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Stone 588

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When a flawed and seemingly unimportant diamond is stolen, the truth about its strange qualities comes to light, drawing the attentions of a diamond dealer, his lover, a rich woman, a thief, a mobster, and the CIA. Reprint.

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

45 people are currently reading
177 people want to read

About the author

Gerald A. Browne

18 books16 followers
Gerald Austin Browne (born 1924, in Connecticut, USA) is an American author and editor.
Browne was raised in Litchfield County, Connecticut. He attended the University of New Mexico, The Sorbonne and Columbia University, where he won several literary awards. His first novel, It's All Zoo, was written while he was living in Paris and working as a fashion photographer. His bestselling novels include 11 Harrowhouse, Green Ice, 19 Purchase Street, Stone 588, and Hot Siberian, several of which have been made into films. He lives in New York with his wife, Merle, a model and actress, as well as the co-author of a novel entitled The Ravishers.

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5 stars
104 (27%)
4 stars
157 (41%)
3 stars
92 (24%)
2 stars
18 (4%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Nancy Brady.
Author 7 books45 followers
August 8, 2016
Stone 588 is from a pouch of gemstones (diamonds), but it is cloudy and not considered a gem worth having, but with the cartel, the person doesn't have a choice. Take them all or forfeit them all, but this stone is discovered to be special with healing powers.

Now, others want it and like most of Browne's novels is a thriller of the highest caliber. Who ends up with it?

Profile Image for Jared Donis.
331 reviews58 followers
December 5, 2023
I found this gem in paperback as I was going through old boxes. It was a quick read so I escaped its damp smell. It's an unforgettable story and makes you wanna wish you had this mystical stone. Overall, it was a great read but a bit too long and with an unconvincing ending. Browne forgot how selfish and devious people are right at the final chapter. Anyway, his works are classics now.
28 reviews
April 4, 2019
Surprises around every corner!

This book starts off somewhat slowly, but then builds incredible momentum. The attention to detail is wonderful and helps to build the characters and situations into a very satisfying finale.
5 reviews
April 25, 2007
One of my favorite reads ever, have read a few times. Fantastic suspense, mystery. All books by this author are a favorite of mine.
Profile Image for Margot.
71 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2024
Gem of a book.

This book has it all, great characters, knowledge building background into the diamond business and fast pace adventure. Placed mostly in NYC the reader really feels part of the action, almost another character in the story. I really enjoyed this read, hard to put down!
Profile Image for Barbara .
96 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2018
I love all Gerald A. Browne's novels. This one in particular! The reasoning behind all characters desiring the Stone is intriguing and each seems to get what they deserve! Love the descriptive way Browne has in writing about each character! Read this one! I have, several times!
Profile Image for Kathy Temean.
1,608 reviews42 followers
December 28, 2023
A stone that heals people comes into diamond dealer hands and is stolen when it is needed the most. Murder, intrigue, and suspense. Interesting story. Written in 1986, but still is a worthy book that is not dated. Good writing. Probably should be a five.
1 review
April 19, 2019
Good enough

To get me to keep reading. The insane luxury. The believable personalities. One star off for the contorted unbelievable plot.
Profile Image for Jimmy Seiberling.
61 reviews6 followers
June 22, 2020
This story sank deep in my memory. The idea of greed so great is something I feel we can relate to.
Profile Image for Tina.
169 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2023
Fun read - action moves quickly. This is a re-read, Read it years ago and wanted to see if it was as fun as I remembered. It was
Profile Image for Cynthia.
799 reviews
August 16, 2008
3 out of 4 Stars

Springer's family has been in the diamond business for years. His father had a crystal that seemed worthless except sentimentally - until it seemed to heal his sister Janet's schitzophrenia. Audrey, who believes in psychic healing, etc. tries it on her super wealthy Auntl Libby's arthritis and it works again. Then there is a heist, and besides losing his business, the stone is lost just as his young son is diagnosed with cancer. Springer and Audrey try a heist of their own and get loads of diamonds but no stone. It turns up after Libby is killed by her "friend" Wintergill - she had it implanted in her. They get it back, heal Jake, then Springer throws it in the ocean. Too many people, including the government are after it and its power is too awesome. An intriguing book, super characters, especially Audrey and Libby. Libby's rich world is also well drawn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Virginia.
83 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2012
I'd prefer to give this 2.5 stars but it was closer to 3 than it was to just 2. Interesting story about a healing stone and the lengths certain people would go to obtain it. Didn't really agree with the ending. Everything was sunshine and roses in their lives at that moment but I would have filed it away in a safe deposit box somewhere just in case...
109 reviews
August 23, 2010
A thriller, diamond business intrigue, and mysterious healing properties of one stone.
Profile Image for Jan.
5,100 reviews84 followers
January 6, 2013
Very interesting plot. Although this book took me a while to read (I took a break in the middle) it was very enjoyable. I will try other books by Gerald Browne.
Profile Image for Karmen.
872 reviews44 followers
September 22, 2013
About a stone, a diamond, which heals. Tells of its adventures as it travels from person to person.

It's a wonderfully interesting book.
Profile Image for H. Gibson.
Author 18 books26 followers
March 6, 2014

Chronicles of Han Storm Book Club Read (Thriller)

This is one of those books that may be re-read at least once a year.
63 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2016
A good book by Browne, lots of interesting stuff about diamonds and diamond dealers as well as being a genuine thriller.
2 reviews2 followers
Currently reading
June 22, 2009
Learning a lot about the diamond industry.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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