Historical Fiction

The Gangster is a well researched adventure book. It takes place in the early 1900s. The book is about the rise of the Black Hand Mafia story and the gangs of New York including Tammany Hall and the illegal actions of the police department. It is a good adventure. ( )

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I like it but other Cussler books are more my type of adventure. ( )

By now everyone who knows me is aware that I'm rather fond of Clive Cussler's work, because his books are fun to read, full of action and adventure and all things delightful, and usually the books are worth the price you pay. With The Gangster, the ninth installment in the Isaac Bell Adventures, it's no surprise that I enjoyed the hell out of the book. I love the imagination that went into writing The Gangster, over-the-top characters, and all the research that must have occurred even before the book was written. It is excellent!
A ''Black Hand'' gang leader and some crooked businessmen wants to assassinate Teddy Roosevelt, so Isaac Bell of the Van Dorn's is on the case to find the bad guys before their plans can come to fruition. Isaac Bell, however, is giving orders to experienced men that are far older than himself. So, of course, a bit of conflict arises. Nevertheless, this quirky read will have you glued to your seat for hours, as you delve into the antics that makes Isaac Bell such a lovable character.

If you're looking for humour and excitement, a fantastic historical crime series that's full of heroes and villains, you've come to the right place. The Isaac Bell Adventures provides a great escape from the real world. However, I would suggest you get your hands on the previous books. The Gangster does somewhat act as a prequel, so it's a good book to start on, but I know a lot of new Cussler fans are aching to get their hands on the previous books in order to catch up (believe me, you'll be itching for a dose of Isaac Bell as soon as you've had a taste).

I can't wait for the next one!

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The Gangster is #9 in the Issac Bell series and takes place in 1906 New York. The Italians and the Irish are having a culture war, neither are well regarded by the general population. Italians in particular are underestimated, fostering an environment conducive to the rise of Sicilian organized crime.

A new aquaduct is being built, and the corruption is thick. Teddy Roosevelt succeed the assassinated William McKinley but seems not to have learned from the demise of his precessor. He's popular with the masses, but the powerful wealthy find him an impediment to their interests.

While Bell continues to come off as super-human, the story is steeped in period history and flavor. Very entertaining ride. ( )