I guess I had somehow missed reading PV in the past and am now reading it (I'm about 1/2 way through, so don't tell me how it ends!).
It is an excellent book and some of the references in it certainly date it - but at the same time, it is very interesting to read some of Cussler's early writing (even if it is missing Al)!

I did pick up on something interesting that I'm sure others have discussed before. The Navy salvage ship, the MARTHA ANN, sounds very similar to another ship whose Captain is named Cabrillo :)

As I was reading the description of the ship (Martha Ann), it sounded VERY familiar to the OREGON.

Pretty cool that Dr. Cussler can continue to use material from 30+ years ago, and make it into another successful series of books! (Even though the Oregon itself WAS introduced in FLOOD TIDE)

EXCERPT FROM PV

But the scale on the hull. The rust..." "Prettiest fake scenery you ever saw," Denver admitted. "A clever chemical coating that looks like the real thing. Can't tell it from rust under bright sunlight from a foot away."
Then why the elaborate equipment?" Pitt asked. "There's more to the Martha Ann than meets the eye," Boland said with a hesitant degree of modesty.

"You'd never know it to look at her, but she's crammed
from keel to topside with salvage equipment." A disguised salvage ship?" Pitt said slowly. "That's a new twist."

Denver smiled. "The masquerade comes in handy for the, shall we say, more delicate reclamation projects."

Its been forever since I read Pacific Vortex, I didn't do the parallel. Pretty interesting. I have only read Sacred Stone but am hooked on the Corporation.

Thanks.

I just bought all the audio books of the Dirk Pitt series and I am just starting Pacific Vortx. I can't wait until I get to the boat part. It does indeed sounds like the Oregon.
I finish the numa series and Kirk Austin was good. Never got bored.
The Oregon files was slow in the beginning and I kept turning the audio books on and off. Finally by the time I listen to Dark Watch, I was hook and Skeleton Coast sealed the series. I love the idea of the Corporation, crew and boat/ship.
I only listened to two Dirk Pitt series and since everybody is raving about the series, I bought all the tapes. I am starting with Pacific Vortex instead of Mediterrancan Caper. The census is read PV before MC due to Dirk Pitt true love.
The plot is good and fast moving.
I am going broke and I heard there is a new Oregon series coming in June. Have to have it.

I believe it is a new NUMA Files book in June, called The Navigator.

I haven't heard anything about a new Oregon series book, but if that is true great!!

I stand corrected. The new book is for the Numa series of Kurt Austin not the Oregon series. I hope I got it right this time.

There is only one thing I hate about audio books and that is the fact that they are abridged. <_< <_< <_< <_< <_<

I have Lost City both ways and stupid me had the bright idea of reading the book while listening to the tape. That lasted to about the third chapter, which I beleive was skiped entirely by the tape.

I only read unabridge version. You pay more for the audio book but you don't lose any parts of the book. I agree that the abridge version you lose a lot of information and plots. Therefore abridge version are not read by me.
The draw back for audio books are sometime the reader does not read the book well. The clive cussler readers of his books are good.
I like men reader over women. Romance novels are good for women but most women readers can't change their voices for the differest characters. Men reader can adopt better.
When I had an operation on both eyes and I couldn't see for awhile, I got into audio books. I also listen to them when I go to my shore home and it passes the time. I also take care of my grandchildren and I have cartoons day and night. Therefore on goes the head phones and audio book. I drown them out until I have to break up a fight or bedtime.

Lisa,

As mrsgrandmom mentioned, there are unabridged audio books. They come in packs of like 5 CDs and cost ~$60. Check your local library, they might have some for free. :)

Thank you for the information Oswalder and Mrsgrandmom. I will certainly look into it.

I also get unabridge audio books from ebay. The prices are reasonable.

Thanks

These were exactly my thoughts, obviously there also other ideas that were in there infancy in this novel. b: