From BooklistCompared to his newer series, such as the Isaac Bell and Fargo thrillers, the Dirk Pitt novels feel a little old-fashioned. The Mediterranean Caper, the first in the series, was published 40 years ago, and apart from the regular addition of new technologies and other contemporary trappings, the Pitt novels really havent veered too far from the formula established in the beginning. Pitt, a marine engineer and globe-trotting adventurer, risks life and limb to defeat a clever and resourceful villain. The story here involves a new American submarine. It will be faster, quieter, and more powerful than anything else under the seas, but its designer has been killed, and his plans and scale model have vanished. Nobody else knows how to finish building the sub, and now, with the plans stolen, an unknown party has the ability to build his or her own. Wildly implausible, yes, but a solid enough jumping-off point for more of the usual adventure and fisticuffs. Dirk Pitt is no longer the gold standard of Cusslers many seriesthats now Isaac Bellbut Pitt still has enough gumption to keep us reading. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Formula fiction sells, if the formula has a track record, and Cussler (and his coauthors) certainly have that. Aggressive marketing, of course, will help. --David Pitt Just about the best storyteller in the business.New York PostCussler is a master at building suspense and tension.Richmond Times-DispatchA new Clive Cussler novel is like a visit from your best friend.Tom ClancyWhen the going gets tough, I read Clive Cussler, for no one can spin a yarn thats so thoroughly spellbinding and entertaining as he can.Harold CoyleAbout the AuthorClive Cussleris the author or coauthor of over fifty previous books in five bestselling series, including Dirk Pitt, NUMA Files,OregonFiles, Isaac Bell, and Sam and Remi Fargo. His nonfiction works includeBuilt for Adventure:The Classic Automobiles of Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt, andBuilt to Thrill:More Classic Automobiles from Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt,plusThe Sea HuntersandThe Sea Hunters II; these describe the true adventures of the real NUMA, which, led by Cussler, searches for lost ships of historic significance. With his crew of volunteers, Cussler has discovered more than sixty ships, including the long-lost Confederate shipHunley.He lives in Colorado and Arizona.Dirk Cussleris the coauthor with Clive Cussler of six Dirk Pitt adventures, most recentlyOdessa Sea.For the past several years, he has been an active participant and partner in his fathers NUMA expeditions and has served as president of the NUMA advisory board of trustees. He lives in Arizona. what websites can you write stories Poseidon's Arrow (Dirk Pitt Adventure)
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A fine entry in this classic series, with all the familiar Dirk Pitt trappingsBy Dan BergerDirk and Al are in fine form in this latest installment in the Dirk Pitt series. The latest undersea technology, great chase scenes, Dirk and Al emitting corny wisecracks as they risk their lives to save damsels in distress its all there. Dirk Jr. and Summer get a few scenes as well.In a project so secret the president has only just learned about it, the U.S. has developed a new generation of high-speed submarines that can tip the balance of naval power back for decades to come against Russian, Chinese and Iranian challenges.But two top researchers on the project are mysteriously killed in an attempt to steal the subs technology. And only Pitt sees a link between this and a recent incident half a world away, where Pitt had helped avoid disaster by keeping a deserted freighter on autopilot from crashing into a crowded cruise ship. People in both incidents died a hideous death with weird symptoms.And behind it all is a nasty plot to corner the worlds market on rare earths rare elements on the Periodic Table that modern technology, defense-related and otherwise but particularly defense-related, increasingly require. Theres a wicked billionaire, and theres his unimaginably evil secluded tropical lair - all the familiar Cussler trappings, including the babelicious FBI agent Ann Bennett. The now happily-married Pitt, though, turns the series' romantic tables by gently fending off her advances as they race around trying to get to the bottom of the plot.Its quintessential Pitt, with action in the Pacific, the Panama Canal, the Ohio River; Washington, Madagascar, the Indian Ocean; Australia, Inner Mongolia, Beijing everywhere from Santiago to San Diego, both actually in there. And Tijuana. There are more shipboard fights, boat pursuits and clever usages of industrial machinery than I can recall. Plus a car chase involving a Packard from Pitts antique collection. And its all done with panache. You have to admire the hundred-dollar tip Pitt leaves a Panama bartender who not only lets him use a pay phone when he looks like hes crawled out of a sewer, but comes up with a bolt-cutter to cut an electronic shock collar off Pitts neck.And theres the usual long-ago shipwreck somehow tied in to the action, this one an Italian cargo submarine (really) that disappears during World War II. Pitt plus kids Dirk Jr. and Summer solve that mystery as well.This series holds up surprisingly well over time. Realism was never its strong suit, nor meant to be -- it's totally escapist -- but Cussler meanwhile brings enough up-to-the-moment technology and razzle-dazzle action to keep it fresh. He seems to have given up worrying about Pitts real-time aging; he will apparently get to stay in his 50s indefinitely.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Dirk Pitt action hasn't diminished with age!By M. WardDirk Pitt is one of my favorite characters of Mr Cussler's books. I like how he always starts the book with an historical account that has relevance to the story line. I feel like I gain knowledge as well as entertainment when I read any of his books. Again every book of his I have read (at least 20) have all been good but Dirk Pitt is high on my favorite list. I love the espionage and action in these books and the characters are so well developed I have pictures of them in my mind. This book is compelling, fast paced and difficult to put down.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. He did it again...By Dorian S. CongerThis is a complex tale of interwoven pieces. I never fail to enjoy a Cussler term and this is one of the best. There is nothing like a Pitt story and the use of his twin children makes it even better. Better grab your gear and get ready for a great ride.