When it comes to Clive Cussler books, the Dirk Pitt novels arguably put the author on the map as one of the best action-adventure writers. For those that have never read a Dirk Pitt novel, I envy you—you have a lot of great adventures in front of you. And for those that are already familiar, it may be time to re-read the classics. Here is the best Dirk Pitt book in the 20+ book series.
Pacific Vortex
Pacific Vortex is the first Dirk Pitt novel and is a must read for any one that is a serious fan of Dirk Pitt and has yet to read the book that started the most epic maritime adventure series ever written. Hands-down.
I had probably read about ten to twelve Dirk Pitt novels before I got to this one and I had no idea it was the first novel in the series until I started it it.
At first, it was very odd, because I was so used to Clive Cussler’s style in later Dirk Pitt books: where the plot always started with a backstory that usually took place hundreds of years before present day, and this set the main tone for the plot to unfold later.
I really like the way those later books start, so when I read Pacific Vortex, I knew something was up. It started like a more traditional novel and lacked the historical suspense Cussler later picked up.
The Pacific Vortex’s plot is not as intricate as the later Dirk Novels, and the villains are not as well thought out, or as sinister, but the thing that makes this novel the best and absolute must-read Dirk Pitt novel, is that it really fleshes out who Dirk Pitt is, and why he is the way he is in the later books—especially with women.
In Pacific Vortex meets a lovely woman named Summer, and this relationship and the book’s ending will answer a lot of questions that people may have had about Pitt.
So if you have read a bunch of Dirk Pitt novels but haven’t read this one, then make sure to read this one next. You’ll be happy you did.
And if you have yet to read a Dirk Pitt novel, then start with the first book and read them in chronological order. It’ll make more sense that way.
Happy Reading!