Journey of the Pharaohs

Cussler, Clive, and Graham Brown. Journey of the Pharaohs. NUMA Files No. 17. Putnam, 2020.
Clive Cussler, who died in July 2020 at 88, was a man who seems to have lived his fictional dreams. He wrote about swash-buckling action heroes who collected classic cars and worked for a treasure-hunting company (for some reason called an agency), so he collected classic cars and founded the company he wrote about to look for shipwrecks. What he wrote were formulaic popcorn adventure fantasies that were consistently fun and sold enough to finance the classic car collection. Journey of the Pharaohs, the penultimate NUMA files novel, is a typical product. The plot is a three-ring circus, following the fate of some ancient Egyptian treasure that may show more have been brought to the New World earlier than anyone thought possible. There are also a 1920s aviation story and a shipwreck story tucked into the plot. Of course, there are also over-the-top villains, who can’t seem to shoot as straight as our heroes. I like that his female characters are never just eye-candy. They are usually scientists with martial skills that rival their male companions. Late in his career Cussler worked with many coauthors, but kept the product consistent. It will be interesting to see whether the franchise stays in business after the demise of its founder. show less

Journey of the Pharaohs (2020) (NUMA #17) by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown. Mr. Cussler passed away recently so this will, most likely, not be the last from what has turned into a vast and highly profitable, writing factory. No matter who the lead characters are or what heading they come under, these books are consistently pretty darn good.
With “Journey…” we have the NUMA team of Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala in Scotland just in time to rescue shipwrecked sailors. When they are attacked by helicopter and a mysterious MI5 agent, female and attractive as is the nature of these books, arrives to save the pair from overwhelming fiends, the NUMA boys know there is a great mystery to be solved, one that involves treasure naturally.
While show more there is a formula for these novels, the writing, the surprise twists and turns, and the history involved makes each unique and interesting. Worth reading you might say. Now, during the early days of the Covid-19 Pandemic, it is important to keep ourselves distracted from what is happening all around. Not that we should ignore it, but I personnaly find it difficult to take much more depressing news of the world.
This is a nice distraction. Fun and fast paced, an encouraging mystery to be solved,this will take your mind off our collective troubles at least for a short while. show less

Clive Cussler and Graham Brown do it again. What a rollicking fun ride! This book was highly entertaining and went at breakneck speed with hardly a pause for breath. Whee!

Kurt Austin, ,Joe Zavala, and Paul & Gamay Trout are at it again, this time teaming up with Britain's MI5 to investigate an international conspiracy involving the Bloodstone Group, an arms dealing conglomerate that steals ancient relics. As usual, the team runs all over the world gathering clues and solving mysteries along the way.

If you are a Cussler fan, you will not be disappointed with "Journey of the Pharaohs."

I really enjoyed this Cussler novel featuring Kurt Austin of NUMA.
As always, Cussler starts the story in the past - but on this occasion at two points in time before bringing the story to the present day.
A tale of Egyptian treasure followed across the globe to the Grand Canyon.

Journey of the Pharaohs is another of Clive Cussler's NUMA Files book. An excellent story of intrigue, impossible situations expertly and perfectly maneuvered and executed by Kurt and Joe. The story may start out in Europe but winds up in the United States with an unexpected ending. The American Kissel cars was an interesting addition. Five stars are awarded in this review for a story well written.

Typical post-Cussler adventure with more adventure fantasy than substance. Better listening than reading.

NUMA series is definitely another favorite of mine. This book was exciting and takes you on a fun ride. I especially love the beginning at the coast of Scotland, how can you have NUMA without water! Then England and eventually Arizona. Fun adventure from sea to cave. Clive Cussler's new (old) car 1919 Kissel Speedster made a cameo.

Thank you Clive for giving us a wonderful escape with your novels.