A good read

I've written before that I am an avid reader. One of my favourite authors is Clive Cussler. He writes wonderful adventure novels that revolve around the sea, history and characters that are what America most want to believe in.
Cussler's books started with a man named Dirk Pitt. He is the Special Projects Director for NUMA, the National Underwater and Marine Agency. In his never ending quest to preserve the mysteries of the oceans of the world, he never fails to get involved in the plots of megalomaniacs who want nothing more than to bring chaos to the world, killing innocents as they go along.
Picture James Bond in a wetsuit. Instead of Her Majesty's Service, Pitt struggles for truth, integrity and the good old American way.
Next came the novels from the NUMA Files. These are the exploits of Kurt Austin and his Special Assignments team. The founder of NUMA created this team to handle situations that are best left "off the books" and that the official government networks cannot deal with. In between archaeological digs and environmental rescues, Austin and his friends put away the scum of the Earth, with liberal doses of luck, humour and bravado. The Special Assignments team draws resources from many parts of the NUMA organization and beyond. Kurt says they have the "Hotel California" policy. Once you are a member of "the team" you can never leave.
The newest series of stories is the Oregon Files. A former CIA agent drops out after the cold war, seeing the need for a new defence against the dangers of the world. Hiring the best operatives the world has to offer, he and his crew operate The Corporation from a super vessel disguised as an old tramp steamer. For the right price, they will take on pirates in the Sea of Japan, or rescue kidnapped executives. It isn't really about the money though. It's about getting paid to do what they know is right. It's morality and doing the hard jobs when it counts.
I cannot recommend these books highly enough. They are a good solid read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, or at least awake and turning pages long into the night.
Clive Cussler works on all three series simultaneously. He does this with the able co-authoring of Paul Kemprekos, Jack deBrul and his own son, Dirk Cussler. (Yes, Pitt is named for his son.) All three work seamlessly with Clive to make the stories come alive. Please, go to your library and try these books out.