I have read most of the Wilbur Smith books, Sunbird is a ripper as were River God and the follow ons... Also like James Patterson and Bryce Courtney.

I picked up Inca Gold by Clive Cussler as something to read on the plane while working in Papua New Guinea in the mid 90's and enjoyed it so much I have since read every book ever written by Clive Cussler, great books if you enjoy adventure.

The book Sahara was made into a movie starring Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruze.