Clive Cussler: The Iron Storm

Brace yourself! This is a wild ride, and one that is just as enjoyable even if you’ve never read the late Cussler or Du Brul’s other Cussler titles. Readers are swept off to WWI Europe along with Isaac Bell, a detective with New York’s Van Dorn agency (created by Cussler, this group is like the Pinkertons on steroids). Bell is tasked by President Wilson with visiting the war-torn continent to gauge what it would be like for American men forced into battle there if the United States enters the fray. His journey turns into a series of chases and vicious confrontations, with he and comrades facing expected foes in the form of ruthless German soldiers, but also a less-expected force: anarchists who seek to use the cover of war to sow murderous chaos. Newcomers to Bell will want to go back to previous creations in this series as this is a wonderfully memorable character, with kindness and smarts to spare along with guts aplenty. Get this breakneck thriller on your list.