The Vault - Book Review

In creating a continuing structure of character in the guise of Tyler Locke, "The Vault" [Boyd Morrison/Touchstone/448pgs] shows an appreciation of the structure without resolving to any cheaper pandering. While the protagonist from the previous outing "The Ark" makes a visit, it is not necessarily played up with a necessity of backstory. Like any good adventure yarn worth its salt, whether it be Indiana Jones or Dirk Pitt, the key is to make the audience feel that whether or not they just entered these characters' lives for the first time or not, they should feel completely at home either way.Locke, as a character retains the idea as with most of these central characters that nothing can befall them despite everyone around them being susceptible in a certain way to the whims of a madman. While humor and a sense of duty permeate much of the belief that what the character is doing is right, the ease with which he is able to use his sources, whether it be private jets or ultra-secret hacked information, plays a bit too fantastical at times despite the most tactimont details. Dirk Pitt had this problem but he more often than not fell on his ass to the bemusement of his partner in crime, Al. That same type of interaction is played off her between Locke and his partner-in-crime: Grant. Their quips back and forth using self-disparaging humor give the adventure its flow despite anything going on around them.The narrative revolving around "The Vault" rests in the notion of the tomb of King Midas. The bad guy from "The Ark" continues to pursue an idea of world domination but only if he can find an unlimited amount of gold which is what this "Vault" provides. Locke finds himself as with the last book thrown together with a woman, this time a TV reporter, who has stakes of her own. She is the catalyst by extension of her sister who is kidnapped to force the reluctant hero (Locke) into action. While the idea jumps back and forth from the book's central HQ in Seattle (which is also home to the author), the diversity especially in highlighting a would-be terrorist attack blamed on jihadists in Washington points to the disinformation progressing through the storyline.The secondary conflict bases itself between Orr, the inherent bad guy, and a blood feud with a woman who now runs part of the Mafioso sector near Florence. This snake ruling with a scepter, not unlike the bad girl in "True Lies", likes the finer aspects of life but recognizes the fragility of power and the intention it takes to keep it. Locke's necessity is playing these two sides against each other despite the fact that once they don't need him they can try to kill him at the drop of a hat. Ultimately the climax plays to these ideas of comeuppance which are always of possibility for misdirection. The science initiated is flittered with holes but in the general context works with the appropriate adventure and danger despite its popcorn structure which undeniably entertaining nevertheless."The Vault" continues in the effective tradition of "The Ark". While using many of the same devices at times as the previous outing, the possibilities and humor are still dexterously fun with a sense of whip smart dialogue and details giving forth for a enjoyable read.B-