I'm finding I really like Jack Du Brul for a fun thriller read. His books are a combination of science and adventure, and they can be breathlessly paced. The books center on Phillip Mercer, a mining geologist, who my this book is Special Science Advisor to the president. In this book he is literally saving a good chunk of the world by the end. Just don't expect to be complacent about a certain volcanic island off of the coast of Africa when you are through, especially if you live anywhere near the Atlantic.