Poseidons Arrow
by Clive Cussler
This book is about a secret prototype attack submarine the United States is developing and the efforts of a ruthless multimillionaire who wants to seize it by any means and sell it for a hefty profit. This millionaire antagonist also is bent on monopolizing most of the world's rare earth mineral mining operations and sell these minerals for a huge profit. This novel has many subplots and is set in a variety settings throughout the world. These subplots involve many characters, as well.
Clive Cussler makes a habit of writing himself into cameo appearances in his books. In this one he makes a short appearance, working as a barge captain who gets roughed up by those working for this tale's antagonist.