Beautifully crafted, clever. Starts off simmerimg, ends with a bang. My review is up on Amazon.a well crafted book!

I liked the idea and thought the characters were fine but I would have liked to know more about the peripheral players. My biggest problem was it took so long to get to the pivotal moment ( a death) that I was beginning to get bored with yachts, heat, beautiful people etc. The book took so long to arrive at the crime that and the solving seemed almost incidental and therefore rushed. Not even sure that "crime" is the best category for it. Having said all that - if this book were a recipe it just needs "a little more seasoning" to be just right. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

This book covers the intrigue and machinations associated with a project to expand the Panama Canal. The premise allows for a diverse group of interesting characters as proposals are developed, a contract is awarded, and construction begins. The main characters ae described in depth, with a second tier of more stereotypical personas. The style of writing is straightforward, with little added detail. A romance between Max Burns, the main character, and a CIA agent, covered as an environmental activist, adds spice to the mix. The plot is engrossing, and includes a number of personal relationships between the players. The story arc could be described as a long, slow buildup with a quick hook at the end. The many interesting characters makes this a great read.

The Expansion is a page turning thriller that captures your interest from the start. Max a geomatics engineer has been asked to draw up plans for the Panama Canal expansion, previous to this chance of a lifetime we have some background to Max and other main characters. There is intrigue and tension aplenty, romance for Max with Karis supposedly an environmental scientist. Diplomats,CIA agents, the Chinese,British and Americans all make for an engrossing read.
There is quite some build up before everything 'kicks off' but when it does it drags you along at breakneck speed. I would have liked a little more depth from the ending a few 'what's going to happen next' questions, but I'm presuming there is going to be a follow up and hopefully not before long.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for opportunity to review this book honestly

Very clumsy first 1/3, then it picks up. Not actually a bad book, but slow and without tension or drama. Dull.

Not for me, sorry.