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18m Blues
Finding their fates entwined with the lives and deaths of two Japanese pearl divers, Grady Bowman and Julia Elkins travel to the Far East where they unravel an extraordinary mystery and discover the world's most precious pearls.
372 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
22 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Gerald A. Browne
18 books16 followersGerald Austin Browne (born 1924, in Connecticut, USA) is an American author and editor.
Browne was raised in Litchfield County, Connecticut. He attended the University of New Mexico, The Sorbonne and Columbia University, where he won several literary awards. His first novel, It's All Zoo, was written while he was living in Paris and working as a fashion photographer. His bestselling novels include 11 Harrowhouse, Green Ice, 19 Purchase Street, Stone 588, and Hot Siberian, several of which have been made into films. He lives in New York with his wife, Merle, a model and actress, as well as the co-author of a novel entitled The Ravishers.
Browne was raised in Litchfield County, Connecticut. He attended the University of New Mexico, The Sorbonne and Columbia University, where he won several literary awards. His first novel, It's All Zoo, was written while he was living in Paris and working as a fashion photographer. His bestselling novels include 11 Harrowhouse, Green Ice, 19 Purchase Street, Stone 588, and Hot Siberian, several of which have been made into films. He lives in New York with his wife, Merle, a model and actress, as well as the co-author of a novel entitled The Ravishers.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 8, 2016
Browne specializes in suspense thrillers about gemstones, and this is no exception. Pearls (18mm Blues) from dangerous waters are at the heart of this story. Sea snakes seem to guard them from those who are willing to risk their lives for the precious jewels.
Once I discovered this author, nearly every one of his novels were devoured within a short period of time. This is the last I recall reading as it may be the last written.
Recommended author for anyone who likes heart-stopping action, strong men, and somewhat quirky, sexy women.
Once I discovered this author, nearly every one of his novels were devoured within a short period of time. This is the last I recall reading as it may be the last written.
Recommended author for anyone who likes heart-stopping action, strong men, and somewhat quirky, sexy women.
January 8, 2013
I absolutely loved this book, but then again, Gerald A. Browne is one of my favorite authors. I love his subject matter (usually gem or jewelry related) and he takes the time to paint a picture and teach a little along the way. I felt as if I could almost touch those fabulous blue pearls! As with his other books, there's a good romance, a heavy dose of intrigue, a splash of the supernatural. A fast, light read - but definitely good entertainment as well. This is a book I pick up and reread every few years, like visiting with a cherished friend who lives far away.
October 25, 2023
Gerald Browne starts this intriguing tale by introducing us to a disparate cast of characters involved in the illicit pearling of Burmese waters. A highly revered, Japanese free-diving woman known as an Amas, gets tangled up with a scoundrel that takes the diver, her sister and son on the dilapidated boat he won in a poker game. A brilliant pearl bed find is shadowed by a brutal tragedy and the final outcome is shelved until later in the story.
After the pearl expedition, the author delves deeply into new main characters that pick up the narrative of their own lives as we follow their different paths toward the twist-filled ending. Suspense builds as the puzzle pieces come together and connections are revealed through hazardous events that bring on more surprises.
I found the break from the opening scenes to the lives of the people that would persevere in the final excitement disturbing. I was pleased with how the story culminated. This is a fine journey through the convoluted world of precious gems, rare stones and of course pearls.
After the pearl expedition, the author delves deeply into new main characters that pick up the narrative of their own lives as we follow their different paths toward the twist-filled ending. Suspense builds as the puzzle pieces come together and connections are revealed through hazardous events that bring on more surprises.
I found the break from the opening scenes to the lives of the people that would persevere in the final excitement disturbing. I was pleased with how the story culminated. This is a fine journey through the convoluted world of precious gems, rare stones and of course pearls.
June 12, 2021
This book was satisfyingly unpredictable and I particularly enjoyed it. I’m not sure if it was the lure of riches in gems and pearls or my inclination toward treasure hunting. There were many moments where I felt strong emotions while reading this book and any book that impacts my emotions on that level (either negatively or positively) is an accomplishment. Kudos to the author.
November 13, 2025
I’ve only read a few pages and already there are two big errors. How can a sailboat with a cabin below decks only have a 2 foot draft? Is there no keel? And nautical speed is measured in knots not knots per hour which is a nonsensical term. It’s like saying miles per hour per hour which technically would be an acceleration. Also, the author seems an enamored with his own knowledge of the finer things in life like art, wine, food, etc. However, it’s a really good story with a great ending so I gave it four stars.
August 16, 2008
2 1/2 out of 4 Stars
A good jewel novel, but not his best. Pearls are the subject and that is facsinating to learn about. Starts out with a treacherous murder of 2 pearl divers who find a fabulous cache of blue pearls - but the small son escapes. Years later Grady and Julie get involved with the pearls, a mysterious gem cutter and 2 very wealthy jewel merchants and discover the same cache. Of course the cutter is the small boy, the wealthy is the murderer. Great set-up but doesn't evolve as well or conclude.
A good jewel novel, but not his best. Pearls are the subject and that is facsinating to learn about. Starts out with a treacherous murder of 2 pearl divers who find a fabulous cache of blue pearls - but the small son escapes. Years later Grady and Julie get involved with the pearls, a mysterious gem cutter and 2 very wealthy jewel merchants and discover the same cache. Of course the cutter is the small boy, the wealthy is the murderer. Great set-up but doesn't evolve as well or conclude.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2013
I love all of Gerald A Browne's novels - this one was about the pearl industry versus diamonds or other gems. As with most of his other books, the characters are really fun. His novels are not as heavy to read as some others; I usually read one of his books after finishing something more serious/heavy. He's out of print but I have been able to purchase used hardback copies via Amazaon for next to nothing. My entire family is addicted to his books. He has such a great understanding of the jewelry industry and I always enjoy the exotic locations where his stories take place.
June 2, 2018
A typical Browne, but a disappointment.
Vintage Browne writing. But extremely thin, unbelievable plot. Too many pages spent on fleshing out the characters,which in turn was necessary due to the thin, sliver of a plot. I think this has been written with a movie contract in mind. Can be a great story idea for a Bollywood Movie - it's right up that alley.
Vintage Browne writing. But extremely thin, unbelievable plot. Too many pages spent on fleshing out the characters,which in turn was necessary due to the thin, sliver of a plot. I think this has been written with a movie contract in mind. Can be a great story idea for a Bollywood Movie - it's right up that alley.
May 22, 2011
18mm Blues is the perfect summer read. It’s slightly offbeat, a love story, and a darned fine mystery revolving around the pearl industry. I read it decades ago but still keep a copy of it on my shelf.
February 23, 2019
I have so many books I'd read a long time ago and remember only a scene or two. I've decided to include some of the scenes I remember.
This one has a lot of colourful snakes in the ocean in one. They kind of protect the place where these 18mm blues are. At least, that's how I remember them.
This one has a lot of colourful snakes in the ocean in one. They kind of protect the place where these 18mm blues are. At least, that's how I remember them.
May 5, 2010
A somewhat off beat story about a San Francisco based gem dealer, his love life and his dangerous love affair with pearls.
May 13, 2010
I learned I liked this book very much and I learned a lot about gems/pearls wrapped around a great mystery.
August 6, 2016
Fascinating story, twists & turns abound. Have never forgotten this book, it really stayed with me. Added it to my personal library.
June 10, 2014
You may have to seek this out (? Out of print?) but it is FANTASTIC book. Try your library.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews