Aloysius Pendergast and his ward, Constance Greene, trekked a hard trail to find solace and learning at the Gsalrig Chongg monastery. What they don't expect is to find a need in this peaceful place for Pendergast's FBI talents. But the monks have a task for Pendergast -- he must find a mysterious box that was taken from the monastery before it can unleash evil on the world.

Pendergast, not one to be daunted by a little world saving, sets off, leaving Constance to continue her studies at the Tibetan monastery. But soon, he realizes this was more than a simple theft and Constance joins him to aid the investigation. The two find themselves on a luxury cruise, sure that the missing artifact is there, but not quite sure who has it. As strange things start to happen aboard ship and even Pendergast is affected, they at last understand that whatever is secreted in the stolen box can indeed destroy the world.

This is an appropriately named book in the Pendergast series -- its dark delving into the spirit world will leave you looking furtively over your shoulder, wondering if something evil is lurking behind you. I am a huge fan of Preston and Child and this excellent writing team has yet to let me down. Superb characterization, heroic characters with intriguing foibles and a plot that says "You're not going to sleep tonight" -- how can you resist? Be sure to read the rest of the series, too.