The first book in the Kurt Austin series. Basically another Dirk Pitt but he has different physical features. With Pitt and Austin on the case, it's a wonder there are any mysteries left in the world. This one tackles Columbus and the discovery of the Americas. Apparently, the Phoenicians were here before Columbus (but after the Chinese?). While Rome was attacking Carthage, the Phoenicians boxed up their valuables and stored them with the Maya. Or something like that. Austin and company are on the case after rescuing a pretty archaeologist from certain death at the hands of "the Brotherhood", a secret society committed to crushing any hint there was contact with the Americas before Columbus. But Mr Halcon, the new leader of the brotherhood, has changed the mission of the Brotherhood - they now wish to reclaim the stolen parts of the United States and form a new nation. And Halcon needs the Phoenician treasure to fund his operation. The Andrea Doria is brought into the story as its sunken hold contains the artifact that ties everything together. A fast read but, as with many Clive Cussler novels, a quick wrap up of events. I also don't understand the apparent disregard some of the characters have for archaeological sites. Austin and Zavala, his trusty sidekick, try to pry open a sarcophagus with spears and walk all over a Phoenician ship. Ok, it's fiction but is this how the heroes are supposed to act? They then contribute to the flooding of the pyramid holding these artifacts - a plan, apparently, thought of ahead of time by Austin. How does this flooding affect the ship and Columbus' body? Very un-hero like, I think.