Name: Deep Six
Rating: 4 (6 reviews)
ISBN: 9781416516859

Clive Cussler

A dangerous Soviet plot looming behind the evil plans of a great Asian shipping family, challenges Dirk Pitt to action

Deep Six

Tim Pendry

The seventh in Cussler's Dirk Pitt series, set in an alternative political history a few years ahead of the publication debate (1984), 'Deep Six' is a lengthy thriller that works to the formula already set by the author in preceding books. This is not to say that it is formulaic according to the thriller genre but only formulaic to Cussler's variant of the genre. A story embedded in the past, political shenanigans, the heroism of the protagonist, several plots weaving in and out of one another, close calls and implausible events. At this level it is enjoyable but not remarkable. The story lines are already becoming comfort food for fans. This particular story has a villainous Korean shipping line at the heart of a criminal empire, Soviet mind control of American politicians and ruthless political ambition in Washington. However, after a fairly prosaic thriller unfolds for well over a third of the book, Cussler suddenly shows us again that he can write with a capacity well above the average thriller writer - in this case, the devastating effects of a cruise ship being sunk through a criminal terrorist act. This is why one goes back to Cussler. The implausibility and comfort food aspect of his novels can suddenly switch into sections where the rawness of existence, the brutal effect of events on unsuspecting people, is expressed in some fine writing that has you in the time and the place. And then, once that is over, it is back to the complicated plot, the solid characterisation of men (though rarely of women) and well written but completely implausible scenes that are the mark of the Cussler novel. The best example of the latter is unmentionable because it would be a spoiler. Overall not one of the great works of Western literature perhaps or even the best of Cussler's own work but still pleasure enough as an example of his peculiar brand of crossover political thriller and adventure fantasy. Of its time, of course, but not necessarily to be abandoned for that reason.

Todd Luallen

Not one of my favorite Dirk Pitt novels, but still a 5 star read. Cussler is an expert at the thriller. He always leaves the reader wanting more. Highly recommended for those that love the action/adventure/thriller genre. Oh, and he does always include a bit of history and a bit of classic car love.

Deep Six

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