Royal Diamonds

by Jack MacTavish

ROYAL DIAMONDS

A Jake Stede Adventure

“A swashbuckling modern thriller , Royal Diamonds blends history, espionage, and high-seas adventure into a nonstop thrill ride. Think Jack Carr meets Clive Cussler—with a heart as big as its action.” — Ryan Steck, The Real Book Spy and author of Ted Bell’s Warmonger

Some treasures are worth killing for. Some secrets refuse to die.
Oxford historian and former U.S. Marine Dr. Jake Stede has always chased the past—but when he sets sail for the Caribbean to uncover his family’s rumored pirate legacy, he finds himself in the crosshairs of something far deadlier than buried gold.
A priceless blood diamond, stolen from the British government, has gone missing—and Jake’s hunt for history collides with a ruthless criminal empire determined to reclaim it. Teaming up with his reckless best friend Mike Diaz, the fiery historian Olivia “Harper” Calhoun, and Lady Lauren Abigail “Abby” Mountbatten, a British royal desperate to restore her family’s honor, Jake is thrust into a perilous race across oceans and continents.
From Charleston’s cobblestone streets to storm-lashed Caribbean islands, what begins as a search for treasure soon becomes a fight for survival, where loyalty is fragile, history bleeds into the present, and every secret comes with a price.
Royal Diamonds is a globe-trotting action thriller of history, espionage, and redemption—perfect for fans of Jack Carr, Clive Cussler, and Ted Bell.

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2026

Reviews

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This action adventure thriller that should absolutely be on your radar. The story delivers strong National Treasure vibes, blending adventure, history, and secrets rooted in old money and long held traditions. Dr. Jake Steade and Olivia “Harper” Calhoun are an unlikely team of adventurers with wildly different backgrounds, yet they fit together in a way that feels natural and memorable. Their journey unfolds aboard The Rebellion, a name that could not be more perfect for the two of them. There is also a shared family history between Jake and Harper that adds a compelling side story and gives emotional weight to the larger adventure.

What impressed me most is how confidently this story is told. Each character has their own inner monologue, which is not something I see often, and it works beautifully here. It delivers important information while deepening character development without slowing the pace. The story is fictional, but it is grounded by real places and historical references that make everything feel believable. The pacing is strong, the character work is solid, and the entire book felt cinematic, like being along for the ride rather than simply watching it unfold. I am 1000% impressed with this debut and will not forget these characters anytime soon. Now excuse me while I read this one again because the groundwork has been laid for a banger of a series.

[Trad Leatherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut novel from Jack Mactavish has all the elements a reader expects from an Action/Adventure genre book. A fast-paced, action-packed ride with exotic locations, fun characters, and a typical bad guy. Add the search for a blood diamond and an approaching hurricane and you are in for a ride. The story centers around Jake Stede. After a decorated military career, he settles down in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina as a professor but longs for adventue and answers to questions about an old family compass. In addition, Harper Calhoun, a recent college graduate longs for adventure. Add in that these two have deep family connections the story ignites. This is a very quick read with short chapters. A very well written book with good descriptions. The two minor critiques that I will give is that there are a few too many characters that don't really add to the story and the bad guy is a little to cliche. 4 1/2 stars for this fun read!!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! The story pulled me in early and kept me interested the whole way through with a writing style that’s really engaging. The characters and plot keep things moving, making it one of those books that’s hard to put down once you get into it. I also really appreciate that it’s written by a veteran. It adds an extra layer of respect and authenticity to the work. Overall, it was a great read and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging story and wanting to support a veteran author.

[Darlan R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Não me pegou. É isso, tentei achar o diamante, e apesar de gostar do tema, acho que acabou ficando confuso o vai e vem geográfico, porém, a ambientação é ótima, só achei confuso isso de chamar alguns personagens por dois nomes.Tentei ao máximo ler com vontade, talvez a preguiça tenha sido meu pecado, as escolhas do autor, citadas anteriormente, ajudaram nisso, mas não desistirei do autor, e apesar de não ter gostado tanto, consegui sentir a empolgação dele em cada página.

[Terrance Layhew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A search for a lost family legacy draws Jake Stede into a search for a lost blood Diamond. Royal Diamonds is everything I want in a swashbuckling adventure story. Buried treasure, rugged heroes, despicable villains and crackling dialogue. Jack MacTavish succeeded in crafting a timeless adventure. I can’t wait to read more Jake Stede adventures!

[Scott Lovelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great action thriller. A missing blood diamond, and family legacy take Jake Stede and Olivia ”Harp” Calhoun on a modern day treasure hunt steeped in lore and history. The action is pretty intense and steady throughout the story. Throw a hurricane in for added intensity and you have an epic adventure. This was a very engaging and fun story to read. Highly recommend.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great read. The story, if you like treasure hits, this is it. The setting, if you can read this on a beach. The characters, awesome, love some, hate others. The hero is not over the top, he's a good man, one you want to cheer for. Looking forward to what's next from Jack Mactavish, thanks for a great adventure.

[J.D. Wicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might be the best book in modern Clive Cussler tradition that I've read in a long time. McTavish understands the pacing and reader expectations of this genre and delivers in spades. I'm not personally enamored with settings so close to home, but the author clearly understands his geography, culture, and history. That knowledge shines through. Anxiously await a follow-up.

[Christopher Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! I’ve been following Jack on Instagram, our algorithms connecting us via the intersection of watches and commercial thriller writers.

Boy did I enjoy myself with Royal Diamonds. Jack is more textured than your typical hero, in all the right ways. I enjoyed the entire cast of characters.

Jack layered in his knowledge and interests in an engaging way.

Cheers!

[HannahJane Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an exciting island tale! The characters were interesting, yet believable, and there is someone for every reader to relate to. I’m hoping for spinoff stories for each character! Well written, easy to follow; a classic, fast paced thriller!

[Brad Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable read. The character development and rich descriptions of the settings stood out, especially Charleston. Having been there myself, the story brought it back to life in a very real way. The pacing kept things moving without feeling rushed, and there was a steady sense of tension that carried through the story. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in and makes it easy to lose track of time while reading.

[Daniel Kinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good start.

A good start for Jack MacTavish. Story, action, characters (good and bad) and location. Definitely intrigued with what will be next for Jake and Harper and anything MacTravish writes.

[Jaaon Blythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect!!

Absolutely loved this book! Great story, with perfect pace, mystery, historical facts and action. If you like Clive Cussler get this book now. I would love to see spinoff with Sir John and his MI6 division.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good thriller! Jack MacTavish had me hooked from the first page! A great summer read for your Caribbean cruise this summer or on your back deck to let the sun and Jake Stede take you away!

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rollicking hunt for treasure from Charleson, SC through the Caribbean. I loved Jake, Harper, Mike and Abby and I cannot wait to join them on their next adventure.

[Brent Paich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack mactavish writing gold! loved this book and cant wait for more

[Paul Brandel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventurous thriller

Royal Diamonds is the best thriller do for this year. Author Jack McTavish's thriller is top-notch. I look forward to his next book.

[Jason Blythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book. If you like Clive Cussler get this book.

[Suad Jakupovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fast paced read! I really enjoyed short chapters and lots of details on watches worn by characters in the book. I would defiantly recommend it!