Friends of the Rail Forum

As with most of Cussler's books, this is not great literature but it is fast-moving and keeps the reader's interest - a "page turner". Set in the early 1900s (with a little leap ahead to the '30s) it features detective Isaac Bell, first introduced in 'The Chase', hunting a "wrecker" who is determined to damage the railroad.

The railway material is generally good, although there are times when it doesn't feel quite right. He does claim that a US 4-4-2 was clocked at 127.1 mph, which conflicts with the reality that the world speed record for a steam locomotive was set at 126 mph by a British Pacific 30 years later.

As with his previous railway-themed book, this one too could have benefited from better proof-reading. Apart from obvious typos, at one point an Uncle Bill changes miraculously to Uncle Bob.

But nevertheless, worth reading, and sympathetic to the railways.

I will definately get my hands on this book being a fan of Clive Cusslers writing. I read "The Chase" and really enjoyed it.

I agree that his writing is probably not the best in terms of the literature, but the story lines are a all good and I haven't yet come across a dud story from him.

Only available in hardcover at the moment (I think).

Nope, I have a paperback version bought in Schipol Airport last week.

I have read this book too and I enjoyed it.
It was very different to the books he usually writes.
I prefer the picture of the English book.