As a long time Cussler fan I was deeply disappointed. Although Mr. Cussler's stories are quite often true escapism at its finest, the plot behind the plot was too inconceivable and ridiculous.The book is also quite dated, in that it was written during the cold war. To read today of the KGB plots and our paranoia is uncomfortable and boring.I am sure this book would have been much more enjoyable if read 20+ years ago.