Date first published	1985
ISBN Number	0 7221 2753 7
Page Count	247 p/b
h/b= hardback : p/b= paperback

Storyline

Pacific Vortex, is an unusual book in that, it was published some time after it had been written. In his preface Cussler admits to having been reluctant to have it published. The novel was Cusslers very first effort and introduces us to its main character Dirk Pitt.

If you are a new reader you may have doubts about reading the book following Cusslers reluctance to have it published. However don't. Vortex is a nicely paced adventure/ thriller, with strong plot and a good bit of action.

The story finds Dirk Pitt on holiday in Hawaii lazing on a secluded beach. His attention is caught, by an object floating just off the beach, which turns out to be a communication buoy from a lost US Navy submarine. Pitt recovers the buoy and after reading the contents takes it to the US Navy base.

At this point Pitt thinks the matter is over, but events, due to a case of mistaken identity overtake him, and he is caught in a maelstrom of murder and mayhem. Pitt not being one to 'live and let live' takes on the job of locating the missing submarine and the dark forces controlling the Pacific Vortex.

Review

I liked this story immensely. It is a simple story with a good plotline, interesting characters, and descriptive locations. Like most of Cusslers work the technology is kept out of the way, but some technical detail is used in relation to the dives and the cars (two of Cusslers passions).

The story is not set in any specific time period and unlike some of his later books will not date. The undersea base is pure invention and I doubt that the technology existed in the 40/50s to create it. The base (although we don't see much of it) is straight out of James Bond. A seemingly impregnable base, easily entered by the hero, with an almost inhuman leader to tackle.

As the story progresses and you begin to understand what is going on in the Vortex, you are almost willing Pitt on to put an end to the evil schemes of the Vortexes master, who kills without thought, and just for greed.

A nice novel that stands on its own two feet, even though it was Cusslers first effort. I thoroughly enjoyed the book even though I have read all of his other works. Some of the later stories may have complex story lines, but there is still room for a straight forward narrative.

If you want to start reading Cussler, go for this and see where it all started.

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