Posted by qpen on May 20, 2010
A complete reference source for writers of TV, film, mysteries, thrillers, action/adventure, romantic suspense, and psychological mysteries. This complete guide features accurate information about every aspect of crime, from weapons to police departments to crime jargon to standard operating procedures for criminals. Covers numerous aspects of crime and outlines general rules of thumb for writing. Also details specific policies and procedures of various law enforcement agencies. (more…)
Posted by qpen on April 8, 2010
A complete reference source for writers of TV, film, mysteries, thrillers, action/adventure, romantic suspense, and psychological mysteries. This complete guide features accurate information about every aspect of crime, from weapons to police departments to crime jargon to standard operating procedures for criminals. Covers numerous aspects of crime and outlines general rules of thumb for writing. Also details specific policies and procedures of various law enforcement agencies. (more…)
Posted by Britt Hellman on March 7, 2010
The Wrecker is the second novel in a new Western series by “one of the greatest adventure novelists of our time” (imdb). It promises to become perhaps the most popular Clive Cussler series yet. Because, let’s face it, stories about the Wild West never lose their appeal to American (as well as International) audiences.
The main character of the of this new Clive Cussler series is a detective by the name of Isaac Bell, a fearless figure of physical prowess equaling James Bond who simultaneously possesses observational skills and powers of deduction rivaling Sherlock Holmes.
As an independently wealthy heir to a Boston banking family, Isaac Bell pursues his detective investigations with a fury born out of an obsession and passion for justice rather than the need to make a living.
Isaac Bell gets hired by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company to find and stop a saboteur known as “The Wrecker,” who has targeted Southern Pacific construction sites throughout the West. If the sabotage continues in the midst of pressing deadlines to finish work on a major new track, it could cost Southern Pacific its good standing with its lenders, and rapidly lead to bankruptcy.
Unbeknownst to all until the very end of the book, The Wrecker is a regular member of the inner circles of Southern Pacific Railroad president Osgood Hennessy, even courting the railroad baron’s “unspeakably beautiful” daughter Lillian. He’s a formidable adversary, perhaps as brilliant as Isaac Bell himself.
The agenda of the Wrecker is to seize control of the Southern Pacific Railroad through various dummy corporations he has put in place, which will help him capture the fallout from Southern Pacific’s impending bankruptcy. Not only that but it appears he plans to eventually to control the entire United States railroad system, the greatest source of billionaire wealth in America at the turn of the last century.
Notorious as an avid automobile enthusiast, one reason why Clive Cussler may have picked the early 1900′s as the setting for his new series may well have been to give him an opportunity to write about car chases in classic automobiles from the turn of the last century.
Featured in The Wrecker, we find the winner of the 1908 New York to Paris race, the 1907 Model 35 Thomas Flyer, as well as a Packard Grey Wolf, a turn of the century Rolls Royce, Isaac Bell’s Locomobile, and a Bugatti Type 41 Royale.
Although Clive Cussler may be best known for his love of diving and sea exploration, both through his fictional stories and non-fictional enterprises, he obviously also cherishes the rugged landscapes of the American West. Why else would he have chosen to live in the mountains of Colorado, as far from the sea as you can get in the United States?
Through The Wrecker, we get a glimpse of this other side of Cussler, the one that loves the arid mountainous landscapes of the American West. And it’s an enthusiasm that shines through with unmitigated contagiousness. The new Isaac Bell series may well help give birth to a whole new generation of Western enthusiasts, as well as spark great excitement in many old ones. With all due respect to the previous Clive Cussler series, his Isaac Bell stories may top them all.
Britt Hellman resides in Western North Carolina with her husband and three sons, working as a copywriter. She writes book review as a hobby. Visit her site to order The Wrecker, or the latest Dirk Pitt novel, Arctic Drift, Clive Cussler.
Posted by Kodie Eason on November 21, 2009
Everyone should know how to take care of themselves in potentially threatening situations. The future is uncertain and, while there is no need to conjure up horrible scenarios, it is a good idea to prepare yourself for the worst. The possibility of being robbed, mugged or abducted always exists and you would be wise to develop a plan of action for yourself should that situation ever arise.
Ensuring your personal security involves several small steps. Don’t wait to become a victim – research self-defense courses, or invest in pepper spray, a personal alarm or even a stun gun.
Confidence is one of the most important elements when it comes to protecting yourself. Criminals specifically target individuals who look weak or unaware of their surroundings. These types of people would be easier to overcome and subdue. If you come across as confident, your chances of being victimized are greatly reduced.
So, how do you acquire that kind of confidence? Confidence is achieved through education and being prepared for any situation. Having a plan can keep you from being afraid of walking through a dark parking lot at night. Having a plan will allow you to walk with confidence.
How do you come up with a good plan of action for your personal security? One of the best resources is the internet, where you will find many sites with information on self-defense and tips on protecting yourself and fending off would-be attackers. Doing a simple search will bring up several sites with good information on personal security.
Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
- Invest in a personal alarm. They are much louder than a scream, and will alert people around in the event of your mouth being covered or your voice giving out. And their small, convenient size makes them easy to keep on your keychain.
- Invest in pepper spray or a stun gun. Make sure you know whether or not these items are legal to carry in your area.
- Enroll in a self-defense course. These classes will teach you what to avoid, how to protect yourself in various situation and even defense moves and techniques to help you escape from threatening situations.
The saying “you can never be too careful” applies here. It is vitally important when it comes to your personal security. Don’t waste another day being unprepared for any criminal who may cross your path. Being proactive where your safety is concerned will instill confidence as you go about your daily activities. That new-found confidence could be just the thing to ward off anyone who wants to do you harm!
Give criminals the elbow with your own personal security. Don’t wait till it’s too late to organize your personal security training.
