OK so yes, this has been done before - many people are pointing to Da Vinci code, but I'm in agreement with those saying Cussler - although to me it puts me more in mind of Atlantis Found than Plague Ship.
Lots of similarities to be drawn here: the "compellingly attractive" Tyler not only has the same qualities manifested by Dirk Pitt, but even has the tragedy in a previous relationship.... Tyler is also accompanied by a trusty sidekick, often referred to as "burly" or "stocky" - in fact on some occasions I found that my brain had automatically added "Italian" to those references to Grant. The general theme was the same - Respected yet feared businessman with unlimited resources meticulously plans to take over the world, everything runs smoothly until a couple of pieces of grit serendipitously get caught in the wheels, leading inexorably to his downfall. Tyler and Grant working for highly respected agency, placing them with good connections which are enhanced from previous distinguished military careers allowing Special Forces assistance... the list goes on and on... BUT...
For anyone who is a fan of this genre it is well worth reading. The themes and characters may be identical in all but name, but Morrison's keeps the story moving, ignoring Cussler's penchant for taking interludes using sub-plots or the inevitable NUMA briefing sessions. It makes for easy, enjoyable reading and has a kind of irresistable quality that makes it hard to put down.
Certainly a very worthy debut novel, and while some will find it sameish, if Cussler is your genre, Morrison should prove to be a worthy successor.