The Gray Ghost

This is a really good book and does not contain the usual required suspension from reality in most Cussler books. My guess is that Robin Purcell did the majority of the writing and it made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. What was really different were the passages back in time to 1906 and history/investigations by Isaac Bell. Each journey to the past was well written and very interesting. While some of the typical period language found in the Isaac Bell series was missing, it still was a positive part of the book. This Fargo tale seemed more like a multi topic and character detective novel, rather than highlighting the usual adventure content. I found it terrific. While the cast of characters were numerous, they all were identified and explained thoroughly, which added to the book's enjoyment. I also enjoyed the multiple geographic locations used in the novel, which added to the mystery and history. This a book best enjoyed over a series of reading episodes rather than a speed reading novel. The content is complex from time to time. If you have read the Isaac Bell series it will add to the enjoyment of the book.

I've enjoyed ALMOST EVERY Clive Cussler book, although I believe his co-writers are doing the lion's share of the writing these days. Although I enjoy the Oregon Files books the most, I enjoy all of the other series as well. However, although I have not finished The Gray Ghost yet, but it is by far my least favorite. The plot is weak and moves very slowly, the characters are shallow and one dimensional, and, unlike the other Fargo Adventure books, it drags on and on to the point where it becomes more of a chore than a "page turner." I'm hoping for a better effort next time, although for once, I must say that every character is not the richest, smartest, toughest, most beautiful or most diabolical ever . . .

"Clive Cussler writes formulaic stories...""Cussler is over the top..."Yeah, I've read all the criticisms of Cussler and his adventure novels and, while some of those critiques are probably valid, I really don't care.The fact is that Cussler, while no threat to win a Nobel Prize for Literature, knows how to create engaging characters and tell a great adventure story."The Gray Ghost," featuring two of my favorite Cussler heroes, is an example of what I'm talking about.The story revolves around the long-ago theft of an early Rolls-Royce prototype and a famous train robbery. Flash forward to the present day when Sam Fargo finds out he is a distant cousin to a British noble family that is in dire financial straits. Skeptical as to the Brit family's motives, he and his wife Remi agree to go to England to at least look into the situation. Predictably, adventure follows leading to a chase through Italy and France in search of that legendary motorcar and a hidden treasure.Full of dramatic action sequences, colorful characters, and exotic locales "The Gray Ghost" is a fun read; a perfect backpack companion for a day at the beach or a lazy summer afternoon in the park.

Isaac Bell meets Sam and Remi Fargo in this latest installment of the Fargo series.In 1906, a Rolls-Royce Gray Ghost vanishes in Manchester, England. Detective Isaac Bell is assigned to the case and tracks down the Ghost. But the mystery doesn't end there, for three men were murdered and a supposed treasure was hidden inside the Ghost.Fast-forward to the present day, where Sam and Remi Fargo are drawn in to the mystery of the Gray Ghost, for once again, it has been stolen. Sam and Remi travel from the U.S. to England, Italy, and France looking for the elusive car, all the while trying to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. Will they succeed in finding the Ghost and the hidden treasure?I'm a fan of both the Fargo and Isaac Bell series, and it was interesting to see how Cussler intertwined both of these characters in the same novel. I enjoyed the story, and there's a definite level of excitement as it goes on. The characters are well-developed, and I especially enjoyed seeing Isaac Bell make a cameo. Looking forward to the next Fargo (and Isaac Bell) adventure.

I was curious to see how Clive Cussler would integrate The Fargos and Isaac Bell into one story, since they are from different ages. I was impressed with how it was accomplished. A Fargo adventure utilizing a journal mentioning Isaac Bell as a character solving a crime which ties in extremely well with the present adventure. A typical Cussler adventure: containing drama and excitement. The Fargos must find the Gray Ghost Rolls Royce which was stolen first in 1905 and then disappeared soon after World War 2. All the while, trying to save Albert Payton a Viscount arrested for a crime, he was unable to commit. As well as finding The Gray Ghost, and the treasure associated with it all without the financial means necessary. At the same time the Fargos never know who the mastermind is behind this adventure. A excellent multi layered adventure, which never confuses the reader. And still contains the elements of a good Clive Cussler novel. I'm not a big fan of the Fargos adventures but this a good one. Thumbs Up!

This is one of my LEAST favorite “Cussler” books. Most of Cussler’s books are suspenseful and adventurous. Thousands of lives are at stake and the world must be saved!This book is about recovering a a stolen car. A STOLEN CAR! A very expensive stolen car, but that’s all it is. Hardly the stuff of adventure.The plot is shallow and the pace is slow and plodding. Definitely not a page-turner. Reading this book is more of a chore than a pleasure.I abandoned it twice, but went back, thinking it must get better. It didn’t. I’m about halfway through now, and really can’t force myself to go on. Very disappointing!

If I were the editor I would have firstly deleted all content after the first full stop. Then I would delete all the content before the first full stop. This was dreadfully researched and badly written. I got through a few disjointed stiff chapters hoping it would get better and then it got worse, so I binned it. Americans cannot bring guns into the UK. And in Manchester you cannot carry them around and shoot baddies in open view. Characters kept popping up and got lost in the absence of any plot. I doubt Clive Cussler had little input into this pile of rubbish

It's a pity that there was no proper research done for this book. As another reviewer mentioned - pistols are banned in the UK - so a concealed carry permit doesn't exist. Also, in the early 20th Century paragraphs there is a lot of proper English - but Americanisms still keep popping up - like referring to the train driver and fireman as 'engineers'. There's the mention of watchmen where they should be referred to as policemen. If you're an American who has never been out side the US then it's probably fine, but for everyone else - forget it and save your money. All I seem to do with this book is look for the next mistake. I have read every Clive Cussler book published and normally can't put them down, however, this one is hard to pick up and I can only manage a chapter at a time. Clive, You're better than this piece of rubbish!

Just WHO wrote this , who researched it ? Another disappointment from " Mr Cussler " I have been a big fan of his writing , but descriptions of England "trash cans and cobblestones " this in a modern UK . And shootings in villages near Manchester , no sign of a swat team arresting the Fargoes ! It's as if whoever wrote this has seen too many 1970s Police shows .Nice tie in with his Issac Bell series , or is that just more promotion of his other works ? The classic Mr Cussler making a Hitchcock appearance to save the heros or help them on their way was much more enjoyable than this .But no doubt it's paid for another vintage vehicle to go in his collection .

This has to be the the worst book he has ever written, it can barely keep my attention for more than 2 minutes. I lost the will to live about halfway through

Haven't finished it yet but one thing is clear, it is below the standard of other Fargo stories. It's not terrible but more annoying. I am English and the story is set in England. We do not have railroads, we have railways. We do not talk about blocks on streets but buildings. There are numerous examples of this, police department indeed! It shows poor research. I attribute this to the introduction of a co-author. The same is true of Wilbur Smith, his work isn't what it used to be. Come on Clive, I bet you've signed a contract to produce more novels than you have time for! Still admire you're own style though!