Mums Monday: Titanic Secret by Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul

 

This book is a sequel to Clive Cussler’s book and film ‘Raise the Titanic’. It is clever how it is done by basically declassifying confidential files at certain times and distributing them to the relevant people, and no I cannot think of anyone better to receive the ‘Titanic file’ than Dirk Pitt himself. However, I do find it strange that a sequel has been written as when Raise the Titanic was written we didn’t know what we know since that the Titanic is in at least two pieces on the bottom of the Atlantic ocean having broken up when the ship sank. I know this is a fictional story set to an almost reality so I am not saying that it shouldn’t have been written, just surprised it was, it also seems Clive Cussler wasn’t done with the Titanic even though the truth is that finding it in pieces should have finished it. However, fiction is fiction and this does look a great story to continue with.

It is interesting reading about the archaeology dig of the ‘Turtle submarine’ at the work site. Yes, safety has to be taken into consideration but I do hope they and the Turtle can be saved and preserved. I like Pitt’s quick thinking, so far the only victim is Pitt’s boots, this is interesting to read and clever. It does remind me of the TV program The A Team with George Peppard, but if it gets the job done it is good to read.

As I read about the ‘Circus’ part I do wonder what it has to do with the Titanic story. I am intrigued to read on to find out if an actual connection or as how this does fit into the story.

It might just be me, but I am confused about the ‘Pickaxe’. I understand what I read, but how it fits into the possible deceit that is being investigated I am still unsure of.

The description of the dive suits the equipment and the dive is well done. They must be getting close, as to what happened, but close to what we are still to find out. I hope Tony will be alright.

This book high-lights the importance of knowing and following the right date, as in the European/English dates written with the day first, 6th December 1899, 6/12/1899 then month then the year. Whereas the American version is written month first then day then the years as in 12th June 1899, 12/6/1899. This could be the difference in reliable evidence.

It is interesting to read about how to approach an investigation like, ‘Never go in looking for the answer you want’. I agree however, much you want to see what you want to see you actually have to go in unbiased and see what is actually there, the facts.

This is becoming more intriguing with the now known dangerous company involved. It is sad to read about the bad things they had done. Also I don’t agree with the French government being held to ransom/influenced.

It is clever how Bell is operating in Paris also for the widow to find out the truth and the money is a big help and a relief for her security in the future. Also the advice that Bell gave her was very good and that is basically exactly what I would have said and would hope to act on it also myself.

It is clever how Bell laid his coat along the bottom of the door so no one would notice a light

on in the office. Also it was good that Bell noticed the, I want to say ‘Booby trap’ because that is certainly what it sounded like it was. It is a clever idea and well written. This book is getting very much more interesting. I don’t want to put it down. Also it high-lights the importance of checking the size of a room, in this case a men's room/lavatory, before you arrange to meet someone in there. This amusingly made me, when I read this part, want to shout at the book ‘Oh no!’ I often want to shout at a TV program or film whilst watching them but rarely I find myself wanting to shout at a book. It just goes to show how well this book is written, for me, to conjure up an image I want to react to the same as I would watching some programs or films.

I don’t condone fighting but in this case if a fight is inevitable then Bell would be a man that would be welcome in your corner, on the side of the good guys of course.

Now I read the part about getting in, impounded for legal reasons, whaler boat back out to sea at Bells request for help, I feel I need a degree in chemistry but this is interesting and informative to read.

It is sad, as to how the miners have been affected. This at the time was blamed on something entirely different to what was really going on/having an effect on them. This high-lights one, the lack of knowledge they had back then in 1912 and two, how far we have come in what we do know now in 2020 and know now to take the necessary precautions.

Although not used in a good way, the part about the radio is clever and intuitive. I would have believed the first scenario as the thought of sitting quietly to combat sea sickness is also a clever idea as well.

Chapter 25 was a fast paced chapter. It is lucky the ship was saved, although sadly, it seems not all was ok. This is very much skipped over and to me this part could or should have been better explained, about the loss that is.

After a tense, what can be described as, a clever ‘Battle of wills’ although there is obvious damage it is good to hear about the mix up and the subsequent financial gain. I like the happy ending to this part although yes, quite rightly the tragedy shouldn’t be forgotten, so I like where a share of the money is also going.

It makes for tense reading once the ship arrives in Aberdeen. The best laid plan didn’t go to plan but at least the ore is now, shall we say, ‘On the right track’. However, the tension continues. This is described well but you do have to still read it carefully to keep up and understand all the action that is going on.

The action continues full pelt. It is also clever how they worked out the routes to disguise that they are travelling with both trucks.

I do also like how Bell pretended to be a foreigner. This is a small amusing part to read in amongst all the tragedy. There is however, some hope with one of the men but only time will tell.

Obtaining another ride was certainly eventful and a ‘Hotbed’ of action. This is not far from the most, if not the most action packed book I have ever read.

Well that was a twist, a clever one at that. I one, obviously didn’t see coming and two, all cleverly worked out.

It is heart-warming, yes, it is just a stone but to me the meaning goes much deeper. It is almost like a reunion with the ore. I love how this book ends.

Although I could say I knew the ending of this book because I have read the book Raise the Titanic and have also seen the film, I would actually recommend that you read this book before you read Raise the Titanic or see the film or both. If you have read and or seen Raise the Titanic I would recommend you read this book also.

Thank you for reading

Sandra