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Clive Cussler
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| Date first published | 1981 |  |
| ISBN Number | 0 7221 2746 4 | |
| Page Count | 372 p/b | |
| h/b= hardback : p/b= paperback | ||
Night Probe
Storyline
The story is set in the fuel starved world of the eighties when it looked as if fossil fuels would run out and the world would descend into chaos. In America the President resides over a debt ridden Nation. To the North Canada appears to be heading for chaos as the French speaking Quebec demands independence.
Lieutenant commander Heidi Milligan, is researching for her dissertation when she accidentally stumbles on a reference to an unknown treaty called the North American Treaty. Milligan is tempted to forget about it, but curiosity gets the better of her and sparks off a chain of events, that will lead to the deaths of many.
Dirk has renewed his acquaintance with Milligan, and as she heads off to her ship leaves him with the search for the North American Treaty. A search that will send looking for the a lost ship and a ghost train that runs most nights.
In Canada political intrigue is afoot as the wife of the premier helps in his assasination attempt. Whilst not directly involved she along with her lover use the talents of Foss Gly, a master of disguise. Can he bring about the destruction of the Canadian Union?
The British faced with the loss of Canada bring out of retirement agent Brian Shaw. His job destroy the treaty. The race is on, who will win, and will Gly manage to kill Villon and take his place?
Review
I thought before embarking on this story that I remembered this story very well. Having read it again I have to say I remembered the outline but little else. This novel is really two that are entwined. The main story is that of Pitts search for the Empress of Ireland and the Manhattan line Express, and Henri Villons plans to see a Free Quebec. Apart from one brief interlude the paths of Pitt and Gly do not really cross, which is a pity as Gly is one of Cusslers best creations to date.
Pitts main arch opponent is that of the British Agent Brian Shaw. There dealings are almost gentlemanly as they struggle to outwit one another, a far cry from Villons dirty tricks.
The story certainly swings with different changes in pace and mood. You have the exasperating search for the locomotive, on one hand to the deadly deeds of Mr Gly. The wife of the Canadian Premier certainly gets her comeuppance in a way in which I would not force on anyone. It is at that point the steel of the Premier comes through. (to this point Sarvuex has seemed a bit of a wet fish). Needless to say Mr Gly is sent off to a better place, without really knowing.
The book may lack some of the action of previous novels, but I have to say that it doesn't detract from the story in any way.The underwater search for the locomotive and its subsequent discovery comes straight from Sherlock Holmes, but is well thought out and not impossible.
I have to say that I had mixed feelings to the storylines, with Cussler taking Sovereignty of Canada from the English. The story has dated a bit, and contains some technological soothsaying (electric cars) which hasn't yet been achieved.
The story is nicely thought out, is interesting. The political intrigue is not as strong as in Vixon 03, but is more compelling as it doesn't take over the story.
A really good read.
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