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NUMA Files #12
Ghost Ship
Clive Cussler, author of the bestselling Dirk Pitt series, and his co-author, Graham Brown, send hero Kurt Austin into the heart of the storm in the action-packed NUMA Files series.
When Kurt Austin is injured while rescuing the passengers and crew of a sinking yacht, he wakes up with conflicting memories of what he saw. Did he witness an old friend and her children drown, or was the yacht abandoned when he came aboard?
For reasons he cannot explain - yet - Kurt doesn't trust either version of his recollection.
Determined to seek out the truth, he soon descends into a shadowy world of state-sponsored cybercrime, where he uncovers a pattern of suspicious accidents, vanishing scientists and a web of human trafficking.
Now, he must take on the sinister organization behind this conspiracy, facing off against them from Morocco to North Korea to the rugged coasts of Madagascar. But where this highly dangerous quest will ultimately take him, even he could not begin to guess...
Praise for Clive Cussler
'Cussler is hard to beat'
Daily Mail
'Clive Cussler is the guy I read'
Tom Clancy
'The Adventure King'
Daily Express
When Kurt Austin is injured while rescuing the passengers and crew of a sinking yacht, he wakes up with conflicting memories of what he saw. Did he witness an old friend and her children drown, or was the yacht abandoned when he came aboard?
For reasons he cannot explain - yet - Kurt doesn't trust either version of his recollection.
Determined to seek out the truth, he soon descends into a shadowy world of state-sponsored cybercrime, where he uncovers a pattern of suspicious accidents, vanishing scientists and a web of human trafficking.
Now, he must take on the sinister organization behind this conspiracy, facing off against them from Morocco to North Korea to the rugged coasts of Madagascar. But where this highly dangerous quest will ultimately take him, even he could not begin to guess...
Praise for Clive Cussler
'Cussler is hard to beat'
Daily Mail
'Clive Cussler is the guy I read'
Tom Clancy
'The Adventure King'
Daily Express
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2014
704 people are currently reading
3124 people want to read
About the author
Clive Cussler
644 books8,519 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 423 reviews
July 25, 2017
Piracy, kidnapping and lots of action ... yes, its another Clive Cussler NUMA adventure. The story begins with a turn-of-the-century piracy of a South African ship that disappears, never to be found ... until nearly a hundred years later as part of a tale of a criminal family and their attempts at a master crime.
Enter Kurt Austin and NUMA who come to the assistance of a sinking yacht. The passengers are the family of a woman once near and dear to Austin's heart. The attempt fails and Austin suffers a soul fracture and strange memories —did he see the woman's dead body or not? The questions come hard and fast after he sees her husband alive and finds out that he was discovered in a raft in the wrong place if his story of survival is true.
And if that part of the story is wrong, what else could be? Could the woman and her children be alive? Austin and Joe Zavala begin tracking the few clues to discover what is behind it all.
The Cussler books, and this one is no exception, are always filled with high adventure, tension, humor and of course that satisfying ending where everything is tied up nice and neat. Its a fun, exciting ride and as satisfying as those old-fashioned movies where the men are all handsome, the women smart and beautiful and the heroes always come out on top.
Enter Kurt Austin and NUMA who come to the assistance of a sinking yacht. The passengers are the family of a woman once near and dear to Austin's heart. The attempt fails and Austin suffers a soul fracture and strange memories —did he see the woman's dead body or not? The questions come hard and fast after he sees her husband alive and finds out that he was discovered in a raft in the wrong place if his story of survival is true.
And if that part of the story is wrong, what else could be? Could the woman and her children be alive? Austin and Joe Zavala begin tracking the few clues to discover what is behind it all.
The Cussler books, and this one is no exception, are always filled with high adventure, tension, humor and of course that satisfying ending where everything is tied up nice and neat. Its a fun, exciting ride and as satisfying as those old-fashioned movies where the men are all handsome, the women smart and beautiful and the heroes always come out on top.
August 13, 2015
My first Clive Cussler book. A fun, entertaining read, although I'm pretty sure the author forgot at one point that his characters had left their shoes behind. A good fifty pages of chasing through tunnels, climbing ladders, and getting shot at while in their stocking feet. I kept waiting for them to put some shoes back on, but they never did. All I could think about was how their socks had to be in tatters by the end.
August 18, 2022
My favourite Clive Cussler novel thus far. Loved it.
May 22, 2014
This is the 12th book in Clive Cussler's National Underwater Marine Agency (NUMA) series and is co-written by Graham Brown. I was first introduced to Cussler books many years ago when Dirk Pitt was the main man. Pitt has since moved on to be head honcho of the NUMA organisation leaving Kurt Austin, Joe Zavala and husband and wife team, Paul and Gamay Trout as the current hands-on stars of the organisation.
While the basic Cussler recipe has remained the same over the years, (i.e. background a historic event, find a long-lost ship or treasure, defeat the evil, greedy, bad guys and save the world), the subtle changes in personnel and constant new and exciting ideas for bringing historical events to life, keep the stories both fresh, interesting and enjoyable to read. Add in the abundance of ultra-cool boys-toys and gadgets that each new book introduces (chameleon suits!!) and you have a guaranteed winner. I for one, am a sucker for these wonderful, easy-to-read adventure thrillers, and once again the consistent high quality of the storytelling is maintained in Ghost Ship. I was quickly drawn into the plot, and as with most Cussler books, I couldn't put the book down until I discovered the gripping final outcome.
A truly international thriller, with the settings including; USA, Monaco, South Africa, Madagascar, North Korea and South Korea, and with a cast of shifty, international rogues, this is another in a long line of highly enjoyable Clive Cussler ocean-based adventure thrillers, which I am sure will meet the approval of all Cussler devotees and debutant readers alike. I thoroughly recommend getting on board the Ghost Ship for another reliable and entertaining Cussler journey.
A big thankyou to Netgalley and Penguin Books Australia for my ARC copy, which I enjoyed immensely.
While the basic Cussler recipe has remained the same over the years, (i.e. background a historic event, find a long-lost ship or treasure, defeat the evil, greedy, bad guys and save the world), the subtle changes in personnel and constant new and exciting ideas for bringing historical events to life, keep the stories both fresh, interesting and enjoyable to read. Add in the abundance of ultra-cool boys-toys and gadgets that each new book introduces (chameleon suits!!) and you have a guaranteed winner. I for one, am a sucker for these wonderful, easy-to-read adventure thrillers, and once again the consistent high quality of the storytelling is maintained in Ghost Ship. I was quickly drawn into the plot, and as with most Cussler books, I couldn't put the book down until I discovered the gripping final outcome.
A truly international thriller, with the settings including; USA, Monaco, South Africa, Madagascar, North Korea and South Korea, and with a cast of shifty, international rogues, this is another in a long line of highly enjoyable Clive Cussler ocean-based adventure thrillers, which I am sure will meet the approval of all Cussler devotees and debutant readers alike. I thoroughly recommend getting on board the Ghost Ship for another reliable and entertaining Cussler journey.
A big thankyou to Netgalley and Penguin Books Australia for my ARC copy, which I enjoyed immensely.
August 24, 2017
Time for another Clive Cussler Wednesday!
This is the latest book in the NUMA Files series, featuring Kurt Austin.
It seems some years ago, a ship went down, while Kurt was trying to rescue some passengers. His failure has haunted Kurt ever since. He got hit on the head and only has fragmented memories.
He gets on the trail of a family of artifact smugglers, and finds his way into a vast conspiracy, which of course, has to do with the aforementioned rescue attempt.
Not bad, but not really one of Cussler's best.
This is the latest book in the NUMA Files series, featuring Kurt Austin.
It seems some years ago, a ship went down, while Kurt was trying to rescue some passengers. His failure has haunted Kurt ever since. He got hit on the head and only has fragmented memories.
He gets on the trail of a family of artifact smugglers, and finds his way into a vast conspiracy, which of course, has to do with the aforementioned rescue attempt.
Not bad, but not really one of Cussler's best.
March 28, 2015
Hands down my favorite Kurt Austin book so far. A killer plot, some amazing action, and incredible character work. A must read novel!
January 3, 2018
This is the first Clive Cussler book I have read, I bought it some time ago and it sat on a shelf, I just didn't get round to it. I regret not reading it sooner.
This book is pure adventure and good fun. There is a James Bond meets Indiana Jones feel to it. There is some "cheese" in there but it works.
I have ordered The Pharaoh's Secret and it arrives today. I shall start reading it tonight.
This book is pure adventure and good fun. There is a James Bond meets Indiana Jones feel to it. There is some "cheese" in there but it works.
I have ordered The Pharaoh's Secret and it arrives today. I shall start reading it tonight.
February 13, 2017
I really enjoyed Ghost Ship, the latest of the Kurt Austin adventures. Great story, with a very modern villain's plot and lots of great action.
I liked using South Africa and Madagascar as the back drops for part of the story. The most fun was the action in South Korea and the DMZ.
I keep thinking this would make a great action movie.
Looking forward to my next Cussler book!
I liked using South Africa and Madagascar as the back drops for part of the story. The most fun was the action in South Korea and the DMZ.
I keep thinking this would make a great action movie.
Looking forward to my next Cussler book!
November 21, 2019
otra excelente aventura. De verdad que disfruto tanto leer estos personajes y voy a extrañarlos mucho, ya solo me queda un libro de ellos (hay más, pero es el último que he conseguido) y una parte de mi no quiere iniciarlo.
April 11, 2017
An excellent book that would slot easily into the top 10 Cussler novels I've read.
The plot was alot tighter and involving than a few other Cussler (and co-writer) books I have read recently.
The plot was alot tighter and involving than a few other Cussler (and co-writer) books I have read recently.
May 10, 2019
Probably 3.5+ Enjoyed it. Not too deep enjoyable enough to not be opposed to it again.
September 19, 2020
This was a good one, you really wondered what and why it was all happening!!!
October 2, 2022
This was a fun and crazy book to read. It moved at a fast pace and held my interest. It was also an interesting blend of "historical fact with fiction", something Cussler does quite well. The character development was pretty good, too, and I felt like both Kurt and Joe actually "grew a bit" as characters.
I find myself regretting not having given these books another chance despite how much I disliked Fire Ice at the time I read it. I am glad I came back to this series of books and gave them another chance (I'll even give Fire Ice another chance and see if my opinion of it has changed since the first time I read it). I could see myself rereading this book at some point in the future.
I find myself regretting not having given these books another chance despite how much I disliked Fire Ice at the time I read it. I am glad I came back to this series of books and gave them another chance (I'll even give Fire Ice another chance and see if my opinion of it has changed since the first time I read it). I could see myself rereading this book at some point in the future.
July 16, 2015
Kurt Austin is adventurous, wild and soft. He has nightmares about something from the past and the present. He is not up for it. But duty calls when his ex flame goes missing along with her family on a voyage. From there on it's a tussle to identify and co-join the missing links of the lost ship. There will be severe repercussions of it and the past will rise from the ashes to haunt the present. So who is after what? What connection does Austin needs to find out about his love? Where will it lead him to? How will it all end? That's what the story is all about.
Kurt Austin is build upon recklessness and restlessness. He is smart but at the same time he is wavered in his approach. Rules don't fit his persona yet he needs to be tamed. His wild instincts leading the story too. Along with a much calm Joe Zavala the story indeed is crisp and sharp. The past connections, the sea adventures, the action and above all value of relations it's all at stake in the story. The story is no horror show yet has effluent influence on the wrecks and dooms of the sea. Its access to sea, the in depth knowledge of naval life and a ground story keeps the base ready for surmountable action.
The story is a bit lose in present where it loses out on the villain. He is kind of hidden in the background as more space has been given to Calista. She hogs the limelight and let other antagonists suffer under her thumb. More was required from Sebastian Brevard's character.
All in all the book scores on all counts of a sea adventure. NUMA's best comes out in form of Austin & Zavala and history of ship wrecks continues to haunt and mystify the story. The blunt action, the continuous search for truth and hapless suffering adds to the multitude of the story. Few characters fail to set the bells ringing but again they don't bargain on the meat of the story. It's a bonn voyage sans pleasantries.
Kurt Austin is build upon recklessness and restlessness. He is smart but at the same time he is wavered in his approach. Rules don't fit his persona yet he needs to be tamed. His wild instincts leading the story too. Along with a much calm Joe Zavala the story indeed is crisp and sharp. The past connections, the sea adventures, the action and above all value of relations it's all at stake in the story. The story is no horror show yet has effluent influence on the wrecks and dooms of the sea. Its access to sea, the in depth knowledge of naval life and a ground story keeps the base ready for surmountable action.
The story is a bit lose in present where it loses out on the villain. He is kind of hidden in the background as more space has been given to Calista. She hogs the limelight and let other antagonists suffer under her thumb. More was required from Sebastian Brevard's character.
All in all the book scores on all counts of a sea adventure. NUMA's best comes out in form of Austin & Zavala and history of ship wrecks continues to haunt and mystify the story. The blunt action, the continuous search for truth and hapless suffering adds to the multitude of the story. Few characters fail to set the bells ringing but again they don't bargain on the meat of the story. It's a bonn voyage sans pleasantries.
September 8, 2014
I consider myself a fan of Clive Cussler's earlier work. I also believe that, for whatever reason, his more recent efforts haven't been as good. This one is the usual maritime disaster, international intrigue, and various chaos.
One thing I did like was that Joe, the sidekick to the series hero Kurt, actually does some effective things this book. I tend to prefer it when the characters are a team, and not "Oh, we are all lost without the hero to tell us what to do." Also glad Cussler cut down on his weird tendency to write himself into the story. That used to be cameos, then he became a dues es machina character that would save the heroes at some crucial moment. I'm glad he wasn't in this one.
Among the things I didn't: super hackers can do anything, beyond cutting edge gadgets that I don't think really work, and at least one myth an expert like Cussler should know better about.
He refers a few times to being sucked under water when a big ship sinks. This has been disproven by the Mythbusters, and I believe other places as well. You'd think he'd know that.
It wasn't a great book, it was kind of like a mindless action movie. Not bad, far from great
One thing I did like was that Joe, the sidekick to the series hero Kurt, actually does some effective things this book. I tend to prefer it when the characters are a team, and not "Oh, we are all lost without the hero to tell us what to do." Also glad Cussler cut down on his weird tendency to write himself into the story. That used to be cameos, then he became a dues es machina character that would save the heroes at some crucial moment. I'm glad he wasn't in this one.
Among the things I didn't: super hackers can do anything, beyond cutting edge gadgets that I don't think really work, and at least one myth an expert like Cussler should know better about.
He refers a few times to being sucked under water when a big ship sinks. This has been disproven by the Mythbusters, and I believe other places as well. You'd think he'd know that.
It wasn't a great book, it was kind of like a mindless action movie. Not bad, far from great
February 11, 2015
I haven't read any of the previous NUMA Files, just so you know where I'm coming from. the story follows several characters operating in teams all around the world. main character Kurt is chasing down an old love, allegedly dead in a shipwreck, but possibly working with countries like Iran and North Korea?? no one knows what's going on with Kurt, who might simply be suffering serious aftereffects from a concussion (he's also entered into a relationship with his psychologist, who should lose her job, because that's not cute, it's abusive). meanwhile, the rest of the team is investigating aforementioned shipwreck, but they also encounter a ghost ship adrift at sea!! that is my favorite part of the book, descriptions of the ghost ship and its investigation. for whatever reason, I imagined that would be the main focus. instead, a lot of time is spent developing a slimy evil guy with some gnarly scheme and a creepy sister and following Kurt's adventures as he circles in on the villain.
there's a lot of silly action, fanciful weapons, and quippy exchanges. I would read more of this series, but probably in order and starting from the beginning.
there's a lot of silly action, fanciful weapons, and quippy exchanges. I would read more of this series, but probably in order and starting from the beginning.
August 15, 2014
There used to be a time when I would pre-order Cussler on Amazon, so that it arrived on my kindle instantly, and was being read the same way. It's been a long time since I did that, getting all my Cussler books from the library these days. This drying of the well has gone on for too many years now. There's just a bunch of canned "Cussler-isms" - submarines getting stranded, escape in too large a vehicle, and not enough of a story in this latest book. I genuinely loved the guys output, but I nearly didn't bother finishing this one. I did finish it, however, and it did not get any better.
I'd like to say that I won't bother reading his books again, but I know that when the next one comes out I will get it from the library - just in case - but if I get 1/4 of the way through and want to return it, this time I won't resist, and it will be my last Cussler book.
I'd like to say that I won't bother reading his books again, but I know that when the next one comes out I will get it from the library - just in case - but if I get 1/4 of the way through and want to return it, this time I won't resist, and it will be my last Cussler book.
June 23, 2014
Kurt Austin is injured attempting to rescue passengers and
crew from a sinking yacht. He wakes with fragmented and
conflicting memories. He doesn't know if he saw an old
friend and her children drown or was the yacht abandoned when
he got there. Determined to find the truth he begins to search
for answers and soon descends into a shadowy world of state
sponsored cybercrime where he discovers a pattern of vanishing
scientists, suspicious accidents and a web of human trafficking.
With his partner Joe Zavala he takes on this mob facing off
with them from Monaco to North Korea and finally to the
rugged coast of Madagascar. This is book twelve from the NUMA
files with Kurt Austin. I've read all of them and I thought
this one was the best so far so I had to give it a five.
crew from a sinking yacht. He wakes with fragmented and
conflicting memories. He doesn't know if he saw an old
friend and her children drown or was the yacht abandoned when
he got there. Determined to find the truth he begins to search
for answers and soon descends into a shadowy world of state
sponsored cybercrime where he discovers a pattern of vanishing
scientists, suspicious accidents and a web of human trafficking.
With his partner Joe Zavala he takes on this mob facing off
with them from Monaco to North Korea and finally to the
rugged coast of Madagascar. This is book twelve from the NUMA
files with Kurt Austin. I've read all of them and I thought
this one was the best so far so I had to give it a five.
June 3, 2014
As with all of Mr. Cussler's books, I was enthralled by his story. 'Ghost Ship' grabs the reader in the first few chapters and holds him/her captive just like the characters in his book. Kurt Austin is quite disturbed when he really can't discern whether his thoughts and dreams are real or imaginary. In reality he can trust anything. Kurt attempts to save a sinking boat's three passengers. What comes of his fragmented thoughts is a wild ride from Monaco, Durban, Madagascar, North and South Korea. It is a sit on the edge of your seat story where you want to know how it all ends but, at the same time, you don't want it to end. . .
June 19, 2014
These stories are getting to be the same, with a different villian. I found the story slow placed and unexciting... Will not be racing to read the next one.
March 31, 2015
not for me this book is more for men i think characters did not grab me at all
August 16, 2016
This was another tall tale from Cussler. Technologically interesting. Impossible situations. Unbelievable action. Pure fun.
June 24, 2017
Intricate plot. Entertaining. And it wasn't full of bad words.
August 29, 2023
This was my first book of Clive Cussler and won't be the last. It was a refreshing after forcing myself to read genre books and not present day adventures. 1 missed star is just for few cliche it had specially in some dialogue and the last part which was very last 80s, early 90's hollywood. But the rest I really liked. Kind of James bond but with informative details on marine and political games, which was actually based on some documents till 2014. Two cases was not developed but for this story it was all right.
1. Some characters never developed which I actually think there was needed to introduce but not necessary to develop (Author's' choice).
2. Iran's case which I was excited if he went to the details but never happened and Indian ocean to Korea was the journey then back to Africa. Of course, Persian gulf and Iran could be another book.
Marine adventure was almost 30 to 40% of the story. I was waiting for more contribution as cussler is famous for it, but overall it was a very good story and verbal and structure of his pen were enriched by literature. Judging his pen by this work, seems it was not by accident or agents in the media, he became famous.
He was an original and knowledgeable author in the genre and his knowledge on Navy, military and political- Mafia games is showing off during the story. Reminds me of Michael Crichton the late, but with a more sculpted structure in literature as much as Crichton was a scientific figure in the first place. Cussler's practical knowledge on navy can be considered at the same level of Crichton on science and technology.
I am not sure it is his best but I guess it can be one his best book. Hopefully his other books are at the same level or better. I bought two others. I looking forward for more marine adventure from his works.
his book covers are classic 60s and 70s artwork. I like that a lot. These days immature arts are being worked especially in English. At least Italians and Germans has not lost the taste. Wish I could be fluent in these two to enjoy more from the covers. But Cussler's are good enough.
1. Some characters never developed which I actually think there was needed to introduce but not necessary to develop (Author's' choice).
2. Iran's case which I was excited if he went to the details but never happened and Indian ocean to Korea was the journey then back to Africa. Of course, Persian gulf and Iran could be another book.
Marine adventure was almost 30 to 40% of the story. I was waiting for more contribution as cussler is famous for it, but overall it was a very good story and verbal and structure of his pen were enriched by literature. Judging his pen by this work, seems it was not by accident or agents in the media, he became famous.
He was an original and knowledgeable author in the genre and his knowledge on Navy, military and political- Mafia games is showing off during the story. Reminds me of Michael Crichton the late, but with a more sculpted structure in literature as much as Crichton was a scientific figure in the first place. Cussler's practical knowledge on navy can be considered at the same level of Crichton on science and technology.
I am not sure it is his best but I guess it can be one his best book. Hopefully his other books are at the same level or better. I bought two others. I looking forward for more marine adventure from his works.
his book covers are classic 60s and 70s artwork. I like that a lot. These days immature arts are being worked especially in English. At least Italians and Germans has not lost the taste. Wish I could be fluent in these two to enjoy more from the covers. But Cussler's are good enough.
August 13, 2014
Twelfth in the NUMA Files thriller series and revolving around Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala.
My Take
It starts as all Cussler stories do, with great drama and trauma. And it keeps going until Cussler/Brown screw up with Forrester's overly exaggerated reaction to Kurt. One that makes sense on one hand, but is so over-the-top that it gets my radar humming immediately.
If it's action and crazy antics while traveling the globe, underwater and underground exploits with James Bond-style you want and a touch of Tarzan, you can't go wrong with Ghost Ship.
Now if you want true fear, keep reading. There's nothing scarier to me than a computer virus that allows a computer to go rogue, especially when you consider all that computers run today.
I love the idea of the Chameleon Camo, but I do think they need to extend its useful life! Like the sound of those railguns too!
It's fun, it's exciting, it's Saturday afternoon at the movies!
The Story
The stage is set with a hijacking in 1909 and starts with both loss and recovery.
It’s the storm in 2014 that will both reveal and take, and it does take Sienna and her children while her husband survives. Despite the nightmares, despite what he saw as he tried to rescue them, Kurt doesn’t believe she’s dead. He’s got feelers out everywhere hunting for a clue, any hint of where she is.
It’s his obsession that is worrying his friends and the government. Until the CIA picks up on one of those clues.
It’s the source of those clues that’s the real danger, for nothing is as it seems.
The Characters
2014
Kurt Austin is director of special projects while Joe Zavala is the team's assistant director, a creative engineer, and Kurt's best friend; both work for NUMA. Kurt's current lover, Anna Ericsson, is supposed to be his therapist.
Dirk Pitt has been the director of NUMA for several years since Admiral James Sandecker became vice-president of the United States. Congresswoman Loren Smith is Dirk's wife. Hiram Yaeger is NUMA's head of computer tech; Max is the holographic representation of Hiram's ultra high-tech computer system. And doesn't it just burn Hiram that he has to use pen and paper, lol. Paul, a geologist, and Gamay Trout, a marine biologist, run NUMA's most important scientific studies. William "Duke" Jennings is one of NUMA's most experienced submersible pilots. Elena is a former Navy diver. Jacob Fredricks. Dr. Elliot Smith is NUMA's chief medical officer
The NUMA vessel Condor is sent to Durban to raise the Ethernet. The U.S.S. Bataan will play an important part in the rescue. Charlie is the radioman who notices the fake call sign. The Force Recon Marine leader is Lieutenant Brooks. Jones, Lance Corporal William Dalton, and Garcia are among his team. Air Force Staff Sergeant Connors explains the Chameleon Camo.
Trent MacDonald from CIA is wondering if Kurt isn't right. Sutton is from NSA. Tim Hale is CIA station chief for the DMZ in Korea; Colonel Hyun-Min Lee is deputy director of security for the South Korean National Intelligence Service. Private Jeong gets a surprise.
Mohammaed El Din, a purveyor of information, is a contact of Dirk's in Dubai. Abigail Banister was a telecommunications expert. Her husband, Stewart, was a satellite guidance specialist. They had two sons, Nathan and Zach, and a daughter, Olivia.
Desert Rose is the name for a racehorse and a possible handle for
a weapons expert and guidance system engineer. ZSumG, a.k.a., zero sum game, is likely to be a financial hacker. Montresor is the handle for Diego, and he builds doorways mostly dealing with finance. Xeno9X9 is the handle for Goshun, a Ukrainian who went missing a year ago.
The Ethernet is a private yacht on which Brian Westgate (an Internet billionaire), his wife, Sienna (an old love of Kurt's), and their two children, Elise and Tanner, are sinking. David Forrester is the CEO of Westgate's company. Phalanx is a security program to end all security programs, and it was designed by Sienna. A program now protecting all of the U.S. government.
Today's Brèvards
Sebastian Brèvard is the head of the family and ruthless in his plans. Egan and Laurent are his equally ruthless, but less intelligent brothers. Calista is their youngest sister, a sociopath with a talent for computers and systems, who delights in destroying others.
Rene Acosta is an ally, they thought. Kovack is Acosta's too-cocky messenger and right hand man. Solano is an art expert used by Acosta. Than Rang is a Korean industrialist specializing in mining, waste management, and energy with a desire for computer experts.
NUMA is the National Underwater Marine Agency dedicated to the study and preservation of the sea.
1987
Cuoto Zumbana is a fisherman who caught the unexpected, a beaten old dinghy with a dead woman and her two sons.
1909
Chief Inspector Robert Swan of the Durban PD is determined to stop the Klaar River Gang. Morris is one of his men, I think.
The S.S. Waratah is captained by Joshua Ilbery. Gavin Brèvard and Johannes are some of her passengers. Claude Sawyer was one who chose discretion.
The Klaar River Gang had escalated from being common highwaymen to robbery and extortion.
The Cover
The cover is purples and orange, deep rusty oranges as the ghost ship, S.S. Waratah, plies the purple waves under a stormy purple sky.
The title refers to a ship that’s been missing for decades, a Ghost Ship that holds the clues to prevent the theft of the century.
My Take
It starts as all Cussler stories do, with great drama and trauma. And it keeps going until Cussler/Brown screw up with Forrester's overly exaggerated reaction to Kurt. One that makes sense on one hand, but is so over-the-top that it gets my radar humming immediately.
If it's action and crazy antics while traveling the globe, underwater and underground exploits with James Bond-style you want and a touch of Tarzan, you can't go wrong with Ghost Ship.
Now if you want true fear, keep reading. There's nothing scarier to me than a computer virus that allows a computer to go rogue, especially when you consider all that computers run today.
I love the idea of the Chameleon Camo, but I do think they need to extend its useful life! Like the sound of those railguns too!
It's fun, it's exciting, it's Saturday afternoon at the movies!
The Story
The stage is set with a hijacking in 1909 and starts with both loss and recovery.
It’s the storm in 2014 that will both reveal and take, and it does take Sienna and her children while her husband survives. Despite the nightmares, despite what he saw as he tried to rescue them, Kurt doesn’t believe she’s dead. He’s got feelers out everywhere hunting for a clue, any hint of where she is.
It’s his obsession that is worrying his friends and the government. Until the CIA picks up on one of those clues.
It’s the source of those clues that’s the real danger, for nothing is as it seems.
The Characters
2014
Kurt Austin is director of special projects while Joe Zavala is the team's assistant director, a creative engineer, and Kurt's best friend; both work for NUMA. Kurt's current lover, Anna Ericsson, is supposed to be his therapist.
Dirk Pitt has been the director of NUMA for several years since Admiral James Sandecker became vice-president of the United States. Congresswoman Loren Smith is Dirk's wife. Hiram Yaeger is NUMA's head of computer tech; Max is the holographic representation of Hiram's ultra high-tech computer system. And doesn't it just burn Hiram that he has to use pen and paper, lol. Paul, a geologist, and Gamay Trout, a marine biologist, run NUMA's most important scientific studies. William "Duke" Jennings is one of NUMA's most experienced submersible pilots. Elena is a former Navy diver. Jacob Fredricks. Dr. Elliot Smith is NUMA's chief medical officer
The NUMA vessel Condor is sent to Durban to raise the Ethernet. The U.S.S. Bataan will play an important part in the rescue. Charlie is the radioman who notices the fake call sign. The Force Recon Marine leader is Lieutenant Brooks. Jones, Lance Corporal William Dalton, and Garcia are among his team. Air Force Staff Sergeant Connors explains the Chameleon Camo.
Trent MacDonald from CIA is wondering if Kurt isn't right. Sutton is from NSA. Tim Hale is CIA station chief for the DMZ in Korea; Colonel Hyun-Min Lee is deputy director of security for the South Korean National Intelligence Service. Private Jeong gets a surprise.
Mohammaed El Din, a purveyor of information, is a contact of Dirk's in Dubai. Abigail Banister was a telecommunications expert. Her husband, Stewart, was a satellite guidance specialist. They had two sons, Nathan and Zach, and a daughter, Olivia.
Desert Rose is the name for a racehorse and a possible handle for
a weapons expert and guidance system engineer. ZSumG, a.k.a., zero sum game, is likely to be a financial hacker. Montresor is the handle for Diego, and he builds doorways mostly dealing with finance. Xeno9X9 is the handle for Goshun, a Ukrainian who went missing a year ago.
The Ethernet is a private yacht on which Brian Westgate (an Internet billionaire), his wife, Sienna (an old love of Kurt's), and their two children, Elise and Tanner, are sinking. David Forrester is the CEO of Westgate's company. Phalanx is a security program to end all security programs, and it was designed by Sienna. A program now protecting all of the U.S. government.
Today's Brèvards
Sebastian Brèvard is the head of the family and ruthless in his plans. Egan and Laurent are his equally ruthless, but less intelligent brothers. Calista is their youngest sister, a sociopath with a talent for computers and systems, who delights in destroying others.
Rene Acosta is an ally, they thought. Kovack is Acosta's too-cocky messenger and right hand man. Solano is an art expert used by Acosta. Than Rang is a Korean industrialist specializing in mining, waste management, and energy with a desire for computer experts.
NUMA is the National Underwater Marine Agency dedicated to the study and preservation of the sea.
1987
Cuoto Zumbana is a fisherman who caught the unexpected, a beaten old dinghy with a dead woman and her two sons.
1909
Chief Inspector Robert Swan of the Durban PD is determined to stop the Klaar River Gang. Morris is one of his men, I think.
The S.S. Waratah is captained by Joshua Ilbery. Gavin Brèvard and Johannes are some of her passengers. Claude Sawyer was one who chose discretion.
The Klaar River Gang had escalated from being common highwaymen to robbery and extortion.
The Cover
The cover is purples and orange, deep rusty oranges as the ghost ship, S.S. Waratah, plies the purple waves under a stormy purple sky.
The title refers to a ship that’s been missing for decades, a Ghost Ship that holds the clues to prevent the theft of the century.
November 25, 2023
4 Stars
Ghost Ship is the twelfth book in The NUMA Files series by Clive Cussler. This is a bit of a spin-off/related to the Dirk Pitt series – so provides the same sort of engrossing action adventures. The series follows Kurt Austin, the charismatic leader of the NUMA Special Assignments Division (NUMA -> National Underwater Marine Agency – the agency explores the ocean and protects the marine environment). Kurt, along with his team, find themselves whisked off to exotic locations on intriguing missions through the series that include ancient mysteries, environmental threats, historical secrets, global conspiracies, dangerous situations, facing ruthless villains, agendas, dramatic developments, and so much more - all woven into gripping, action-packed adventures...
->2023 Reading Challenge.
->Glennie's Collection
-> This one's for you Glennie 🥰🙏💗📚📖
Clive Cussler novels were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up, as both my parents loved his work. He was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I explored at the time, and over the years I have read everything he’s written.
Since my mother passed away over a year ago, I have been making my way through her book collection, finally- reading each one as part of my reading challenge, as well as a way to pay tribute to my mum, who was such a voracious reader..... Reading her collection of books has stirred up a lot of memories, mostly really great ones of our shared love of reading. I am forever grateful that she passed on her love of reading to me. 🥰🙏💗📚📖
Ghost Ship is the twelfth book in The NUMA Files series by Clive Cussler. This is a bit of a spin-off/related to the Dirk Pitt series – so provides the same sort of engrossing action adventures. The series follows Kurt Austin, the charismatic leader of the NUMA Special Assignments Division (NUMA -> National Underwater Marine Agency – the agency explores the ocean and protects the marine environment). Kurt, along with his team, find themselves whisked off to exotic locations on intriguing missions through the series that include ancient mysteries, environmental threats, historical secrets, global conspiracies, dangerous situations, facing ruthless villains, agendas, dramatic developments, and so much more - all woven into gripping, action-packed adventures...
->2023 Reading Challenge.
->Glennie's Collection
-> This one's for you Glennie 🥰🙏💗📚📖
Clive Cussler novels were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up, as both my parents loved his work. He was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I explored at the time, and over the years I have read everything he’s written.
Since my mother passed away over a year ago, I have been making my way through her book collection, finally- reading each one as part of my reading challenge, as well as a way to pay tribute to my mum, who was such a voracious reader..... Reading her collection of books has stirred up a lot of memories, mostly really great ones of our shared love of reading. I am forever grateful that she passed on her love of reading to me. 🥰🙏💗📚📖
June 20, 2017
Kurt is seriously injured in an attempt to save passengers from a sinking ship. He awakes with fragmented and conflicting memories. Did he really see an old friend die or was the ship abandoned? He can't trust either version of his memories. And when a a vague thread of a rumor sets him off, he travels the world chasing clues that his friend might still be alive.
Woah! Something a little different at first glance- Kurt is not perfect and having serious flaws. :O he is badly injured and having a very hard time adjusting. But then things start going back to the same formula of Kurt being pretty near perfect and always right. Yawn. Save the damsel. Kill the bad guy. Blah blah blah. I'm getting tired of how perfect Kurt is.
The over all plot is interesting. Cyberterrorist attacks and brainwashing. Not sure how I felt at the end when all the cyber crime just turned out to be a big bank robbery. On one hand it was cool that history was repeating, but on the other hand I was like "Really? That's it?". Seemed like a super convoluted way of going about a bank heist. I guess that was the point? *shrug*
Once again I found the Trouts had the better part of the story even though they are the B team. They dealt with the mystery of finding a 100 year old abandoned ship still floating on the water. The ghost ship from the title and cover. That part of the story was very entertaining.
Woah! Something a little different at first glance- Kurt is not perfect and having serious flaws. :O he is badly injured and having a very hard time adjusting. But then things start going back to the same formula of Kurt being pretty near perfect and always right. Yawn. Save the damsel. Kill the bad guy. Blah blah blah. I'm getting tired of how perfect Kurt is.
The over all plot is interesting. Cyberterrorist attacks and brainwashing. Not sure how I felt at the end when all the cyber crime just turned out to be a big bank robbery. On one hand it was cool that history was repeating, but on the other hand I was like "Really? That's it?". Seemed like a super convoluted way of going about a bank heist. I guess that was the point? *shrug*
Once again I found the Trouts had the better part of the story even though they are the B team. They dealt with the mystery of finding a 100 year old abandoned ship still floating on the water. The ghost ship from the title and cover. That part of the story was very entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2023
I'm a big Cussler fan but I've come to the realization that his series books should be read a couple of months apart. Why? Because whether it's Kurt Austin, Dirk Pitt, or the Oregon, in the end you're reading the same story over and over. I'm actually burnt out on the Oregon completely (which used to be my favorite series) because I read about six of them back to back and by the end it was just... meh. The characters don't age or ever evolve, and it just gets old.
Anyway back to the NUMA files. The same issue exists here in the fact that you know Kurt, Joe, Gamay, and Paul are going to end up in crazy situations that they somehow cheat death about a dozen times over but that aside this was a great adventure story. The Titular Ghost Ship is actually a fairly small part, with the main story being about a clandestine organization kidnapping world class hackers in a plot that eventually involves both North and South Korea and a climatic final battle in Madagascar.
Its a blast to read despite a few plot holes here and there and the usual Cussler outlandish Austin schemes that would have a snowball's chance of actually succeeding in real life. Calista's an intriguing character and her arc was very satisfying. Sebastian Brevard's a good villain and the history of the Brevard family and the Ghost Ship came together nicely. Definitely worth a look if you want a fun adventure story. I'm going to give it some time and then move on to the next one!
Anyway back to the NUMA files. The same issue exists here in the fact that you know Kurt, Joe, Gamay, and Paul are going to end up in crazy situations that they somehow cheat death about a dozen times over but that aside this was a great adventure story. The Titular Ghost Ship is actually a fairly small part, with the main story being about a clandestine organization kidnapping world class hackers in a plot that eventually involves both North and South Korea and a climatic final battle in Madagascar.
Its a blast to read despite a few plot holes here and there and the usual Cussler outlandish Austin schemes that would have a snowball's chance of actually succeeding in real life. Calista's an intriguing character and her arc was very satisfying. Sebastian Brevard's a good villain and the history of the Brevard family and the Ghost Ship came together nicely. Definitely worth a look if you want a fun adventure story. I'm going to give it some time and then move on to the next one!
June 28, 2018
Though I've read few Clive Cussler novels, I can easily say this is my favorite out of all them. Reading previous NUMA adventures I can say this one had a renewed sense of suspense and action. I loved the way the writers made our normal marine biologists into spies, giving our characters a kind of James Bond feel. Plus the sense of adventure for finding a mysterious sunken ship give me a thrill like Indian Jones. With these two aspects, how could this not be a great story?
However, I have two drawbacks, the second one containing a spoiler in order to get it. First, was at the end of the book, when the antagonists monologues his great scheme but yet two paragraphs straight, he almost repeated every word he said. So, it was a writing error and it really kind of killed the moment because I'm like "Didn't you just say that?". Just wished somebody caught it before publication. Second was the plot hole in which Kurt and Joe removed their shoes so they wouldn't be heard by the antagonists. Yet, there was no mention of their shoes afterwards and they had a shoot out, a rescue and fighting the North Koreas and you're telling me they did it all in their socks? Doesn't make sense.
Otherwise, I think it was a great read and I encourage any person who is fan of Clive Cussler to read this epic installment.
However, I have two drawbacks, the second one containing a spoiler in order to get it. First, was at the end of the book, when the antagonists monologues his great scheme but yet two paragraphs straight, he almost repeated every word he said. So, it was a writing error and it really kind of killed the moment because I'm like "Didn't you just say that?". Just wished somebody caught it before publication. Second was the plot hole in which Kurt and Joe removed their shoes so they wouldn't be heard by the antagonists. Yet, there was no mention of their shoes afterwards and they had a shoot out, a rescue and fighting the North Koreas and you're telling me they did it all in their socks? Doesn't make sense.
Otherwise, I think it was a great read and I encourage any person who is fan of Clive Cussler to read this epic installment.
June 17, 2021
This novel was another blind read, from a series called "The Duma Files"; the main character is Kurt Austin, who I would probably understand more about if I read some of the previous books.
This felt difficult to begin with, because it opened with multiple flashbacks, but the main story was relatively simple, and involved a failed attempt by Kurt to save passengers from a sinking yacht, only for it to transpire that one of the supposedly dead passengers was still alive and being manipulated by cyberterrorists, in a plot that put me in mind of Hitchcock's "The Lady Vanishes".
There was also another subplot involving a ship that went missing in 1909, as a result of being hijacked, and inevitably it ended up being connected to the main plot.
I found this to be an easy book to read, and a very gripping one too. I liked the fact that it addressed modern threats, including computer hacking, particularly a sequence where a submarine computer was remotely hacked. I would definitely consider checking out more books in this series.
This felt difficult to begin with, because it opened with multiple flashbacks, but the main story was relatively simple, and involved a failed attempt by Kurt to save passengers from a sinking yacht, only for it to transpire that one of the supposedly dead passengers was still alive and being manipulated by cyberterrorists, in a plot that put me in mind of Hitchcock's "The Lady Vanishes".
There was also another subplot involving a ship that went missing in 1909, as a result of being hijacked, and inevitably it ended up being connected to the main plot.
I found this to be an easy book to read, and a very gripping one too. I liked the fact that it addressed modern threats, including computer hacking, particularly a sequence where a submarine computer was remotely hacked. I would definitely consider checking out more books in this series.
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