This is the 2nd book in the Frank Yakabuski Mystery series. I had not read the first book, but I found that did not hinder my reading this book. Augustus Morrissey a gang leader, in Springfield, Ontario, is found handing from a fence with an uncut diamond in this mouth. Our protagonist, Frank is called to investigate. Is this a rival gang killing or something else? There is a lot of action to keep you engaged and the character building was quite good. You will have to read the book to find out if Augustus was murdered by the rival gang or was there someone else who wanted him dead? I am giving this book a 3.5 star review rounded to 4.

I thought it was a great book. I recommend it for people who love mystery novels.. it had great characters and a excellent villain that chilled me

Gangs, murders, assassins and a town in trouble make for a tough job for Frank Yakabuski. While Frank is trying to figure out what's going on in the small town of Springfield in the Northern Divide, Cambino, a Mexican assassin is leaving a trail of bodies as he moves north. Geez. This one is complex and you'll wonder how these two threads will come together, well, no spoilers. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I had not read the first book but that wasn't a problem. A good read.

Detective Frank Yakabuski investigates the gruesome murder of Augustus Morrissey, the Northern Divide’s most feared gang leader. Morrissey was found strung up on a fence with his eyes cut out and a huge raw diamond placed in his mouth. The diamond is identified as coming from the De Kirk Mines in Cape Diamond although the mine's general manager insists that the security measures in place put theft out of the question. Morrissey's gang, the Shiners, retaliate against their rivals, the Travellers. The violence continues to escalate as a prominent Traveller is killed and a young girl is kidnapped leaving the town of Springfield gripped in fear. Meanwhile, a paid Mexican assassin is traveling north, leaving a path of dead bodies in his wake. Who is his intended target?

This was a thrilling read and another strong entry in the Frank Yakabuski mystery series.

I received an eARC via Netgalley and ECW Press with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

I would like to thank Netgalley and ECW Press for an advance copy of Cape Diamond, the second novel to feature Detective Frank Yakabuski, set in the town of Springfield in the Northern Divide, Canada.

Frank is called out to a body hanging from a fence. To his dismay he identifies it as Augustus Morrissey, former leader of The Shiners, a far reaching criminal gang and certain elements of the murder suggest the involvement of a rival gang, The Travellers, a shady group who may or may not exist. It is, however, the uncut diamond in Augustus's mouth that poses the most questions.

I thoroughly enjoyed Cape Diamond which is a clever tale of violence and misdirection set in a wild location. I had not read the first novel in the series, something I will remedy, so I wasn't sure what to expect but it far exceeded my expectations. It is written in the third person from two points of view, one from Frank and the other from a Mexican killer slowly making his way north for an ill defined purpose that becomes clearer as the novel progresses. The prose is fairly sparse and yet conveys everything the reader needs to know. I was particularly impressed by the descriptions of the location which are evocative and give a really good understanding of the harshness of the environment. I have no idea of where the Northern Divide is (and Google doesn't help) but it seems rather frontier like, full of life struggles and lawlessness.

The plot is excellent and it held me so gripped I read it in one sitting. I puzzled over what was going on as gang warfare erupts over Augustus's death but I would never have guessed the ending which is neat, clever and seems to fit the novel exactly. I'm in awe of Mr Corbett's skill at weaving his tale, building up the tension, suspense and mystery in an economical way.

The characterisation focuses on the two protagonists, Yakabuski and the killer, Cambino. In a basic way it is a lesson in compare and contrast with the good Yakabuski and the bad Cambino. Yakabuski is a dogged investigator with a bull in a china shop approach and a determination to solve the crime. Cambino, on the other hand, is also dedicated and dogged so killing is not so much a pleasure as a necessity to protect his identity and "trade". It's not something that bothers him. I found him by far the most intriguing character in the novel as his background is hinted at rather than fully explained. Was he born a psychopath or was he "nurtured"?

Cape Diamond is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

Corbett is back with a better thriller than Ragged Lake. Plot and narrative is more densely constructed with solid character development. Worth the read!