Cape Diamond

Frank Yakabuski #2

by Ron Corbett

Cape Diamond, the second book in the Frank Yakabuski Mystery series, is atmospheric and action-packed. Set near the Northern Divide — as was the first installment, best-selling, Edgar Award nominee (Best Paperback Original), Ragged Lake — the book opens with Yakabuski called to investigate a gruesome crime scene. A body has been left hanging from a schoolyard fence. On closer inspection, Yak finds a large diamond in the murder victim’s mouth.
Two criminal gangs — the Shiners and the Travellers — are fighting with each other, and Yakabuski turns to his father, a now-retired detective who has a long history with the gangs, for advice in the interrogation. Is the conflict over the murder of two men? The kidnapping of a little girl? Or, possibly, the diamond found in Augustus Morrissey’s mouth? As if this weren’t enough for one detective, a serial killer is taking a deadly road-trip through the United States, heading towards the Northern Divide.
Ron Corbett weaves the various strands together with ingenuity, making Cape Diamond a brooding, suspense-filled story of hubris, betrayal, and evil deeds; his writing is sparse and taut, compelling the reader to follow the action and gang conflict to a surprise ending.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Procedural, Mystery Thriller

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2018

Reviews

[Paul Weiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mike Tyson said, “Everyone has a plan, till they get punched in the head”. Yakabuski knew who he needed to punch!

The Shiners and the Travelers are criminal gangs of long-standing located in the towns and cities carved out of the boreal forest of northern Ontario and they are at war. When Augustus Morrissey, the Shiner’s leader, is found most definitely deceased and hanging from a wire fence with his eyes carved out and a near priceless diamond stuffed in his throat, it seems clear that the murder was intended to send a message. It’s up to detective Frank Yakabuski to find out who’s sending the message, what that message is and to stop what looks to be a pending gang war before it truly heats up.

CAPE DIAMOND tells a story of gang warfare, international assassins for hire, diamond mines, theft, human trafficking, kidnapping, and long-standing historical hatred and racism. It’s a slow but steadily paced gritty, noir and relentlessly macabre tale with nary a cheery moment in the entire novel. While the story is certainly compelling, I found the plot to be somewhat byzantine and tortuous. That said, I found myself shocked to discover that, while I hadn’t clued into the motive, I did figure out Morrissey’s murderer a few pages before Yakabuski’s solution was revealed to the reader.

A workmanlike police procedural and there’s obviously more to come. CAPE DIAMOND is #2 in the Frank Yakabuski series. Next up is MISSION ROAD. Count me in.

Paul Weiss

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and ECW Press for an advance copy of Cape Diamond, the second novel to feature Detective Frank Yakabuski, set in the town of Springfield in the Northern Divide, Canada.

Frank is called out to a body hanging from a fence. To his dismay he identifies it as Augustus Morrissey, former leader of The Shiners, a far reaching criminal gang and certain elements of the murder suggest the involvement of a rival gang, The Travellers, a shady group who may or may not exist. It is, however, the uncut diamond in Augustus's mouth that poses the most questions.

I thoroughly enjoyed Cape Diamond which is a clever tale of violence and misdirection set in a wild location. I had not read the first novel in the series, something I will remedy, so I wasn't sure what to expect but it far exceeded my expectations. It is written in the third person from two points of view, one from Frank and the other from a Mexican killer slowly making his way north for an ill defined purpose that becomes clearer as the novel progresses. The prose is fairly sparse and yet conveys everything the reader needs to know. I was particularly impressed by the descriptions of the location which are evocative and give a really good understanding of the harshness of the environment. I have no idea of where the Northern Divide is (and Google doesn't help) but it seems rather frontier like, full of life struggles and lawlessness.

The plot is excellent and it held me so gripped I read it in one sitting. I puzzled over what was going on as gang warfare erupts over Augustus's death but I would never have guessed the ending which is neat, clever and seems to fit the novel exactly. I'm in awe of Mr Corbett's skill at weaving his tale, building up the tension, suspense and mystery in an economical way.

The characterisation focuses on the two protagonists, Yakabuski and the killer, Cambino. In a basic way it is a lesson in compare and contrast with the good Yakabuski and the bad Cambino. Yakabuski is a dogged investigator with a bull in a china shop approach and a determination to solve the crime. Cambino, on the other hand, is also dedicated and dogged so killing is not so much a pleasure as a necessity to protect his identity and "trade". It's not something that bothers him. I found him by far the most intriguing character in the novel as his background is hinted at rather than fully explained. Was he born a psychopath or was he "nurtured"?

Cape Diamond is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Gunnar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Springfield, eine fiktive kanadische Großstadt im Landesinneren an der nördlichen Wasserscheide. An einem Zaun eines Sportplatzes am Rande einer Hochhaussiedlung wird übel zugerichtet Augustus Morissey, Boss des heimischen Gangsterclans der Shivers, ermordet aufgefunden. Besonderes Detail: In seinem Mund wird ein äußerst wertvoller ungeschliffener Diamant gefunden. Detective Frank Yakabuski stößt bei seinen Ermittlungen auf viel Schweigen und wenig Interesse. Der Verdacht fällt auf die rivalisierende, kriminelle Truppe der North Shore Travellers. Es kommt zu gewaltsamen Auseinandersetzungen, die Stadt gleicht einem Pulverfass, man erwartet täglich einen blutigen Bandenkrieg.

Der zweite Teil der Reihe um den einzelgängerischen Detective Yakabuski führt wieder in die rauen, kargen Gegenden Kanadas, obwohl Autor Ron Corbett mit Springfield eine großstädtisches Setting ebenfalls erschafft. Der Roman erzählt viel von der Vergangenheit der Region mit Siedlern, Holzfällern, fahrendem Volk und wie sich Konflikte aus der damaligen Zeit bis in die Gegenwart erhalten haben. Corbett hat einen harten Krimi mit brutalen Gestalten und groben Gewalttaten geschrieben, bei dem der Ermittler jedoch die ganze Zeit versucht, auf die Zwischentöne zu achten und herauszufinden, ob hinter der ganzen Gewalt nicht noch mehr dahintersteckt. Und so viel sei gesagt – er wird recht behalten in diesem hartgesottenen kanadischen Krimi. Insgesamt eine wirklich gelungene Fortsetzung der Reihe.

[David Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite enjoying the overall story, I have to confess that I got a little lost at times amidst the myriad directions taken by the plot of the novel. In this second book of the series, the dogged detective, Frank Yakabuski, leads readers on a police procedural, as he attempts to solve a gruesome murder in northern Ontario. All the while, Yakabuski’s case becomes increasingly complex due to a sudden war between two major criminal gangs, as well as the appearance of a creepy and frightening serial killer. Although everything came together at the end, I would have liked the story better if the author had toned down the false leads that peppered the plot. In any event, regardless of what I viewed as the shortcomings of the novel, I do plan to continue the series.

[Buchdoktor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Das kanadische Springfield am gleichnamigen Fluss war bei seiner Gründung eine Holzfällersiedlung, die sich um ein Sägewerk entfaltete. Im 18. Jahrhundert bot der boreale am nördlichen Polarkreis Nadelwald Holz, Felle und Wasserkraft im Überfluss; französisch-stämmigen „Voyageurs“ sorgten für den Warentransport. Nur, wovon lebt man hier, wenn man kein Sägewerk besitzt?

Als Senior Detective Frank Yakabuski von der RCMP Ermittlungen aufnimmt im Fall des ermordeten Augustus Morrissey, Boss der North Shore Shiners, sieht er sich mit der Vorgeschichte verfeindeter Banden konfrontiert. Fragt sich nur, was die Botschaft des Rohdiamanten bedeutet, der im Rachen des Toten gefunden wird und nachweislich aus einer kanadischen Mine stammt. Die Shiner könnte man heute irrtümlich als Straßengang unterschätzen, die Popeyes unter Papa Paquette als Biker-Clan, Verbindungen bestehen zu Nachkommen der Métis, europäischen Pelzhändlern, die indianische Frauen heirateten. Der polnisch-stämmige Yakabuski, der zuvor Undercover für die Sûreté du Québec arbeitete und mehrere Kriegseinsätze in Bosnien hinter sich hat, hielt sich bisher für hart im Nehmen. Als jedoch in Springfield ein Bandenkrieg droht und sich aus Mexiko „Cambino“, ein Killer der kaltschnäuzigsten Art, auf schnurgradem Weg bis in den kanadischen Norden vorarbeitet, muss Frank zu härteren Mitteln greifen.

Der Forensiker, der Morrisseys Leiche am Fundort untersuchte, hatte sofort bemerkt, dass ihm keine Gaffer im Weg standen. Wo niemand die Polizei ruft, niemand etwas sieht und keine Namen genannt werden, kann es auch keine Gangs geben – magisches Denken eben. Warum jetzt, warum hier – und wer ist eigentlich mit wem verwandt, muss Frank sich fragen, unterstützt von der cleveren Kollegin Donna Griffin. Der Mountie kann auf Erfahrungen setzen, die sein pensionierter Vater George vor Jahren mit den Gangs sammelte, während Schwester Trish (ausgerechnet mit Augustus Morrisseys Anwalt Tyler Lawson verheiratet) zu gern ihren Bruder als Quelle anzapfen würde.

Ron Corbett trifft den Sound seiner Figuren und zeichnet einen nüchtern wirkenden Ermittler, der den Fehler noch nicht verwunden hat, der ihm bei seinem ersten Fall im hohen Norden unterlief. Franks Eigenheit, wie im Suchbild nicht nur den Fehler zu finden, sondern den Blick anderer darauf zu lenken, weckt jedenfalls Neugier auf weitere Fälle

[Rebecca Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cape Diamond is a thrilling murder mystery that follows Detective Frank Yakabuski as he tries to untangle the web of lies and deception surrounding the murder of a local man. As more strange things begin to happen around town, Yak must decipher who and what is connected to the murders, kidnapping of a little girl, and the origins of a diamond found on the first murder victim before all hell breaks loose in Springfield.

Corbett does a wonderful job keeping the reader guessing until the very end. He develops his characters and story in such a way that draws the reader in and makes them feel like a part of the novel.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Frank Yakabuski Mystery series. I had not read the first book, but I found that did not hinder my reading this book. Augustus Morrissey a gang leader, in Springfield, Ontario, is found handing from a fence with an uncut diamond in this mouth. Our protagonist, Frank is called to investigate. Is this a rival gang killing or something else? There is a lot of action to keep you engaged and the character building was quite good. You will have to read the book to find out if Augustus was murdered by the rival gang or was there someone else who wanted him dead? I am giving this book a 3.5 star review rounded to 4.

[Steve Tripp · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope ....this one gets a failing grade. The plot was confusing, unclear, disjointed, and (when I could figure it out) not remotely believable; the fictional city in Northern Ontario where the story takes place is a geographical challenge and is poorly described; the ending/epilogue tries to set up an appetite for the 3rd book (and fails); the characters are thinly portrayed .... I could go on .. I was going to give it two stars, but I've convinced myself in the last 30 seconds to downgrade this to "don't bother". Swing and a miss.

[Dlmrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Anne, Unfinished Woman · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this story begins, everything is not as it seems in the war between the gangs: the Shiners (Cork's Town) and the Travellers (on the North Shore) on the Northern Divide in fictional Springfield. Their bases are separated by the Springfield River, and a long history of intolerance, rivalry and violence. First Augustus Morrissey, King of the Shiners, is found strung up on a fence in Filion's Field in North Shore, with his eyes cut out and a large and distinctive diamond in his mouth. This is an old Travellers action that has some significant meaning, but has not been seen for years. Retaliation is inevitable, his son Sean will surely do something equally horrendous, which comes with the murder of Tete Fontaine, a cousin of Gabriel Dumont, leader of the Travellers, who has not been seen in Springfield for years. Then Dumont's granddaughter's kidnapped. Further riots on both sides cause widespread chaos and losses. The entire area is tense and forbidding as the normal winter season has not yet begun.

For Frank Yakabuski the questions are: what is happening and why, who would leave a diamond of the $1.2 million value, who killed him. The diamond provides a direction in that it originates from the De Kirk Cape Diamond mine north of the Kesagami Reserve of Canada. General Manager John Merkel, however, demonstrates the intense security and inventory control, at the mine, and declares that they do not have any diamonds missing. The Cree and Metis workers at the mine are subjected to rigorous strip searches and X-ray machines every day. Another piece of the puzzle, Gabriel Dumont has filed a claim on the land of the De Kirk mine. Yakabuski's investigation takes him from one player to another and finally a hint to look for the mother of Sean. A further complication for Frank is his sister's marriage to the defense attorney for Sean.

At the same time as this plays out, an assassin is making his way up from Mexico, headed for the north, and killing several people on the way. It is revealed this is the same man at the other end of the captured phone during the siege at Ragged Lake, that warned Yakabuski that he would come after his family if Frank looks for him. He is obviously on the payroll of Sean Morrissey. However, the self-talk of Cambino as he travels, a known killer, is weighing the merits of the two men, partners (unnamed at that time) each of whom has contracted with the assassin to kill the other. For Cambino he will only one, and it is necessary to determine which is the "false man".

In the end the war is a false one, designed to take attention away from the real goal, to divert police surveillance from the airport and have all law enforcement concentrated on the crowds of gang members and supporters gathered on either side of the North Shore Bridge. A De Kirk plane transporting a cargo of diamonds worth $1.2 billion to New York is highjacked and lands in Springfield, a collaborative theft of Sean and Gabriel. However, at least as the first salvo, Gabriel winds up the "false man" in Cambino's mind and he is brutally murdered. Sean Morrissey also has used this war to cloak his murder of his father. Sean and his mother, Katherine were close, until she disappears when Sean was 12, Augustus claiming that she had left to go back to Ireland. She was, however, Cree from Cape Diamond, and they were married in a secret ceremony. When Augustus was confronted by Sean he shows great fear, knowing since Sean has the diamond ring she always wore, Augustus in fact killed her. We are also left with the sense that Cambino may eventually come after Sean. Frank says to Sean..."Remember what I said in your office about schemers? How they always go too far? That's what you've done, Sean." And later..."The Travellers aren't going to like the way they just got played." He then goes on to remind Sean that neither the Popeyes nor Cortez are going to be happy that he has $1.2 billion in stolen diamonds stashed somewhere.

Finally, in the epilogue, Corbett effectively sets up the next installment as we travel with and in the mind of Cambino as he moves about the frozen north to finally decide to stay in the area for the time being.

This is a superb series. Yakabuski is a compelling character and the stories are creative and new.

[Harold Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Frank Yakabuski is part of the police force of Springfield, a “hopped up mill town on the southern skirt of the Great Boreal Forest”, in the area known as the Northern Divide.

Cape Diamond [ECW Press] is Yakabuski’s second adventure. This time he’s caught up in the brutal behavior of two criminal gangs — the Shiners and the Travellers.

Each gang is stogged chock-a-block with hardcases but the Travellers — if it came to a judged contest — would most likely take the Meanest Bad Guys trophy. Legend has it that the Travellers are descendants of the Voyageurs who — accordingly — may not have been the romantic fur traders that sanitized history books depict.

For instance. This novel opens with the discovery of a murdered crime boss strung up on schoolyard’s chain-link fence. His eyes have been cut out.

Guess who did that.

Yakabuski’s job is to investigate the killing.

His first clue is a million-dollar uncut diamond possibly stolen from a Cape Diamond mine. The diamond is discovered stuffed in … well, telling where would be a spoiler, eh b’ys?

So, here’s Yakabuski wedged between savage gangs on the brink of all-out war. Seems like that ought to allow plenty of conflict for one novel.

But no. There’s a nasty complication headed north to Springfield — headed north all the way from Mexico.

Serial killer Cambino Cortez, moving as relentlessly as Peter Benchley’s infamous shark, is driving a Falcon campervan up through The Sates on a beeline — as much of a beeline as the highways permit — towards the Northern Divide.

His mission?

To kill a false man, the identity of whom Cambino himself is uncertain.

Cape Diamond is a dark tale spun out in dark forests and featuring the best detective to appear in recent years.

You can be sure Frank Yakabuski will return because … well, because most tales don’t simply end, they spread out like spilled blood on a linen tablecloth.

[Grace Koshida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Frank Yakabuski investigates the gruesome murder of Augustus Morrissey, the Northern Divide’s most feared gang leader. Morrissey was found strung up on a fence with his eyes cut out and a huge raw diamond placed in his mouth. The diamond is identified as coming from the De Kirk Mines in Cape Diamond although the mine's general manager insists that the security measures in place put theft out of the question. Morrissey's gang, the Shiners, retaliate against their rivals, the Travellers. The violence continues to escalate as a prominent Traveller is killed and a young girl is kidnapped leaving the town of Springfield gripped in fear. Meanwhile, a paid Mexican assassin is traveling north, leaving a path of dead bodies in his wake. Who is his intended target?

This was a thrilling read and another strong entry in the Frank Yakabuski mystery series.

I received an eARC via Netgalley and ECW Press with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

[Vontel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in this series, taking place in the fictional city of Springfield in northern Ontario, with the current main industry seeming to be a diamond mine, after previous major industries in furs and then in forestry. The plot is complex, as in the first book, with quite the crime families, who have national and international connections.

The relationships between the police(and particularly Frank Yakabuski) & these gangs are at the core of the story, as well as are the usually horrendous crimes which the police must investigate. There are threads in this book which relate to events in the first book in the series. The ending to this book makes me think there will be at least one more volume coming after this one. Looking forward to reading it.

[Sharon Mensing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read the first in the series, I knew this would be a bloody story. It's complex and the plot holds the reader's interest. However, in Ragged Lake, the first Yakabuski thriller, the landscape played a much more important role and created an almost palpable atmosphere. In this 2nd book, the landscape retreats and I missed it. Corbett writes beautifully when he describes the natural environment in which the plot takes place, "...hoarfrost fields and crystallized vegetables missed in the harvest, corn and wheat mostly, the stalks looking like icicles that had fallen and impaled the earth." I'm looking forward to reading more of his books, and hope that his beautiful descriptions are more in evidence.

[Marty Solotki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graham Rowat is back to expertly lend his voice to the second instalment in the Det. Frank Yakabuski trilogy: it’s been many months since the wild shootout in Ragged Lake and a surprise winter heatwave isn’t the only thing putting Springfield on high alert. A retired mob boss is found ritually murdered and it’s about to set off a colossal gang war that’s been waiting decades to be retriggered.

We’ve also got a serial killer making a cross-continent trek leaving bodies in his wake, a missing girl, and a tale of revenge that will kick you right in the guts when all is revealed. This mystery is full of twists and turns and the climax is great; meanwhile the denouement is chilling and the prologue is outstanding. You’ll definitely want to read the third instalment after this banger!!

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gangs, murders, assassins and a town in trouble make for a tough job for Frank Yakabuski. While Frank is trying to figure out what's going on in the small town of Springfield in the Northern Divide, Cambino, a Mexican assassin is leaving a trail of bodies as he moves north. Geez. This one is complex and you'll wonder how these two threads will come together, well, no spoilers. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I had not read the first book but that wasn't a problem. A good read.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did enjoy this second book in the series. The author has carried on with Frank getting involved in a murder mystery that of course pulls in some of the same criminal characters from the first book, but with a very different storyline.

I now would like to read a bit of history on the entire area and the men who worked there as the author has drawn the characters with such detail, I have to know if all is fiction or based on history? On to book 3.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one intrigued me. The two warring gangs, the misdirections, the killer coming from Mexico....lots happening but no answers til the end. I enjoyed the Yak character, as well as the introduction of Donna. The location is interesting as are the back stories. A dangle is left there, ready for the next book., which I will look for when it becomes available.

[Brad Beattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read . Well written, with characters that come to life
made this so fun to read. Just more proof of Ron Corbetts
terrific story telling tallent . another one of his books you will
fall in love with .

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost gave up on this book, but then it started to grow on me. Well written, tightly plotted. Distinctive characters. Not very plausible — that was what put me off to start — but once you accept the premises, it works beautifully. Nothing left dangling.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic novel that is very well written with a superb plot. This novel is better than "Ragged Lake". The characters are all very well developed and the plot kept me interested throughout. A real page turner!!!

[Susan Kinnevy · Rating 5 out of 5]

always on the money

This novel is even better than the last one I read. A real master of poetic hardness, even minor characters feel fully drawn. I’ll keep reading this author, for sure

[Jacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but not my thing.

Strangely, after reading the first few chapters, must've been the words or character/street names, I'm not sure, but I got the impression he was from the Ottawa area, and when I read the about the author, I was right.

[Marc Rosove · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave the first book in this series a fairly bad review. I decided to read this one as I really enjoyed one of this author's non-fiction books. I'm glad I did.

This book was a fun read, with an interesting setting, and the protagonist more believable.

[Adriana Lopera Cardona]

Just start to Read, I am happy, I will do my opinion on the next week

[John Bowes · Rating 4 out of 5]

not bad

A reader likes to learn things. First book, the lumber business, second book, diamond security. And the pace begins to educate, soothe and entertain. The end is coming.

[Robert Emmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

We!l written

James Lee Burke of the north.
Beautiful descriptions of the environment and man's motivations.
A reader will be richly rewarded