Deadly Diamonds

by Sarah Hamaker

The race to find missing diamonds puts a widow in danger.

Three years ago, Dulce Honeycutt’s life imploded when her husband died after a robbing a jewelry store and her 18-year-old son, Kieran, landed in prison as an accessory. The uncut diamonds were never recovered, and when rumors fly that she and Kieran know where the gems are hidden, their lives are in danger.

Veteran insurance investigator Miles Sharp believes Dulce knows more about the diamonds than she’s revealing. But as the attacks on the beautiful widow’s life multiply, he struggles to maintain his professional objectivity. Is Dulce a victim or is her story a sweet web of lies?

Genres: Romance, Mystery Thriller

paperback, ebook

Published March 23, 2022

About the author

Award-winning and best-selling author Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four children and three cats.

Reviews

[Sunnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this mystery-suspense story by Sarah Hamaker. This is the first book that I have read from this author. It is always nice to learn about new writers and enjoy different types of books to enjoy. There was a good storyline and some unexpected turns which makes for a nice story. It was a clean romance with added suspense. So a nice and quick read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author with no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[E.V. Sparrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian suspense intrigues me. I'd heard recommendations for this book in a Facebook Group. It took me only 4 evenings to read, and held my interest.
Dulce, Miles, and Kieran were likeable, and imperfect. The plot drove the story. With Dulce being a waitress at Denny's trying to make ends meet, it reminded me of my own diner jobs.
Sarah's wrap up was satisfactory, but I want to know the fate of Dulce's son, Kieran. Maybe she could write a book about it!

[Farrahlea · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I'm so hooked! 😍 It's been ages since I've devoured a suspense novel this good! 🤯 I'm totally adding it to my reread list - the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat! 😲 Can't wait to see what this author comes up with next!

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Sarah Hamaker for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Dulce feels betrayed, abandoned and alone. Her con artist husband, Trey, has left her with a mess after his death. He stole diamonds that were never recovered after his death. Their son, Kieran, was present at the time of the robbery, and he is in prison for murdering the security guard. A charge that Dulce does not believe because of her son's disability. Suddenly there is renewed interest in trying to find the diamonds, and everyone believes Dulce knows where Trey hid them, which brings Miles Sharp into her life. Miles Sharp is an insurance investigator, and though he wants to find the diamonds, he realizes that Dulce's life is in danger, and she needs protection. This book goes into action immediate, and it is readily apparent that Dulce is not safe. Her son is not safe either, even behind prison walls. It is a story of betrayal and learning to trust another human being again. The mystery of where the diamonds are hidden will have you lapping up the pages of this book. There are several wild twists toward the end of the book that I truly never saw coming! This story also shows just how greedy society has become with no apparent regard for another person's life and/or well being. It is a fairly short book that you can read in one sitting! If you like a good mystery, you will enjoy this book!

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery suspense story was an entertaining read and kept my attention throughout. I don't normally read this type of story, but it was a promo and the blurb that intrigue me. I found the characters likable and the storyline engaging. This enjoyable book is about Dulce whose life imploded after her husband robbed a jewelry store and died. Her son Kieran went to prison as an accessory. Others suspect Dulce knows where her husband hid the jewelry that was never recovered that leads to threats and attempts on her life. Veteran insurance investigator Miles suspects Dulce but he has to keep her alive, is Dulce the innocent victim she claims? This was my first book I'd read by this author, and I was impressed by the quality and the enjoyment I had while reading this story with its touches of romance, suspense, drama and action.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Diamonds is a well-crafted novella pairing waitress Dulce Honeycutt Smith and insurance investigator Miles Sharp in an exciting adventure. The plot flows smoothly and moves at a steady pace with a couple of twists I didn’t see coming. The characters are realistic and engaging. Sweet romance unfolds despite dangerous situations and unexpected revelations. Ms. Hamaker is a new author to me, and I am impressed by her expressive style and outstanding storytelling skill. I enjoyed this quick, yet satisfying and entertaining, read. I recommend it especially for readers who like romance and suspense.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Sarah that I have read. What a page turner or for me or should I say page swiper. The characters of Dulce, Kieran, and Miles are very likeable and relatable. Dulce is a waitress at a diner who is trying so hard to make ends meet, visit her son in prison, and try to find out what happened. Kieran, Dulce’s son is in prison after her husband robbed a jewelry store and passed away. The diamonds have never been found and Miles (the investigator for the insurance company) is attempting to find out where the diamonds are. There are a lot of twists, turns, and unexpected events in this story. Surprises abound in this fast-moving story…the ending…. totally unexpected! Don’t miss this book!

[Natalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Where are the diamonds?” The man screamed at Dulce, his focus so entirely on his victim he failed to register Miles’s silent approach.
Do you want to know an answer to that question? You need to read this story – full of suspense and unexpected turns.
“Diamonds.” The word hung in the air between them, pulsating with a need for elaboration. “What everyone wants from me. What you probably want from me.”
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dulce Honeycutt has been dealt many difficult blows in her life. Her late husband was a crook and her son got sent to prison because of his dad. When a suspense book starts with a setup like that, it seems things can only get worse. Rumors about the stolen diamonds have resurfaced and continue to plague Dulce and her son. This leads to an exciting, quick-paced and dramatic tale, that holds the readers’ attention and keeps them engaged to the conclusion. I enjoy clean thrillers like this. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Mystery Suspense . When Dulce Honeycutt’s husband died robbing a jewellery store her eighteen year old son Kieran was incarcerated as an accessory. Her and her son’s life is in danger as rumours are flying that they know the whereabouts of the un recovered uncut gems . But as he gets to know them the insurance company assessor Miles Sharp is having doubts….An immersive thrilling story very well written, a compelling read
I read an arc of this book and my review is voluntary

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dulce and Miles team up to find the diamonds and exonerate her son. Will they also find love?

This is a very exciting Christian romantic suspense. The plot is well-developed with many unexpected turns. The characters are well-written. It was a very hard book to put down. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Dulce, a widowed waitress, was approached about the diamonds that her dead husband supposedly stole, lots of things start to happen. This is a great suspense book that is full of twists and turns. It's also a clean romantic suspense book. It keeps you involved in the story and has a great ending. I highly recommend it.

[Kimberly Bowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up as Miles tries to keep Dulce safe while also searching for diamonds that were stolen by Dulce's husband, who then ended up dead! Who killed him? Where are the diamonds? Can the diamonds be found before Dulce ends up dead? See if you can figure it out!

I highly recommend this story to all who love action and adventure!

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author that i have read. Will finitely be looking for more of the books.

This is a story of a robbery involving diamonds that were stolen.

Dulce's husband was reported as dead, her son was charged with the death
of a security guard.

Everyone was after the location of the diamonds from FBI, the insurance company and
those that knew of the missing diamonds.

[Loraine Nunley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable story with a nice balance between suspense and romance. I sympathized with Dulce as she struggled to deal with the mess her criminal husband’s passing left for her and her son. Her strength was admirable and attracted Miles. Even though the romance pacing was a little quick for me, I really enjoyed the interesting plot twists thrown in.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! Miles and Dulce's story is a sweet romance full of action, drama, suspense and just enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, you will love this book.

[Hunter Q Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story.

I really enjoyed this story. Dulce's husband died in a fire trying to steal diamonds. He son is in prison for his part in the crime. Everyone is looking for the diamonds. The story is full of surprises.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you talk about something you think you don't know? That is the Dulce's dilemma. This is a new angle to the mystery genre that I enjoyed. It's the first book I've read by this author. I will look for her other books. I received a free copy. I chose to write this review.

[Leslie D Blackwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It was a good page turning quick read that was an action packed clean crime thriller with a little bit of romance thrown in the mix. I read it in less than a day anxious to find out how it ended.

[Jennifer Rosenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting how things happened with the main characters.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy to read and an engaging story. Perfect for those who enjoy clean romantic suspense. Great plot with surprises along the way. I received a copy of this book but all opinions are mine.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Romantic suspense at its best. Lots of twists and turns here to keep things interesting!

[Renee Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy for my honest review...
Great plot....
Full of plot twists....

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! A great love story with a lot of suspense. So many twists and turns my head was spinning. A great read for couple of hours of downtime!

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read! Mellow suspense. Well written! This book will keep you guessing!

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written mystery. There was intrigue and action. There is also some sadness. It's definitely worth reading.

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the way the mystery part of the story isn't lost in romance. She is a good mystery writer and come up with unexpected twists and then can weave the romance part into the mystery.

[S.campbell8655yahoo.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it ! Don't miss it . Highly recommended author .

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of drama, suspense, and intrigue to keep you turning the pages. It was a good read with wonderful and quirky characters along with action and inspirational moments.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mix of intrigue, killings, robberies and some romance mixed in. A thrilling read if you enjoy suspense and lots of human feelings. Loved this story. It was super charged.