Jeweler's Mark

Love & Diamonds Mysteries #1

by Raquel V. Reyes

Gigi Santos, wedding ring designer and diamond appraiser, is looking forward to her ten-year high school reunion. She is trying to be a better, less gossipy person, but Lourdes, her BFF since forever, has not matured past teenage pettiness. Cover boy-handsome Detective Carlos Garcia comes into the picture to investigate a year-old burglary at Gigi's jewelry business. They flirt, and sparks fly. Gigi is sure she will have him on her arm as her reunion date. That is, until her BFF becomes the prime suspect in the murder of the reunion's organizer. Gigi knows Lourdes is innocent and she is determined to prove it. When Gigi's sleuthing puts her and the people she loves in danger, Detective Garcia tries to keep her out of harm's way. But she wants a date, not a hero. Will Gigi and Carlos dance under the Miami moonlight? Or will fake diamond rings send them all to jail? Find out in the first of the Love and Diamonds mysteries.

234 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2016

About the author

RAQUEL V. REYES writes Latina protagonists. Her Cuban-American heritage, Miami, and Spanglish feature prominently in her work. Mango, Mambo, and Murder, the first in the Caribbean Kitchen Mystery series, won a LEFTY for Best Humorous Mystery and an International Latino Book Award. It was nominated for an Agatha Award and optioned for film. Raquel’s short stories appear in various anthologies, including The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2022.

Reviews

[Vicki Highley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Jeweler's Mark to be a fun read. I enjoyed learning about the Cuban culture in Miami and the jewelry business also. Gigi Santos works in her family jewelry business and is planning to go to her high school reunion little does she know that the two of them will make her life very interesting and dangerous. RV Reyes has just enough twists in the story to keep me interested to the end which was a surprise. I can't wait for her next book.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful mystery. Filled with strong characters, an intriguing plot and a tightly woven mystery, I couldn't put the book down. I was quickly swept up in the pages and had to know what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed this mystery and hope there will be more.

[Jessica Jesinghaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out this review, and many more, on my blog https://jessjesinghaus.wordpress.com

Counterfeit designer diamonds, a murder, a high school reunion in South Miami.... whoa papi! Jeweler’s Mark is a fast-paced cozy mystery with a heroine I absolutely adored!

Giselle “Gigi” Santos has high aspirations for her family’s jewelry brand Hearts Aglow. With her power of positivity attitude, her spicy Cuban spirit, and a feisty best friend backing her up there’s nothing Gigi can’t handle. So, when sexy Detective Carlos Garcia arrives with an evidence bag full of fake Hearts Aglow diamonds, Gigi isn’t going to let something as trivial as crime deter her from what really matters: how to convince Carlos to be her date to the high school reunion. Before long Gigi finds herself embroiled in so much more than a case about counterfeit rings. An old classmate turns up murdered, Gigi’s BFF is looking like the primary suspect, and Russian mob-types are suddenly threatening Gigi at every turn.

To say I enjoyed this book would be an understatement! Gigi is truly a wonderful character. Her inner banter and pep talks were endearing and kept me turning pages late into the night. Honest! First night I planned to read a chapter or two before bed.... next thing I knew I was halfway through the book and wanting to stay up to finish. Brava!

**I won a paperback copy of this book in a Facebook giveaway which I then chose to voluntarily review**

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am having a hard time rating this book, I would actually give it a 3 1/2. The problems I have with it is in the beginning I actually disliked the main character Gigi and her friend Lourdes, they come across and egotistical, self centered and basically "mean girls". I admit Gigi not as much and she admits that she is trying to change. Later in the book I changed opinions on Gigi, she became more likable and Lourdes was growing on me. I also was bothered with the attitude of Gigi was not going to tell the police anything, she can handle it herself. Now these are quirks of mine that annoy me and probably will not bother most. This all being said what does shine through is the love and respect of family and community. Lourdes will jump in and help when needed, Gigi watching out for her brothers comes across as real. I love Detective Garcia, he is a cop that is actually ahead of the game in this story, refreshing to read. The setting of a jewelry store is unique and I enjoyed reading about a little of the work entailed. The mystery was good, I had part of it figured out but not all of it. I will continue on with this series.
*I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Sandy Quintero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it :)

[Andie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something unique about reading a book on your lunch break and realizing that the protagonists of said book are actually contemplating eating there too. My favorite part of Jeweler's Mark is that the setting of Miami actually feels like Miami and isn't simply window dressing. While I generally want to go to different worlds or time periods for my pleasure reading, it was fun for a change of pace to read something that really captures this wacky city I live in.

[Mitzi Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read. There is humor, suspense and romance contained in this book. I really enjoyed reading about the friendship between Gigi and her best friend, Lourdes. Plus the detective, Carlos, is a real hottie. Even though I am not a Latina, i enjoyed reading about the Cuban culture. This is a great cozy mystery, and I look forward to reading book 2 when it gets published. I met the author at Bouchercon in St. Petersburg, Florida, earlier this month, and she is a very friendly person. It was very interesting listening to her talk about her book. Made me purchase it right away.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, loved the characters, loved the plot, loved the author's writing style, and loved how Miami was featured. Loved the sprinkling of Spanish in the dialogue. Though this Nebraska reader has been to Florida multiple occasions, I now have an new appreciation of Miami and it's jewelry business center.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more offerings by R.V. Reyes!

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

FTC Disclosure: I received this book free from Goodreads hoping I would review it.