Diamonds and Danger

Gems and Espionage #3

by Lynn Gardner

In only two weeks of matrimonial bliss, Allison Alexander Allan has been shot at, dumped from a helicopter into a volcano, kidnapped, drugged, imprisoned – well, you get the general idea. All in all, this is not your ordinary honeymoon.

And it isn’t over yet. Allison and her secret-agent husband, Bart, just settling into their cozy honeymoon cottage, are suddenly sucked into another web of mystery, murder and intrigue. This time it’s in San Francisco, where a rash of fires, robberies and vandalism has erupted, and diamond-studded bodies keep turning up in unexpected places. Rumor has it that all of this might have something to do with an upcoming exhibition of the world’s most prestigious – and valuable – diamonds.

When Bart is called to investigate and Allison goes along for the ride, she gets more than she bargained for. Still haunted by the slimy specter of an evil stalker she left for dead in Hawaii, she find terror around every corner. As her life hangs in the balance, she learns to rely on a higher power for protection.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Mystery, Lds, Romance, Suspense, Adventure, Adult

248 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison and Bart have yet to have a proper honeymoon. Bart's affiliation with Interpol and Allison's inherited peril and her inane ability to encounter danger make it impossible for any alone time. Allison begins to wonder if marriage is really such a great thing after all. Bart, her adoring husband and "knight in shining armor" wants more than anything for both of them to be baptized and sealed in the temple. Thwarting jewel thieves and staying alive are the essence of this continuing saga and sequel to "Pearls and Peril."

[Lydia Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay Bart and Allizon are really growing together as a couple. There may be many struggles that try to break the marriage and Alli did think about it for a sec, but then she realized that her love for Bart was greater than any of the people trying to kill her. The way they are trying to figure out the gospel so that they can be sealed together forever is truly inspiring. Their fun banter and sweet comments between the married couple is so cute and fun!

[Kerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time with this one, because Allison as a protagonist is kind of the worst. We’re supposed to find her brave and charming, but she’s frankly quite stupid and reckless. Her disregard for her own safety is always made right by her “guardian angels”, but the Lord helps those who help themselves. She’s repeatedly presented as this incredibly clever woman, but her actions are anything but. Bart comes across as a boorish, overbearing jerk for most of the story, and I feel like their interactions over her job, and her role are handled poorly, simply glossed over for more action. Bart keeps talking about this amazing new religion he’s found that he can’t wait to share, but never really seems to share much. What could’ve been a cool plot felt tedious at times, and having Scarlotti come back as yet ANOTHER villain felt like a huge mistake. Overall, I didn’t much care for this entry.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story with some intense scenes. Love the imagination and brilliance of the unfolding mysteries. I do quite hate the amount of mush in this book and I feel like it unrealistically interrupts the story. Seriously, Alli should have been scarred and unable to even think about continuing a honeymoon. She also has some blatant disregard for danger that seems unrealistic. Besides those things, I liked the rest of the book. Excited to see what turquoise brings to the table.

[Charly Troff (JustaReadingMama) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read these books in middle school, I loved them! I couldn't get enough. Coming back to reread them, I see their flaws, but I still think they're worth the read. They are fast paced, clean, educational, and easy, quick reads.

[Artimus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Allison is always disobeying, and getting herself into dangers grasp, making it necessary for everyone to come to her rescue. Not only that, but she does it again the next time, and never seems to learn.

[Mikayla Stettler · Rating 5 out of 5]

You would not guess the ending. If you're reading the series, you probably think you know what's going to happen next, but it's not what you think! There are some character faults that I don't like but it's outweighed by the storyline.

[Doug · Rating 2 out of 5]

The adventure continues. I’m glad we can now move beyond one of the bad guys who kept coming up like a bad penny. A simple, non-thinker story. I’m amazed that a female author seems to write every male character as misogynistic by degrees.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

See review for E & E.

[KYLEE WEST · Rating 5 out of 5]

You just never know what she's going to do next, if she's going to save the world, or go on vacation with her family.

[Aubree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still rereading this series from the 1990s just for fun and I enjoyed this third book the most so far. It’s a good mystery with plenty of exciting action.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much action not enough humor.

[BRINKLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book It so fun with all of the suspense and romance.

[Maria Fledgling Author Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

See review for #7 in series.

[Shae Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still hooked...

[Marinda Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little repetitive. But I truly love the author.

[M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This feels like a typical series book although the setting, aboard a cruise ship, is somewhat exotic. Philippa's parents work on the cruise ship; Philip's dad is the new captain. On their first voyage together, the kids, both aged 11, can't fail to notice a particularly difficult passenger and her obnoxious two nephews since these passengers' attention seems to be focused on Philippa and Philip. A mystery ensues involving royalty, missing diamonds, and (rather tame) adventures. Probably best for about early 3rd grade and up.

[Serene Heiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Even though these books are kind of like the show "24" where anything that could possibly go wrong, does.

And as great as the action is, I don't think I could ever recommend it to a guy. It's written from a girl's perspective and so the "romantic" parts would be way too mushy for a guy. ;)

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the series follows Bart and Allison as they head to San Fransisco. Of course, anything that can wrong does and Allison is always in the middle of it. Her evil stalker returns from the grave but in the end Allison and Bart are triumphant. Light and breezy, this action/romance was a fun, quick read.

[Liesl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was her first book. You can tell it is a first book as it is rough in places. The series gets better and better. I really enjoyed this series. It was very fun, exciting, and romantic. The romance is between a Husband and Wife which makes it even more fun to read. (for us LDS people)

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really should have started from the beginning of the series, but this was available to me to read to I read it. It just seemed like there was a little too much going on and not enough story to support all of the action. I still might finish out the series though, I will have to think about it.

[Michele Nell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one down in less than 24 hours from start to finish. I find myself constantly trying to find out who the "bad guy" is and not always am I right. A great page turner yet very much like the previous 2 books.

[Verona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I got started on this series, I had to buy the next one that Lynn Gardner wrote, and so continued along the dangerous lives of Allison and Bart. The inclusion of religion, prayer, and faith added to the meaning of the book for me. I enjoyed the story and the twists and turns of the plot.

[Jenya · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

[Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

another good read from this author! Great suspense and mystery with a little romance!

[MaDiSoN_RaNaE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was really good! I liked this one because Scarlotti dies! YEA!!! It was creepy to know that Renyard (something like that) was Roach!!

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fast read and a cute, but action packed romance. I really enjoyed it!

[Racheal Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS AUTHER DID GREAT ON THIS STORY.

[Kalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are really great. I love this kind of novel. Ramance and action rolled very perfectly in one.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great continuation