The Stone Monkey by Jeffery Deaver

Published in 2002, this Lincoln Rhyme mystery is probably one of his best, in my opinion. Lincoln and his protegee, Amelia Sachs have been recruited by the FBI to capture "the Ghost" - a homicidal immigrant smuggler. A boatload of refugees from eastern China have traveled half-way around the world to America, the Beautiful Country, hoping for amnesty, hoping to live in freedom. With the Coast Guard closing in directed by Lincoln, a raging storm, and the Ghost with his own agenda, the boat is blown up, with some survivors escaping. What follows is a glimpse into the Chinese culture(s), excellent crime scene investigations, and a fast paced thriller. I really liked it. Sandy P