Sea of greed by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown

"Sea of greed" by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown - Another world crisis averted!

This book is published by Michael Joseph in 2018 and has 416 pages. This is Book 16 of 'NUMA files'.

More than 50 years ago, French and Israeli scientists were working on gene sequencing on an isolated island, when one party betrays others. Present day, Alpha star platform is destroyed by fire. Kurt and Joe happen to be in the vicinity and manage to rescue the operators who are alive. It's not oil or gas that's coming out of sea bed. It's something else that reacts with water and burns. Oil reserves all over the world are suddenly depleting. Crisis is around the corner. President asks NUMA to resolve the crisis. 

What is the burning substance? Why are oil reserves depleting? Who is behind this? Can Kurt and Joe find the truth and avert the disaster?

This time it's the oil crisis. A bacteria that devours hydrocarbon and produces toxic gas. Obviously there is a consortium of oligarchs. A devious and ruthless but beautiful business woman to match wits with Kurt. A crisis that would destroy the world economy. 

Is the name Alpha star platform inspired by Piper Alpha platform and the horrific fire at the platform years ago?

The story is interesting, complete with technical and scientific details. Priya adds to the industriousness and talent of Kurt and Joe. The climax appears to be a little too quick.

Like other Cussler books, this one too, has hi tech gadgets. Here we have ultra compact battery pack, swim suit with artificial muscle, UFO shaped submarine, hydrocarbon eating bacteria, armored ship etc.

Banter between Joe and Kurt is delightful. It appears like there is probably going to be a spark between Joe and Priya. But Priya leaves NUMA at the end of the book. It's a surprise that Rudy joins the mission. Why would head of NUMA do it and put his life in danger, moreover, Rudy was never an operations guy. He is logistical genius.  

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What did I like? Concept.

What I didn't like? Rudy on mission. 

Read if you are reading the series.