A Pocketful of Diamonds
by
Pam Lecky
Lucy Lawrence smoothed her silk travelling gown and watched as darkness fell over the shimmering waters of Lake Como – her honeymoon bliss shattered in an instant by a telegram carrying deadly tidings…
Newlyweds Lucy Lawrence and Phineas Stone arrive at the glittering shores of Lake Como, Italy, not to enjoy a romantic honeymoon but to answer a frantic plea for help. Phin’s brother-in-law – the charismatic Count Luca Carmosino – has vanished without a trace from his Belle Époque villa, and the couple find themselves thrust into a world of stolen diamonds and smuggling rings.
From the opulent Grand Hotel Bellagio with its crystal chandeliers to the misty mountain passes of the Swiss border, Lucy must solve the mystery of the Count’s disappearance and navigate the treacherous waters of Italian high society, all while maintaining the decorum expected of a proper Victorian lady… But as Lucy edges closer to the truth about what happened to Count Carmosino, the stakes rise dramatically. When an attempt is made on her life while Phin is out of town, Lucy realizes they’re both in grave danger. Can she unravel this conspiracy and save those she loves before it’s too late?
The fourth in the beloved Lucy Lawrence mystery series! A gripping tale of stolen diamonds, family intrigue, and hard-won redemption set against the stunning backdrop of glamorous Italy.
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My Five Star Review:
If you’re looking for an armchair adventure that transports you to the glamorous shores of Victorian-era Lake Como, this historical mystery was an absolute delight. I loved how the story follows newlyweds Lucy and Phineas Stone, whose honeymoon turns into a thrilling investigation in Italy, rather than a romantic getaway. They’re searching for Phineas’s missing brother, Count Luca Carmosino, and soon find themselves tangled in the dangerous world of diamond smuggling and high society secrets.
The characters really drew me in—Lucy, with her sharp intellect and courage, was especially captivating. I enjoyed seeing her balance bravery and wit while maintaining her Victorian poise in such life-threatening situations. The dynamic between her and Phineas added depth to the story as they faced their challenges together.
I also really enjoyed the vivid scenery. The rich descriptions of Lake Como’s sparkling waters, grand villas, and the stunning mountain landscapes made me feel like I was right there in 19th-century Italy. The novel effortlessly combines suspense, romance, and unpredictable twists, keeping me on edge from start to finish. If you love a historical mystery with a touch of danger and beautiful settings, this book is the perfect escape! Highly recommend.
Pam Lecky is an Irish historical fiction author with Avon Books UK and Storm Publishing. She is represented by Therese Coen at Susanna Lea Associates Literary Agency, London. Pam is a member of the Historical Novel Society, The Crime Writers’ Association and the Society of Authors.
Her Secret War, her Irish WW2 thriller, was released in October 2021, gaining a best seller badge in the US. The sequel, Her Last Betrayal, was released in April 2022 and also gained bestseller status. The third book in the series, The Last Letter from London, was published in August 2023. Her standalone police procedural/murder mystery, Under a Lightning Sky, set during the Blitz in London, was published on July 4th 2024.
Early in 2024, Pam was delighted to announce that Storm Publishing have bought the rights to her popular Victorian mystery series, The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries. The first three books were re-launched in July 2024, with a new fourth book slated for publication in September 2024.
The Bowes Inheritance, her debut novel, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion; was shortlisted for the Carousel Aware Prize 2016; made ‘Editor’s Choice’ by the Historical Novel Society; long-listed for the Historical Novel Society 2016 Indie Award; and chosen as a Discovered Diamond in February 2017.
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