The Sacred Vault: A Novel (Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase),New

Product DescriptionA DARING HEIST.A PRICELESS ARTIFACT.A SECRET LOCKED SAFELY AWAYUNTIL NOW.When Michelangelos David is stolen from its museum in Florence, its only the latest in a series of audacious raids on the worlds greatest treasures. But American archaeologist Nina Wilde and her husband, exmercenary Eddie Chase, discover the raiders ultimate target when the Talonor Codexa cryptic travel journal that Nina found in Atlantisis snatched from a wellguarded exhibition right in front of their eyes.The codex holds clues to the location of the Vault of Shiva and its mythical contents: the chronicles of the ancient Hindu god of destruction himself. From a deadly shootout in San Francisco to a hidden valley in the snowbound Himalayas, Nina and Eddie must run a labyrinthine gauntlet of ruthless killers, corrupted faiths, and twisted ambitions to reach the sacred vault ahead of a cunning billionaire with a plot to remake the worldafter he brings this one crashing down.ReviewNo fan of Indiana Jones, Matthew Reilly or action in general will be able to put it down. Northern Territory News, on The Pyramid of DoomRaises the bar to please adventure junkies who prefer to mainline their action.Publishers Weekly (starred review), on The Hunt for AtlantisAbout the AuthorAndy McDermott is a former journalist and movie critic who now writes novels fulltime following the international success of his debut thriller, The Hunt for Atlantis,which has been sold around the world in more than twenty languages. He is also the author of The Tomb of Hercules, The Secret of Excalibur, The Covenant of Genesis, The Pyramid of Doom, The Sacred Vault, Empire of Gold, Return to Atlantis, The Valhalla Prophecy, and The Shadow Protocol. He lives in Bournemouth, England.Excerpt. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.9780553593648excerptMcDermott: THE SACRED VAULT1New York CityThree Weeks Later. . . So Id like everyone to join me in a toasta belated toastto the marriage of two great friends of mine . . . Eddie Chase and Nina Wilde.Nina leaned around her husband to speak to the grayhaired man beside him as applause filled the room. That was a nice speech, Mac.Yeah, rumbled Eddie, less impressed. You only mentioned a few embarrassing moments from my time in the Regiment.Jim Mac McCrimmon grinned. What are best men for? Besides, the bearded Scot went on, Id never tell any of the really embarrassing SAS stories in mixed company. Certainly not in front of your grandmother!Nina stood. Okay, she said, running a hand self?consciously through her red hair as everyone looked at her, I know its not traditional for the, ah, new brideshe made airquotes, raising laughterto speak at this point, but our lives have been anything but traditional since we met. More laughs. So I wanted to thank you all for ?comingits great that so many of you could make it for our first wedding anniversary, and weve had some lovely cards and messages from those who couldnt be here. And most of all, Id like to thank the man who made it all possiblemy strangely charming, sometimes crazymaking, but always amazing husband. She kissed the Yorkshireman to more applause. Anything to add, Eddie?You pretty much covered it. Except for . . . bottoms up! He raised his glass. Enjoy the party!The DJ took the cue and put on a songwhich, as per Eddies instructions, was a version of Por Una Cabeza. He stood, holding out a hand. Fancy a dance?She smiled. Yknow, I might have practiced this one a few times . . .Good job tooyou were bloody rubbish at it in Monaco! He led her to the dance floor, the couple exchanging congratulations and jokes with friends along the way before taking their positions for a tango.Ready to dance, Mr. Chase? said Nina.If you are, Mrs. Chase, Eddie replied. Nina arched an eyebrow. All right, Dr. Wilde, he said with a playful sigh of defeat. Just thought