Member Reviews

- [ ] The Corsican Shadow is the 27th Dirk Pitt Series novel. This one is written by Dirk Cussler (Clive’s Son) who continues the legacy of Clive Cussler’s greatest hero. As a long time reader, this book follows the well established path of Cussler’s previous novels by starting with a historical event in the past and a discovery of peril in the present. Long-time readers of Cussler will be familiar with NUMA (National Underwater and Marine Agency) and the familiar supporting cast who join Dirk Pitt in his merry adventures.

This novel starts with WWII and ends with our water supply threatened by a crazy CEO determined to have world domination. As an avid Cussler fan, I don’t want to give away the story, but I will admit to loving every page I turned. I am a collector of all things Cussler and envy his collection of cars which grace the backs of his novels.

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I loved Clive Cussler books for decades and was scared for the series after his passing. But now with his son Dirk, taking up the helm, the series doesn't miss a beat. This adventure has all the usual cast, Dirk, Al, Summer and Dirk Jr, plus all the rest of the NUMA crew. I love how everyone's story is mixed in and Dirk Sr always rescues everyone. The story of the mystery crate and lost diamonds takes you all over the globe. Its just another great story of NUMA.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

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Im still enjoying the series even with the necessary change of author. I get wrapped up in how it will work out. I like the characters.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review

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The latest in the long running Dirk Pitt series now written by Clive Cussler's son Dirk, is a somewhat lackluster entry that struggled to hold my attention and was way too easy to put down. The ho hum story concerns a plan to contaminate fresh water supplies of various countries to increase the profits of a down on his luck smuggler. I really don't feel that the ancillary Dirk and Summer characters need to be included in every story as it feels forced and they don't add much to the plot. I still find it confusing with the original now having to be referred to as Pitt and the son solely as Dirk. And the plotline of having Summer kidnapped and having to be rescued by Pitt to be rather sexist and seems to be an indication that the author really didn't know what to do with character. I feel the series would be better served by having the kids only show up occasionally rather than forcing them into every story on a parallel track. And honestly I would be fine if they didn't show up at all.

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Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a digital e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'll admit: I'm a sucker for almost anything Cussler, and this book was no different. These are always engaging, fast-paced, mind-bending reads that make you suspend your belief in coincidence. Everything happens juuuuust how it should, which may drive some people crazy. I love the pace, and I've been so pleased that people who have embodied the spirit of Cussler's books have kept it like he wrote. Enjoyable!

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Once again, Dirk Pitt has an adventure involving lost artifacts, shipwrecks, bad guys and travel on the ocean and in the air.
Lots of action. Lots of danger. His friends , , coworkers from NUMA and even his adult children get involved.
Love reading these books. Always entertaining.
I do recommend. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me this ARC.

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I grew up reading Dirk Pitt adventure stories by Clive Cussler. The latest entry, written by the late author’s son, has a few too many characters with Dirk’s son and daughter being fed into the story. It kind of takes away from these being Dirk’s adventures. Still, The Corsican Shadow is a nice entry to the collection and a good read. Some fun action plots and always a good nod to oceanic exploration endeavors.

Published in 2023

Grade: B

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I’ve read every book written by the great Clive Cussler. His son Dirk has assumed the mantle and continues this series. And he does so magnificently..

Dirk Pitt, along with his twin children, take on a threat to the global water supply, and face a determined foe in true Cussler fashion.

Highly recommended! #TheCorsicanShadow #NetGalley #SaltMarshAuthors

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Not gonna lie, I was disappointed with this one. The plot was unique and interesting, but the small things really caused me to continually lose my interest; the comedy of errors that was Junior and Summer's beginning, the ending where everything was excused away with being in love, and the fact that all the stories felt very abrupt.

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I received an ARC copy of this book via #Netgalley

Another excellent Dirk Pitt novel. I'm still in awe at how seamless the writing transition has been from Clive, who was a master of his craft, to Dirk. You cannot tell a difference. Plus, Dirk masterfully found a way to incorporate his dad in.

The plot and storyline was compelling and I was quickly swept up in the story. It was very hard to put down. I finished it in about two days. I cannot wait till the next book comes out.

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I enjoyed this novel by Cussler. I have read other Clive cussler novels and this one didn’t disappoint. This book kept my attention and I read it in nearly one swoop if life hadn’t gotten in my way I would have.

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action-adventure, thriller, timely, international-crime-and-mystery, international-espionage, international-tensions, NUMA, suspense, mariners, diamonds, water, friendship, family-dynamics, twins, underwater-investigations, historical-research*****

I was stalling on the reading of this latest Cussler because I know three things about it: it will be a great read, it will keep me from boring tasks (and a night's sleep), and I will learn something important! I always come to a Cussler book for the action/adventure, historical info (I rarely check the historicals anymore as they are always solid), and sly humor but stay for the new and different plot. And unlike reality, justice triumphs. While the Dirk Pitt series is certainly a testosterone fest, there is nothing toxic or in any way abusive in it. There is a new Cussler writing, and he does a wonderful job!
I requested and received an EARC from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley. Thank you!!!

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Another Dirk Pitt adventure is like visiting an old friend.
It doesn't matter how long it's been it's like time hasn't passed and we get right into action with Dirk and Al!

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On a normal NUMA mission (combined, with Brigitte from France), Pitt and Giordino uncovered a sunken war boat. In rescuing their sonar “fish” via scuba diving, they find a few interesting boxes. Opening them on shore, they discover diamonds inside. Brigitte makes contact with a reporter “friend” and not only are the diamonds stolen, but the NUMA ship’s captain is killed in the process.

Dirk and Al make chase and end up unraveling a plot to dirty fresh water aqueducts around the world as well as a mystery behind the diamonds (etc) and their initial traveler to get them out of Nazi hands.

What else was connected with the diamonds “on the move” and can Al and Dirk stop the global plot to dirty populated fresh water regions around the world at the same time?

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Action packed and full of suspense! I rarely reach for a Dirk Pitt novel but always pleasantly surprised when I do. Great action-packed story with a protagonist that is easy to love! Some chapters drug on to me but in the end, I was very happy I didn't give up and put this book down. A nice addition to the series.

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A NUMA adventure that will keep you turning the pages as the cast goes from France, to England, to Bermuda and ports in between. The story mixes history and adventure and highlights the worlds water supply issues. The action starts from the first and never lets up. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

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I was literally beyond excited when I was approved for this one. I grew up reading the Clive Cussler adventures with my grandfather. He passed earlier this year and I know that he would have loved reading this one.

The Dirk Pitt Series is one of my favorites to read. I thought that the premise of the story was entertaining and engaging. In The Corsican Shadow, we see Dirk, Al Giordino, Rudy Gunn and many others from the NUMA team. Of course, Dirk and Al find themselves in many, many high velocity, death-defying situations and they somehow manage to save the day once again. This adventure takes them from France, to Bermuda and many places in between. We also see some of Dirk and Summer Pitt, which I really enjoyed that aspect of the storyline, too.

This was such a fun read and I love hearing about the underwater adventures of NUMA and Dirk. I can't wait to see what trouble Dirk finds himself in next.

Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons and Dirk Cussler (as well as Clive Cussler) for the eARC of The Corsican Shadow in an exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date for The Corsican Shadow, the next installment in The Dirk Pitt Series is 07 November 2023.

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A NUMA adventure that was very timely dealing with issues that are becoming more important in this day and time. As a diver, I love the underwater aspects of the NUMA series. The tie in to historical events and diverse locals are always a highlight of reading the series. I always learn a few new facts. I appreciate the the inclusion of female characters who are educated, competent and not just there as sexual objects or "pretty things". All of this helps to diminish the formulaic nature of the plots. I know what I am going to get when I pick up one of the books.
On the other hand, one part of the formulaic plots that negatively affects my enjoyment of the books is the overly long and detailed "chase" and "battle" scenes. I understand their place in the narrative, but multiple chapters for each one make me want to put the book down and not pick it up again. Long and more detailed scenes of that type have always been a part of the series. I expect some of that knowing the target audience is probably younger men who seek that action. Unfortunately Cussler those who are writing under his moniker are deepening more and more on them and slighting the meat of the story. Miss Cussler's personal writing. This will likely be the last of this series I read.

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This was a great story involving English, the French, Bermuda and the Caribbean with some extra places also. How the story moves along and takes dips and turns, males for a great story. All of the usual Dirk Pitt and his friends and family are involved. Great book!

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As a fan of the Dirk Pitt series, I was excited to receive the advanced copy – thank you NetGalley.
I found this to be an engaging read. While it does follow a formula, I don’t find this to be a deterrent. The bits of history included are generally a good introduction to the plot. The somewhat parallel and embedded story featuring Dirk’s children, Dirk & Summer, was somewhat limited this time around – personally, I’d like to see more of them. The plot moved along and the various pieces are all tied together nicely at the end. I look forward to the next installment in the series!

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