is able to escape but freedom may be short-lived. He finds forces that are worse than the Germans and quite evil. They take the war to the streets on the USA. Issac Bell must stop them.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Bell book was all over the place. Bell is taking a shipment of gold to London during early WWI prior to the US getting involved. While there he is tasked to go over and check out the Battlefield for the President. He meets famous people, Churchill, Ian Fleming's father and Red Baron. He fights in the trenches, fights in a dogfight, is captured and escapes from the Germans. He then finds out about an anarchist plot to harm the US and springs into action.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10, highly recommended.

Fantastic. Isaac Bell at his best, and right in the middle of World War One, and running into a who's who of that conflict: Winston Churchill, Baron Manfred von Richthofen, Ian Fleming's dad and Captain Thenault of the Lafayette Escadrille. Some good battlefield action, and a nefarious villain intent on all sorts of mayhem. What's not to like?

[Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Du Brul has the Isaac Bell character down to a T. The continuation of Clive Cussler’s early 20th century detective series is fantastic. If you are a cliffhanger fan from childhood on like I am, you will love this book. By the way the audio version which I play at 1.75 speed is really excitingly red.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Some Beloved Bell Basics

What a ride!
Isaac Bell cheats death no less than four times.
Readers of the full Bell series might like that "on the jump" showed up, some good, descriptive fist fights, as well as narratives related to now-extinct vehicles, namely the tank from the book cover, a Zimmerman bomber, and a couple of boats.

[Bob Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling, Adventurous, Violent

Another post Cussler novel, carrying on the basic format however in the several books to be released after Cussler's passing, I've noted a more violent content and more innuendo's regarding sex. Still love this series as I do all the books, having read and.own all. A good read.