What do you think?
Rate this book
Isaac Bell #9
The Gangster
Isaac Bell is back in this thrilling new novel from the #1 New York Times–bestselling grand master of adventure Clive Cussler.
It is 1906, and in New York City, the Italian crime group known as the Black Hand is on a kidnapping, extortion, arson. Detective Isaac Bell of the Van Dorn Agency is hired to form a special “Black Hand Squad,” but the gangsters appear to be everywhere—so much so that Bell begins to wonder if there are imitators, criminals using the name for the terror effect. And then the murders begin, each one of a man more powerful than the last, and as Bell discovers, to his dismay, the ultimate target may be the most powerful man of all.
It is 1906, and in New York City, the Italian crime group known as the Black Hand is on a kidnapping, extortion, arson. Detective Isaac Bell of the Van Dorn Agency is hired to form a special “Black Hand Squad,” but the gangsters appear to be everywhere—so much so that Bell begins to wonder if there are imitators, criminals using the name for the terror effect. And then the murders begin, each one of a man more powerful than the last, and as Bell discovers, to his dismay, the ultimate target may be the most powerful man of all.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2016
751 people are currently reading
3395 people want to read
About the author
Clive Cussler
645 books8,537 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews
June 11, 2025
A good premise, but just too much.
November 23, 2023
Clive Cussler hits it out of the park once again! A thrilling plot, crisp writing, likable heroes, and despicable villains!
August 24, 2016
I see a historical suspense book like this as a sort of palate cleanser between more substantial courses of reading, and in that role The Gangster serves very nicely. It's historically accurate to the extent it needs to be, the plot moves along briskly, the characters are believable if somewhat one-dimensional and it builds suspense nicely even if it's not exactly filled with surprising twists and turns. I'm no expert on Cussler - this is the first book of his I've ever picked up - so I can make no point of comparison with his other books or others in this apparent series built around the character of an early 20th century private detective named Isaac Bell. But it certainly is entertaining enough to keep you reading and you don't need to have read anything else in the series to follow the plot or appreciate the characters. If you're not a stickler for dramatic excesses, you'll likely find this a sufficiently enjoyable departure from more-serious fare. And, as such experiences ought to do, you'll probably be well prepared to dig into something more nutritious and rewarding.
February 23, 2017
Loved it, there just something about Clive Cussler's books that once I start to read them inforget everything else, they just pull me into them.
May 6, 2016
A really enjoyable, fun and fast-paced read set in the early part of the 20th century. Train travel and steamers are the main form of transport, manual labour (with dynamite asistance) is the only form of labour and where (with seemingly limitless resources), Isaac Bell and the Joseph Van Dorn Detective Agency never give up, never!
January 24, 2019
I like the Isaac Bell series. Things were different then, well except murder that is.
July 5, 2016
One of the better books in the Isaac Bell series, this time Isaac battles the black hand, trying to keep it from becoming a national crime syndicate, while at the same time protecting President Theodore Roosevelt from an assassination attempt.
November 1, 2016
Typical Clive Cussler novel. This one was a little less flowery than normal so was happy to give it the extra star!
December 3, 2019
Another great Isaac Bell story. I always love the history involved and definitely learn a lot about turn of the century life.
May 24, 2017
Isaac Bell and the Van Dorn Detective Agency are hired to arrest the Black Hand, an Italian crime organization. Antonio Branco is a grocer in public and a gangster in private. Antonio and J. B. Culp team together to kill an important presidential figure. Will they succeed in their plot, or will Isaac Bell and the Van Dorn Agency save the day? Who is behind the Black Hand organization and will they be caught before they strike again?
This is my first Clive Cussler historical, suspense novel. I must say I enjoyed it. Isaac Bell and the host of secondary characters keep the story rolling through the plot and subplots. The history is spot on. I look forward to my next Cussler novel.
This is my first Clive Cussler historical, suspense novel. I must say I enjoyed it. Isaac Bell and the host of secondary characters keep the story rolling through the plot and subplots. The history is spot on. I look forward to my next Cussler novel.
February 28, 2018
I'd lost interest in author Clive Cussler's work some time ago, and can't remember why, maybe it's because he's another of those successful authors who has underlings writing for him, using his name to sell books.
Regardless, I truly enjoyed The Gangster, an Isaac Bell Adventure. The plot was fresh, although the story is set just after the turn of the century, in and around New York City. Irish and Italian gangs were responsible for much of the city's crime, but also for building its infrastructure, like the giant aqueduct that is being built to bring a thirsty city fresh water from two hundred miles away, in the Catskills.
Isaac Bell is a Van Horn Detective, a private investigation company in the east, like the Pinkertons were to the west. The book is a good read and I'm sure I'll pick up another in the series if I see one.
Regardless, I truly enjoyed The Gangster, an Isaac Bell Adventure. The plot was fresh, although the story is set just after the turn of the century, in and around New York City. Irish and Italian gangs were responsible for much of the city's crime, but also for building its infrastructure, like the giant aqueduct that is being built to bring a thirsty city fresh water from two hundred miles away, in the Catskills.
Isaac Bell is a Van Horn Detective, a private investigation company in the east, like the Pinkertons were to the west. The book is a good read and I'm sure I'll pick up another in the series if I see one.
May 3, 2016
My favorite cussler series. Some historical events along with good fiction. Really like the early 1900s setting.
April 30, 2016
Review went missing. How does save not working?
I like it but other Cussler books are more my type of adventure.
I like it but other Cussler books are more my type of adventure.
July 17, 2020
Best series in the Cussler universe. Historically accurate (or so it seems, I am far from an expert) and well written, hurray for the Van Dorn Agency. (That is until they add Summer and Isaac Jr.)
December 28, 2022
The Gangster is book 9 in the Isaac Bell series by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott. In 1906 a group of men were causing havoc with the people of New York City, and they were an Italian crime group called the Black Hand. Detective Isaac Bell caught the case to investigate the crime spree in New York City. At first, Detective Isaac Bell was not sure who he was investigating until people started to die, and the most powerful man was on their list. The readers of Gangster will continue to follow Detective Isaac Bell to find out what happens.
The Gangster is another fantastic adventure with Isaac Bell. I always enjoy reading books by Clive Cussler, and The Gangster kept up my love affair with his books. I like Clive Cussler and Justin Scott's portrayal of their characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. The Gangster is well-written and researched by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott. I like Clive Cussler and Justin Scott's description of the settings of The Gangster, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Gangster will learn about living in New York City during 1906. Also, the readers will learn about being a private investigator in the early nineteen century.
I recommend this book.
The Gangster is another fantastic adventure with Isaac Bell. I always enjoy reading books by Clive Cussler, and The Gangster kept up my love affair with his books. I like Clive Cussler and Justin Scott's portrayal of their characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. The Gangster is well-written and researched by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott. I like Clive Cussler and Justin Scott's description of the settings of The Gangster, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Gangster will learn about living in New York City during 1906. Also, the readers will learn about being a private investigator in the early nineteen century.
I recommend this book.
December 7, 2025
Very suspenseful, really like the Isaac Bell series
July 1, 2016
By now everyone who knows me is aware that I'm rather fond of Clive Cussler's work, because his books are fun to read, full of action and adventure and all things delightful, and usually the books are worth the price you pay. With The Gangster, the ninth installment in the Isaac Bell Adventures, it's no surprise that I enjoyed the hell out of the book. I love the imagination that went into writing The Gangster, over-the-top characters, and all the research that must have occurred even before the book was written. It is excellent!
A ''Black Hand'' gang leader and some crooked businessmen wants to assassinate Teddy Roosevelt, so Isaac Bell of the Van Dorn's is on the case to find the bad guys before their plans can come to fruition. Isaac Bell, however, is giving orders to experienced men that are far older than himself. So, of course, a bit of conflict arises. Nevertheless, this quirky read will have you glued to your seat for hours, as you delve into the antics that makes Isaac Bell such a lovable character.
If you're looking for humour and excitement, a fantastic historical crime series that's full of heroes and villains, you've come to the right place. The Isaac Bell Adventures provides a great escape from the real world. However, I would suggest you get your hands on the previous books. The Gangster does somewhat act as a prequel, so it's a good book to start on, but I know a lot of new Cussler fans are aching to get their hands on the previous books in order to catch up (believe me, you'll be itching for a dose of Isaac Bell as soon as you've had a taste).
I can't wait for the next one!
Review originally posted on:
A ''Black Hand'' gang leader and some crooked businessmen wants to assassinate Teddy Roosevelt, so Isaac Bell of the Van Dorn's is on the case to find the bad guys before their plans can come to fruition. Isaac Bell, however, is giving orders to experienced men that are far older than himself. So, of course, a bit of conflict arises. Nevertheless, this quirky read will have you glued to your seat for hours, as you delve into the antics that makes Isaac Bell such a lovable character.
If you're looking for humour and excitement, a fantastic historical crime series that's full of heroes and villains, you've come to the right place. The Isaac Bell Adventures provides a great escape from the real world. However, I would suggest you get your hands on the previous books. The Gangster does somewhat act as a prequel, so it's a good book to start on, but I know a lot of new Cussler fans are aching to get their hands on the previous books in order to catch up (believe me, you'll be itching for a dose of Isaac Bell as soon as you've had a taste).
I can't wait for the next one!
Review originally posted on:
February 24, 2016
Great fun! This is an historical adventure that is entertaining, instructive and an all around great read. The characters are larger than life. Isaac Bell (with his bright golden hair) is everywhere - an exuberant, superman of a character managing to save the day regardless of the dastardly doings of the Black Hand. Even Teddy Roosevelt is a participant in the adventure!
The portrayal of the early 1900's particularly in New York was especially fascinating. Love books that have been well researched and provide enlightenment as well as entertainment.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes well written adventure stories and know I will go back and read others in this enjoyable series that appeals to both men and women.
I would like to thank Goodreads and the G.P. Putnam's Sons Publishers for the advance copy in return for an unbiased review.
The portrayal of the early 1900's particularly in New York was especially fascinating. Love books that have been well researched and provide enlightenment as well as entertainment.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes well written adventure stories and know I will go back and read others in this enjoyable series that appeals to both men and women.
I would like to thank Goodreads and the G.P. Putnam's Sons Publishers for the advance copy in return for an unbiased review.
June 23, 2016
It's 1906 and an Italian crime group known as The Black Hand is on a
menacing crime spree of kidnapping, extortion, and arson. Detective Isaac Bell
of the Van Dorn Agency is hired to combat them but they are everywhere. Bell
wonders if other mobs are merging and then using the Black Hand name to terrorize
the city. Then the murders begin, each man more powerful than the last. Bell knows
that he's facing a lethal organization and the ultimate target maybe the most
powerful of all. This is the ninth book in the Isaac bell series and the first that I have
read. The story is alright and has a little action but I like Cussler when he's writing
about Dirk Pitt, and Kurt Austin and those type of series. I gave it a 3.
menacing crime spree of kidnapping, extortion, and arson. Detective Isaac Bell
of the Van Dorn Agency is hired to combat them but they are everywhere. Bell
wonders if other mobs are merging and then using the Black Hand name to terrorize
the city. Then the murders begin, each man more powerful than the last. Bell knows
that he's facing a lethal organization and the ultimate target maybe the most
powerful of all. This is the ninth book in the Isaac bell series and the first that I have
read. The story is alright and has a little action but I like Cussler when he's writing
about Dirk Pitt, and Kurt Austin and those type of series. I gave it a 3.
February 15, 2016
Another fabulous adventure with Isaac Bell and the Van Dorn Detective agency set in New York in the 1900's with the Black Hand Society, a group of organized thugs that were reeking havoc threatening Italian businessmen, blowing up the water aqueducts and involved in a plot to assassinate President Teddy Roosevelt. Isaac must follow the links to find who is behind all this mayhem.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!!
March 8, 2016
Well rats, now I have to get hold of the other 8-9 books in this series and read them . It will be such a sacrifice ... :)
October 31, 2017
Another fun Issac Bell adventure. This one takes place chronologically after the first book, I believe, even though it is ninth in the series. Isaac is in New York City and trying to stop an Italian gang, known as the Black Hand, from creating terror and causing chaos in the city. They send threatening notes and ask for money, and when they aren't paid, bad things begin to happen. The problem is, the roots of this gang go even deeper than Isaac imagined, and he must stop them before it is too late.
I enjoyed the book, and it was a great listen.
I enjoyed the book, and it was a great listen.
October 16, 2018
New York is still a bit of the wild west at the turn of the century, even as skyscrapers and motorized vehicles become more commonplace. And in this history-laden adventure, we see the development of the investigator Isaac Bell and the gangster Antonio Branco. They meet - briefly - when Bell is a college student and Branco is a Immigrant Sicilian 'pick and shovel man.'
But 11 years later, many things have changed. Bell know works for the Van Doran Detective Agency and Branco is a wealthy grocer. The duo meet again as Bell investigates the Black Hand, an extortion and kidnapping ring. The Van Doran Detectives are charged with protecting the local businessmen but there is more going on. Soon they determine that there is a developing criminal syndicate of not just extortion and kidnapping, but murder and other crimes. And soon the stakes, already high get even higher: there is a plot to kill President Teddy Roosevelt.
But 11 years later, many things have changed. Bell know works for the Van Doran Detective Agency and Branco is a wealthy grocer. The duo meet again as Bell investigates the Black Hand, an extortion and kidnapping ring. The Van Doran Detectives are charged with protecting the local businessmen but there is more going on. Soon they determine that there is a developing criminal syndicate of not just extortion and kidnapping, but murder and other crimes. And soon the stakes, already high get even higher: there is a plot to kill President Teddy Roosevelt.
July 6, 2020
Clive Cussler always weaves historical landmarks in with greedy murderers. This time the Catskill Aqueduct. New York City in early 1900's rough stuff but Cussler team always wins!
May 14, 2017
Not in a million years would I have read this book of my own volition but here I was staying in a foreign country and this being the only English language book available.........and I loved it! On reflection, not a shock because it deals with historical fiction and that I like. Its a easy to read piece of escapism where the good guy gets the bad guy and everything goes their way.
May 11, 2017
Once you figure out the cast of thousands, thus novel is on a quick roll, better than an action movie. Of course, with Isaac Bell, you always have trains. But this time you add ice gliders. You have the Irish, Italians, Sicilians all fighting to control not only New York, but control of major economic ventures. Even if you haven't read Cussler before, you'll enjoy this ride.
April 15, 2019
The beginning of this book is hard to read but take patience and it does get better. You will find out if Terry is assassinated, Teddy who, you say. Wait and find out.
December 15, 2017
An Issac Bell novel, I give-a 3 stars. I'm really a Cussler fan but sometimes his co-writers slow the story down. Although, as a historical shoot em up, it was okay. I was a little disappointed in the ability to move the story forward at a pace I've become accustomed to from Clive. I finished the book so it gets at least 3 stars. I need another kick ass Dirk Pitt novel or Fargos to get me going again.
August 10, 2017
Least favorite of all the Cussler books I've read.
April 12, 2016
The Black Hand is running an extortion ring in Little Sicily. The business men form The White Hand to protect themselves. And someone is sabotaging the Catskill Aqueduct tunnels: a project designed to provide fresh water for seven million people in NYC.
So the Van Dorn’s create a group to stop the Black Hand and discover the saboteur. Meanwhile one of the Wall Street titans is mad that President Roosevelt is messing up his accumulating wealth and puts a hit on him, adding to the Van Dorn's worry's.
This plot is so convoluted that I had a hard time keeping track of who was doing what and maybe why. But it all worked out and created an exciting story.
Quick Thoughts: 1) Yes! I love the way Giuseppe Villa insists on his daughter speaking English now that they are here in America. That’s how you integrate into the society but adopting their language, etc. Stop trying to make America like the country that was so bad you wanted to leave or you may as well have stayed there.
2) I was reading another book at the same time as this one and in both heroes take a gun away from a female who doesn’t know how to use it.
3) I felt sorry for Aloysius Clarke. I like the guy.
4) It was interesting find out where Chicken Tetrazzini came from.
Fave Scenes: 1) Isaac ‘borrowing’ the locomotive, Maria’s rescue, Bell & the prizefighters, delivering the barrels and the elephant tusk.
So the Van Dorn’s create a group to stop the Black Hand and discover the saboteur. Meanwhile one of the Wall Street titans is mad that President Roosevelt is messing up his accumulating wealth and puts a hit on him, adding to the Van Dorn's worry's.
This plot is so convoluted that I had a hard time keeping track of who was doing what and maybe why. But it all worked out and created an exciting story.
Quick Thoughts: 1) Yes! I love the way Giuseppe Villa insists on his daughter speaking English now that they are here in America. That’s how you integrate into the society but adopting their language, etc. Stop trying to make America like the country that was so bad you wanted to leave or you may as well have stayed there.
2) I was reading another book at the same time as this one and in both heroes take a gun away from a female who doesn’t know how to use it.
3) I felt sorry for Aloysius Clarke. I like the guy.
4) It was interesting find out where Chicken Tetrazzini came from.
Fave Scenes: 1) Isaac ‘borrowing’ the locomotive, Maria’s rescue, Bell & the prizefighters, delivering the barrels and the elephant tusk.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews