Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
“I now pronounce you husband and…”

New York City, 1923
The most talked-about wedding is quickly approaching, and PI Jax Diamond is on top of the world. The tuxedos are freshly pressed and hanging in their closets. His good friend is busy decorating the nightclub for a glorious reception, and the newspaper reporters are anxiously waiting to print the front-page headlines. Even Ace, his courageous canine partner and best man, is prancing around, anxious for the event to begin.

The only thing missing is the bride.

Three days before the wedding, a group of mastermind criminals pulls off one of the biggest diamond heists in the city, but that’s not the only gem they steal. And boy, do they have their hands full.

Every police officer from Albany to Washington is summoned to work around the clock, hunting down the culprits. Will they find Laura in time to save her life, so she can take her vows?

Each book can be read as a standalone.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2024

30 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

Gail Meath

21 books301 followers
Gail Meath is the author of the multi-award-winning Jax Diamond Mysteries, a fun 1920s series about wise-cracking PI Jax Diamond, his courageous German Shepherd partner, Ace, and Broadway star Laura Graystone. She is alternating that series with her new 1930s Golden Age of Hollywood mysteries series, Stone & Steele, starring Vivian Steele, a widow seeking justice, and Preston Stone, a playboy vigilante.

Gail loves researching history, crafting mysteries with clues hidden in plain sight, building characters with a sense of humor, and always includes some very clever canine and feline companions. She also has a list of other award-winning historical romances, westerns, and fictional biographies of true heroines. She lives in a small village in Upstate New York with her husband and sweet Boston Terrier, and she spends loads of time with her grandchildren.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
70 (72%)
4 stars
20 (20%)
3 stars
4 (4%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Clay Davis.
Author 4 books167 followers
April 24, 2024
An entertaining crime story. I got an advance copy of this story in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for Louise Bélanger.
Author 4 books113 followers
December 6, 2024
What do you do a few days before your wedding? I guess it depends on who :). For our heroes, it’s a big dose of murder, theft, kidnapping….Add to that some unexpected surprises and you get The Diamonds. It was highly entertaining. Very good plot and touches of humour here and there, situations but especially dialogues. Well done Gail!!
Profile Image for Janalyn, the blind reviewer.
4,694 reviews142 followers
May 15, 2024
Jax and Laura are finally getting married but when he inadvertently walks in the bridal shop and sees her in her wedding gown Laura just knows something bad is going to happen. It doesn’t help when Winnie shows up saying she lost a six pence she was going to put in Laura shoe for good luck this is why Laura and Carla are at the wedding shop looking for a new dress when they get kidnapped. It seems digger Caputo has escaped prison it was digger and his girlfriend Sheila Who already tried to take Jax out already and have a score to settle with Carla unfortunately Jack’s ace and Tim Murphy are in Philadelphia looking for their first jewelry heist know nothing about the love of their lives being taken Will they make it to the church in time and will Tim ever see his wife again? I love these cozy mysteries and do believe this one is my absolute favorite. But then again I always say that after reading one of the authors books. I’d definitely recommend this it is an absolute five star read and a fun way to pass the afternoon. I want to thank Book Sirens for my free art copy via the author please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
155 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2024
The latest book in an absolutely great series did not disappoint. If you have read all the other Jax Diamond books, this is another great historical mystery and you should definitely read this one! So many real truths are entwined with the storyline.

I love the historical facts at the end of the book and appreciate the amount of research that went into a series like this.

I would love another Jax Diamond book. I don’t want their story to end!

If you haven’t read any of the Jax Diamond books, start reading now! I would definitely recommend reading them in sequence.

You will fall in love with all the characters and be transported into another era with very interesting tidbits as a bonus at the end of every book.

I still say, these books would make a great series or movie/ movies!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mrs LIR Linda.
391 reviews13 followers
May 22, 2024
A great mystery set of linked stories set in 1923 New York. Each book is best read in order however this mystery can be read alone.

Jax a Private Investigator is about to get married when he sees his bride: Laura before the nuptials in her wedding dress. Laura is so upset with this as it supposedly brings badluck, that she decides to change her gown. She goes with her best friend who is also the wife of Jax's police buddy to the store to find a new dress…. there they encounter a heist in progress and the two ladies are kidnapped.

The story follows how Jax, his dog ACE and his buddy help rescue the resourceful ladies who also try to escape.

This is a good story that has wonderful period details and is engrossing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
7 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2025
All I can say is this is the best series I've ever read. Once you read the first book, you're hooked. I still have to get the last book in the series. But I really don't want the series to end. It's like..what next in the lives of Jax and Laura, and their friends...Ace too...only time will tell.
Profile Image for Sherry Priddy.
254 reviews5 followers
May 24, 2024
Another great read. Is it bad luck to see the brides dress before the wedding? What an awesome series this has been. Highly recommend. Sad this will probably be the end of the series.
Profile Image for Gail Meath.
Author 21 books301 followers
May 6, 2024
Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers’ Favorite
The Diamonds is the seventh book in the Jax Diamond Mysteries by Gail Meath. We meet Jax, the bridegroom; Tim, his friend in the police force; Laura, the bride; Ace, the extremely clever Alsatian; and a variety of their friends and relatives. With only a couple of days left before the wedding, it looks as if the nuptials may not take place after all.

This is a standalone book, except for brief references to earlier adventures. The characters are well-drawn, the story is realistic, and the plot keeps up the pace from the first page. I liked the natural conversations and neither of the characters, especially the women, were prone to hysterics or histrionics. Meath has us turning the pages as the story moves forward satisfactorily. I liked how Laura left unique clues along the route for the rescuers, and I loved the interesting, well-done pictures at the beginning of each chapter. If you are looking for a to curl up with in front of the fire, I recommend this one. It was a delightful read.

Profile Image for Emily Gawlak.
128 reviews7 followers
June 24, 2025
OMG, talk about an AMAZING, NAIL BITING, BREATHTAKING! The Diamonds is my favorite book in the series so far. This book focuses on Laura, Carla, Jax, Murph, and Ace. The level of suspension in this book is incredible! I couldn't put the book down! I love parallel stories taking place, from Laura and Carla; to Jax, Murph, and Ace; to Jeanie, Winnie, and Orin. There are so many moving factors, but never once was there any confusion. This is one thing that I think is PURE PERFECTION with this series, there are many moving storylines but they are intermesh and never cause confusion. I just adore how all the characters work together, building up to the conclusion.

This series is masterfully written. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves cozy mysteries. The series is engaging and I find myself reading each book in about a days time. Once I start reading one, I can't seem to put it down. I prefer not to add any spoilers to my reviews, but I have to say the intensity of the story is amplified by the impending wedding date and the superstitions surrounding; making for a WONDERFUL plot.

I cannot wait to continue on in this series, I have one more book left before I reach the end (which is heartbreaking because book 9 doesn't come out until 2026). I highly recommend the Jax Diamond series, and everything else written by Gail Meath! Thank you, Gail, for the outstanding series!

Personally, I love cozy mysteries and I have read a lot of series over the years, but this series stands out to me. Never before have I been so enthralled by a series. Every aspect is written in a way that links back to the main plot; there are never any plot holes or characters that are useless to the story. Also, I love the fact that the main characters, Jax and Laura, work with characters other than themselves. So many time, cozy mysteries focus on the two main characters and never branch out from there, but through this series you see all the characters working together at different times. Like in this book you see Winnie and Orin working together. I love the fact that the characters are always growing and developing. Overall, yes, I recommend this series and I highly suggest that you give it a try! You won't be disappointed!

Happy reading! 📖
950 reviews9 followers
May 16, 2024
Another great adventure! I love this series, especially since it introduced me to a new (to me) author, Gail Meath. Jax and Laura are FINALLY about to get married in a few days, when another big mystery filled with danger, kidnapping, and a diamond heist occur! It all began--in Laura's mind--when Jax saw her in her wedding gown. She hated herself for being so obsessed with superstitions and old wives' tales, but her anxiety that something bad would happen wouldn't leave her. When Laura and Carla return to the wedding shop to see if Laura can find a replacement wedding gown, they are kidnapped by a gang of jewel thieves. Winnie, Jax's mother (with her cat Lilith) join in on the hunt for Laura and Carla, and the rest of the story is filled with 1 surprise after another! When Jax and Tim return early from a different investigation to find their women, there's one exciting twist after another. Will the men be in time? I loved the ingenious ways the women deal with their captivity and attempts at escape. I also enjoyed the Roaring 20's dialog--so much fun. Ms. Meath's character descriptions as well as her historical research make "The Diamonds" an excellent clean mystery with lots of danger, mystery, and anxiety as the BIG wedding day approaches. And, once again, Ace lives up to his hero status. I highly recommend "The Diamonds" as well as the entire series. I received a complimentary ARC and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
Profile Image for Melanie S.
1,841 reviews35 followers
May 15, 2024
A pair of diamonds

Jax Diamond, P.I. is six days away from marrying Broadway star Laura, the love of his llfe, when everything goes wrong. It starts with a jailbreak, and Laura's superstitions. It progresses to murder, multiple jewel heists, mayhem, and *gasp* Laura's kidnapping. Everybody gets in on the case, from Ace the canine sidekick to the couple's extended families, friends, the NYPD, and the feds. There's so much ground to cover, lots of double-crossing and the clock is ticking on that six day wedding deadline. I absolutely devoured this historical mystery/crime thriller. I think it's the hands-down best of the Kax Diamond series. It's a must-read for fans of the genre! This is a voluntary independent ARC review.
Profile Image for Paige.
164 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2024
Another cute but exciting mystery from Gail Meath. I really love reading about the adventures of Jax, Ace and Laura. I'm a bit sad that this is the end of their story as this series has everything I love when it comes to detective fiction. I do understand her reasoning though as too much of a good thing can be bad. Still though she did say in her afterward that she had an idea for one more adventure and she might be convinced to write it. I hope that she does because I would love one more Jax Diamond mystery.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jackie Welcel.
460 reviews6 followers
May 10, 2024
This is the first book I read in the series so I was afraid I might be lost in parts but it was fine an a very good read. I liked the time period it was set in, it’s so different without our handy cell phones. The characters were all great and I loved how smart the women were and actively helping to be rescued. No damsels in distress here! The descriptions in the book were good too! I felt like I could really picture everything. Good book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
277 reviews5 followers
May 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a departure from my usual genre and I'm so glad I decided to have a read! It's an exciting read with a couple of excellently camouflaged characters and storylines that pop out suddenly for a brilliant turn of events! Wonderful characters! My favourites would be Orin and Winnie who are secondary level but incredibly well written! Of course let's not forget Ace! I'm looking forward to more in the series and will definitely go back and read the first six books in the series! Highly recommend this superior adventure!
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
1,763 reviews55 followers
May 4, 2024
The Diamonds is book 7 in the Jax Diamond Mystery by Gail Meath. I found The Diamonds to be excellent with several layers that the author tied up nicely by the end of the book. Jax is called to police duty by Murph while only a few days before his wedding to Laura. The core characters are outstanding and they feel like book friends. The Diamonds is a perfect escape into 1923. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Fred Fanning.
Author 46 books53 followers
May 29, 2024
Another great story for the Diamonds. I have read each of them and can't decide which one I enjoy more. I liked them all. Since this is the last installment I am checking out Gail Meath's new series. I know I will like it too. Her new series is a 1930s Cozy Mystery Series called the Stone and Steele Mystery Series. By the way Gail Meath, I would like one more Diamond book just for old-time's sake. Thanks for all the hours of enjoyment I found in this series.
Profile Image for Danette Fowlie.
242 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2024
There's nothing like a book about a good old fashioned heist. I really enjoyed this book as we found out just how intelligent and brave Carla and Laura are. Ace is such a smart dog and I really love reading about his antics and adventures he goes on. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
978 reviews11 followers
May 15, 2024
Another amazing five-star read from Gail Meath. It has an utterly riveting plot, plenty of unanticipated twists and turns, wonderful characters (Ace!), and beautiful illustrations.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
44 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2024
The Diamonds, the seventh installment in the Jax Diamond Mysteries Series penned by Gail Meath, stands out with its compact 181-page print length. Published by Cranberry Pond Publishing, this book is a must-read for fans of historical mystery, adventure fiction, crime, and murder genres.

It is September 1923. The Jazz Age is in full swing, setting the scene for an exciting story. PI Jax Diamond's wedding is only four days away, and to add to the excitement, a criminal, Digger Caputo, has recently escaped from Sing Sing prison. His girlfriend is there to pick him up. They have plans to steal diamonds and exact revenge on those who sent him up. They have also kidnapped the PI's fiancée and his friend's wife. Jax, his fiancee, his best buddy, Tim and his wife, backed up by the PI's sidekick, Ace, a detective Alsatian dog, must apprehend the crooks before they steal any more gems or injure the two captured women. Do you feel Jax and Ace can accomplish both goals while leading the all-points bulletin?

I especially enjoyed Meath's companionable writing style, which made me feel like I was sitting with my best friend, engrossed in a thrilling story. This style is consistent with her other books. The book flows from turns to twists and continues to more. I found nothing negative to mention, so she earned five stars out of 5 from me. Gail Meath has created several very readable series. The fourth book in this series, Two of a Kind, is my favorite.it is actually a preface explaining how Jax and Ace found each other before the rest of the series begins. In fact, it's one of my top 10 books of all time. It's a prequel to this series, explaining how Jax and Ace got together before all the others happened. The characters' depth of emotions and the way they connected with each other had a profound impact on me.

This novel is a thrilling combination of detective dogs, historical mystery, adventure fiction, crime, and murder. It is an exciting read, a testament to Gail Meath's exceptional skill as a writer. Her impressive ability to weave together multiple genres seamlessly, creating a captivating narrative, instills confidence in the reader. I heartily recommend it. I received a free advanced reader's copy of this book, and my review is voluntary and honest.
Profile Image for Bec.
240 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2024
The week before your wedding is always chaotic, but good grief! Murder, betrayal, kidnapping…it’s all here, and more!

The future Mrs. Jax Diamond finds that she ends up in possession of more than just the diamond in her engagement ring in this latest Jax Diamond Mystery “The Diamonds” by award winning author, Gail Meath.

With less than a week before Laura and Jax get married, Jax, Ace, his buddy Murph, Laura and Carla find themselves involved in finding some criminals they put behind bars a couple of years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest Jax Diamond Mystery and Gail has filled it with all sorts of twists and turns and red herrings that will have you guessing all the way to the end of the book on whether or not Jax and Laura finally tie the knot!

“The Diamonds” by Gail Meath is a historical cozy murder mystery that takes place during the roaring twenties with New York City as the backdrop. This series is a fun read and while this novel can be read as a stand alone I personally suggest that you read them in the order they were written, starting with “Songbird”, as its basis consists of the ongoing story line involving Detective Jax Diamond, his canine partner, Ace, and the Broadway performer, Laura Graystone.
829 reviews29 followers
May 5, 2024
It doesn’t feel as though this could possibly be the seventh book in the series, as it feels so fresh and real. Jax and Laura are about to get married. In 3 days. When a criminal that Jax helped to jail, escapes, with the help of his girlfriend, and several robberies are committed that have his MO all over them. Jax, along with best friend and soon to be best man, Tim, with Laura’s blessing, set off to help search for him. Things aren’t quite as straight forward as they first look. When Laura, and Tim’s wife Carla get involved theres a race against time, to get the girls back in time to make the wedding. Ably assisted as always by Ace, the men realise they are on a wild goose chase, and the girls try to exploit their situation.

Really good, if short read. Great plotting, nicely paced , tense, with some good characters. I love Orin, as well as Ace, and 1920s New York seems like a place I’d like to have visited. I really hope there is one last adventure for them all.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
151 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2024
How wonderful, yet another instalment in the Jax Diamond mystery series, and they just keep getting better. #7 sees Jax and Laura finally about to get married, but as usual things don't always go smoothly for them. For more than a brief moment we are left wondering if they will make it to the altar, but as usual we can trust the wonderful Ace to lead the way and save the day.

This series has been a delight right from the start, and the time spent with Jax and Laura within the pages has been a treasure. While this is, allegedly, the last of the series, Ms Meath is teasing us with perhaps "just one more" - she's asked her readers to decide! So that's a huge "YES PLEASE" from me!!
Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,542 reviews24 followers
January 14, 2025
Will wedding bells ring for Jax and Laura?
The Diamonds, book 7 in the Jax Diamond series, is another highly entertaining PI tale. Unlike the previous books I’ve listened to in this series The Diamonds had three separate but related story arcs to keep its readers/listeners fully engaged in finding out how Jax and Laura will make it to the church in time for their wedding, while Jax and Tim get involved in a case that becomes more personal as the story evolves. Listening to this story cements my need to listen to the eighth story in the series when it comes out in April. Once again, the voice the author chose to deliver the story using virtual voice fits the story perfectly.
Profile Image for Barb Hegreberg.
887 reviews14 followers
June 4, 2024
As you probably already know, I enjoy books with strong, intelligent female characters, especially if the men in their lives allow them to be who they are without putting limits on what they can accomplish. Carla & Laura are two such women.

The story moves quickly with plenty of intrigue to keep you entertained.

This is the second book in this series that I have read; however, each book can be read as a standalone.

I received this book free from the author, publisher, or other source. My only obligation is to provide a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,117 reviews
April 29, 2024
Wonderful conclusion (unless the author decides otherwise) to a truly fantastic series. This book was tension filled and fast paced and kept me totally hooked. The Diamonds, as is all of the of the series, is a well researched story filled with fun facts about geography and history. If this is the end of the journey, I will really miss these wonderful characters, and especially our hero, Ace. I will definitely be reading the series again from the beginning.
Profile Image for Bonny Rambarran.
1,521 reviews21 followers
April 25, 2024
She is getting married . . . and she is kidnapped!!
Her fiancee looks for her — and knows who has her! But it is NOT good. The gang has stolen diamonds. . . but it seems there are some bad guys among the good guys!!! This is a really good book!I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Celia Martin.
Author 9 books42 followers
June 11, 2024
I love Gail Meath's books Killjoy and The Diamonds. Can't wait for book #8 and hope there will be a nine and ten. Terrific characters, in particular Ace, but love them all. The characters all work well together as they solve the various murders. Please Gail, keep more Jax Diamond coming.

Celia Martin
Profile Image for Bonnye Reed.
4,718 reviews110 followers
June 2, 2024
KU
I have only read a couple of the books in this series, but enjoyed them both. In The Diamonds, Jax and Ace are getting married - but first they have to take care of business. And it gets pretty messy pretty fast. A fast, sweet read. Jax is ok, but I love that dog Ace.
REVIEWED on May 31, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo.
Profile Image for Celest.
732 reviews9 followers
January 30, 2025
Lives in Danger, So Business as Usual

This was another exciting adventure in the lives of our characters. Who lives, who dies and is there a wedding? A prison break, murder and the ultimate game of hide and seek. This book has a lot going on. Very interesting adventure.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,336 reviews69 followers
June 23, 2025
1923. The wedding of Laura and Diamond is approaching. He off chasing jewellery robbers after stupidly insisting on seeing Laura in the bridal shop and so sees her wedding dress even knowing how superstitious she is. Which means Laura needs a new dress. What could go wrong.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.