Pressure

The collapse of the Indian Ocean floor near the island nation of Mauritius kicks off this derivative scientific thriller from Keene (Darkness on the Edge of Town). Two experienced divers, Carrie Anderson and Peter Scofield, explore the phenomenon, but only Carrie resurfaces after their oxygen tanks and communication devices malfunction. Carrie had seen a mysterious dark shape in the depths before her limbs started to numb and she began to hallucinate. Her survivor’s guilt and scientific curiosity compel her to curtail her recovery and return to the waters. When a former lover, oceanographer Paolo, learns of her plan, he insists on accompanying her. Under the sea, Carrie and Paolo encounter a terrifying creature that resembles a “horseshoe crab crossed with a jellyfish and giant squid.” The plot loses momentum as the monster adds to its list of victims and Carrie gets closer to identifying exactly what it is. Readers should be prepared for familiar situations and underdeveloped characters. [em](June) [/em]