Havoc

For fans of Jack Du Brul and his series character Philip Mercer, the wait for the latest book has been far too long! At least Mercer is returning to us in a fashionable hardback edition. And it's possible that absence has made my heart grow fonder, because I found this novel a joy to read from start to finish.

Perhaps working with the master, Clive Cussler, is affecting Du Brul's own work, because Havoc has a distinctly Cusslerian format. There's the mix of contemporary history, ancient history, and how current day events can shed light on and solve the mysteries of our time. The novel opens during the final hours of the Hindenberg's voyage. The events that occur right before the airship's destruction are... startling.

From there we show more jump to Mercer in Africa, and his meeting with Cali Stowe--who I'm pretty sure is my favorite of Du Brul's leading ladies--under fairly stressful circumstances. After surviving their first meeting in the midst of a coup attempt, little do the two realize they'll soon be reunited stateside. The mystery that began on the Hindenberg in 1937 is intimately tied to the events of unfolding around them.

And once the plot gets rolling, the action is non-stop taking Mercer and Cali to locations ranging from an east coast casino to the lost tomb of Alexander the Great. As a matter of fact, it's possible my only complaint in the whole novel was Mercer's wanton destruction of historic artifacts. I was SO caught up in the story that I'd cringe every time something priceless was destroyed. I kept having to tell myself, It's just a story!

But what the real fans want to know is: Is Harry in the book? Of course he is, and up to all his old tricks! This time Du Brul got the balance just right. There's exactly enough Harry, but not too much. And there were some neat new supporting characters added in this book as well.

Like I said, it's possible that absence has made my heart grow fonder, but I think Havoc is as good as anything Jack Du Brul has ever written. It may very well be his best yet. He sure better not make us wait several years for the next installment in this terrific series! show less

This book does follow the usual Clive Cussler historical mystery/modern adventure novel, but I didn't mind. The historical details were interesting and I really enjoyed the development of the story. I appreciate how the author brought in nuclear physics and incorporated history in a very unique way. I would recommend this to any Cussler fan, or anyone who likes their adventure novels mixed with a good dose of history.

What could be more exciting that a modern day search by wanna-be terrorists for a stash of old world plutoniumm? Caught my interest.

Havoc starts off with a twist, causing the reader to question what history has taught us about the Hindenburg disaster. From there we are led on a chase through Africa, Atlantic City, Niagara Falls, Russia, Turkey and back to Africa again as Mercer, our rugged, fearless hero along with Cali Stowe the independent, educated, undercover government operative follow the clues set down in an ancient monument telling of the exploits of Alexander the Great. With them is Harry, an elderly friend of Mercer's who loves to gamble and Booker Sykes, a Navy Seal-type of mercenary.

The action is quick. While the outcome show more is predictable, the story is a twist on the action thriller genre. Lots of historical data for the history buff. Men will love the idea of the strong, silent hero who get the girl in the end. The story held my interest although I have read better.

Ladies who prefer strong and independent heroines will fail to find that here as Cali in the end succumbs to the macho power of the leading man and falls into his arms. Too predictable for my taste!

Recommended: Code Black by Philip Donlay show less

I'm worried that Du Brul is running out of ideas for Philip Mercer. The story just didn't feel fresh or new or particularly interesting. Only a few of the action scenes felt particularly suspenseful, and the best of these (on a train) spiraled out of control into the "Oh, come on" realm. Worth reading if you're a fan; otherwise, there are better books.

suspensful suberb writing filled with action, some connection to historical events and even some romance.