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Gem Hunter
Alexandra Kustodia searches for rare gems in the most remote areas of the world. Descended from a long line of Russian jewelers, her family’s fate is tied into the legacy of the imperial family. Secrets from the past haunt her dreams as a killer hunts her.
With her beloved borzoi, Hunter, by her side, Alexandra travels to Russia to unlock the secrets that hold the answers to her fate. Like her mother before her, Alexandra has the gift to touch gems and get a glimpse into the lives of the people who owned them. She walks the line between her visions and reality. Alexandra is the gem hunter.
With her beloved borzoi, Hunter, by her side, Alexandra travels to Russia to unlock the secrets that hold the answers to her fate. Like her mother before her, Alexandra has the gift to touch gems and get a glimpse into the lives of the people who owned them. She walks the line between her visions and reality. Alexandra is the gem hunter.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2016
About the author
Vicki Vass
13 books151 followersWith a passion for shopping and antiques, Vicki Vass turned in her reporter's notebook to chronicle the adventures of Anne and CC, two antique hunters who use their skills to solve a murder case.
Vicki has written more than 1,400 stories for the Chicago Tribune as well as other commercial publications including Home & Away, the Lutheran and Woman's World. Her science fiction novel, The Lexicon, draws on her experience in Sudan while writing about the ongoing civil war for World Relief.
She lives in the Chicago area with her husband, writer and musician Brian Tedeschi, son Tony, Australian shepherd Bandit, kittens Terra and Pixel, seven koi and Gary the turtle.
Vicki has written more than 1,400 stories for the Chicago Tribune as well as other commercial publications including Home & Away, the Lutheran and Woman's World. Her science fiction novel, The Lexicon, draws on her experience in Sudan while writing about the ongoing civil war for World Relief.
She lives in the Chicago area with her husband, writer and musician Brian Tedeschi, son Tony, Australian shepherd Bandit, kittens Terra and Pixel, seven koi and Gary the turtle.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 13, 2016
Indiana Jones meets Laura Croft, and there you have Alexandra “Alex” Kustodia, one of the strongest, most determined female protagonists to grace the pages in a cozy mystery.
I’m mentally kicking myself as I write this review. I have had GEM HUNTER in my “To-be-read” stack for longer than I care to admit. It got shuffled around as things were moved and I lost track of it. Well, I have now found it, read it, and been on an exciting journey like no other! I was out of breath by the time I got to the last page.
If you’re looking for your typical cozy mystery, you won’t find it between the covers of GEM HUNTER. What you will find is an exhilarating adventure, written with the same guidelines that make cozies popular with so many, including myself. Free of violence, (the gruesome sort), bad language, and racy bedroom scenes, this book is an “adventure cozy” that will have your heart racing for more! GEM HUNTER is also the prefect book to get tweens, and young adults moved on to a new reading level. There really is something for everyone in the family in this one!
A fellow reviewer, Karen M. Owen, mentioned that this book would make a great movie or series. She is so right! Along with my comparison to Indiana Jones, and Tomb Raider, fans of The Librarians movies and series, will also love this book. My suggestion to Hollywood . . . get in contact with author Vicki Vass ASAP and option the Alex Kustodia Mysteries!
I’m mentally kicking myself as I write this review. I have had GEM HUNTER in my “To-be-read” stack for longer than I care to admit. It got shuffled around as things were moved and I lost track of it. Well, I have now found it, read it, and been on an exciting journey like no other! I was out of breath by the time I got to the last page.
If you’re looking for your typical cozy mystery, you won’t find it between the covers of GEM HUNTER. What you will find is an exhilarating adventure, written with the same guidelines that make cozies popular with so many, including myself. Free of violence, (the gruesome sort), bad language, and racy bedroom scenes, this book is an “adventure cozy” that will have your heart racing for more! GEM HUNTER is also the prefect book to get tweens, and young adults moved on to a new reading level. There really is something for everyone in the family in this one!
A fellow reviewer, Karen M. Owen, mentioned that this book would make a great movie or series. She is so right! Along with my comparison to Indiana Jones, and Tomb Raider, fans of The Librarians movies and series, will also love this book. My suggestion to Hollywood . . . get in contact with author Vicki Vass ASAP and option the Alex Kustodia Mysteries!
October 21, 2016
i LOVED this book, i also won it, so it was even more fun, Gems, a Borzoi, a thrilling, but not TOO scary plot, and strong women! Yep, LOVED it! the only thing that i did not love, was that now i want to read the others, and i don't have them yet....
September 20, 2017
A Gem of an adventure
This book easily deserves 5 STARS. The characters are interesting and very nicely described without a lot of unnecessary information to develop them. The story and plot lines are long enough for us to get a good sense of their character. Alex is especially interesting as the gem hunter and the escapades she has been on world wide. The overall plot was well planned out. I don't want to give away any spoilers but the ending is a surprize. I can't wait to read the next mystery that Alex Kustodia finds herself in. I am sure her Viking Eric, will be along to assist.
This book easily deserves 5 STARS. The characters are interesting and very nicely described without a lot of unnecessary information to develop them. The story and plot lines are long enough for us to get a good sense of their character. Alex is especially interesting as the gem hunter and the escapades she has been on world wide. The overall plot was well planned out. I don't want to give away any spoilers but the ending is a surprize. I can't wait to read the next mystery that Alex Kustodia finds herself in. I am sure her Viking Eric, will be along to assist.
September 30, 2017
Loved this heroine! I've even gone gem hunting in a few of the same areas she has. A wonderful mystery a bit grittier than a cozy but not by much. The characters are rich and well developed, the plot line leaves you hanging and looking for answers in the next book. We have some answers but not them all! And who doesn't love a little education with their murder mystery. Excellent read, you won't be disappointed.
October 21, 2017
Enjoyed the storyline, it was exciting and interesting. Being from the Chicago area I enjoy trading about places I know. The Russian history was also intriguing. The book to me was a across between Lara Croft, Indiana Jones, and Romancing the Stone.
Despite something nagging at me about a certain character, the ending totally shocked me.
I'm hoping that we see more of Alexandria, Erik and the rest.
Despite something nagging at me about a certain character, the ending totally shocked me.
I'm hoping that we see more of Alexandria, Erik and the rest.
June 12, 2017
Romantic Thriller
This book grips you from the first page. Facing death, hunting gems, rescuing a child, even movie stars, this riveting book has it all. Vicki Vass is an exciting author, knows her craft well, and leaves her fans wanting more.. Much more! Highly recommended reading, can't wait to get my hands on more from this stunningly talented lady
This book grips you from the first page. Facing death, hunting gems, rescuing a child, even movie stars, this riveting book has it all. Vicki Vass is an exciting author, knows her craft well, and leaves her fans wanting more.. Much more! Highly recommended reading, can't wait to get my hands on more from this stunningly talented lady
September 20, 2017
This was just a wonderful Alex Kustodia Mystery. This is the first one that I have read and I just loved it. Once I started it I found it hard to put down. That night I finished and wow I wished it hadn't ended. The storyline was just so good and so were the characters. I can't wait to read another one of Vickis books as she hit a home run with this one!
December 19, 2019
Adventure awaits
I quite enjoyed this book. Interesting characters, fast paced plot, travel to exotic destinations. It has a refreshing POV, better than most books in print these days. I like Alex's gift of second sight. It's not overdone. I look forward to the next book.
I quite enjoyed this book. Interesting characters, fast paced plot, travel to exotic destinations. It has a refreshing POV, better than most books in print these days. I like Alex's gift of second sight. It's not overdone. I look forward to the next book.
December 10, 2020
You gotta read this one!
Terrific story. I read it in two days and was thrilled with all the changes as the story goes along. Definitely 10 stars for this story. A must read.
Terrific story. I read it in two days and was thrilled with all the changes as the story goes along. Definitely 10 stars for this story. A must read.
May 16, 2016
A truly amazing adventure cozy. First in a new series this cozy series I felt really excited learning that the mystery of the story revolved around the Romanoff Dynasty, a part of history I find quite interesting. The main character Alexandra is more then no nonsense, she is pretty "bad ass" for lack of a better term, one of the strongest characters I have read in a long time. As an arm chair travel adventure cozy this is one of the best I have ever read. I held my breath in many places and pulled my hair out in others. I liked the escape this story provided and I could easily see this being turned into a movie or series, that I would watch and perhaps start a fan club for, yes I thought it was that good! This book was so much more then a cozy mystery and has great "cozy pet" companions, family, heart, soul and amazing gems and jewelry.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews