Gerald A. Browne (1924–2015)

Enjoyed it; it's as much a love story as one of intrigue, spies, diamond smuggling, and murder. The term "oligarch" isn't used here... but assume this shows how such lifestyles evolved; how does a Russian entrepreneur become "prosperous" enough to defect? Theft! Weird to be rooting for Russian characters, and more or less happy with the surprise ending, which brings all the questions together in the last few pages. Nikolai would be happy in Russia with his British love, Vivian, but he knows he can't support her in the lifestyle of wealth with a gambling habit; she has been provided for by her ultra rich British ex-husband who still loves her enough to keep providing valuable gifts she immediately sells. She has refused his request to marry again; and falls in love with Nikolai, after meeting at a sale of a Faberge piece his grandfather created, and permitting him to hold and examine it. The Faberge background of the story is perfect .… (more)

A mystery/suspense crime novel about the diamond industry and a plan to steal the inventory and crash prices. Loosely based on the workings of the De Beers Cartel. It's set in 1970 England however other than the absence of mobile phones/technology you can't really tell it takes place nearly have a century ago.

I found it was quite slow to get moving and I wasn't particularly enthralled at all. However once the actual robbery took place and the getaway and double crossing started happening it picked up and became rather interesting.

Bit disappointing overall, had all the right ingredients for a fantastic story just didn't quite come together.… (more)