An unconquerable fortress, the US Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carrier Thomas Jefferson is the most powerful nuclear-powered warship in the world, stationed in the Arabian Sea to preserve the peace and Western allied interests. But the unthinkable occurs when the billion-dollar ship is destroyed in what appears to be a nuclear accident - it is the greatest peacetime disaster in US history. Whilst America mourns for the lives of the crew, Intelligence reports begin to suggest that the cause of the tragedy may be a rogue ex-Soviet submarine, and Admiral Arnold Morgan is called in to investigate. But no one knows who is on board, where it came from, or how it came within striking range of the Thomas Jefferson unnoticed. Worse still, no ones knows where it is or if it will strike again. Political tensions mount as Middle Eastern connections are suspected, and a deadly chase ensues when a victim's brother seeks his revenge on the killers.

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### Amazon.com Review

At least one Amazon.com customer has found several errors of naval rank and military history in the first few pages of Patrick Robinson's blockbuster about a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier suddenly vaporized by a terrorist submarine. But if you're a plain, old-fashioned thrill seeker like me, you'll probably zip right past them as you try to keep up with the Tom Clancy-like explosion of technical trivia and plot twists. This is one of those books you pick up right after *X-Files,* planning to read for an hour before bed. Next thing you know it's 5 a.m., you've still got 50 pages to go--and you keep on reading.

### From School Library Journal

YA. Three seemingly unrelated happenings set the stage for drama. First, in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, a young fisherman discovers the body of a drowned sailor. Second, underneath the surface of the Bosporus, a Russian diesel submarine secretly makes its way toward the Middle East to carry out a plan masterminded by Benjamin Adnam, an Israeli citizen. Third, the USS Thomas Jefferson, a powerful aircraft carrier manned by a complement of 6000 crew members, patrols the waters of the Indian Ocean. Suddenly, her blip vanishes from the radar screens of the other warships in her battle group. The ensuing investigation of her disappearance uncovers a sinister plot of brilliance and intrepid execution. The characters are lifelike and convincing, especially Lt. Commander Bill Baldridge, the Pentagon's primary sleuth looking into the mystery. He works closely with Admiral Sir Iain MacLean, a retired submarine flag officer of the Royal Navy. MacLean's family plays a secondary role in the story and his daughter provides the romantic element. Perhaps the most interesting person is Adnam, the villain whose machinations are the heart of the narrative. This suspense tale is written in a clear and compelling style and succeeds at creating and sustaining an aura of tension, surprise, and disbelief. The plot is reminiscent of Tom Clancy's popular thrillers; but, since it is less technical, it should appeal to an even wider audience.?Peggy Mooney, Pohick Public Library, Burke, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.