The Cutthroat by Clive Cussler

Book Summary

The Cutthroat is a historical crime thriller and the 10th book in the “Isaac Bell Adventure” series, written by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott.

The story is set in 1911 and follows Isaac Bell, a seasoned chief investigator for the Van Dorn Detective Agency. Bell is hired to locate Anna Pape, a young woman who ran away from home to pursue an acting career, but instead is found murdered in her Manhattan boarding house.

As Bell digs deeper, he discovers that Anna’s death is not an isolated case — a disturbing pattern appears where numerous young women, all petite and blonde like Anna, have been found brutally murdered in cities across America. These killings bear chilling similarities, suggesting the work of a single monstrous killer now dubbed the Cutthroat.

Bell’s investigation leads him across the country and even to London, unraveling a web of clues and confronting violence that pushes his detective skills to the limit. Along the way, he must use intelligence, courage, and tenacity to track down a killer who seems always one step ahead — making this a fast-paced and gripping read for fans of historical crime fiction.

✍️ About the Authors

Clive Cussler

Clive Cussler was a bestselling American author best known for his adventure and thriller novels. Over his career he wrote or co-authored more than 80 books spanning multiple popular series, including the Dirk Pitt, NUMA Files, Oregon Files, Sam and Remi Fargo, and Isaac Bell series.

• His work often blends historical mysteries, fast-paced action, and larger-than-life characters.

• Cussler’s own adventurous life mirrored his stories: he led expeditions that discovered historic shipwrecks, including the Civil War submarine Hunley.

• He passed away in February 2020, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most popular thriller writers of his time.

Justin Scott

Justin Scott is an American novelist known for his thrillers, historical novels, and mystery books. He has written more than 30 novels, both solo and in collaboration, and is especially recognized for his work with Clive Cussler on the Isaac Bell series. 

• Scott also writes under the pen name Paul Garrison, particularly for nautical and sea-based thrillers.

• His writing often combines well-researched historical settings with immersive suspense and richly developed characters.