A review by topdragon
The Mediterranean Caper by Clive Cussler

3.0

This is another series that I haven't read in order but I am now making an effort to go back and fill in some holes. Some say this is the 1st Dirk Pitt novel, (and I believe it was the first one published - 1973) while others say it's the second. Regardless, it is an early version of Dirk Pitt that is quite a bit rougher around the edges than the one I know better from later books in the series. There was even one early scene where Dirk's actions rather turned me off (even given the time period when it was written) and if I hadn't already read later books in the series I might never return to them.

The plot was OK but also a bit contrived. It was like watching a movie-of-the week in the 1970s. Lots of action followed by the big reveal so that we readers understand what was really happening all along. It wasn't a horrible book but I am gratified to know that the series gets better as it goes along.