I used to read Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt thrillers like they were going out of style, and it all began with Raise the Titanic! Cussler had a knack for choosing bits of history and archaeology that fascinated me, so I read quite a bit before I succumbed to formula-itis and moved on to other books. I still remember the ones I read with fondness, however.
Cussler and his wife are locals here; he's always packed The Poisoned Pen Bookstore for his events, and now the couple has solved the issue of space by holding book launches where fans can enjoy seeing part of their classic car collection. So... I thought it was past time to have Cussler make an appearance on Kittling: Books. Especially when I saw one of the covers. Let's take a look!
The US cover is on one of those taller mass market editions that don't make any sense to me, but that's beside the point. The cover is predominantly GOLD which suits the title, and there's a man looking at Incan figures made of the precious metal. If he wore a fedora, it would be easy to think of him as Indiana Jones. Bright cover, a title that stands out as well as the author's name. It's guaranteed to catch the eye-- especially the eye of Dirk Pitt fans.
Ah, but the UK cover! That wrecked galleon beached on the shore of an island! Both publishing houses have done an excellent job of utilizing elements of the plot in their covers. Neither one of them uses blurbs. It's all down to author, title, story. The basics.
But... I have to admit that I have a thing for those old galleons. I see one of them and I automatically think "treasure," and my imagination begins to race. So the UK cover is my favorite. But what about you? Which one tickles your fancy? Too close to call? Neither one? US? UK? Inquiring minds would love to know!
