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Death Is Forever: A Gripping Romantic Suspense Where Trust and Passion Meet Deadly Danger
Dear Reader,
Sometimes, if you're very lucky, you can go home again. An earlier version of this book was titled The Diamond Tiger and came out in 1993 under the name Ann Maxwell. When my present publisher offered me the opportunity of going back to the novel under the name Elizabeth Lowell, I admit that I hesitated. In the years since first publication, the diamond trade has changed so greatly that it would be impossible to update the facts in the book without destroying the very story that had compelled me to write in the first place.
But like the diamond trade, my style of telling a story has also changed over the years. I decided to revisit the novel because I loved it and hoped my new readers would as well.
Death Is Forever is my favorite kind of story, combining elements of danger, greed, trust, secrets, passions, and death. Enjoy!
- - -
A priceless fortune is here for the taking... but is it worth the risks?
Erin Shane Windsor is left a legendary diamond mine in western Australia by a great uncle she never even knew she had. But the old man took the secret of the mine's location to his grave. All he left behind were cryptic clues written in verse - and some very dangerous enemies who'd like nothing better than to claim the mine themselves.
To help her, Erin hires Cole Blackburn, a geologist with a mysterious past who has his own reasons for wanting to find the treasure.
Sometimes, if you're very lucky, you can go home again. An earlier version of this book was titled The Diamond Tiger and came out in 1993 under the name Ann Maxwell. When my present publisher offered me the opportunity of going back to the novel under the name Elizabeth Lowell, I admit that I hesitated. In the years since first publication, the diamond trade has changed so greatly that it would be impossible to update the facts in the book without destroying the very story that had compelled me to write in the first place.
But like the diamond trade, my style of telling a story has also changed over the years. I decided to revisit the novel because I loved it and hoped my new readers would as well.
Death Is Forever is my favorite kind of story, combining elements of danger, greed, trust, secrets, passions, and death. Enjoy!
- - -
A priceless fortune is here for the taking... but is it worth the risks?
Erin Shane Windsor is left a legendary diamond mine in western Australia by a great uncle she never even knew she had. But the old man took the secret of the mine's location to his grave. All he left behind were cryptic clues written in verse - and some very dangerous enemies who'd like nothing better than to claim the mine themselves.
To help her, Erin hires Cole Blackburn, a geologist with a mysterious past who has his own reasons for wanting to find the treasure.
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
139 people are currently reading
683 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Lowell
208 books1,922 followersIndividually and with co-author/husband Evan, Ann Maxwell has written over 60 novels and one work of non-fiction. There are 30 million copies of these books in print, as well as reprints in 30 foreign languages. Her novels range from science fiction to historical fiction, from romance to mystery. After working in contemporary and historical romance, she became an innovator in the genre of romantic suspense.
In 1982, Ann began publishing as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994).
Since July of 1992, she has had over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.
To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.
In 1982, Ann began publishing as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994).
Since July of 1992, she has had over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.
To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 17, 2017
In Elizabeth Lowell's Death is Forever, this romantic suspense would tantlize you like diamonds in the rough in a diamond mine. Erin Shane Windsor is a well-known nature photographer, and also the heir of Abe Windsor. When she had received a book deal of a lifetime to document the diamond tiger, she wondered what was the catch. And that's when she met Cole Blackburn, a prospector for BlackWing Limited out in Australia, to protect her and help her find this so-called mine in the Australian outback. Although skeptical, he came part of the packaged deal and to keep her safe from others who wanted the precious diamonds for themselves. Together, there was instant chemistry between them as they tried to solve the doggereled puzzle and look for clues. Besides the humid heat of the dry season and having their means of transportation being sabotaged, they have each other to survive the climate and discover newfound feelings for each other that sparked a fire between them. After they hit their own pay dirt, they had to fight for their lives in a cave and deal with the people who were after them in a fight of survival of the fittest to a twisted climax.
November 20, 2020
DNF
Not interested.
Not interested.
February 18, 2025
Erin Shane Windsor, a prominent photographer, has spent the last several years in nature after having a harrowing experience. But then, she is called from Alaska and is given a diamond mine in Australia by her uncle that she never even knew existed. The kicker, no one knows where the mine is, and he only left a cryptic poem to find the location. There are also other, very dangerous people looking for this wealth of diamonds. In the midst of her inheritance, Erin is approached by geologist Cole Blackburn, wanting to help her locate the diamond mine. The question remains: What are Cole's real motives?
This was an ok romance/adventure book. I would have liked it a bit more on the adventure side, but it was an interesting look into the diamond mining industry. Though the updated titles seem a bit misleading as to what the story entailed. There were also some very long-drawn out, irrelevant parts that extended the book longer than it probably needed to be. But, the book was also written in a way that it was a relatively quick read. This would be a good book to read if you are interested in a political / light romance / adventure book.
This was an ok romance/adventure book. I would have liked it a bit more on the adventure side, but it was an interesting look into the diamond mining industry. Though the updated titles seem a bit misleading as to what the story entailed. There were also some very long-drawn out, irrelevant parts that extended the book longer than it probably needed to be. But, the book was also written in a way that it was a relatively quick read. This would be a good book to read if you are interested in a political / light romance / adventure book.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
July 15, 2009
Pure trash. Loaded with enough purple prose to positively please Prince.
November 28, 2018
Out of the blue, world class photographer Erin Shane Windsor inherits the deeds to unproven diamond claims on the Kimberley Plateau in Northwestern Australia and a handful of exceptionally pure diamonds. The possibility of a new major diamond source sets the world (and its most powerful diamond cartel) on alert. The source of the vivid gems, seen by few and rumored by many, if it can be found may tip the balance of the cartel’s stranglehold on the market and it’s guidance of the economies of nations.
From the day of her inheritance, Erin’s life is forfeit. Only if she can find the source of the diamonds will she have a position to bargain from – if she survives. Her only clues lie in the drunken doggerel of deceased (murdered?) miner Abe Windsor and the skills of Cole Blackburn, prospector/businessman.
Our protagonists have cruel and complex backstories, and the resources of those working against them are extensive. They race against the plotters and the weather – they can only search through the brutal heat and humidity of the buildup. Once the wet comes, their efforts will be grounded. Relentless physical challenges and human threats drive the action. The spies and saboteurs of their foes are ruthless, driven by greed and the lust for more power. Romance, suspense, and unremitting danger – also interesting information about diamonds. Recommended.
Readalikes:
Clive Cussler – Shock Wave; H. Rider Haggard – King Solomon’s Mines; Wilbur A. Smith - The Burning Shore; Albert Sanchez – Pandora in the Congo; Chris Ryan – Tenth Man Down; Elizabeth Lowell’s Rarities series; Sandra Brown – Tailspin; J.D. Robb – Dark as Death; Nora Roberts – Come Sundown; Julie Garwood – Wired.
Pace: Fast
Characters: Strong woman; strong man; Duplicitous characters
Story: Intricately plotted
Writing style: Compelling; detailed info about diamonds
Tone: Strong sense of place; suspenseful; steamy
Frame: Northwestern Australia (Kimberley Plateau); 1989
From the day of her inheritance, Erin’s life is forfeit. Only if she can find the source of the diamonds will she have a position to bargain from – if she survives. Her only clues lie in the drunken doggerel of deceased (murdered?) miner Abe Windsor and the skills of Cole Blackburn, prospector/businessman.
Our protagonists have cruel and complex backstories, and the resources of those working against them are extensive. They race against the plotters and the weather – they can only search through the brutal heat and humidity of the buildup. Once the wet comes, their efforts will be grounded. Relentless physical challenges and human threats drive the action. The spies and saboteurs of their foes are ruthless, driven by greed and the lust for more power. Romance, suspense, and unremitting danger – also interesting information about diamonds. Recommended.
Readalikes:
Clive Cussler – Shock Wave; H. Rider Haggard – King Solomon’s Mines; Wilbur A. Smith - The Burning Shore; Albert Sanchez – Pandora in the Congo; Chris Ryan – Tenth Man Down; Elizabeth Lowell’s Rarities series; Sandra Brown – Tailspin; J.D. Robb – Dark as Death; Nora Roberts – Come Sundown; Julie Garwood – Wired.
Pace: Fast
Characters: Strong woman; strong man; Duplicitous characters
Story: Intricately plotted
Writing style: Compelling; detailed info about diamonds
Tone: Strong sense of place; suspenseful; steamy
Frame: Northwestern Australia (Kimberley Plateau); 1989
Read
October 1, 2025I'm not giving any star rating because I don't think I can judge this book accurately. I got it in a romance section, and I guess it could be classified like that. But it's like a stereotypical action movie with lots of bad guys, not so sure if they are good guys (are any if them good besides the main female character?), lots of action and fighting/killing, a man that isn't supposed to care about the woman but then they fall in love so he can't betray her at the end... but he still seems like a huge jerk, so I don't get why she fell in love with him.
Anyway, this is a great story for some people, I'm sure. I read the first 5 chapters, decided to skip to the last two so I could see how it ends. Ended just like I thought it would which affirmed my choice not to continue reading the whole book.
Anyway, this is a great story for some people, I'm sure. I read the first 5 chapters, decided to skip to the last two so I could see how it ends. Ended just like I thought it would which affirmed my choice not to continue reading the whole book.
February 3, 2020
Another good thrilling read by Ann Maxwell (Elizabeth Lowell).
Erin Shane Windsor, professional wildlife photographer, was almost killed by her sadistic fiancé seven years ago. She has spent those seven years photographing Alaska, healing body and soul, and avoiding relationships. She has now inherited what could be the greatest diamond mine in history, if she can decipher the clues to find it, survive Australia's Kimberley and the people and organization that want to stop her.
Cole Blackburn, maybe the best diamond prospector in the world, a loner, Erin's guide, but can she trust him, or is a playing a long game?
Erin Shane Windsor, professional wildlife photographer, was almost killed by her sadistic fiancé seven years ago. She has spent those seven years photographing Alaska, healing body and soul, and avoiding relationships. She has now inherited what could be the greatest diamond mine in history, if she can decipher the clues to find it, survive Australia's Kimberley and the people and organization that want to stop her.
Cole Blackburn, maybe the best diamond prospector in the world, a loner, Erin's guide, but can she trust him, or is a playing a long game?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2020
This book was good, if a bit long. I didn't really care for all the political intrigue, perhaps because I was a bit fatigued from the last book I read, a political theory. I found this book could have benefited from a bit of editing and perhaps increasing the steaminess factor.
This book is fine, I'm pretty neutral in terms of recommendations. Read it or don't read it-I leave it up to you, reader. :)
This book is fine, I'm pretty neutral in terms of recommendations. Read it or don't read it-I leave it up to you, reader. :)
January 18, 2022
This book seemed basically good but I found I only was reading a chapter or two a night which is very unusual. The characters were fine or maybe good and the plot was good but I typically think of her books is being a lot about the people as well as having a good story. Well the characters had depth and seemed like they could be real people I don’t feel like the book was actually the characters but more about the story. Usually she’s one of my favorite authors but this one was just meh for me
August 6, 2023
This was a really interesting time capsule about the diamond industry that managed to be pretty intriguing.
Lowell is really good at describing setting- I could really feel it, especially the desert. The politics was pretty good as well, and I liked a lot of the twists or turns.
That said, the stupid miscommunications that could have been solved with ease got annoying when they kept happening. It also began to drag and the end was really, really rushed and abrupt.
Lowell is really good at describing setting- I could really feel it, especially the desert. The politics was pretty good as well, and I liked a lot of the twists or turns.
That said, the stupid miscommunications that could have been solved with ease got annoying when they kept happening. It also began to drag and the end was really, really rushed and abrupt.
December 19, 2022
This book has it all. Romance, adventure, suspense! An overall very good read. I wouldn’t expect anything less from one of my very favorite romance novels who has switched to writing romantic suspense.
July 25, 2017
Pretty much exactly what I expected.
August 2, 2017
great book to distract yourself when evacuated by a wildfire
April 25, 2020
I read this book a long while ago and have lent it out several times only to get it back with glowing reviews
April 27, 2021
Quick read but not a bad one.
February 23, 2017
Too much racism, even allowing that it's an old ELowell book.
June 4, 2009
452 pgs. 1992,2004. Australia Outback. Lost Diamond Mines with fabulous, world-shattering wealth. Beautiful, young adventuress/heiress with severe gun-shyness to love, due to previous horrific episode of abuse. Enter Cole! - Rugged, sexy, charismatic roustabout. She's inherited a hidden diamond mine! Can they find the mine before they're cut-off or even killed by either the CIA (her father the agent!), or the extremely powerful and wealthy Japanese diamond traders? There may be another dangerous, deadly faction out there as well! Who can be trusted?! And can the hero and heroine manage to avoid the extreme attraction and temptation of each other and work side by side to find the mine? Or, will they cast aside all their previous heartache and pain and give in to the powerful magnetic attraction? They just may well be the loves of each others lives!
In know, I am so 'jaded.' Take it for what it is: a good adventure/fantasy! I do appreciate learning some interesting information about geology, gemology and mining of precious jewels. These facts are woven throughout the somewhat cookie-cutter story. I must admit to having read other versions of the same story, same characters, but different subject matter and locations. All in all, enjoyable and fast-reading.
Now that I'm through reading the book, what stays with me is the information that's available in the book about the formation of diamond 'veins' perhaps a 'layer' - am not sure they'd be called veins. It also described what the microscopic black particles are that can be found in even perfect diamonds - I had thought it could be carbon that didn't make it through the whole heating process. But, no. Many valuable little pieces of data there - I'll go back through and write down the things I want to remember!
In know, I am so 'jaded.' Take it for what it is: a good adventure/fantasy! I do appreciate learning some interesting information about geology, gemology and mining of precious jewels. These facts are woven throughout the somewhat cookie-cutter story. I must admit to having read other versions of the same story, same characters, but different subject matter and locations. All in all, enjoyable and fast-reading.
Now that I'm through reading the book, what stays with me is the information that's available in the book about the formation of diamond 'veins' perhaps a 'layer' - am not sure they'd be called veins. It also described what the microscopic black particles are that can be found in even perfect diamonds - I had thought it could be carbon that didn't make it through the whole heating process. But, no. Many valuable little pieces of data there - I'll go back through and write down the things I want to remember!
November 22, 2013
The Diamond Tiger is a gutsy and often lyrical narrative of survival, of finding out what you're capable of when tested well past your limits, set mainly against the inhospitable landscape of the vast Australian desert.
A gifted nature photographer, Erin Windsor inherits a legendary diamond mine hidden deep in the Australian outback, but its location is a secret that was taken to her great-uncle's grave; however, clues were left which she is uniquely positioned to interpret. The mine is said to contain raw spherical diamonds, some of the rarest and finest ever discovered. Big players in the international gem mining industry, using state-of-the-art electronics, weapons, and communications, are trying to both find the mine and keep her from claiming it; consequently, her single human life isn't worth diddly. The story of how she goes after the mine herself, facing staggering odds while slowly forming a deep emotional bond with her guide and protector, geologist Cole Blackburn, never slows down until the satisfying resolution.
The title refers to the world diamond industry, similar to the way it existed at the time of publication (the author's spouse and sometime writing partner was working as an international crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times when she wrote this book, so its authenticity is legit).
Fans of author Elizabeth Lowell will be interested to know that her real name is Ann Maxwell, and that this effort from early in her career - before she took on the pseudonym - showcases everything we love about Elizabeth Lowell, already in full bloom.
A gifted nature photographer, Erin Windsor inherits a legendary diamond mine hidden deep in the Australian outback, but its location is a secret that was taken to her great-uncle's grave; however, clues were left which she is uniquely positioned to interpret. The mine is said to contain raw spherical diamonds, some of the rarest and finest ever discovered. Big players in the international gem mining industry, using state-of-the-art electronics, weapons, and communications, are trying to both find the mine and keep her from claiming it; consequently, her single human life isn't worth diddly. The story of how she goes after the mine herself, facing staggering odds while slowly forming a deep emotional bond with her guide and protector, geologist Cole Blackburn, never slows down until the satisfying resolution.
The title refers to the world diamond industry, similar to the way it existed at the time of publication (the author's spouse and sometime writing partner was working as an international crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times when she wrote this book, so its authenticity is legit).
Fans of author Elizabeth Lowell will be interested to know that her real name is Ann Maxwell, and that this effort from early in her career - before she took on the pseudonym - showcases everything we love about Elizabeth Lowell, already in full bloom.
October 4, 2015
This is a re-write of Elizabeth Lowell's early book the Diamond Tiger. I liked this book but it was little slow at times and Erin's mistrust of Cole drove me crazy especially after he saved her life more than once.
This book centers around photographer Erin who inherits her great uncles diamond minds and with it a handful of very rare diamonds with a possibility there are more of these diamonds. There are a lot of players interested and willing to do just about anything to gain control of this diamond mine if it exists. The other key player is Cole Blackburn. He is a diamond expert and is hired to help Erin find the diamond mine.
There is quite a bit of intrigue and suspense and some romance. I liked both Erin and Cole although as I mentioned earlier Erin's mistrust of Cole throughout the entire book got a little old. There was a ton of information about diamonds, the diamond trade and mining and the diamond cartels (a little too much for me and I found myself skimming through the information).
Additionally, the ending was a bit rushed as a lot of the "romance" happened off screen. We jumped from them emerging from there trip across her Great Uncles land to the end of the book and were just told about what happened in between. I would have liked to see more of the resolution of their romance.
I liked this book but it isn't one I will read again.
This book centers around photographer Erin who inherits her great uncles diamond minds and with it a handful of very rare diamonds with a possibility there are more of these diamonds. There are a lot of players interested and willing to do just about anything to gain control of this diamond mine if it exists. The other key player is Cole Blackburn. He is a diamond expert and is hired to help Erin find the diamond mine.
There is quite a bit of intrigue and suspense and some romance. I liked both Erin and Cole although as I mentioned earlier Erin's mistrust of Cole throughout the entire book got a little old. There was a ton of information about diamonds, the diamond trade and mining and the diamond cartels (a little too much for me and I found myself skimming through the information).
Additionally, the ending was a bit rushed as a lot of the "romance" happened off screen. We jumped from them emerging from there trip across her Great Uncles land to the end of the book and were just told about what happened in between. I would have liked to see more of the resolution of their romance.
I liked this book but it isn't one I will read again.
October 5, 2010
This book is set in Western Australia, in a landscape that is altogether foreign and fascinating, described with intimacy by the author, as if she’d lived there for years. Her bio says she lives in Seattle, so I don’t know if I can credit that to her imagination, her research or her earlier years. Either way, it’s a helluva place and makes a great setting for a story of the brutality of the diamond business in the 1980s. The main characters are sympathetic, interesting, conflicted, believable. The story doesn’t drag out, but the explanations of the politics of the world economy and the diamond trade, even coming from the mouths of the major characters, were too complex to grasp quickly while I was reading for the story’s main plot points. And, frankly, I don’t read this type of book for the politics that underlie the plot. I read for the characters and their relationships. Still and in all, it’s a good book and well worth reading.
July 30, 2014
An incredible book to be enjoyed repeatedly!
The Diamond Tiger is not just a love story. It also blends in a fair bit of history, and a huge dollop of mystery, adventure, and danger. From the arctic to the Australian desert, this book pulses with excitement and never slows for a single page. An emotionally damaged heroine joins forces with a strong, silent hero to fulfill the requirements set out in the will of a great uncle she never knew she had. Through the background, various government agencies for different countries, and non-government entities, attempt to manipulate the two. The ending was not as good as the rest of the book, but then, I could see this story continuing until the couple were old and white-haired, relating the events to great-grandchildren of their own.
The Diamond Tiger is not just a love story. It also blends in a fair bit of history, and a huge dollop of mystery, adventure, and danger. From the arctic to the Australian desert, this book pulses with excitement and never slows for a single page. An emotionally damaged heroine joins forces with a strong, silent hero to fulfill the requirements set out in the will of a great uncle she never knew she had. Through the background, various government agencies for different countries, and non-government entities, attempt to manipulate the two. The ending was not as good as the rest of the book, but then, I could see this story continuing until the couple were old and white-haired, relating the events to great-grandchildren of their own.
August 28, 2014
Photographer Erin Shane Windsor loved the remote, silent locations for her landscape photography. Just finishing in the the northern Artic when she receives a message of a family emergency and must return to Los Angeles.
The emergency is that a distant relative, a diamond prospector in Australia, has died and left his estate to her. But where are the diamonds.
Heros and villians appear and appear to switch sides at a moment's notice.
Will Erin find the diamonds and the missing mine, or will the Diamond Cartel win control?
The emergency is that a distant relative, a diamond prospector in Australia, has died and left his estate to her. But where are the diamonds.
Heros and villians appear and appear to switch sides at a moment's notice.
Will Erin find the diamonds and the missing mine, or will the Diamond Cartel win control?
July 10, 2007
When I picked this book up, I didn't know that it was a re-release of The Diamon Tiger that she wrote under the pen name of Ann Maxwell. But I haven't read any of her books she has wrote under a different name, so that's ok. I enjoyed the book, but I don't think that it is has good has her newer stuff. I love the Donavon series, and this one book just didn't measure up to those. It still a good read tho.
June 13, 2010
I read this years ago and loved it. Really must find it again and see if I like it as much the second time around.
From what I recall, it's a fantastic blend of romance, mystery and adventure set in the Australian Outback. With diamonds.
From what I recall, it's a fantastic blend of romance, mystery and adventure set in the Australian Outback. With diamonds.
March 23, 2019
This is not a 5 stars book but It's difficult to be objected when this was what started my obsession with romance books. I discovered the book almost 13 years ago and it was the first adult (meaning it had sex scenes) I ever read.
October 10, 2012
This is an author that I have read a lot of and have added her books to my 'keeper' book shelf. Most I have read at least twice and some even more than that. Always in depth characters that anyone can identify with on some level.
April 28, 2015
This is not a recent book, but is full of action and a hero and heroine that can do more (and survive more) than highly trained Navy Seals. Some of the predicaments and the characters' responses were a bit over the top. But it was a good, fast read.
November 14, 2007
read 01.23.07
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews