THE CHASE, by Clive Cussler.

Without question, the best thing about any novel by Clive Cussler is that the reader is hooked by the end of the first chapter. Another given is that you will be introduced to many forms of transportation, most of them unique, historic and classic. THE CHASE, a stand-alone historical thriller, is no exception. Back in the Old West in 1906, there were stagecoaches, gold mines and, of course, the occasional holdup. It was also the year that all hell breaks loose in San Francisco. The real action starts when a bank is robbed by a man who the townsfolk think is a derelict. Actually he is a bank robber in disguise. A ruthless, intelligent and crafty individual, he has quite a history of successful bank robberies. The hunt is on as the Van Dorn Detective Agency is engaged to find and bring the culprit to justice.As detectives try to follow the clues, a beautiful and deceptive woman appears. Will she have a bearing on the case? Which side is she on, and what will her role be in this adventure? Eliah Ruskin, the notorious Butcher Bandit, is an amazing criminal. He is adept, creative and ruthless, qualities you don’t necessarily want to see in an expert bank robber. His plans are very detailed, well orchestrated and foolproof --- that is, unless you are being hunted by the great detective, Isaac Bell, of the Van Dorn Detective Agency, an equally adept and creative individual. “Yes, indeed, he thought, as he dressed in his evening clothes, it had been a productive week. One more success to add to his growing sense of invincibility.” Working his way westward, from Utah to Arizona to Colorado to San Francisco, where he owned a bank, Ruskin returns home. “Nothing was ever left to chance. Every move was carefully thought out, and then rehearsed again and again. All possible contingencies were considered and dealt with. Nothing escaped Cromwell’s attention, down to the last detail. No bandit in the history of the United States, including Jesse James and Butch Cassidy put together, came close to matching him in the number of successful robberies he pulled off and the amount of loot he collected. Or the number of people killed.” Not only is the Butcher Bandit crafty and elusive, he is also wealthy and clever regarding his role in society. I have read everything that Clive Cussler has written, and I’ve been a big fan through the years. THE CHASE is by far the most enchanting of his works. It is so creative and fun to read about Ruskin eluding Bell and Bell trying to outwit Ruskin. It is a very quick read, but also detailed and precise. We are even treated to outstanding motor cars, the Mercedes Simplex, a Rolls-Royce limousine and a Locomobile! Romance proves to be an interesting and unexpected theme here, as Bell uses his creative wile in a more enchanting way. He certainly provides a very resourceful and multi-faceted hero to date, one of Cussler’s most ingenious. This is truly a book that will take you back in time.