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A Cape May Diamond
A story of life, love, and a journey of a thousand years…
It was Monday, May 19th, 1975. I’ll never forget that day. The Vietnam War had ended with the fall of Saigon that April, and the world was mired in one of its worst recessions ever. Unemployment in the United States was nearly nine percent, inflation even higher, and leadership lacking. The Watergate scandal had cast a smear across American politics, resulting in Richard Nixon’s resignation in August 1974 to avoid impeachment, and his successor’s immediately pardoning him to close the book on an unhappy chapter in U.S. history.
It was not a good time for anyone and a particularly hard time for the old Victorian town of Cape May. The crown jewel of the New Jersey shore had fallen into neglect and disrepair and was dying a slow death. Once the elegant summer home to presidents and kings, it had become the last refuge of the deposed.
That’s where I met Tom Ryan. Tom was a king, or so he would have you believe, but unlike Richard Nixon, when Tom was dethroned, he wasn’t sent home with a slap on the wrist. He was sent to prison. He was a convicted draft dodger, but one of the lucky ones released early by President Ford as part of his mass clemency after Nixon’s pardon. The problem was, Tom had nowhere to go when he got out, so he took the money his dad mailed to him and spent it on a bus ticket to get as far away as possible to a place where nobody cared who he was or what he had done, a place where nobody cared about anything. That place was Cape May.
As hard a time as it was for everyone, it was harder for me because that was the day I met Tom Ryan. I should have turned and walked away. I knew it when he first looked at me, but I didn’t, not my first mistake, but one that would make Monday, May 19th, 1975 the hardest day of my life.
This is the story of how Tom Ryan and I met and how things never quite work out the way you think. You might find a love story in here somewhere. You might not. You might find a message hidden in one of the nickel pop bottles collected by the beachcombers from some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world. You might even find a little mystery, but life is a mystery, isn’t it?
It was Monday, May 19th, 1975. I’ll never forget that day. The Vietnam War had ended with the fall of Saigon that April, and the world was mired in one of its worst recessions ever. Unemployment in the United States was nearly nine percent, inflation even higher, and leadership lacking. The Watergate scandal had cast a smear across American politics, resulting in Richard Nixon’s resignation in August 1974 to avoid impeachment, and his successor’s immediately pardoning him to close the book on an unhappy chapter in U.S. history.
It was not a good time for anyone and a particularly hard time for the old Victorian town of Cape May. The crown jewel of the New Jersey shore had fallen into neglect and disrepair and was dying a slow death. Once the elegant summer home to presidents and kings, it had become the last refuge of the deposed.
That’s where I met Tom Ryan. Tom was a king, or so he would have you believe, but unlike Richard Nixon, when Tom was dethroned, he wasn’t sent home with a slap on the wrist. He was sent to prison. He was a convicted draft dodger, but one of the lucky ones released early by President Ford as part of his mass clemency after Nixon’s pardon. The problem was, Tom had nowhere to go when he got out, so he took the money his dad mailed to him and spent it on a bus ticket to get as far away as possible to a place where nobody cared who he was or what he had done, a place where nobody cared about anything. That place was Cape May.
As hard a time as it was for everyone, it was harder for me because that was the day I met Tom Ryan. I should have turned and walked away. I knew it when he first looked at me, but I didn’t, not my first mistake, but one that would make Monday, May 19th, 1975 the hardest day of my life.
This is the story of how Tom Ryan and I met and how things never quite work out the way you think. You might find a love story in here somewhere. You might not. You might find a message hidden in one of the nickel pop bottles collected by the beachcombers from some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world. You might even find a little mystery, but life is a mystery, isn’t it?
- GenresFiction
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2012
31 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Larry Enright
23 books75 followersLarry Enright is an award-winning and best-selling author. He lives on a farm where he grows his stories in peaceful climes.
Find him at larryenright.com
Find him at larryenright.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 21, 2014
I got this book free for my Kindle and chose it just because the title was Cape May Diamonds and since my parents moved there in the late 90's I have been going there. It is a lovely town on the beautiful Jersey shore.
Then I started to read. The book was great. The main character, Tom was well fleshed out and I enjoyed his totally human with flaws, wisecracking personality. The description of a dying shore town and the last residents eking out a living was well done although I don't know that Cape May ever hit that low. (Sounded more like the Keensburg area to me) The mystery that evolved was quite interesting and the way Enright showed how people can become corrupt, how the mob worked and the involvement of the push for casino gambling in Atlantic City were nice additions.
Everyone has choices to make and Tom Ryan made his and lived with guilt thereafter. Can people change? Can good people unknowingly do bad things? All this and more are packed into this story.
There is nothing better than finding an author with a good story and then discovering that he has already written more novels. Those titles will be joining my "to read" list. I think it would be great for Mr. Enright to do a talk/book signing at Sunset Beach or the Cape May library. I would be there!
Then I started to read. The book was great. The main character, Tom was well fleshed out and I enjoyed his totally human with flaws, wisecracking personality. The description of a dying shore town and the last residents eking out a living was well done although I don't know that Cape May ever hit that low. (Sounded more like the Keensburg area to me) The mystery that evolved was quite interesting and the way Enright showed how people can become corrupt, how the mob worked and the involvement of the push for casino gambling in Atlantic City were nice additions.
Everyone has choices to make and Tom Ryan made his and lived with guilt thereafter. Can people change? Can good people unknowingly do bad things? All this and more are packed into this story.
There is nothing better than finding an author with a good story and then discovering that he has already written more novels. Those titles will be joining my "to read" list. I think it would be great for Mr. Enright to do a talk/book signing at Sunset Beach or the Cape May library. I would be there!
October 21, 2012
Reading "Four Years from Home," introduced readers to Larry Enright’s character, Tom Ryan. He was not a likable person, but he was so well-drawn, that I was intrigued. By the time I competed the book, I had mixed emotions about Tom. He was a complex, believable, man.
In Enright’s newest book, A Cape May Diamond; Tom Ryan is again the protagonist; a wisecracking, hard-edged person, but with some of the sharper corners worn off. He sometimes tries to hold back his nastier comments.
Legend has it that Cape May Diamonds, which are actually pieces of quartz, are washed down from the upper Delaware River in a journey that takes a thousand years. They are smoothed and polished by the abrasions and their trip.
The polished bits of quartz, sought by beachcombers, form Enright’s central symbol. Other reviewers have provided extensive synopses, I will simply say that the character of Tom Ryan and the supporting cast in A Cape May Diamond make the book one to put on your shelf, next in line.
Good job, Mr. Enright.
In Enright’s newest book, A Cape May Diamond; Tom Ryan is again the protagonist; a wisecracking, hard-edged person, but with some of the sharper corners worn off. He sometimes tries to hold back his nastier comments.
Legend has it that Cape May Diamonds, which are actually pieces of quartz, are washed down from the upper Delaware River in a journey that takes a thousand years. They are smoothed and polished by the abrasions and their trip.
The polished bits of quartz, sought by beachcombers, form Enright’s central symbol. Other reviewers have provided extensive synopses, I will simply say that the character of Tom Ryan and the supporting cast in A Cape May Diamond make the book one to put on your shelf, next in line.
Good job, Mr. Enright.
May 30, 2013
This book was awesome. It was well written engaging and very heartwarming. I have not read the prequel of this book, but I don't feel like I needed to too enjoy this book.
The main Character Tom, appears to be a very lonely angry and generally disagreeable character. He is surly, but mostly because he feels he needs to be punishing himself for mistakes made in the past. He enjoys making strangers who ask him questions feel awkward and embarrassed by dredging up the most uncomfortable parts of his past.
I was initially confused about the title of this book, but I did enjoy the explanation of what a Cape May diamond is, and enjoyed the images of people hunting these nature polished crystals up and making them into jewelry to sell for the tourists.
The overall story was very intriguing, I thought the interactions between the characters was very human and real. There was some great plot twists that keep you interested in reading to the end of the story. I am now going to go find the prequel to this book and read that, and for me that is a job well done by this author.
The main Character Tom, appears to be a very lonely angry and generally disagreeable character. He is surly, but mostly because he feels he needs to be punishing himself for mistakes made in the past. He enjoys making strangers who ask him questions feel awkward and embarrassed by dredging up the most uncomfortable parts of his past.
I was initially confused about the title of this book, but I did enjoy the explanation of what a Cape May diamond is, and enjoyed the images of people hunting these nature polished crystals up and making them into jewelry to sell for the tourists.
The overall story was very intriguing, I thought the interactions between the characters was very human and real. There was some great plot twists that keep you interested in reading to the end of the story. I am now going to go find the prequel to this book and read that, and for me that is a job well done by this author.
December 31, 2013
It was okay overall, but I never really got into it and was very close to giving up on it several times, but have this annoying tendency to feel obligated to finish what I've started.
October 1, 2012
A Cape May
Larry Enright
Life brings you many choices and decisions to make along the way. Some more difficult than others as on young man found out. Tom Ryan always thought that he was as the author relates to the reader The King. Tom Ryan always thought that he could do and say as he pleased and the consequences would never be born by him. When Tom is called up to serve for his country he has no choice but to rise to the call. But, fate plays him a lucky and fortunate hand and his young brother Harry devises what he thinks if a foolproof plan to help Tom out but what happens is more than just a turn of twisted fate. Just when Tom is about to graduate college as Harry and Harry is about to be discharged from the army Harry is killed in action and the tables are turned on Tom. Realizing what he did and convicted he is sentenced to five years in prison and trades his thrown for a cell. But, when Watergate occurs and Nixon is impeached the new President pardons all draft dodgers. Winding up working for his aunt and uncle he meets a young lady who just might change his life. Annie Mae Meeham comes into his life almost out of the blue claiming she has no memory of how she came to Cape May or why she is there. Situations come about that Tom decides to take her in for the night but not before learning a body washed up on the shore right where he and this young girl were walking and talking. Taking her in for the night he remembers his time in prison, his archenemy Bruno and now the police want to question him about the man who washed up on the shore. Lying about meeting this girl and knowing she knew the man who was killed, Tom finds himself embroiled in her life. Coming back to the Dew Drop Inn she arrives with his brother’s book in hand as they both confront each other on many different levels. It’s almost as if she knows him better than he knows himself as Annie continues to let the reader know her assessment of Tom, his actions and why they both feel like the world does not care whether they exist or not. Philip Gladden is dead and now the police are trying to find out why. Tom loves to spend his days walking on Higbee beach and collecting what most refer to as Cape May Diamonds, which his aunt creates bracelets and other pieces of jewelry. But, something happens that changes things as his Uncle Mack is rushed to the hospital and a police detective wants to learn more about the man who washed up on the shore from Tom. The truth about what happened to him startles Tom as why would anyone want to attack his uncle and who were the two men in suits that came to the Dew Drop Inn? Questioned again by Police Detective Jill Davis, Tom once again becomes the center of attention for all the wrong reasons.
Tom met Annie and for some reason they both could not admit that there was something that would bind them together. Annie Mae claiming she had not memory of her life and Tom feeling lost in his own private world of defeat, hate and distress. With his sarcastic sense of humor and her serious or comedic wit these two characters provide the dialogue the narration and backdrop for this interesting novel. Author Larry Enright brings to light what happens when the political world changes, a President is dethroned, draft dodgers are releases and pardoned and two lost souls meet in a town that no one really cares about and too many know Cape May. May 19, 1975 would remain in his mind and hers forever as they met for some reason maybe fate or it was meant to be. As Annie speaks to the reader she expresses her concerns and feelings for Tom. As Tom speaks to the reader you get the impression that he’s unsure of why he keeps helping her, allows her to stay with him and wonders why she cares about who he sees and speaks to.
With his Uncle Mack in the hospital he needs to step up and run the Dew Drop. Annie refuses to take no for an answer and together they attempt to deal with all of the crowds, the Senior Special and the breakfast-dinner rush. But, the Inn was broken into and the back door left opened just who was his family a target? Furthermore he still needs to find out what happened to Annie Mae after the burglary at the Dew Drop and just why did she disappear? What is her connection to the man who washed up on the shore? But, the town pitched in and helped him get the Dew Drop back in business and one police detective proved to be a really good friend.
Two men came into town and explained to both Tom and his Aunt Mindy it would be wise to sell out. Innuendos made, inadvertent threats and Tom calls Jill to help him but what is the real reason anyone would want the property in this town and is this linked to the death of Phillip Gladden? Throughout the novel whether she is physically present or not we hear thoughts of Annie Mae as she relates the events through her eyes, where she thinks Tom is going but never why she is there. As Tom starts to piece the puzzle together you learn about more deaths, more accidents and people selling off their property and Realty Company hired to handle the sales. With his Uncle not answering questions, his aunt worried about paying for the hospital and the town on the decline just what can Tom do to save the Dew Drop, what part does Annie have and why did the police close all of these cases?
As Tom helps the police with their investigation he finds out something interesting related to the real estate company and an article in a back issue of a paper dealing with Gambling and Casinos in Atlantic City. Added in he hopes to find out more about the detective who was fired and left town and suspicion is cast upon the doctor who seems to be buying up the property in Cape May. Just how will these all link together still remains to be seen.
As Tom’s uncle is to be released from the hospital he works hard to learn why. Critically injured and definitely not stable enough to go home he searches for answers as some turn a blind eye, doctors comply and one medical examiner and doctor might have gone rogue. Who is behind everything and why are two police departments involved? What is the link to the governor, the doctor and the police chief? Just how far would some go to get what they want?
Bribery, murder, the mob, fraud and racketeering was how many filled their bank accounts but one young man whose persistence and drive would not let himself or the rest down as he proves himself not just to the town but just maybe to himself. Where does Annie Mae wind up? What about his relationship with his family when things get tough and his uncle and aunt decide to leave Cape May? What will be the final fate of this town? Will anyone find Cape May Diamonds worth more than the price of Quartz? Once again author Larry Enright takes the reader inside the hearts and mind of the Ryan family and allows everyone to get to know the read Tom. Love, friendship, loyalty and trust and one town that will never give up on itself.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Let’s give this book: FIVE REAL CAPE MAY DIAMONDS!
Larry Enright
Life brings you many choices and decisions to make along the way. Some more difficult than others as on young man found out. Tom Ryan always thought that he was as the author relates to the reader The King. Tom Ryan always thought that he could do and say as he pleased and the consequences would never be born by him. When Tom is called up to serve for his country he has no choice but to rise to the call. But, fate plays him a lucky and fortunate hand and his young brother Harry devises what he thinks if a foolproof plan to help Tom out but what happens is more than just a turn of twisted fate. Just when Tom is about to graduate college as Harry and Harry is about to be discharged from the army Harry is killed in action and the tables are turned on Tom. Realizing what he did and convicted he is sentenced to five years in prison and trades his thrown for a cell. But, when Watergate occurs and Nixon is impeached the new President pardons all draft dodgers. Winding up working for his aunt and uncle he meets a young lady who just might change his life. Annie Mae Meeham comes into his life almost out of the blue claiming she has no memory of how she came to Cape May or why she is there. Situations come about that Tom decides to take her in for the night but not before learning a body washed up on the shore right where he and this young girl were walking and talking. Taking her in for the night he remembers his time in prison, his archenemy Bruno and now the police want to question him about the man who washed up on the shore. Lying about meeting this girl and knowing she knew the man who was killed, Tom finds himself embroiled in her life. Coming back to the Dew Drop Inn she arrives with his brother’s book in hand as they both confront each other on many different levels. It’s almost as if she knows him better than he knows himself as Annie continues to let the reader know her assessment of Tom, his actions and why they both feel like the world does not care whether they exist or not. Philip Gladden is dead and now the police are trying to find out why. Tom loves to spend his days walking on Higbee beach and collecting what most refer to as Cape May Diamonds, which his aunt creates bracelets and other pieces of jewelry. But, something happens that changes things as his Uncle Mack is rushed to the hospital and a police detective wants to learn more about the man who washed up on the shore from Tom. The truth about what happened to him startles Tom as why would anyone want to attack his uncle and who were the two men in suits that came to the Dew Drop Inn? Questioned again by Police Detective Jill Davis, Tom once again becomes the center of attention for all the wrong reasons.
Tom met Annie and for some reason they both could not admit that there was something that would bind them together. Annie Mae claiming she had not memory of her life and Tom feeling lost in his own private world of defeat, hate and distress. With his sarcastic sense of humor and her serious or comedic wit these two characters provide the dialogue the narration and backdrop for this interesting novel. Author Larry Enright brings to light what happens when the political world changes, a President is dethroned, draft dodgers are releases and pardoned and two lost souls meet in a town that no one really cares about and too many know Cape May. May 19, 1975 would remain in his mind and hers forever as they met for some reason maybe fate or it was meant to be. As Annie speaks to the reader she expresses her concerns and feelings for Tom. As Tom speaks to the reader you get the impression that he’s unsure of why he keeps helping her, allows her to stay with him and wonders why she cares about who he sees and speaks to.
With his Uncle Mack in the hospital he needs to step up and run the Dew Drop. Annie refuses to take no for an answer and together they attempt to deal with all of the crowds, the Senior Special and the breakfast-dinner rush. But, the Inn was broken into and the back door left opened just who was his family a target? Furthermore he still needs to find out what happened to Annie Mae after the burglary at the Dew Drop and just why did she disappear? What is her connection to the man who washed up on the shore? But, the town pitched in and helped him get the Dew Drop back in business and one police detective proved to be a really good friend.
Two men came into town and explained to both Tom and his Aunt Mindy it would be wise to sell out. Innuendos made, inadvertent threats and Tom calls Jill to help him but what is the real reason anyone would want the property in this town and is this linked to the death of Phillip Gladden? Throughout the novel whether she is physically present or not we hear thoughts of Annie Mae as she relates the events through her eyes, where she thinks Tom is going but never why she is there. As Tom starts to piece the puzzle together you learn about more deaths, more accidents and people selling off their property and Realty Company hired to handle the sales. With his Uncle not answering questions, his aunt worried about paying for the hospital and the town on the decline just what can Tom do to save the Dew Drop, what part does Annie have and why did the police close all of these cases?
As Tom helps the police with their investigation he finds out something interesting related to the real estate company and an article in a back issue of a paper dealing with Gambling and Casinos in Atlantic City. Added in he hopes to find out more about the detective who was fired and left town and suspicion is cast upon the doctor who seems to be buying up the property in Cape May. Just how will these all link together still remains to be seen.
As Tom’s uncle is to be released from the hospital he works hard to learn why. Critically injured and definitely not stable enough to go home he searches for answers as some turn a blind eye, doctors comply and one medical examiner and doctor might have gone rogue. Who is behind everything and why are two police departments involved? What is the link to the governor, the doctor and the police chief? Just how far would some go to get what they want?
Bribery, murder, the mob, fraud and racketeering was how many filled their bank accounts but one young man whose persistence and drive would not let himself or the rest down as he proves himself not just to the town but just maybe to himself. Where does Annie Mae wind up? What about his relationship with his family when things get tough and his uncle and aunt decide to leave Cape May? What will be the final fate of this town? Will anyone find Cape May Diamonds worth more than the price of Quartz? Once again author Larry Enright takes the reader inside the hearts and mind of the Ryan family and allows everyone to get to know the read Tom. Love, friendship, loyalty and trust and one town that will never give up on itself.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Let’s give this book: FIVE REAL CAPE MAY DIAMONDS!
August 19, 2024
😬😬😬
Woof. What an ending. Bring some pancakes for that extra syrup. Larry Enright clearly has some closely held moral beliefs, including the importance of respecting veterans, a view he is able to separate from supporting the Vietnam War. He's not an infectious moralist, but it really gets in there at the end.
I'm just not going to get over the Annie Mae character. She's the omniscient narrator, who sees the world through Tom's eyes, but is telling his story, not hers? Saying more would be a bit of a spoiler, but also a spoiler that would be incredibly confusing, without reading the book.
Review to be continued tomorrow.
Tom Ryan is a normal everyman, hard-working, decent, with a major regret in his life. The decisions that he made, or better put, made for him, have left him deeply scarred. They could have shaped him for the better, but circumstances didn't allow it.
Given timing and location, he is at the center of a scandal involving two historic events. The first, is Cape May becoming the first entire city to be declared a National Historic Landmark. The other is Atlantic City receiving its designation as the only location for legalized gambling on the East Coast- the story you may remember from American Hustle. Organized crime is involved, which is totally believable. People from Cape May are also involved, which would be more believable, if they didn't all tell Tom EVERYTHING he needed to know at EXACTLY the right time, after not knowing anything at all.
Definitely worth reading, definitely not worth re-reading.
Woof. What an ending. Bring some pancakes for that extra syrup. Larry Enright clearly has some closely held moral beliefs, including the importance of respecting veterans, a view he is able to separate from supporting the Vietnam War. He's not an infectious moralist, but it really gets in there at the end.
I'm just not going to get over the Annie Mae character. She's the omniscient narrator, who sees the world through Tom's eyes, but is telling his story, not hers? Saying more would be a bit of a spoiler, but also a spoiler that would be incredibly confusing, without reading the book.
Review to be continued tomorrow.
Tom Ryan is a normal everyman, hard-working, decent, with a major regret in his life. The decisions that he made, or better put, made for him, have left him deeply scarred. They could have shaped him for the better, but circumstances didn't allow it.
Given timing and location, he is at the center of a scandal involving two historic events. The first, is Cape May becoming the first entire city to be declared a National Historic Landmark. The other is Atlantic City receiving its designation as the only location for legalized gambling on the East Coast- the story you may remember from American Hustle. Organized crime is involved, which is totally believable. People from Cape May are also involved, which would be more believable, if they didn't all tell Tom EVERYTHING he needed to know at EXACTLY the right time, after not knowing anything at all.
Definitely worth reading, definitely not worth re-reading.
September 26, 2020
Lousy Ending
I would have given this at least another star, but the ending was, well, lousy!
The story line was so good, a book you didn't want to put down. No explanation of any of the characters at the end. Seems like he was building to a sequel? Don't like to be left hanging!
I would have given this at least another star, but the ending was, well, lousy!
The story line was so good, a book you didn't want to put down. No explanation of any of the characters at the end. Seems like he was building to a sequel? Don't like to be left hanging!
June 7, 2020
Was a great read! Lots of twists and turns and a great lead character!
February 18, 2025
Hard to follow and wasn't clear. The saving grace for me was it was an area I vacationed and it reminded me of those vacations.
March 25, 2017
Good book
I wish you would just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself. Shelley MA
I wish you would just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself. Shelley MA
April 27, 2013
A CAPE MAY DIAMOND, sequel to Enright's FOUR YEARS FROM HOME, is a wonderfully written story which details the next chapter in the life of Tom Ryan, pardoned criminal and guilt bearer for his brother's death two years earlier in the Vietnam War. After his release, Tom seeks solace in Cape May, a quiet, economically damaged town on the Jersey shore where he works for his aunt and uncle in their modest eatery.
I hadn't read the prequel to this story and was in two minds about proceeding with this one first, but my decision was made for me after the first few pages. Enright's prose is smooth and effortless and I found it sweeping me along quickly. The narration of the story by the mysterious Annie Mae Meeham, the vivid imagery used by the author in the construction of the setting, the dialogue of the characters, and the detailing of Tom's reminiscences, each melded together beautifully from the outset, all the while arousing my curiosity as to where the story was headed.
In spite of Tom's cynical view of the world and smart-assery interactions with those around him – or perhaps even because of them – I immediately found him a likeable character. The subtle changes he experiences while he goes about attempting to solve the mysteries affecting both him and the residents of Cape May are both gratifying to witness and a credit to the author.
Overall I found it a great read, even right up until the end where a few more surprises were lying in wait for me and which I didn't anticipate. Well done, Larry. I guess now I'll have to go back and read part one.
I hadn't read the prequel to this story and was in two minds about proceeding with this one first, but my decision was made for me after the first few pages. Enright's prose is smooth and effortless and I found it sweeping me along quickly. The narration of the story by the mysterious Annie Mae Meeham, the vivid imagery used by the author in the construction of the setting, the dialogue of the characters, and the detailing of Tom's reminiscences, each melded together beautifully from the outset, all the while arousing my curiosity as to where the story was headed.
In spite of Tom's cynical view of the world and smart-assery interactions with those around him – or perhaps even because of them – I immediately found him a likeable character. The subtle changes he experiences while he goes about attempting to solve the mysteries affecting both him and the residents of Cape May are both gratifying to witness and a credit to the author.
Overall I found it a great read, even right up until the end where a few more surprises were lying in wait for me and which I didn't anticipate. Well done, Larry. I guess now I'll have to go back and read part one.
December 11, 2012
If you haven't read Enright's FOUR YEARS FROM HOME, do yourself a favor and grab it now. Will you enjoy this without having read the first installment? Oh yeah. But I don't know how you could appreciate it as much. This new addition to the Ryan legacy was fantastic and joins Four Years on my list of favorites. I don't even know how to describe the wonderful world A Cape May Diamond transported me to. Much like all the Ryan novels, this story is soaked with a nostalgic presence that rests almost ethereally beneath the text. I guess I would have to call it magic, Enright's wand his keyboard. The spell he casts carries you straight into 1975 Cape May, New Jersey. You can smell the ocean and feel the breeze as you follow Tom Ryan through the next chapter of his life - and it's an exciting one for sure. Also, as someone who visits the area every summer, it was just icing on the cake to be offered a glimpse into Cape May's fascinating history. This is a story that satisfies on all fronts. As a sequel, as a humorous story of love, redemption, and hope, as a murder mystery, as a time piece... This one will be bought in paperback and passed throughout the family for years to come. Would make a great movie too!
July 14, 2013
I liked this book. Enright did a wonderful job of fleshing out Tom, the main character. Although I thought that the mystery aspect of the book was pretty easy to figure out, other story facets were very well done.
The book was multi-layered, containing more than just a mystery to be solved. Tom had serious problems. He'd all but destroyed his life and had it not been for President Ford's amnesty to draft-dodgers, he'd have not even been out of prison and trying to start over. He carried the guilt of brother's death, and the shame of what he'd done. And that was very well written.
It was a mini time capsule, too, of the early to mid 1970s, which I enjoyed immensely. And I enjoyed the history of Cape May and the surrounding communities.
In spite of a mystery that wasn't quite as suspenseful as it might have been, this book had a lot of things going for it. Four and a half stars, and I always round up.
The book was multi-layered, containing more than just a mystery to be solved. Tom had serious problems. He'd all but destroyed his life and had it not been for President Ford's amnesty to draft-dodgers, he'd have not even been out of prison and trying to start over. He carried the guilt of brother's death, and the shame of what he'd done. And that was very well written.
It was a mini time capsule, too, of the early to mid 1970s, which I enjoyed immensely. And I enjoyed the history of Cape May and the surrounding communities.
In spite of a mystery that wasn't quite as suspenseful as it might have been, this book had a lot of things going for it. Four and a half stars, and I always round up.
August 6, 2016
I did not read Enright's first book, Four Years from Home, but that did not detract from the ability to read and enjoy this book. I got it as a free Kindle book either from Amazon or BookBub and started it on semester break, in part because I used to go to Cape May as a child and I enjoyed reading about places I know throughout the book. I enjoyed this book and seeing Tom begin to change from a me first guy to one who began to feel a sense of responsibility to others and for what he did (and not just guilt). I liked the addition of a woman police officer, but her character was kind of shallow, which was disappointing...not likely she would fall in love with an unlikeable guy like Tom in, what? 2 days? Anyway, it was an enjoyable read and well-written to keep you interested. I liked the humor in the dialogue.
March 28, 2013
On the surface, it's easy to to dislike Tom Ryan, the main character of 'A Cape May Diamond' and Enright's prequel, Four Years from Home. He's caustic when tenderness will do, aloof when attentiveness might better a moment. But he's also real. Damaged and divine all at once. You cannot read either book and deny the feeling that, even in the depths of tragedy, be it catastrophic or comic, Tom Ryan is trying, somehow, to rise to the occasion and fix what needs fixing. The term 'reluctant hero' is tossed about freely, but Tom Ryan, without cape or cowl, fills those shoes perfectly.
Read this gem, for the story, the setting, the nostalgic whipsaw about a time and place too fragile in memory, but mostly to get to know Tom Ryan. You may hate him. But only until you fall in love with him.
Read this gem, for the story, the setting, the nostalgic whipsaw about a time and place too fragile in memory, but mostly to get to know Tom Ryan. You may hate him. But only until you fall in love with him.
August 3, 2013
This thin novel is really a made-for-TV movie disguised as an e-book. The writing is not bad and there is an interesting story here, one that will keep you reading to the end (it is not a long read). But only a few characters are more than stereotypes, and the description, while often enjoyable, aren't really connected to the narrative. I read the book because I am a life long New Jersey boy who grew up in the 70s and this takes place in 1975 in Cape May. But there is no feeling of the 70s, no ambiance and the story could have taken place yesterday. The year is mentioned so that it can be before gambling is legalized (and, admittedly before the revival of Cape May).
May 30, 2013
I always love reading books about places I've visited--and having gone to Cape May several times, it was a pleasure to read this novel. It takes place in Cape May, NJ in 1975, before the town became an historic landmark and vacation destination. At first I thought the main character, Tom, was simply a ne'er-do-well who was always asking for trouble and in the wrong place at the wrong time, but my opinion changed by the end of the novel, which had its share of suspense, mystery, and family nostalgia. I will look for more by this author.
July 12, 2013
I read A Cape May Diamond after learning that it took the bronze medal for best eBook Fiction in 2013 at the highly competitive Independent Publishers Book Awards. The author does a masterful job of subtly drawing a parallel between the plight of a decaying seaside city and the emotional decay of protagonist, Tom Ryan. While Ryan seems content with accepting his fate, a mystery that threatens his extended family provides a narrow and perilous path to redemption. Don't miss this multifaceted gem.
July 15, 2013
What drew me to this book was the title as I am a big fan of Cape May, NJ. and have been going there since I was a kid. I remember Atlantic City being rundown in the 1970s, but not Cape May as much.
I did enjoy the book, but it wasn't one I finished quickly. I thought it was a bit drawn out and a bit predictable. The ending was a nice touch.
It talked about a lot of places that I know and enjoy like Sunset Beach and collecting Cape May diamonds. Thanks for a book about a special place.
I did enjoy the book, but it wasn't one I finished quickly. I thought it was a bit drawn out and a bit predictable. The ending was a nice touch.
It talked about a lot of places that I know and enjoy like Sunset Beach and collecting Cape May diamonds. Thanks for a book about a special place.
June 5, 2013
I picked this to read because of the time period and because I've been to Cape May. I had a hard time putting it down to go do the things I was supposed to be doing instead of reading! Great characters and story. I did not find Tom to be as surly and disagreeable as other reviewers. Rather, I thought he was a cynical wiseacre, always with a smart remark to cover his real feelings. Thoroughly enjoyed it and want to read the author's other books.
October 2, 2013
Tom Ryan was full of regret, shame, and remorse. He was also a wise-cracking, warm, caring guy who had a tough row to hoe. Larry Enright cultivated the story line perfectly. I enjoyed all the stages that he wrote for Tom. Even though it wasn't difficult to see the last act, it was a fitting curtain drop. I smiled a lot, laughed out loud and shed a few tears. This book will stay with me for a while.
March 31, 2014
I first heard about this book from my niece, Ruth King. Since we all grew up in New Jersey, we always enjoy a story about NJ.
I lived in NJ for most of my adult life but had never been to Cape May.
My sister lives there now and I have visited many times.
The book was a good mystery and I enjoyed reading it. Well worth the time.
I lived in NJ for most of my adult life but had never been to Cape May.
My sister lives there now and I have visited many times.
The book was a good mystery and I enjoyed reading it. Well worth the time.
February 15, 2016
I loved this book. It had so many twists and turns that I didn't know what was going to happen. The main character is broke, flawed, and tortured by his thoughts. I liked watching him grow and develop into a different person. I don't usually read books that have anything to do with soldiers or war, but this story didn't bother me. In fact, I think it explained some things to me.
July 9, 2013
I found this story to be such a chore to read! The first 3 times I sat down to read it, I needed a nap after only 20 or so pages. It took about 2/3 of the book to finally get interesting, but did end quite satisfyingly.
If I could give it 2.5 stars I would.
If I could give it 2.5 stars I would.
January 9, 2013
a kindle lending library book.
February 13, 2013
If they had half stars, I would've given it 3 1/2. Enjoyed it.
June 19, 2013
Enjoyable and interesting after a recent visit to Cape May.
June 17, 2013
just couldn't get into it.
June 20, 2013
Although i really enjoyed his writing, I am sorry to say I had figured out the ending way before the finish!! But it is a good read and I want to read more by Enright.
July 22, 2013
This really was not my kind of book. I did read it through and all the time kept wondering what was actually going on. Liked portions of the book, but other portions left me scratching my head.
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