The Mediterranean Caper (A Dirk Pitt Adventure Book 2)

It was better than some of the later Dirk Pitt novels. Clive Cussler had this fantastic way of making the adventures seem to go on forever, making it hard to put the book down. It's amazing to read a book written that way. I've been trying to read them in order if possible even though I read some of them before. I read so fast that I don't remember them after a few years. It's convenient. The later ones are not all as good because they tend to skip around from place to place and it gets confusing. This one was not like that. The quality depends somewhat on whether Clive wrote the book himself of another author teamed up with him. Some of the other authors are great too but not all of them. Clive wrote this one himself. Having it on the Kindle made it easier too.

Over the years, Clive Cussler has introduced his readers to a number of exciting characters, including the Fargos, Isaac Bell, Kurt Austin, and Juan Cabrillo. But the one that started it all for Cussler is Dirk Pitt, and this 40th anniversary of Pitt's first adventure is full of action and intrigue.The drama starts when an old World War I-era German Albatross attacks an American Air Force Base on the island of Thasos. Coincidentally, Dirk and Al Giordino are flying in a PBY Catalina flying boat to check on the progress of the NUMA ship First Attempt which is in the area conducting marine experiments. Dirk and Al manage to chase the Albatross off, but not before the base is shot up and several planes destroyed.Unintentionally, Dirk and Al have flown themselves smack into the middle of a mystery that will take them to expensive villas, underground lairs and adventure on the high seas. They will also meet unscrupulous characters along the way, including a drug smuggler intent on delivering tons of heroin to the drug markets of the United States. Will Dirk and Al be able to crack the case?Over the years, I've become a big fan of Cussler's books, and it was fun for me to go back to the one that started it all. Cussler's style of writing remains the same now as then; his books are loaded with action, intrigue, and interesting characters. It was fun reading a story that was originally written forty years ago and seeing how cultural norms have changed since then.I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Mediterranean Caper". Dirk Pitt is probably Cussler's most recognizable character, and it was fun to see how he got his start. Highly recommended.

Cussler was finding his way towards better writing. I wonder if co-authors helped him figure it out. Too gritty for me.

Fun read, Dirk Pitt is always an awesome character that keeps you reading. I love these books.written in th 70's. Can't wait to read book 3

(I've read it three times now--previous reads were in 1987 and 2004). Everything you expect from a Pitt story--the slam-bang action, the exotic locales, exotic women, maritime and/or aviaition historical elements, the aura of mystery, the almost -larger-than-life megalomaniacal villains, the oceanographic technology, Pitt's coolness under fire, suaveness, and flair for smart-aleck humor (especially when bantering back & forth with faithful sidekick Al Giordino)--are all here. Even after 40 years, this book still stands the test of time.Only a couple of nitpicks keep me from giving this book a full 5 stars:(1) I would expect a fellow U.S. Air Force veteran like Cussler to know that the proper name for the F-105 is the Thunderchief (or "Thud"), not the Starfire (the USAF *did* have a Starfire, but that was the F-94, which was retired in 1959, 14 years before "The Mediterreanean Caper's" original publication date).(2 The so-called Bureau of Narcotics had been officially renamed the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD) in 1968 and again as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 1973.Those minot criticisms aside, a highly enjoyable read and a wonderful introduction to Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt (and Al Giordino, Rudi Gunn, and Admiral James Sandecker) alike!

Item came exactly as described with Amazons usual efficiency.Really enjoyed the book, kept me enthralled all the way through. I find it interesting to see how the early and later books differ slightly in their approach towards what are now considered sensitive issues with regard to political correctness etc...I couldn't wait to start the next book in the series. I also like the way that there are subtle references to previous books within the adventures.

I read this book years ago but sadly my dog ate it so this is a replacement. It's an amazing read from start to finish and a gripping end. Well worth buying and adding to any Cussler collection.

Very good story

A good adventure but it was also published under the title of Mayday so don't buy it twice as I have done! Quick delivery and good price.

Gripping stories.