THE ASSASSIN

4 stars out of 5

As I've mentioned before, I'm not a fan of history - as in the classroom learning of it. I do, however, enjoy learning how things that happened in the past impact the way we all live and work today as well as details that likely won't be included in any history textbook. My first and only experience with this series featuring James Bond-like private detective Isaac Bell, The Striker, was a pleasant one (like this one, I gave it, the sixth, 4 stars back in April 2013). But books by too many other favorite authors intervened (including several of the author's Dirk Pitt novels), and I somehow never got around to reading another until now.

And I admit I probably should have read the 7th (The Bootlegger) before tackling this one, although from my perspective it stands well on its own. I've read other reviews, though, claiming that questions and situations happening in the previous book were either left unresolved or not included here at all, leaving them to wonder why the oversights. But I also learned (after the fact) that this book is set four years prior to the first book of the series (The Chase, 2008), which certainly could account for seemingly left-out references.

That said, I really enjoyed this one, despite more than a few situations that seemed a bit over the top (a hot air balloon incident, for instance). The plot, set in the late 1890s and early 1900s, centers on an attempt to bring down oil magnate J.D. Rockefeller and his all-powerful Standard Oil. I wasn't around back then, but I do remember Standard Oil, and the cities of Cleveland and Oil City, Pennsylvania, where at least some of the action takes place, are less than a couple of hours from my northeastern Ohio home (and I've spent time in both).

The book begins as an assassin begins to murder opponents of the huge oil conglomerate, one of whom is Bell's best witness in his company's investigation of Standard Oil's monopoly. That's followed by the sniper's detonation of an explosion that destroys the witness's independent refinery. 

The chase to find the diminutive assassin leads Bell around the world, from New York to the Midwest to the vast oil fields of Russia and puts the detective in many life-threatening situations that put his mental and physical skills to the test. Historical details are abundant, but at no time did I feel that they overwhelmed the story; in fact, they added to it and, whether they were fact or fiction, to my enjoyment of the book as well. Heck, I even learned a new word: inveigle. In case you're wondering too, it means to convince someone else to do something through coaxing and/or flattery.

The Assassin by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott (G.P. Putnam's Sons, March 2015); 418 pp.

THE MAGICIAN'S LIE

5 stars out of 5

A friend mentioned wanting to read this book, and after doing a bit of research, I decided to give it a try as well. It's been likened to other popular works, specifically Water for Elephants and The Night Circus, neither of which I've read (I'm embarrassed to say I've had Elephants for at least a couple of years and still haven't opened it despite rave reviews from friends). So I can't comment on the similarities, but no matter; as far as I'm concerned, this one is outstanding in its own right and can hold its own without comparison (and probably should).

The story, set in the late 1890s to early 1900s, begins when a traveling female magician who calls herself the Amazing Arden (in itself a bit unusual given the times), is captured by police officer Virgil Holt. After a performance, which Virgil happened to attend, a man was found dead near the stage. The man, it seems, is Arden's husband, and the murder weapon is an ax she used as part of her cutting a man in half illusion. Knowing she's a trickster, Virgil makes sure she's secured to a chair, fully intending to turn her over to authorities as the primary suspect.

Arden, meanwhile, is certain that if she's taken to jail she'll be convicted of the crime. So, she insists on telling Virgil her life's story in an effort to convince him to set her free (reminiscent of Scheherazade, who spun tales so interesting that the king, who had killed 1,000 women before her after a single night of bliss, would keep her alive night after night). As Arden's story unfolds, she learns (or, does she, as Virgil suspects, "magically" deduce?) that Virgil is flawed as well, but for a very different reason. Arden coaxes him to reveal that a bullet lodged in his spine cannot be removed safely and could kill him at any given moment - or never. As such, he believes he's likely to lose his job and his wife no longer will want him.

Most of the book is told by Arden, and it's quite a tale of intrigue that, for the most part, makes sense given the time period. A few things that happen seem a bit "off" to have happened that long ago, but then Arden isn't your usual refined lady of the 1900s - and, after all, she could be lying. Much more explanation here threatens to cross over into spoiler territory so I'll stop here - except to say there's an ending. That, too, is an open book; whether or not it's the "right" one is left up to you, the reader. Cool!

The Magician's Lie by Greer Macallister (Sourcebooks Landmark, January 2015); 321 pp.