The Wrecker by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott

"The Wrecker" by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott. This is the second book of Isaac Bell series.

Issac Bell works for Van Dorn detective agency. He is tall, handsome and comes from a wealthy family. Unlike other Cussler thrillers which revolve around the theme of water, Issac Bell series revolve around automobiles. The story takes place in 1906-07.

Southern Pacific rail road company engages Van Dorn detective agency to investigate the series of sabotages, to their rail roads, resulting in accidents caused by a person known only as 'The Wrecker'. Isaac Bell is in charge of the investigation.

The wrecker is an expert and master of disguise. He has left no eye witness alive to reveal his identity. Isaac Bell is working with very little to no information. Osgood Henessey, the president of railroad, is a demanding man with a very beautiful daughter, Lilian. Bell is already engaged.

It appears that the wrecker is targeting the cascade cutoff and does not want the railroad to reach the cascade canyon bridge.

Why is the wrecker targeting Southern Pacific rail road company? Who is the wrecker? Is he anarchist, union leader, a bitter person? Is there a bigger transcontinental conspiracy?

Identity of The Wrecker is revealed to the readers when the story is at 25%. The cat and mouse game between wrecker and Bell is played out very well. Wrecker knows that Bell is hunting him but Bell does not know who the wrecker is. This wrecker is always a few steps ahead. Bell's approach to the case, his dedication to the job and his deduction is supplemented by vast resources of his agency and  authorization to travel on any train or charter any train for this case. In absence of phones all matters are handled by wires (telegrams).

There are high speed travels and locomotive chases. Trains run at 110 kmph speed. Train connections are obtained by reversing travel direction, by chartering an engine or a train, by chasing train with car and so on.  The book also has a down hill, down river dash in a dug out canoe In the climax. The book is full of speed thrills.

Van Dorn detective agency has offices and agents in every American city. This sounds improbable more than 100 years ago. It's said that Cussler has based the agency on a real outfit of that time.

Although the story is of old times, it's still a thriller and is full of action. It includes sabotage, spy, accidents, murders, investigation, high stakes poker, knives, swords, gun fight, love, lust and betrayal. Although the book is 576 pages long, you don't get bored.

It's a period thriller. Recommend reading.