In this spookily timely new thriller by Nance (Pandora's Clock
; Skyhook
), human fiddling with nature triggers a series of earthquakes that may result in a 100-foot tsunami aimed at the heart of Seattle. Wealthy developer Mick Walker has sunk a hundred million dollars into a world-class resort on tiny Cascadia Island. What Mick should have known and refuses to believe is that his island is situated directly over a massive fault line. Seismologist Dr. Doug Lam attempted to halt the building of the resort, predicting that the pile drivers and explosives used in the construction could trigger a major earthquake and the resulting tsunami. As Mick and hundreds of his friends and supporters pour onto the island to celebrate the grand opening, the earthquakes begin. Dr. Lam's girlfriend, Jennifer Lindstrom, chief pilot and president of a helicopter business, supplies the aviation angle that all of Nance's books are built upon. Her skill and courage prove pivotal as the earthquake disaster begins to unfold. Nance, an expert in many areas, has written a previous nonfiction book on earthquake concerns (On Shaky Ground
), and he builds suspense to a fever pitch in this all-too-credible nail-biter. Agents, Amy Berkower and Simon Lipskar at Writers House. 6-city author tour. (Mar.)
