The Diamond Eaters

by M.K. Jones

A seemingly ordinary demolition uncovers a shocking secret that will rock the police service of Newport to its core. As an old police station in the town is being demolished, three skeletons are discovered, each with a precious diamond embedded in their bones.
An anthropologist concludes that each had swallowed one diamond. Why? Who were these people? What caused them to take such a drastic action? A story emerges, of murder, greed and old grudges.
Leading the investigation are the genealogy researchers of Maze Investigations, led by Maggie Gilbert, who must unravel the mystery behind the diamonds and the victims' identities.
But as Maze delves deeper into the case, a sinister enemy resurfaces, determined to steal the diamonds, putting not only the investigation, but one investigator’s life, in grave danger.
Who will survive? And what does winning really mean?

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Contemporary

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2025

About the author

Originally from South Wales, I now live in North Wales, close to Conwy and the sea. My passion for genealogy began when I helped out my mother with internet researching on her family and I became engrossed ( my family would say fanatical!). The Maze Investigations series has allowed me to combine my passion with my long held ambition to be a creative writer. I have recently added the first book in a new series. The series is called The Curiosity Club of St Foy and the book is 'All Gone'. My plan is to publish 2 books a year at least, one in each series. Update! I have recently published the fourth book in the Curiosity Club of St Foy series. It's called "The Cult of Flowers". And I have formed a collaboration with South Wales write, John F. Wales. Together we have produced a new series called "The Cardiff Newshound Investigates". Book one, "Death on a Gravestone" is now available in all media, and book two will be available shortly. It's been ten years since the publication of "Three Times Removed", the first book in the Maze series. I'll soon be starting on book no. 10. What a journey!

Reviews

[Deborah Munyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Done with Maggie!

I think it’s time you put Maggie on the back burner and exploit Zelah and Nick a little bit. Enjoyed the book very much, but am a little tired of the self centered somewhat narcissistic Maggie.

[Helen Shipley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sorry this is the last. Or is it?

I have no idea if it really is the last but all series have to end sometime that's a good thing. Mostly. I like these because they have the family history angle, a passion of mine and I'm half Welsh so enjoy the books having Wales in them.This last features areas where I still have family, though Im unsure if I've met any of my surviving Welsh cousins. My Welsh family is through my father, who was born in Llanishen. His ashes were interred in h father's War Grave in Cathays.Family names inc Evans' Morgantown had, Jones. All with brick wall that have prevented getting back much further than the mid 1800s. Last year I found some ancestors who lived 'in Maindy.

Kindle doesn't make leaving reviews easy. So may have trouble completing this. I recommend all the books to anyone with an interest in genealogical mysteries. The books are always rich in historical details and we'll researched. I've been researching since the late 80s so have some experience. There's always more to learn, which is part of the fascination.

I've enjoyed all the books and have already read the first 2 St Foy ones. Look forward to number 3.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very dark story that begins in France where Maggie are Bob are enjoying renovating an old farmhouse to use as a holiday home. But then Bob is suddenly recalled to work on one last case before his retirement—a case that might also need Maggie's genealogical skills—things change. When an old police station is demolished, three corpses are found, and each appears to have swallowed a very valuable diamond. Who were they? Why did they swallow the diamonds? And how did they come to be buried there? These are the questions that Bob and Maggie need to answer&questions that lead to modern murders as well.

[Debbie Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book/Series

I have loved all of these books. MK is a wonderful storyteller, and I have enjoyed the Genealogy in each book as I have done Genealogy for 30 years. These books are fast paced and keep up to date on the plot and I love the ends and outs of each case. And I love it when the plan comes together. These characters are wonderfully unique. Highly recommend this series and hope we see more books in the series.

[Jannette Margaret Toomey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about Maggie Gilbert and the rest of the team at Maze. There were many surprises in this book, but I don't want to say too much and spoil it for others!

I just hope there are more investigations in the pipeline.

[Corrine Drouin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how MKJones developed this tangled story.

I loved learning about the families' connections and the complexities of people's motivations. I always enjoy her books. I like following her main characters as they move through their lives.

[Lisa Shower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

What a wonderful book! The Maze series is a favorite of mine but this one was a roller coaster of a read.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from this amazing writer !

[judith illingworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

had to stay up late to finish it

Always a good yarn from Maze and this one didn’t disappoint, kept twisting and turning till the end, can’t wait for the next one

[Julie A Morrissey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well written story by MK Jones mixing historical facts with fiction.
Interesting from the offset mixing gloom with sadness, intrigue, gore and fantasy.