The Heist

The Heist is the fourteenth book in the Isaac Bell historical thriller series started by Clive Cussler and continued by Jack Du Brul. In August of 1914, President Woodrow Wilson is meeting with the twelve bankers who have agreed to head one of the twelve newly created Federal Reserve Banks on the presidential yacht.

Bell is attending the meeting as a security agent with his father, who will be the head banker of the Boston region. With the yacht comes under attack from an airplane, Bell shoots down the plane.

As he investigates the attack, Bell encounters other problems. While responding to a murder scene in Rhode Island, he learns of a heist planned for the new federal printing and engraving building in Washington D.C., where the new currency has been printed. Can he track down the thieves and currency before America’s economy is destroyed?

Bell is the chief investigator of the Van Dorn Detective Agency. He’s detail oriented, likes quick results, embraces societal and technological changes, and is a natural leader. He doesn’t enjoy wooing potential clients, but understands it’s part of his job. His strong sense of duty comes through his words, actions, and thoughts. The other characters did not have the depth of Bell’s character, but readers will get a good feel for their dynamics and relationships with others.

The plot is excellent with several twists and dialogue that felt natural. I was quickly pulled into the characters’ world. While the narrative is descriptive at times, it didn’t adversely affect the pacing. Instead, it transported this reader to the various events occurring in multiple states. The story is full of unpredictable moments that kept this reader guessing what would happen next.

This book will thrill fans of historical crime thrillers who enjoy a story with a mix of real and fictional characters woven into a fictional set of events. It captured the characters and lifestyles of the times and brought them to life. The story has a deeply involved plot with several seemingly disconnected crimes that culminate into an action-packed and astonishing conclusion. The novel highlights politics, law enforcement, government, greed, and the intersection where they all meet.

Overall, this is a briskly paced and entertaining page-turner that kept me engaged throughout the suspenseful and high stakes historical thriller. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Fans of historical thrillers will likely enjoy this series.

PENGUIN GROUP Putnam – G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Jack Du Brul provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 07, 2025.