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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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...
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.