The Striker

The second audio book I listened to while driving on my recent vacation, The Striker by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott is my first Isaac Bell Adventure.

Although Isaac Bell is cast from the same mold as Dirk Pitt and other Cussler heroes. the story itself is a change from other Cussler works. 

Set in the first decade of 1900, the story revolves around the struggle of coal workers trying to organize and owners fighting unionization. 

 The Striker is a twist filled retelling of a dangerous time in U.S. history. Granted, it is fiction, but considering the small understanding of silver mining history I have where I live, the incidents related here are very believable. 

Bell is pitted (not Dirk Pitted) against an agent provocateur bent on creating an all out war between labor and management for his own agenda. 

A much more intricate story than I am used to from Cussler. It was a bit difficult to follow while driving because you really need to pay attention. The story was compelling enough that I actually listened to the last thee discs in the house. 

Suspenseful and cerebral. At first I feared a propaganda piece for unionism but that was dispelled quickly. It plainly showed bad actors on both sides of the fence. Of course there is a romantic story line, but it is different too.

I enjoyed this story more than any Cussler work I have read in quite a while. Historical action, suspense and adventure. Enjoy!

Mike

Skeleton Coast

I listened to an audio version of Skeleton Coast by Clive Cussler with Jack Du Brul while driving on my recent vacation.

A hunt for African diamonds in which The Oregon gets caught up. Along the way, bad guys who want to unleash weather caused devastation on the earth (holy global warming Batman). Actually, two main plot lines that intertwine and overlap.

Good action and suspense. The obligatory sexual attraction. Plenty of nautical technology and sea bound action. A really cool chase on the water.

A good story to listen to while driving. Easy to follow. This was an abridged version which may have helped in my instance.

Cussler sticks to his formula and gives an entertaining, if perhaps a bit predictable, adventure thriller. And why wouldn't he? It seems to be working.

If you like nautically based adventure thrillers Skeleton Coast entertains quite well. Enjoy!

Mike

The Castle: A Bud Hutchins Supernatural Thriller

J. B. Michaels provided an e-copy of The Castle: A Bud Hutchins Supernatural Thriller for review.

The on going adventures of Bud Hutchins (genius) and The Order of St. Michaels (protectors of mankind and trees). This is the second Bud Hutchins book I have read and it is good to have read the earlier books. While the story does not specifically mention previous works, changes characters have undergone continue in the new book. Missing the earlier information could make the story a bit confusing. 

The Castle is a story of Bud and The Order's battle with vampires. It is somewhat reminiscent of the original Dracula by Bram Stoker. 

Hints at budding romance for Bud. Growth for Bud as he is required to rely on others more for help in this book. The tech, while present here is not the main focus, good balance. Good suspense and action scenes. The vampire has the obligatory inept toadies (can you say minions anymore?).

This installment of the series was a bit coarser language wise than previously (at least to me). Just something I noticed, not commenting positively or negatively.

All in all fun to follow Bud Hutchins adventures. Enjoy!

Mike

Frede and Santa

Author Leen Lefebre provided an e-copy of Frede and Santa for review.

A good short read at 36 pages. Frede is a young boy who travels to meet Santa and ask for his help. His family is struggling and losing. 

A great story of familial love and support. Adventurous story of a child's faith in the magic of the season.

The only problem: the translation is a bit clunky to read.

A nice Christmas story. Enjoy!

Mike