From Publishers WeeklyCussler takes a breather from his several ongoing series with this historical thriller set in the western states, circa 1906. The U.S. government hires the renowned Van Dorn Detective Agency and its equally renowned lead agent, Isaac Bell, to capture the bank robber known as the Butcher Bandit. The Butcher has gunned down 38 men and women and two children, leaving behind neither witnesses nor clues. Bell heads the manhunt and finally figures out the Butcher's true identity, which is when the real chase begins. Unfortunately, Cussler's style is patterned on the clunky dialogue (I pray you catch the murdering scum) and improbable characters of the period's dime novels, and his in-depth research makes his descriptions sound like advertising. Once San Francisco gets hit by the 1906 earthquake and the principals climb aboard a pair of fire-breathing locomotives, the novel cranks up a head of steam and some high-speed thrills. (Nov.) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.From BooklistCussler is the author or coauthor of 33 books, including 19 Dirk Pitt novels and 7 NUMA Files books. This latest adventure involves the hulk of a steam locomotive that comes to the surface of a lake in Montana in 1950. It contains the bodies of three men who died 44 years before. Flash back to 1906 and a two-year crime spree out west. There's a series of bank robberies by an evil person who murders any witnesses. The government brings in a detective to solve the case, but soon the hunter becomes the hunted. As always, Cussler ties everything together in the end. The author's many fans probably know that at the start, but they will want to read the novel anyway. Cohen, George Fast and entertaining . . . new thrills and adventure on every page.Examiner.com The action never stops . . . and a humorous tone keeps everything moving at a fun clip.Associated Press Great fun, with plenty of twists.The Sacramento Bee what is the #1 best selling book of all time The Chase (Large Print Press)
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Remarkable Cat And Mouse Adventure From Clive CusslerBy Jeffrey T. MunsonIn 1950, the wreck of a steam locomotive is discovered in a Montana Lake. There are three occupants on board. 44 years earlier, these three people led Isaac Bell, chief investigator of the Van Dorn Detective Agency, on a harrowing chase that covered much of the western United States.In 1906, the western United States was being terrorized by the "Butcher Bandit"; a ruthless bank robber who not only robbed banks, but murdered any witnesses to his crimes. He made his escape in an ornately designed railroad box car. Unable to crack the case, the U.S. Government hires the Van Dorn detective agency, along with its number one detective, Isaac Bell. Bell has faced many challenges in his career, but none like nabbing the Butcher Bandit.From Arizona to California, Montana, Utah, and Nevada, Bell pursues the ruthless Bandit. He soon discovers that the Bandit is like no other criminal. Bell must soon learn to think like the Bandit in order to have any hopes of catching him. As the story progresses, Bell becomes involved with many characters, including the Bandit's own sister, and a lovely secretary named Marion, whom he falls head over heels in love with.To make matters even worse, after tracking the Bandit to San Francisco, Bell is caught in the great San Francisco earthquake, which destroys the entire city and leaves thousands homeless. Despite this tragedy, Bell learns that the Bandit and his accomplice sister are trying to flee the United States for the safety of Canada. Acquiring a train of his own to chase the bandit, Bell sets off on a high-speed run to the Canadian border. Will he catch the Bandit in time?I've become a big fan of Clive Cussler in the last year, and I've read several of his books, but I must say that "The Chase" is the best one I've read so far. The action starts with the first page and doesn't let up until the end. The characters are vivid and well-developed, especially the hero, Isaac Bell. Cussler's description of life in the west at the turn of the 20th century is very interesting, and he even includes a factual narrative about the San Francisco earthquake. It's easy to root for Isaac bell as he chases his arch nemesis across the west, and there are several run-ins between the two.I give "The Chase" my highest recommendation. I hope Cussler keeps turning out great adventure stories as good as this one was.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good story, but distracting grammar errors.By SupergeniusI really enjoyed the story itself, but I had to get past the numerous run-on sentences to do so. I understand that some grammatical license is expected in fiction, but the errors were so frequent here that they were distracting to me. Correct writing should still matter to authors and publishers. Stop insulting your readers and make sure the work has been thoroughly proofread for grammar mistakes. If you're not a grammar guru, you'll probably enjoy the story just fine. Lots of action mixed with the usual humor. I would have given five stars if not for the careless grammar problems.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great fun read! Loved them!By SueZQI loved this book (first in the series). The second one was ok, but the 3rd and 4th were good (better than #2), but do read them all in order... I recommend all! I hate to see the series run out!