Genghis Khan's grave site is one of the most sought after by
archeologists the world over. In Shang-Tu, China, on August 4,
1937, Leigh Hunt discovers an ancient silk painting of a diagram of
the hidden burial site of Genghis Khan. It does not remain in his
possession for long.

On June 2, 2007, on Lake Baikal, Siberia, a team of geophysicists
is engaged in a project to survey a section of the lake for oil
seepage. They come upon several anomalies, including a massive
earthquake. Avarga Oil Company owns all mining and oil rights on
Lake Baikal's eastern territories.

Dirk Pitt, the head of the National Underwater and Marine Agency
(NUMA), and his colleagues are tracking the lake's currents when
the earthquake hits. "Overnight, nearly a third of Saudi Arabia's
oil exporting capabilities were destroyed. A massive earthquake,
measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale, had rattled the east coast of
Saudi Arabia. Over 90% of Ras Tanura's export infrastructure has
been damaged or destroyed."... "When that
one-hundred-twenty-five-dollar barrel of oil trickles down to seven
dollars for a gallon of gas next week, Joe Consumer is going to
park his Hummer and start riding the bus."

Mongolia, a country with virtually no oil, offers to supply China
with a million barrels a day of high-quality crude oil. The Chinese
Minister of Commerce wants to know who exactly is behind all of
this and what they would like in return. It turns out that the
Avarga Oil Company is the interested party, and they demand
strategic oil pipeline rights in exchange.

Meanwhile, our hero extraordinaire Dirk Pitt, his best friend and
teammate, Al Giordino, and Ivan Corsov, special attaché to the
Russian embassy, are investigating the company, which owns
exploration rights --- coincidentally --- near Lake Baikal. There
are also questionable holdings such as Gobi Desert land, where
there are no known oil reserves. Owned by Tolgoi Borjin, Avarga Oil
Company has no known political ties or financial backing. The
Borjin family are members of the Golden Clan: "The history books
will tell you that the Golden Clan were direct descendants of
Chinggis, accomplished tactician, conqueror, and perhaps the
greatest leader of the medieval age, better known as Genghis
Khan."

Pitt and Giordino embark on a rescue mission, upon which they have
several encounters with Borjin's army of trained horsemen and
warriors. In typical Cussler fashion, Pitt manages to outwit all
comers, both physically and mentally.

Cussler's novels always showcase at least one exotic vehicle; here,
Dirk Pitt drives a 1953 Czech JAWA 500 OHC motorcycle in a daring
maneuver. Readers are accustomed to being treated to Pitt's
escapades, several storylines coming together and enough history to
make his adventures meaningful. TREASURE OF KHAN is no
exception!