Being a fan of Cussler for many years and probably all the novels, I entered into the world of Issac Bell without a second thought.
1st book "The Chase"...OK. But the "Wrecker" confirms a step or character to far. You could almost read this in fast forward, and has the most ridiculous giant hole right in the middle. Not to give away, but involves the "Have you seen this man" picture.
With stories like Cussler's, you need fast paced action, in this (steam trains) fast paced is "I am going to check New York, you will have your answer in 7 days".
As i say "Dirk" "Oregon" "Numa" et al are excellent. I don't feel that "Will Smith, Kevin Klien" "Wild, Wild, West" type adventures add anything to Clive's books.