Before I write another word, I just want to tell you that this book was fun. Is it capital "L" literature? No, but it's well-written, pulpy fun. Gosh, I wish there were more books like this. Now, on to the story...
After a brief, expository prologue, we meet Dr. Jeremy Logan, enigmalogist. When asked what it is he does, exactly, he answers, "More or less what it sounds like. I investigate phenomena that lie outside the normal bounds of human existence." Apparently, that encompasses proving the existence of the Loch Ness Monster and dealing with the occasional poltergeist. For his latest job, he's been hired by Dr. Ethan Rush of CTS--the Center for Transmortality Studies. After his wife's NDE--near death experience--the former anesthesiologist dedicated his life to the study of the phenomena. But Logan wasn't hired on behalf of CTS. There's another employer. Rush is a go-between in the employ of a very well-known man.
With few questions asked, Logan allows himself to be flown across the planet. They land in Egypt, where he has always wanted to work, but he is told, "I hate to disappoint you, Dr. Logan, but actually, it's nothing quite as straightforward as Egypt." It never is. Their eventual destination is the Sudd. This place is real, but I'd never heard of it before. Child quotes Alan Moorehead's non-fiction book The White Nile at length. It states, in part, "There is no more formidable swamp in the world than the Sudd." This place is an amazing setting for an archeological thriller--or any thriller for that matter--and that's even before they go diving in the mud!
I don't want to be much more specific about the plot of this novel. A big part of the entertainment is letting the revelations come in their own time. Child has crafted a novel where the more paranormal elements of the tale (which I have limited patience for) are well-balanced by real science in a variety of fields. There were moments, even, when things began to feel positively Crichtonesqe.
I mentioned above that this is not literary fiction, so don't expect in-depth character development, but Child has gathered an enjoyable and amusing cast of characters for this adventure. Do expect a compulsively page-turning pace. This is a novel designed to be read fast, preferably on a beach. As for Jeremy Logan, I can't say if we'll ever see him again, but Lincoln, could you please, please write up the story of how he proved the existence of Nessie?
