Attesting to Clive’s remarkable popularity, the Society of Cusslermen (SOC) maintains an internet site providing Clive’s fans access to, “pictures, details and information of every book published throughout the US and UK.” The SOC’s founder, Dave Hyatt, was introduced to Dirk Pitt in 1973. “I stopped into a bookstore on my lunch break and the clerk suggested I might like The Mediterranean Caper.” Hyatt finished the book that night and went back to the store looking for more, but the clerk informed it was Clive’s only book. Two years later, the same clerk called Hyatt to tell him Iceberg had just arrived. “I actually ran over to the store and have been reading and collecting his books ever since.”

After Hyatt built his website, he met Wayne Valero. “Wayne was a little upset,” Hyatt says. “He was in the process of developing his own collector society’s website. I went to several CCCS conventions, but ultimately they told me I wasn’t welcome.” Valero admits there has been some animosity between the CCCS and SOC. “We’ve had our run-ins, but ultimately we all share the same interest - Clive and his work. There is room for everybody.”