REVIEW
First, I have to say: what a spellbinding complex historical fiction mystery by Pam Lecky! This is the fourth in the series but my first to read. Though I have downloaded the first three now since I enjoyed this one so much. I can go back to the start and follow Lucy’s journey up until now. I can see why everyone is raving about Pam’s books as she certainly knows how to tell a great story. I was glued to the pages and eager to see what would happen next!
Lucy Lawrence is a fascinating character that kept me curious and intrigued with her ability to suss out criminals and their activities. Her thought processes, sleuth instincts and deductions always made me think. I kept wondering what her next step would be. Often, she fell into some tense situations while trying to crack a crime. Her husband and her make a great team, as well.
Lucy has recently married Phineas Stone and they are on their honeymoon at Lake Como. Although she is hoping for a quiet relaxing time with her husband, it just doesn’t go as planned. It seems crimes happen around her and she cannot help but get involved. This time, it has a personal connection to her husband. His sister’s husband is missing and the worst is feared. And rightfully so, as Luca does not return home when expected and is found in the lake. It is believed he had an accident but his wife and others like Lucy and Phineas do not believe it. He was a strong swimmer and would never have taken a risk that would cost him his life.
Everyone imaginable becomes a suspect with plenty of motives to go around. We are led through a series of suspicions and descriptions that often feel like a maze of experiences. Yes, this inquisitive talented couple go down some interesting paths that allow us to get the know the characters even better. But initially none of these avenues ever quite lead to the right culprit: especially while husband and wife team are together. But, of course, when Phineas is away for a brief time, all hell breaks loose! Closer to the end when danger is at its highest level, the mystery is revealed by the wrong doer and his band. Along the way, bodies turn up, shots are fired and abductions happen. The final chapters are quite hair-raising and the tension is maxed! The story behind a pocketful of stolen diamonds is revealed, justice is served but not without loss. This is a great historical mystery with plenty of well-crafted characters and a twisty on the edge-of-your-seat plot!
I highly recommend A Pocketful of Diamonds by Pam Lecky and even if you have not read the previous books in the series, you can still enjoy this one as I did. It will just make you want to go back and read the past three as I am! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.
