The Wrecker (Isaac Bell Series #2) Book

It took me a whole month to finish this book and I usually finish about a book on average in a week so I was frustrated reading this book but I tried not to let that influence my rating. My first impression was, "Wow, these guys know a lot about 1907 America." I always have more respect for the historical fiction writers because of how much work they have to put into research to be historically correct. I knew about the San Francisco earthquake and some about the railroad but these guys went all out on their research and it definitely showed.

Their knowledge of the time period is what impressed me most but it also is what made the book longer than necessary. There were some parts were I thought they really could have skipped some details. I'd say they could have taken out maybe a quarter of the book, or 50 pages at least. I mean seriously, I really don't need to know what every other person wore at each particular event going on; they could have just wrote that they were finely dressed and get on with it. And I don't need to know what caliber each pistol had. Details helped with finding hints and clues but these weren't necessary.

I really like the detective Bell, he is smart (of course), tough (naturally), chivalrous, and handsome (which wasn't greatly focused on thank goodness). The beauty of Bell's fiancé as well as another young lady was mentioned more then to my liking but I got over it. The other characters were given enough depth and they are very helpful to Bell. He may be the best detective in the US but he isn't a one man show. The narrative switches between various characters; it's mostly between Bell and the Wrecker but there were a few other people put into the mix as well. If changing points of view bother you then steer clear of this book. Since you get the Wrecker's point of view you know who he is and most of what he plans ahead of time. It was fun to see how intricate his whole plan was and how Bell is quick thinking. I could completely understand Bells frustration sometimes because I was frustrated too. But the ending was completely satisfactory, no frustration whatsoever.

I read mostly young adult and if I were to compare Clive Cussler (I assume he is the money maker of the pair seeing that his name is bigger on the cover) to a young adult author it would be it would be Tamora Pierce. She writes fantasy but I'm comparing the smart-tough characters as well and the feel of the quest. It's like Pierce except for non-fantasy men instead of fantasy young adult girls. I'll admit that there was a few -very few- over the top lines that I thought were kind of funny. You know the things you hear in older action shows and movies like, "Did I mention that I'm trained in Martial Arts?" and then comes the blow that knocks the guy out. But like I mentioned there were only a few. I'm happy to say that the book is not only for adult men. And the two are good writers; I couldn't even tell there were two writers.

I read this book to broaden my spectrum of reading, get some more adult books and male guys on my list, and I'm glad it didn't end in disaster.