I have to say it was with trepidation that I started to read Cussler's new Dirk Pitt novel, having not been a fan of his most recent work, espescially the seemingly endless lines of story that were being pushed out the door with more and more co-writers in tow. However, Crescent Dawn is a suprising return to form for Cussler and the writing is superb. Cussler has really done well here to bring the Dirk Pitt series up to date and the plot (although always far fetched as expected of Cussler - and all the better for it!) deals with the concerns of today's world. I was pleased that Cussler decided to ditch what seemed like an endless number of Chinese/Communist mad hatters with world domination plans and turned his attention to terrorism, Israel, Hesbola, Islam. He also unveils the murkey world of antiquity forgery, smuggling and robbery.

He sets all this real time stuff against an action packed plot, with car chases, shoot outs, fights, lucky escapes, plenty of dives and boats and all the fun of the Sea.

Dirk Pitt Jnr and Summer are not nearly as annoying as they have been in previous stories. I was also impressed with the research that went into this novel. Living in London I know the places he describes when adventures take a turn to England in the book. The details he got right were quite excellent.

All in all this is one of the best Pitt's I have read in a long time, pure escapist fiction at it's best. Enjoy.