Dirk Pitt rides a tidal wave of intrigue in this classic Cussler.
On an isolated Greek island, a World War I fighter plane attacks a moder... read full description
On an isolated Greek island, a World War I fighter plane attacks a moder... read full description
reviews
Jan 09, 2011
William
rated it: 
I don't mind some objectionable items but mistreatment of women is one thing I can't abide. Thankfully there was only a small amount of this at the beginning. I am at a loss as to why authors feel that a misogynistic attitude is a must in action books. Dirk Pitt is a dick! This shows in his cavalier and demeaning attitude toward women and in his over the top arrogance. The book was long on action and short on believable plot. Needless to say, Dirk Pitt rises up and saves the day. I am not sure I
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Nov 26, 2011
Molly (Surrounded By Words)
rated it: 
Clive Cussler books fall into the category I like to call "Brain Candy": completely entertaining and teaches me something completely new. If you've seen the movie Sahara, then you're already familiar with these characters. I LOVE that movie and was happily surprised to realize it was a book in a very extensive series.
Dirk Pitt and Al Giardino work for the National Underwater Marine Agency and have been sidekicks since their much younger days. The interplay and banter between More...
Dirk Pitt and Al Giardino work for the National Underwater Marine Agency and have been sidekicks since their much younger days. The interplay and banter between More...
Jan 14, 2011
Giulio
rated it: 
I started to read Clive cussler's 2 years ago, and now that for christams I got a kindle I started to read
the dirk pitt's story from the real start...
The story starts with Pitt e Giordino arraving on the aegian sea e dopo a couple of descriptions already one of the super adventure's of pitt starts, Pitt ia fivhting a WWI airplane wich is distructing all the airplanes on a US air force base.
After rhe battle wich is won by the ability in piloting of Pitt and the shooting skills o More...
the dirk pitt's story from the real start...
The story starts with Pitt e Giordino arraving on the aegian sea e dopo a couple of descriptions already one of the super adventure's of pitt starts, Pitt ia fivhting a WWI airplane wich is distructing all the airplanes on a US air force base.
After rhe battle wich is won by the ability in piloting of Pitt and the shooting skills o More...
Jan 22, 2012
Leah
rated it:
This was my 2nd Dirk Pitt book (Dragon was my first) that I picked up after realizing that the BF owned enough of the series that I could read it in some semblance of order. Though I know it doesn't make a huge deal of difference with these novels, I still did find it more enjoyable to start at least close to the "beginning".
These are a mix of what I like to call my "Guilty Pleasures" and something more substantial, as even though they are easy reads, they have enou More...
These are a mix of what I like to call my "Guilty Pleasures" and something more substantial, as even though they are easy reads, they have enou More...
Oct 10, 2011
James
rated it:
The Mediterranean Caper is the KIND of book I wanted to read. It spins a rip-roaring adventure yarn with a daring, brash protagonist, a la {insert Harrison Ford character here} and his trusty sidekick stumbling on to unlikely, nefarious plots with two dimensional, easy to hate masterminds. (I know, I know, but sometimes you want a steak, and sometimes you want a fluffernutter, and this time, I was in the mood for the latter.)
It's probably my own fault that I didn't like this book. I pi More...
It's probably my own fault that I didn't like this book. I pi More...
Feb 01, 2011
Tracy
rated it: 
I am starting from the very first Dirk Pitt book - at least by most of the book sites that I can see - and after my first Dirk Pitt novel being Sahara - this Dirk Pitt is a much rougher, rowdier, and vulgar person - given to fly off at the handle and to tirades that go on for pages. I can only assume that since this is the first, from what I can tell, rendition of this character by Clive Cussler that the character was still rough and got more refined over time. It could also be that he was an
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Aug 18, 2011
This is a (relatively) short, but fast moving book about Dirk Pitt. Pitt is sent by NUMA to help out at a ship looking for a fish nick-named the Teaser. This research ship was being hounded by 'acadents', a blatant attack on a near-by US military airfield by a WW I Albatross Fighter plane, then a direct attach on their ship by the same plane. Meanwhile, Pitt has experienced "Love at first sight" with the supposed niece of a man known as Von Till. After Von Till tries to kill Pitt, Pitt
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Jul 25, 2010
Jim
rated it:
The first six Dirk Pitt books filled some lonely hours for me between the ages of 14 and 16, when I was in a Christian boarding school and bored out of my mind for long stretches at a time. They were fast, fun and forgettable, well-suited to whiling away long nights and eternal weekends.
I picked them up again for the first time in nearly 30 years, wondering if they still held up for me. The answer is "no," but is that because my reading tastes have evolved in my mid-fortie More...
I picked them up again for the first time in nearly 30 years, wondering if they still held up for me. The answer is "no," but is that because my reading tastes have evolved in my mid-fortie More...
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Jan 25, 2012
Michael
rated it:
A cover blurb on another Dirk Pitt novel compares the hero of Clive Cussler's novels to James Bond. The comparison is an apt one, especially when it comes to the first two novels in the series The The Mediterranean Caper Dirk Pitt 2 and Iceberg Dirk Pitt 3.
In the same way that Fleming used Bond as a way to comment on the ways in which masculinity could and should be defined, Cussler defines what is masculine through the opinions, actions and attitudes of one Dirk Pitt. For exampl More...
In the same way that Fleming used Bond as a way to comment on the ways in which masculinity could and should be defined, Cussler defines what is masculine through the opinions, actions and attitudes of one Dirk Pitt. For exampl More...
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Jun 23, 2011
Brittany
rated it:
The library catalog told me that this was the first Dirk Pitt book, but it's actually the second. However, I don't think that I'll be going back to read the first one. I was pretty disappointed reading this one. I actually thought Dirk Pitt was kind of a jerk, so I wasn't a fan. The mystery itself was interesting enough, but I didn't care for all the swearing and philandering that went on throughout the book. I mean, in the beginning of the book, he slaps a woman for wasting the last 9 year
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Jul 03, 2010
Bryan
rated it:
Good mix of action and history: The Mediterranean Caper by Clive Cussler is my first Dirk Pitt novel and it has encouraged me to read the rest of the series.
The book revolves around a major in the US Air Force, Dirk Pitt. This man travels around the world solving problems for NUMA (a research branch). When in Greece, a WWI plane attacks the main base and destroys the planes. Dirk must find out what in the world is going on. He faces over whelming odds, but that does not stop this hero.
I foun More...
The book revolves around a major in the US Air Force, Dirk Pitt. This man travels around the world solving problems for NUMA (a research branch). When in Greece, a WWI plane attacks the main base and destroys the planes. Dirk must find out what in the world is going on. He faces over whelming odds, but that does not stop this hero.
I foun More...
Aug 11, 2010
Meagan
rated it:
The Mediterranean Caper is the 2nd book in the Dirk Pitt series. The book revolves around a major in the US Air Force, Dirk Pitt, who travels the world with his side-kick, Al Giordino, assisting the National Underwater Marine Agency ( NUMA). The first scene is set in Greece, where a WWI plane attacks the main American base and destroys the planes. Dirk, in the process of flying to the base, appears to stop the plane from inflicting any more damage. However, Dirk must now discover the reason for
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Aug 28, 2010
Jim
rated it:
Well this is the first published Dirk Pitt book, but the second one written by Clive Cussler. This also happens to be the first book of his I've read. There are a lot of synopses of this to read so, I won't get into that here.
It was an okay book. It's a basic adventure/mystery story with remnants of classic pulp fiction style. The story line was fairly predictable and the characters two dimensional.
I gave it three stars instead of two, because the pulp factor was fu More...
It was an okay book. It's a basic adventure/mystery story with remnants of classic pulp fiction style. The story line was fairly predictable and the characters two dimensional.
I gave it three stars instead of two, because the pulp factor was fu More...
Oct 25, 2011
Mike
rated it:
This book was a 3.5 for me. Clive Cussler is a good storyteller, has intelligent, witty characters and solid, clear plot lines. Has everything you'd want in a action book; romance, fighting, suspense, and a solid plot. Clive has a great lead character in Dirk Pitt.
The drawbacks for me were how rediculous Dirk Pitt is. He is James Bond/Jason Bourne as a Air Force pilot. He ALWAYS right and says the right thing always. It just becomes unrealistic after awhile how he uncovers the plot pe More...
The drawbacks for me were how rediculous Dirk Pitt is. He is James Bond/Jason Bourne as a Air Force pilot. He ALWAYS right and says the right thing always. It just becomes unrealistic after awhile how he uncovers the plot pe More...
Sep 03, 2011
Elizabeth
rated it:
Definitely not one of my favorite books. Granted I am a little bit biased. This is not the usual genre I like to read. The story is over simple. The characters are overly simple. I feel like the two main characters are the reflection the author wishes he would see when he looks in the mirror. They are the sterotypical oafish , brutish, womanizing male that every man whishes he could be. The characters jump around coming up with all these wild conclusions to the mystery that the story revo
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May 17, 2011
Andy
rated it:
Should there be a different rating system between Clive Cussler/W.E.B. Griffin books and other books I read? Fiction vs. non? Is rating this book the same as Pyongyang saying they were equal in some way? Ok, the book, early Cussler, no mention of a character named "Clive Cussler", the gang smokes, and a shorter novel than the later ones. Good pacing, ok story involving a smuggler who has hidden his operation well. Dirk is, of course, more perceptive than everyone else which, I gue
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Jul 28, 2010
Tony
rated it:
Technically the second Dirk Pitt novel, this was released before Pacific Vortex(his true "first" adventure"). Definitely a product of the times it was written in, Pitt is a throwback to the refined roughneck with a taste for high adventure, beautiful women and fine cars and liquour. At some points, he is so far ahead of the reader and the other characters that he might as well be orchestrating the plot himself, but still an engaging read, and good example of a burgeoning adventu
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Dec 03, 2011
michelle
rated it: 
Hated this book. It is a good thing I read later books in the series first because I would never have read any more if I'd read this one before them.
The main issues I have with this is the blatant sexism (yes, it was written in the early 70's; yes, I understand that these kinds of books have an element of sexism to them). Slapping a woman because you think her mood needs to be changed? Sleeping with her to "fix" her? Treating women like cattle? All part of the book.
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The main issues I have with this is the blatant sexism (yes, it was written in the early 70's; yes, I understand that these kinds of books have an element of sexism to them). Slapping a woman because you think her mood needs to be changed? Sleeping with her to "fix" her? Treating women like cattle? All part of the book.
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Apr 17, 2009
Duzzlebrarian
rated it:
Don't waste your time reading this one. The plot is fine, typical beach reading, but... There's fine line between machismo and misogynistic kak, and this particular book crosses it. It's the difference between a dog pissing to mark his territory, and a dog pissing on you to mark his territory. I like Cussler's stuff, but if I'd started with this one I would have developed a permanent sour opinion for him. Thank God it dawned on him that women can read too, and changed a few things later in th
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Aug 05, 2008
Meagan
rated it:
The Mediterranean Caper is the kind of book that will appeal to people who are looking for adventure, and a lot of it. The main character, Dirk Pitt, is the kind of self-assured, no-nonsense, take-charge hero that you expect to find in old-Hollywood war movies or James Bond films. The plot gets very complex at times, and so is hard to describe, but here goes: Major Dirk Pitt's services are requested at a scientific research vessel in Greece that's been experiencing acts of sabotage. While Pit
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Aug 25, 2009
BillyCruise
rated it:
This is my first Cussler book, trying to go in relative order. Overall I was really drawn into this book, the thing about all Cussler books are that they are wonderful light reads with plenty of action albeit cheesy. The story itself has some holes and the convenience of being in the right spot all the time is annoying sometimes to read, park your nitpicking intelligence at the door because you will find the book most enjoyable when you throw away your logic.
Feb 06, 2009
Diana
rated it:
A really good friend recommended this author. It's a lot grittier than some of the froofy stuff I read, so it was fun that way. It was like James Bond, but with a more laid back, risky, not always beautiful and pristine main character. I love the juxtaposition of the 2 main guys and how they bounce off of each other so easily. After seeing Sahara, I had a hard time NOT picturing them as Matthew McConaughey and Steve Zahn! :D
Jan 31, 2012
Kona
rated it:
I thought this was the first in the series, but apparently not. Still, I don't feel I missed anything by not starting with the first book.
Dirk Pitt seems like an interesting character. I'm not sure about the reference to him being 2 people. He apparently has a "dark" side and a "charming" side. It will be interesting to see how this character develops. I hope his side kick continues to be present.
Dirk Pitt seems like an interesting character. I'm not sure about the reference to him being 2 people. He apparently has a "dark" side and a "charming" side. It will be interesting to see how this character develops. I hope his side kick continues to be present.
Sep 04, 2011
Biggles for grownups? Another reviewer on this site sums up my feelings. The author's attitudes (as expressed through his main character) towards women is repugnant. The young female protagonist spends much of the novel in varying states of undress while the male protagonist seems to have only one interest in women and this aspect of the novel detracts from a competent enough thriller. This kind of writing is scarcely going to set the world on fire and the male chauvanism is going to put off
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Apr 12, 2011
Barbara
rated it:
Damn I just love Dirk Pitt! He's not a hottie, heck according to Cussler, he's not even handsome; regardless, he always gets the girl. He's just like MacGiver, from that old TV show. Give him a toothpick and a high heeled shoe and he can get out of any death-defying scrape imaginable. Dirk is quick on his feet and even though he always gets caught, his unconventional tactics will amaze you. This time he and Al Gordino are sent in to Greece to help one of NUMA's research vessels that have be
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Feb 07, 2012
Renee
rated it:
I requested this book from the library after watching the movie Sahara. Have to say I have been pleasantly surprised. The book reads quickly, the characters are witty, and the action and story easy enough to follow. Sometimes action-y books seem difficult to keep up with, they can get convoluted and difficult to follow. Not so The Mediterranean Caper. I'm already onto the next in the series and have high hopes for it as well!
Nov 06, 2009
John
rated it:
This is the same comment for all the Dirk Pitt books:
Great set of books, I had to stagger these books into my reading rotation since they are so similar.
Dirk Series Book in less then 50 words.
(introduction to bad guy, introduction to hot chick, introduction to Dirk, Dirk gets in impossible dangerous situations to stop the bad guy, Dirk wins, Dirk gets the hot chick.)
Great set of books, I had to stagger these books into my reading rotation since they are so similar.
Dirk Series Book in less then 50 words.
(introduction to bad guy, introduction to hot chick, introduction to Dirk, Dirk gets in impossible dangerous situations to stop the bad guy, Dirk wins, Dirk gets the hot chick.)
Feb 19, 2009
Jessica
rated it:
Sort of a fun read...but WAY too 70s!!! Wow. Some really inappropriate things said in this book (for the women readers, anyway), but taken in context of the times, I guess it was expected of the type of character that Dirk Pitt is...or hopefully, was. I'll have to read a few more recent ones to see. Overall though, sort of a fun adventure read.
Mar 20, 2011
Bernard
rated it:
It was short but decent. I find it fun reading these books written in the 1970's. Some of the things Clive writes wouldn't be tolerated in today's PC conscious world. I think it's one of the reasons I get such a blast reading these. Dirk may be a fictional character but he's one I would love to meet and shake his hand! Thanks for keeping it real!
Jan 23, 2010
Katie
rated it:
I have to say - even though this was possibly the most ridiculously sexist and outdated book I've read - I did enjoy it. Sure, sometimes it was unintentionally funny, but entertaining none the less. I don't know if I'd go so far as to 'recommend' it, but I will be reading the rest of the series. I'm holding out hope that Cussler climbs out of the dark ages at some point.
