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jbrito's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
bookfiend48's review against another edition
4.0
In the first book of the Issac Bell series, the Van Dorn Agent is faced with the challenge of capturing the notorious "Butcher Bandit," a violent bank robber who has tortured the western United States for two years. The bandit, otherwise known as Joseph Cromwell, a San Francisco socialite banker, leads a double life along with his sister, Margaret, which enables them to get away with their crimes for as long as they did. Along with his keen detective instincts, Bell tracks the brother-sister tandem down.
robot_halfing's review against another edition
4.0
Place and time: 1906 all over the US (mostly Denver and SF)
Great historical details.
Butcher Bandit is a bank robber who has no problems killing men, women or children.
Issac Bell is a detective known for solving all of his cases.
The two men go head to head. Brain vs Brain.
Great historical details.
Butcher Bandit is a bank robber who has no problems killing men, women or children.
Issac Bell is a detective known for solving all of his cases.
The two men go head to head. Brain vs Brain.
nickhodges's review against another edition
3.0
Listened to this one while commuting. Pretty typical fair. Straightforward plot, with a bit of intrigue. Cliche characters. Fun, but nothing special.
blooddragon's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tmdguru500's review against another edition
3.0
A simple idea. Basically the bad guy who has been robbing banks is actually a banker himself and the main character, Isaac Bell manages to figure all this out and chase down the bad guy. Nothing too surprising, but the details of the cars and trains were quite interesting. The part of the earthquake was interesting. A quick read.
birdmanseven's review against another edition
3.0
I was digging this for the first 2/3, but the ending is bogged down with a lackluster romance and a convenient natural disaster. It tried to do too much, but still a solid read. My first Cussler!
rottenroll's review against another edition
3.0
Not one of Clive's best. It wasn't mysterious or thrilling but I do like the setting of the early 1900s.
tanyalwb's review against another edition
Just wanted to see what it was about. Only got a chapter or so in before I realized that it's not for me. I am passing it on to my dad though. I think he'll LOVE it.
dana_ob's review against another edition
2.0
Meh. Maybe had too high of expectations since the author is so popular. My favorite part...two guys carrying a giant pane of glass across the street when a loud car goes by and shatters it. Pretty sure I saw that in a 3 Stooges show once.