Final Option: A Novel of the Oregon Files

A particularly nasty WWII-era weapon, a “sonic disrupter,” propels the action of bestseller Cussler’s startling 14th novel featuring the Oregon, a state-of-the-art warship designed to look like a tramp steamer (after 2018’s Shadow Tyrants, also with Morrison). The weapon drives all hands on a ship insane, causing them to attack each other, destroy anything within reach, and jump into the ocean. A bunch of bad guys, all of whom have a grudge against series hero Juan Cabrillo, have built a replica of the Oregon and seek the sonic disrupter, which was lost decades ago somewhere in Brazil. Meanwhile, Juan is given a mission by his old boss at the CIA to rescue three agents whose cover has been blown and whose lives are in peril in Brazil. Readers will happily go along for the ride as the mission proceeds with the usual ups and downs, until Juan issues orders that come as a complete surprise. The intense, riveting climax takes the Oregon where the ship has never been before. Series fans won’t want to miss this one. Agent: Peter Lampack, Peter Lampack Agency. (Nov.)