Ice Station

Categories: Mystery & Suspense , Fiction

Golly.  That's all I've got to say.

I picked up Matthew Reilly's 1999 novel Ice Station because I had seen it listed on best lists for suspense and thriller novels over the years.  So I had some time for a quick book, and I thought, why not?

Golly.

The novel is set in Antarctica.  The scientists at an American research station are using a diving bell to explore a deep ice cavern. 

They find something. 

To tell you what would spoil the first of many plot surprises.  Anyway, they send out a distress signal, which they hope will get through the solar flare interference that has them locked down.  More than one set of ears is listening, and more than one country responds.  But not all of the listeners have rescue on their minds. 

Fortunately for the scientists, the nearest response team is Lt. Shane "Scarecrow" Schofield's elite Marine squad.  And once Scarecrow takes responsibility, there's no way he's going to let anyone else have the station and its secret.

What happens next?  I can just tell you that a lot happens.  This is the fastest-paced thriller I've ever read--Scarecrow and his team face danger after danger in a whirlwind of plotting.  You'll have trouble catching your breath before Scarecrow turns around and finds another complication in his rescue attempt.  (You'll find yourself cheering not just for Scarecrow but for Reilly to top himself with yet another plot twist.)

It's way, way, over the top, but it's a real thrill ride for action fans.  Just hang on tight.