The Gem Connection

by Michael R. Lane

Clinton Windell is brutally murdered in his Southwest Hills mansion and robbed of twenty million dollars in uncut gems. An anonymous client hires ex-DEA agent turned private investigator, C. J. Cavanaugh and his junior partner, Renita Harris, to root out the Windell murderers. There's only one catch. C. J. and his partner must not reveal to anyone they are working on the case. To complicate matters further C. J. and Renita must deceive Cavanaugh's long-time lover and dogged Homicide Detective, Destini Pendleton, who is assigned to head the high profile investigation. To maintain normal appearances, C. J. and Renita arrange to do a standard insurance inquiry on Genevieve Windell, the primary benefactor of her late husband. When Mrs. Windell turns out to be a prime suspect in her husband's murder, C. J. and Renita find themselves boxed in. Between the killers, Detective Pendleton, the insurance company, and their omnipotent and ominous mystery client, C. J. has to utilize all of his cunning and training to keep him and his partner out of prison or the morgue long enough to capture the killers.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2016

About the author

Michael R. Lane is the founder of Bare Bones Press. He is a published writer and poet who turned to Indie Publishing. His novels include the C. J. Cavanaugh mysteries, The Family Stone, and Exchange Student. His short story collections are Emancipation, UFOs and GOD, and Long Journey Home. He has also penned five books of poetry: A Leap Year of Haiku, Love & Sensuality, Mortal Thoughts, Sandbox, and A Drop of Midnight.

Reviews

[Leigh Goodison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This engaging debut P.I. series introduces the enigmatic C.J. Cavanaugh, a former DEA operative who uses his sleuthing talents and professional contacts to the open a private investigator practice. When C.J. is hired to investigate the murder/robbery of Clinton Windell, a wealthy gem dealer, all signs point to his business partners, all of whom have something to gain from his death. C.J. is assisted by his junior partner, Renita, whose unrequited romantic interest in C.J. makes for lots of hilarious banter, especially since C.J. is devoted to his longtime love, Portland Homicide Detective, Destini Pendleton. Lane is a master of characterization, and The Gem Connection is another showcase for the fascinating characters created by this talented author. Highly recommended.

[Sincerae Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upcoming written review.

[Divya Mahajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gem Connection by Michael R Lane is the second C.J. Cavanaugh mystery that I have read and I am happy to say it worth the time.
Though initially it looks like a heist gone wrong, a murder cum robbery becomes more mysterious and ominous when some secret highly professional people hire C J to investigate the crime and CJ and his partner are also targeted for being involved. The plot is good and starts with the crime and involves the reader along with the flow. There are also some light moments involving Cj, his cop/detective girlfriend and his partner Renita. There are many suspects a separated and happy wife, business rivals, past connections and disgruntled board members but who has committed the crime and why makes for a very good read.