The Titanic Secret (An Isaac Bell Adventure)

I used to devour Clive Cussler novels as quickly as I could get my hands on them but these days, not as much. An exception is the Isaac Bell series, which I enjoy immensely, almost as much as I did the early Dirk Pitt novels. What a treat to read an Isaac Bell novel that is both a crossover and a prequel/sequel to the title that put Cussler on the map in the '70s: Raise the Titanic! A hallmark of Cussler's books is a preface that is set in a different time period--usually the past--that has some bearing on the main story. In this case, the preface, along with a rare epilogue are set in the present day and feature Dirk Pitt. The main novel is set in 1911-1912 and features Issac Bell in the backstory for Cussler's fist bestseller. Astute readers will also notice an extremely brief cameo appearance by a much younger version of another Dirk Pitt villain near the story, but no spoilers. The Titanic Secret is a very fast paced and a fun read, loaded with the best of what Clive Cussler's novels have to offer. It was also kind of poignant for me in that it's the first Cussler novel I've read since he passed away earlier this year. There are at least a few more titles that were already in the works at the time of his passing that will see the light of day in due course but it's sad to think that a time is coming when there will be no more new Clive Cussler novels to look forward to. I guess it's a good thing that I have a healthy backlog that I have yet to read.

Dirk Pitt has just managed to save a centuries-old submarine from certain destruction. Now, Pitt has been given access to Isaac Bell's journal. In it, Pitt learns of the Little Angel Mine disaster, in which nine miners were supposedly killed. Now, Isaac Bell must find out the truth about the mine and the miners. The miners were interested in byzanium; a rare and very powerful element. It is worth millions of dollars. But the plight of the miners is far from over. Plus, the French are also interested in the rare element, and are prepared to fight for it. Over the course of the story, Pitt will travel to the British Isles as well as the islands of Novaya Zemlya. He will be continually by dogged by forces who wish to see him dead. And the grand luxury liner Titanic plays a vital role in the story. I'm a big fan of both the Dirk Pitt and Isaac Bell series, and it's always fun to see an author combine two of his best characters into one story. Typical with the Isaac Bell stories, this one is loaded with great historical intrigue, well-developed characters, and a plot that will keep the reader guessing throughout. Don't miss "The Titanic Secret". Highly recommended.

Must read for Cussler fans who follow both Dirk Pitt, and Isaac Bell series. Must read for Cussler fans who follow both Dirk Pitt, and Isaac Bell series. I gave this only four stars because the style of telling was more like Jack Du Brul's instead of Clive Cussler's. I have grown to love Cussler's tales over the years of reading his books. Jack Du Brul's style of writing shines in the Oregon files series, and I love the espionage style feel he brings to them. That violent espionage feeling was off character for Bell in this book. Bell's character in previous books portrays more of a gentleman brawler with a lot of luck. My review is only missing one star because I think Dirk Cussler should have co-written this tale with his dad or possibly brought back Scott. Having said that I'm on to my next Cussler book in the Oregon Files series and am looking forward to Du Brul's writing style in it. *Edit I just realized Boyd Morrison co-wrote the next Oregon Series book. Oh well I'm going to read it next anyway. 😁

Clive Cussler has been one of my top five favorite authors for a long time now. Since Isaac Bell came along, he is one of my top ten fictional characters. The addition of a co-writer has not created any diminution of my opinion. This installment of Bell’s saga was long anticipated, and does not disappoint. The characterization of Bell is consistent with the other novels. Lord knows the action is nonstop. I don’t do spoilers in a review, but I will comment on Cussler’s trademark contemporary bookends. His matching Prologue and Epilogue are clever, and appropriate. In them, he links his first lead character, Dirk Pitt the hero of “Raise the Titanic “ with this latest opus featuring his newest hero,, Isaac Bell. By mentioning the Titanic in the Prologue, he kind of telegraphs future plot elements, but it works. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book. Glad I preordered it. Can’t wait for the next one.

"Raise The Titanic" was the book that introduced me to Clive Cussler and "Dirk Pitt". I ended up collecting them all. This was my first "Isaac Bell" and I only bought it because of the tie-in to my old favorite. It was superb! Set many years before my "Dirk Pitt" series, it was interesting in a "previous age" way, cars still very new and much slower travel, etc. Lots of intrigue and, harking back to the other book, explanations and delving deeper into characters in that book. Fabulous conjoining of two novels on a single subject. View it as a "prequel" if you will, but both are great stand-alone stories too.

Great to have past and present in two great detectives

Nothing

I’ve bought this book as “Raise the Titanic ” but not. This novel is fitful in kindergarten, I think. I regret reading this is loss of time. What a dull novel this is!

Plaisir pour l’imagination

Gripping read, exciting from start to finish. Fantastic idea by Cussler to revisit Titanic and expand on the back story, incorporating the only man who can hold a torch to Dirk Pitt, Isaac Bell. Extremely well told, fast paced, and does not fail to deliver. A great idea to fill in all the blanks...makes me wonder if Cussler is looking around the back catalogue and wondering if he can pull this off again? Great idea, great story, does not fault to deliver! For any new Cussler readers, find Raise the Titanic and then follow it with this book. Satisfaction, guaranteed!