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Genghis Khan's grave site is one of the most sought after by archeologists the world over. In Shang-Tu, China, on August 4, 1937, Leigh Hunt discovers an ancient silk painting of a diagram of the hidden burial site of Genghis Khan. It does not remain in his possession for long.
On June 2, 2007, on Lake Baikal, Siberia, a team of geophysicists is engaged in a project to survey a section of the lake for oil seepage. They come upon several anomalies, including a massive earthquake. Avarga Oil Company owns all mining and oil rights on Lake Baikal's eastern territories.
Dirk Pitt, the head of the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), and his colleagues are tracking the lake's currents when the earthquake hits. "Overnight, nearly a third of Saudi Arabia's oil exporting capabilities were destroyed. A massive earthquake, measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale, had rattled the east coast of Saudi Arabia. Over 90% of Ras Tanura's export infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed."... "When that one-hundred-twenty-five-dollar barrel of oil trickles down to seven dollars for a gallon of gas next week, Joe Consumer is going to park his Hummer and start riding the bus."
Mongolia, a country with virtually no oil, offers to supply China with a million barrels a day of high-quality crude oil. The Chinese Minister of Commerce wants to know who exactly is behind all of this and what they would like in return. It turns out that the Avarga Oil Company is the interested party, and they demand strategic oil pipeline rights in exchange.
Meanwhile, our hero extraordinaire Dirk Pitt, his best friend and teammate, Al Giordino, and Ivan Corsov, special attaché to the Russian embassy, are investigating the company, which owns exploration rights --- coincidentally --- near Lake Baikal. There are also questionable holdings such as Gobi Desert land, where there are no known oil reserves. Owned by Tolgoi Borjin, Avarga Oil Company has no known political ties or financial backing. The Borjin family are members of the Golden Clan: "The history books will tell you that the Golden Clan were direct descendants of Chinggis, accomplished tactician, conqueror, and perhaps the greatest leader of the medieval age, better known as Genghis Khan."
Pitt and Giordino embark on a rescue mission, upon which they have several encounters with Borjin's army of trained horsemen and warriors. In typical Cussler fashion, Pitt manages to outwit all comers, both physically and mentally.
Cussler's novels always showcase at least one exotic vehicle; here, Dirk Pitt drives a 1953 Czech JAWA 500 OHC motorcycle in a daring maneuver. Readers are accustomed to being treated to Pitt's escapades, several storylines coming together and enough history to make his adventures meaningful. TREASURE OF KHAN is no exception!
--- Reviewed by Marge Fletcher
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