The Iron Storm

Those who love historical mysteries and action thrillers will likely enjoy Clive Cussler The Iron Storm by Jack Du Brul. This is the fifteenth book in the Isaac Bell series and is set in March, 1917. The book starts with Isaac and a co-worker escorting 500 pounds of gold bullion to Liverpool to help the Allied war effort. But things don’t do smoothly.

While in England, President Woodrow Wilson tasks Isaac to be an official observer of the war so he can give a first-hand report of what American troops would face if the United States enters the war. He’s supposed to avoid action, but that quickly becomes impossible.

Bell is the lead detective for the Van Dorn Detective Agency. He’s detail oriented, likes quick results, embraces societal and technological changes, and is a natural leader. He’s a patriot, a risktaker, thinks quickly of solutions to problems, and is observant. He also relies as much on instinct as intellect. 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 author has a way of creating atmosphere that makes readers feel they’re fighting for their lives alongside the book characters. The world-building was fantastic. The plot is excellent and quickly pulled me into the storyline. While the narrative is descriptive at times, it didn’t adversely affect the pacing. Instead, it transported this reader to the various events occurring. Some may feel that there is a little too much description of weapons and gear, but I felt it made the story more realistic and easy to visualize. The novel also mixes in real people with those who are fictional. These include Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt, Manfred von Richthofen, and Zane Grey, but there are others as well. The novel highlights politics, war, and those who reject all forms of rule, authority, and hierarchy. Readers should be aware that there is a significant amount of violence and death contained in the story.

Overall, this is a briskly paced and entertaining page-turner that kept me engaged throughout the suspenseful, intriguing, and high stakes historical thriller. The book was terrific and transported this reader into the dark and terrifying world of a historical war. It was a rich assortment of history, politics, espionage, and war brought together with great world-building and an action-filled plot. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the 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. The publication date was September 9, 2025.