Looks like this might be the start of a new series; it's part of Wilson's "Secret History of the World" but you won't need to have read any of that beforehand. You don't read Wilson for deep characterization or strong emotional content, but instead for a nice twisty plot,Evil Villains, and lots of action. Dr. Laura Fanning is a good foil for uber-capable Rick Hayden, the man with a secret. Much fun.