The Missing Diamond Murder

Black & Dod #3

by Diane Janes

1930. Frances Black is worried - divorce proceedings are under way and her solicitor has learnt of a spiteful letter sent to the court claiming that there is more to her friendship with her sleuthing partner, Tom Dod, than meets the eye. Fran takes Tom's advice to get away, travelling down to Devon to help the Edgertons with their family mystery. After meeting the charismatic Eddie Edgerton and arriving at their residence, Sunnyside House, Fran soon learns that Eddie's grandfather, Frederick Edgerton, died in mysterious circumstances when his wheelchair went off a cliff. Was it really an accident? And what happened to Frederick's precious diamond which went missing at the time of his death? As Fran investigates, she uncovers family scandal, skulduggery and revenge, but can she solve the mystery of the missing diamond?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery

208 pages, Hardcover

Published November 5, 2019

Reviews

[Judy Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frances Black is following all the rules in place for a woman to get a divorce in England in 1930, but it could all be undone if the court believes an anonymous note accusing Fran of "enjoying a liaison with a man". Even though her husband is living with another woman and they are about to have a child it is Fran who must jump through all the hoops to be granted a divorce. This kind of information was incorporated into the story very well to provide the context of what life was like for women in this period in history. The resolution in this case was for Fran to go to Devon to work on investigating a case of theft. A diamond disappeared from a safe that practically anyone could have opened so the question is whether the theft had anything to do with the death of the family patriarch Frederick Edgerton. The ruling of accidental death was accepted by everyone until it was discovered that the diamond was missing. Now the family members want Fran to try to solve the missing diamond mystery.

I enjoyed reading this third book in the Black and Dod mystery series and had no problem orienting myself into the dynamics of Frances Black and her partner in investigations Tom Dod. This book places Fran at the center of the story so I don't know very much about Tom Dod, but I really like the way Fran is written. She is a woman who uses common sense and intellect when searching for clues to solve this mystery and she doesn't once place herself in danger because of silly actions on her own part. This story features methodical and well thought out investigations without becoming stodgy or boring. I am definitely interested in reading more stories in this series by Diane Janes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for an e-galley of this novel.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mild mannered murder mystery__________2.5

A throughly innocuous murder mystery. The detecting is by a mild mannered woman, Fran Black, in the throes of obtaining a divorce. Due to the legal difficulties of the time around granting of divorce Fran must be circumspect, so she and Tom Dod, a fellow member of the Robert Barnaby Society and a companion in previous family investigations, are keeping their distance. They obviously have feelings for each other but Tom is married with a son and that seems to be that.
A wealthy Devon family have had an heirloom diamond stolen and the patriarch of the family died in somewhat suspect circumstances. Fran is asked to circumspectly assist in looking into the disappearance of the diamonds as the family doesn't want to raise any sort of scandal and awkward questions.
Not a story that fully grabbed my attention, but I rather liked Fran. Not as clever as Agatha Christie characters, more in the vein of Murder She Wrote.

A Severn House ARC via NetGalley

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

1930 sees amateur detectives, Frances Black and Tom Dod forced to spend this book at a distance from each other. Fran is in the middle of divorcing her unfaithful husband but someone writes a letter to the court accuses Fran and Tom of an affair, which puts her divorce in jeopardy. So Fran goes to Devon alone to solve the case of the murder of a family patriarch and a missing diamond, and whilst there she meets the charming Eddie Edgerton, youngest son of the family. Is romance on the cards?

Although this is the third book of the series, it's the first one I've read but I don't think it put me at any disadvantage. I enjoyed reading it, it put me in mind of an Agatha Christie novel - no graphic violence, just a good old fashioned murder mystery with lots of twists and turns. I would definitely be interesting in reading the other books in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Severn House, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Missing Diamond Murder, third in the series by Diane Janes, the Robert Barnaby Society has two members who care for each other deeply and who solve mysteries together – although they must work very hard not to be associated together, as one – Fran Black – is seeking a divorce from her philandering husband, and must be seen to be “above reproach” to do so. Such are the quirks of 1930s British divorce laws, even as her cheating husband is becoming a father with his mistress. Alas, the two Society members are themselves not free to marry because Tom Dod is also married to another. So, in this entry in the series Tom has made himself (somewhat) scarce, and it is up to Fran to undertake the investigation and first, find a missing diamond, and two, determine if its owner was indeed the victim of murder most foul. That she does both satisfactorily is at the heart of The Missing Diamond Murder.

Fran soon finds herself on the way to Devon and the family home of the Edgertons, where the patriarch has turned up dead and a diamond heirloom missing. She meets up with the cast of characters and is quickly thrust into family politics; of course, they don’t want to call in the police – do they ever? She’s expected to find the diamond – the other little problem, well, that’s something else entirely, something that no one wants to talk about.

At the crux of the matter is who was where at the time that grand-papa met his demise. You might want to keep a scorecard and play along. I find the first part of the book rather slow going, as the author establishes a lot of characters. The tempo could definitely have used some pep, in my opinion.

Then, the diamond turns up, but there’s a mystery about it, in more ways than one.

To get an ending – a murderer – there has to be a trap set. Well, that’s all well and but it’s all very lazy. You can make up your own mind about that. But there’s a twist and a denouement for everything that’s gone on before.

I found the ending, with Fran speaking with her best friend Mo, just back from Malaysia, to be rather a letdown. All through the book Fran has struggled with her feelings, and has a few scenes where she confronts those feelings, and all we get at the end is her giving up and taking the easy way out. Of course, she will soon be single again and Mr. Dod will still be married. But I felt that we readers should have had a “meeting of the minds” scene, and we didn’t get that. To explain any further would be to give away extreme particulars of the plot and I hate to do that.

Fran does mention that another family mystery is in the offing, something for fans of the series to look forward to.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for a copy of this book, in exchange for this review.

[S.J. Higbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time, Tom takes a back seat as Fran takes centre stage with this one, as it becomes important for the pair of them not to be seen together, due to a nasty note which has the potential to hold up Fran’s longed-for divorce. As a result, this is a classic country house mystery – and the upbeat, cheerful nature of this story isn’t inappropriate as the possible death she is investigating happened a while ago. In the meantime, Fran finds herself swept up by this open-hearted family. I really liked the fact that most of the characters came across as genuinely friendly and welcoming. It was a nice change seeing Fran enjoying herself and appreciating the luxurious surroundings and glorious scenery. We get to see another side to her character, which is always a bonus with a protagonist I’ve grown fond of – and I very much like Fran Black.

As for the investigation – while I didn’t foresee the way it turned out, I sort of got there a bit before Fran did, which was just fine. Because one of the main plotpoints in particular story had nothing to do with the investigation, but to do with Fran’s own future. And I was on tenterhooks to see what she would do – and desperately hoping that Janes wouldn’t make us wait until the next book before revealing her decision. I’m delighted to report that at the end of the story, we do discover what Fran intends to do – and I have to say that I was a tad disappointed with her choice…

Altogether, this was another solid addition to this excellent series and one I highly recommend to any fans of classical country house mysteries. As each story encompasses a separate mystery, it can be read as a standalone, though in order to get the most out of the characters, I would recommend you read the books in order. However if you, too, make a hobby of crashing midway into series, you certainly wouldn’t flounder with this one.

The ebook arc copy of The Missing Diamond Murder was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest opinion of the book.
9/10

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author to me, and although the third in a series, I did not feel compromised by not having read the first two books. It is a period mystery, set in 1930, very reminiscent of Agatha Christie and Patricia Wentworth, two of my favorite authors. Set in a grand country home on the Devonshire coast, Fran Black is summoned to help solve the mystery of a missing diamond and the unexpected death of the family patriarch. The wealthy Edgerton family are relying on Fran Black’s discretion as the last thing the family wants is a scandal. Grandfather Edgerton , old, frail, and wheelchair bound was found at the bottom of a seaside cliff. Surely he didn’t have the strength to get to the top of the cliff, so Fran Black is enlisted to solve the mystery of his death and to find the missing diamond. Several generations of the family live at Sunnyside House in a happy relaxed manner, butler, maids, gardeners, chauffeur, a nurse for grandfather and governess for 11 year old Imogen. They enjoy a very “golden age” lifestyle with no worries of money or responsibilities. Even though they grew up with privileges, they are genuinely nice people and very welcoming to Fran. Focusing on the mystery is a nice distraction for Fran, who is currently awaiting a divorce from from an unfaithful husband which provides another storyline of the mores of the time and the scandal of divorce.
Well written with well developed characters in a beautiful setting, the book was a real pleasure to read and I hope to read many more in the series.

[Tanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Fran Black. She’s smart, spunky, independent and fun loving. She’s also going through a divorce after being left for “the other woman”, who is now pregnant. Set in the 1930’s Britain, divorce was both uncommon and terribly skewed against women. Fran just wants the divorce over and the upheaval to end. In order to distract from the situation, Fran’s partner-in-crime-solving Tom Dod suggests she take off to the country to assist in solving a mystery for a family Tom is a business associate of.

In very Agatha Christie fashion, Fran finds herself at the Edgerton’s lovely country home in the Devonshire country side. She must solve the disappearance of a large diamond, which went missing around the same time as the Edgerton’s grandfather passed. And, as a matter of fact, the grandfather died under mysterious circumstances. The Edgertons graciously welcome Fran to their home, particularly the handsome and charismatic Eddie Edgerton.

The story unfolds as Fran pursues both the mystery of the missing diamond, as well as the uncertain circumstances of Grandfather Edgerton’s death. It’s a lovely slice of country life in the 1930s polite society in addition to the fun of following up the threads of both mysteries. The plot is solid, the motivations deeper than expected, and the characters compelling and interesting. A very enjoyable historical mystery with a charming lead character – I would definitely read more Black & Dod mysteries.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy classic mysteries along the lines of Agatha Christie then you should give this series a try. Set in 1930 England, Fran Black, a private investigator and partner to Tom Dod, is looking for any distraction to keep her from focusing too much on her current marital situation. She wants a divorce from her two timing husband. No question that he needs to be kicked to the curb - his new paramour is preggers. By our standards it should be a slam dunk but not in 1930 England where the law puts all of the burden on the scorned wife. When a case comes up in Devon she can't wait to hit the road and investigate. She will be the house guest of the Edgerton family. It becomes a double case when she to find a missing diamond but investigates the recent death of the grandfather - was his death an accident, a suicide or was it murder?
This is the third in the series but works well as a stand alone. The mystery is well plotted, there are plenty of clues and the characters are well developed, all of the things I look for in a cozy period mystery. I hope there will be more.
My thanks to the publisher Severn House and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Black and Dod mystery series, and the first I’ve read. This book reads as a standalone, The mystery is solved within the pages of this story, but I did feel I was missing out on the connection between the two main characters.

This story puts one half of the sleuthing duo at the helm. Frances heads to Devon, to avoid jeopardising her long-awaited and much-needed divorce and becomes a temporary house guest at a lovely country house in Devon. The 1930s setting and the upper-class elegance puts you in mind of Agatha Christie’s novels.

The family are mostly charming, and Fran finds she is the subject of one family member’s admiration. The mystery is two-fold, auspiciously she is invited to solve the riddle of the missing diamond, but a recent death occurred at the same time and she questions whether the two are connected.

I found the pacing a little slow, but the mystery is clever, and there is darkness hiding beneath the household’s lighthearted ethos, which gives the story depth. If possible read the series in order, and you will become familiar with the writing style and pace.

I received a copy of this book from Severn House via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nicely-crafted plot, with interesting characters, in the Christie-like setting of a beautiful house on the Devon coast, makes this, the third in the Black and Dod Historical Mystery series, the best read so far.

Fran Black is close to obtaining her divorce and, given the draconian dictates of the English divorce laws in 1930, and an anonymous letter, must be careful that her developing relationship with Tom Dod does not halt the process. She therefore embarks on a solo investigation into the death of Frederick Edgerton and the disappearance of a valuable diamond.

Along with the complications of the case, there is romance in store when Fran receives an unexpected proposal of marriage. There is also a taste of gracious living in the luxurious and cosseted surroundings of Sunnyside House where many of the Edgertons live.

Fran solves the mysteries, not without danger to herself, since behind the crimes there is a strong, determined, and obsessed individual who will stop at nothing to gain their ends- restitution and revenge.

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for the digital review copy.

[Dany · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars! I didn’t know this was the third book in a series, but it’s not necessary to have read the previous books in order to follow the story.
This was everything I love to read in a cozy mystery: a clever woman, a great partnership and an interesting mystery. Add to that a bunch of welcoming secondary characters, a big mansion and a great setting, and you’re in for a lovely time. Mrs. Fran Black is smart and sensible, and from what I read, her partnership with Mr. Tom Dod was a great one in the previous books, so of course I want to read them now! I feel like I want to read more of these characters right away, and for me that is a great sign :)

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't clear how the elderly and frail Frederick Edgerton got his wheelchair to the top of a cliff but the family initially accepted that this was an accident until an important diamond was discovered missing. Set in 1930s England, this interesting mystery features Fran Black- a woman ahead of her time. Poor Fran is trying to get divorced from her husband, who is already with another woman, and dealing with an anonymous letter that can sink it. She takes this job as a distraction and it proves to be a good one. There are multiple family members and staff at the Edgerton home in Devon, all of whom are decent suspects for both the theft and the murder. It's a quick and entertaining read. Thanks to net galley for the ARC.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read the first two books in the series but I really didn't feel like I had missed much. We know that there is a hit of romance between the main protagonist, Frances "Fran" Black" and Tom Dod but we don't see much of him or of the two interacting. A lot of that is because Fran is trying to get divorced from her husband and, because of a quirk in English law at the time, only one person in the divorce proceedings can have another love; there must be one sinner and one who is sinned against. An interesting plot point. Someone has sent the court an anonymous letter saying that Fran and Tom are involved so they need to stay apart. Besides, Tom is also married.
Tom has heard about a family mystery in Devon. He can't go himself so Fran goes instead. She meets the Edgerton family and learns about their grandfather's accidental (?) death and the disappearance o the family diamond some months before. Even though a lot of time has passed, the Edgertons are interested in finding the diamond. And, if it turns out that their grandfather's death wasn't so accidental, his murderer. I also like the slow burn of Black and Dod. I regret letting the book lapse when NetGalley gave me an ARC but look forward to the next book in the series.
I really liked Fran as a character. She is human, not a perfect woman or detective. We get to see some of her deductions.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1930. When her solicitor learns of a spiteful letter being received concerning her divorce proceedings, Frances Black decides to take the advise of Tom Dod. So she is off to Sunnyside House, Frencombe in Devon to help the Edgerton family. The family's grandafther has died and at the same time a large diamond has gone missing. Was the incident really an accident and where is the diamond.
Although the third in the series it is easily read as a standaolone story.
In this historical mystery series this is another enjoyable well-written easy read with its delightful characters.
A NetGalley Book

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series and I liked this instalment. It's great to meet again the characters and read what's going on in their life.
This novel reminded me of Golden Age mystery and I enjoyed the engrossing plot.
The cast of characters is fleshed out and the historical background is well researched as usual.
The mystery was solid and it kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Rekha O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Severn House and Netgalley for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love this series - Black and Dodd are separated for much of the story and Black has a chance to establish herself as a detective and a love interest without scandal.

The story has shades of an Agatha Christie novel featuring a family with secrets, a missing diamond and a dead patriarch. There's a bit of Upstairs/Downstairs conflict, a fancy dress ball and plenty of engaging dialogue in this installment. Can't wait to read the next one!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black and Dod are invited to a seaside home to find a diamond, missing after the elderly owner died in a strange accident. But it's really Black's story--to avoid what looks at this distance of time as really convoluted English divorce laws, she has to stay away from Dod, so she goes to investigate and he stays at home. She finds the diamond, almost by a fluke, but also uncovers a murderer who is perfectly willing to kill her, too.

[Julia Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is apparently the third in the Black & Dod Mysteries but the first one I've read. It didn't matter that I hadn't read previous ones, I didn't seem to be missing anything. It was a pleasant enough mystery, a bit like a gentle Agatha Christie. The characters were convincing, the plot plausible. I didn't guess the ending which is always a bonus. A nice, pleasant, gentle easy read.

[Sandybear76]

Fran Black, while waiting for news of her divorce, goes to Devon to stay on an estate to determine if Eddie's Grandfather's death was really an accident and to find a missing diamond. She had worked cases with Todd before but she has to work this case alone due to the divorce.

Set in 1930

[G.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're into Murder She Wrote and the old Perry Mason type of detective cases, then you'll enjoy reading this book. Just when you think you've figured it out, you're wrong. Quick read with a charming England style. Enjoy!

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable cozy set in 1930's England. Mrs. Fran Black is going through a divorce and her friend and detecting partner , Tom Dod, sends her to a home in Devon to help the family investigate their grandfather's death and a missing diamond. Sort of murder at Downton Abby entertainment.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This looked like my kind of read, as I'm a big historical mystery reader. I got kind of an Agatha Christie vibe from it, but in places, I felt like it was kind of mimicking Agatha Christie too much to be original.

[Heather Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missing Diamond Murder is the third I. This series and the first I have read. It is a good historical mystery with interesting characters and storyline. I would read more by this author.

[JoAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Diamond Murder is a good historical murder mystery. Good plot and writing. Mystery fans will enjoy this book. Thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

[sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

True to era

I found the language used by the author very true to the time period. Rich choice of vocabulary that brought the experience of reading the caper come alive.

[Marie Shirley Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously smart and good

I recommend you read the series from book one through three.

The characters are well written and they grow with each book.

[MRS G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery, not quite as good as the previous ones in the series. Also, while I like Fran, there is too little interaction with Tom Dod in this book.

[Aileen (Ailz) Grist · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice, light, sunny book which takes place inb Devon in 1930. The characters are interesting and quite believable. You've got the whole gamut - family, friends, servants, a governess and a nurse. A really good whodunit.

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Kept me interested and smiling.

I received a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.