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The Hope Diamond was the greatest treasure of India until, in 1661, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier stole it from the third eye of the goddess Isis and sold it to King Louis XIV. The Indian Brahmans reportedly cursed the diamond, so anyone who possesses it is riddled with bad luck, even unto death. Now the Smithsonian Museum keeps the Hope Diamond locked away and well guarded. But when the First Lady decides to throw a Diamond Ball for charity at the Smithsonian, she gives every famous jewel thief the opportunity to steal the Holy Grail of Diamonds while it’s on display for the event.
Ex-FBI agent John Monroe has been sober for a year. He’s spent his career chasing jewel thieves, so his ex-partner, Quinn Brown, calls him in to help secure the First Lady’s charity event in an unofficial capacity. His job is to guard Veronica Rossmore, the daughter of celebrated archeologist Buzzy Rossmore, while she attends. However, Veronica isn’t happy about having a “bodyguard” along, and she makes things difficult at every turn. The last thing John needs is stress at a crucial point in his recovery, but he needs the money, and Buzzy Rossmore pays well.
After a messy divorce three years ago, Veronica wishes to stay out of the limelight, but circumstances force her to attend The Diamond Ball. Her father insists that she take John Monroe to guard her diamonds, especially since a jewel thief, known as the Ghost, appears to have returned to the world of thievery. But she’s not worried about her diamonds, so John is a waste of her time, and she lets him know it often.
Moonlight on Diamonds is an amusing little tale about jewel thieves and their desire to steal only the biggest and best from the wealthiest of our society. My favorite jewel thief was Delores Pigeon, known as the Granny, who bakes her way into the charity event in order to have a chance at the Hope Diamond. It’s quite comical to see how all of the thieves figure out a way to attend the event, much to the FBI’s vexation.
I immediately warmed up to John Monroe. Any character who’s down on his luck can worm his way into my heart—because I know how he feels. I could relate to him, and I wanted him to come out on top when the “diamond” dust cleared.
Initially, I didn’t like Veronica. She acts like a spoiled little rich girl most of the time, and I don’t really think that’s what the author intended. By the end of the story, all becomes clear, and her behavior becomes more plausible—even understandable—though it didn’t help me like her much better.
All in all, though, Moonlight on Diamonds is a well-written and pleasant read. With their unique styles and personalities, the diamond thieves kept me entertained enough to want to finish the book. I couldn’t wait to find out who would end up with the Hope Diamond, so I eagerly turned the pages, and I didn’t put the book down until the end. So Moonlight on Diamonds turned out to be good for a Saturday afternoon read.
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