The Missing Diamond Murder

Book three in the Black & Dod series of mysteries. To help remove herself from her personal problems for a short while, Fran travels to Devon to assist in a family mystery including a possibly suspicious death. Gentle amateur sleuthing, credible and enigmatic characterisation and a swiftly moving plot makes for a very satisfying and enjoyable read. Reads well as a standalone although there is further enjoyment to be had in reading from the start of the series. Recommended.

Although this is the third in series, it's the first one I've read but the first two are now on my 'must watch out for' list!

Frances Black has plenty to ponder on as she waits for her divorce to be processed; then things get worse when someone writes a letter to the court implying that her relationship with her fellow sleuth, Tom Dod, stretches beyond innocent friendship. As another mystery comes to their attention, Tom suggests that Fran should travel to Devon alone to look into the matter of a missing diamond and a death under questionable circumstances thus creating a distance between them which should put an end to the rumours.

This is a very enjoyable period mystery, with lots of details of a bygone age. Fran is very methodical in her method of investigating, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's best characters. With well-drawn characters, a solid storyline containing a main focus plus plenty of other things going on, this is one mystery which kept my attention all the way through and I really had no idea what the outcome was going to be! Totally enjoyable and most definitely an author I shall look out for in future. I can see no reason not to give this one full marks, so five stars it is!

My thanks to publisher Severn House for my copy via NetGalley; this is my honest, original and unbiased review.