<b>An exciting new adventure for Doubleday—introducing #1 <i>New York Times </i>bestselling coauthor Jack Du Brul, and his erudite geologist with a special taste for international intrigue, Philip Mercer.</b><br><br>Sinking thousands of feet below the surface of the earth in the Leister Deep copper mine in Minnesota, Philip Mercer rides a series of heavy-duty elevators to visit his old friend and mentor, Abraham Jacobs. Jacobs has led a research team to the deepest section of the mine for a groundbreaking study into climate change and cosmic rays. But as Mercer approaches the bottom, he is stunned to hear the unmistakable report of automatic gunfire in the massive underground chambers. He can't stop the inevitable: by the time Mercer finds his way to them, his dear friend, and the entire research team, have been efficiently executed. Mercer is left seeking answers . . . and revenge.<br>This sets in motion a propulsive thriller intertwined with intrigue, vengeance, and cutting-edge science. Mercer is thrust into an international hunt for the murderers—and the frightening secret of what they were looking for.<i>The Lightning Stones</i> is a smart rocket ride . . . and a franchise in the making.<br>Jack Du Brul became a #1 <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author with Clive Cussler, cowriting the Oregon series that has become a fan favorite. Du Brul's own backlist—featuring Philip Mercer—serves as a launching pad now for the reintroduction of Mercer on a much larger level.<br><br><br><i>From the Hardcover edition.</i>