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Blue Diamonds, A Zach Taylor Adventure, Book 1 from Cambridge Books

2008 EPIC Award for Cover Artwork
BLUE DIAMONDS has won the 2008 EPIC Dirk A. Wolf Honorable Mention Award for for Excellence in eBook Cover Artwork in the Historical/Westerns/Thriller/Action-Adventure category.
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"THIS IS A KEEPER ! I've read this twice, it's that good. For a first novel, Dane has nailed it. It's fast- paced, but involves so many different scenes and people (all of which grab your interest), that one is mesmerized by how they all fit together. There's more than one hero as well (letting you pick your own favorite), and yet that doesn't take from the story at all. All in all I'd have to give this four stars at least." —Carroll M. Jones, author of Murder on Margin "A GOOD READ. Blue Diamonds starts with a bang then the excitement accelerates in this story of larger-than-life law enforcement agents investigating organized crime and its connection to terrorist activity." —Nancy Madison, author of Whispers, Clues to Love, and Never Love a Stranger.
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Anne K. Edwards, Mystery Fiction, January 11, 2007
Follow the track of a dozen blue diamonds that seem to carry a curse as they wreak havoc in the lives of those into whose hands they fall. How many will pay with their lives to possess them? Where will they end up? Federal Agent Zach Taylor and his partner, Sabrina Calabrese, are drawn into the drama surrounding the stones in the pursuit of criminals. More than once they put their lives on the line and danger seems to confront them at every turn. Is there a mole in their department who is feeding information to the mob that is partly responsible for this? Zach finds his cases further complicated by the reappearance of an ex lover in his life. As a newscaster, she could add to his danger when they turn up at the same hotel and he is under cover. Will she? This is a story that will please the suspense fan who enjoys sharing the danger with the good guys as they move from case to case. A fun read. Enjoy. I did.
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Ann-Marie Chalmers, Front Street Reviews, September 10, 2007
Federal Agent Zach Taylor is a force to be reckoned with. There is nothing that can happen in one day that can faze him. From stopping a hold-up at a store, rescuing hostages from a bank robbery, saving a dog from a burning building, and bringing in a fugitive, Zach is one dedicated man of the law.

However things are about to change for Zach after a chance encounter with his ex-girlfriend, Erin McShane, brings out some feelings he thought he had managed to get out of his system. Erin, is a television journalist who is always hot on the trail of a big story. This time she is after a popular Congressman who seems to have ties to organized crime. So it is a sure thing that Zach and Erin are about to see more of each other.

The story is based around 12 rare blue diamonds stolen from Greek Jews during the Holocaust. They are the key in bringing down a modern day Miami crime lord who supplies terrorists with weapons. Zach has to go undercover and infiltrate the Don’s circle to gather evidence that will bring the mobster down. He teams up Matt Crawford, a former prisoner and a mysterious, beautiful diamond dealer known only as “Malone” to get the job done.

However things are never easy. The first problem is Valeria Santiago, the Don’s daughter, who has a thing for Matt. Then we have Raul Carlona, an ambitious mobster who wants to do things his own way. Also add to the mix Toni Manzano, a professional hit woman out for revenge. Oh and last but not lease don’t forget Zach’s ex, Erin the journalist who will do anything for a scoop.

This story has some Tom Clancy feeling to it. However it is a lot fluffier and not as deep or long as the famous author’s books. With enough thrill and suspense to keep the reader going till the last page, there is a definite style to this one that a lot of people will enjoy. The characters are slightly over the top as well as the storyline but the witty writing makes up for it. With phrases like “Just for once I’d like Backup to be here during a shooting.” And “No French Fries? What kind of French restaurant is this?” there are some giggles to be had.

Yet another book based on terrorism is not exactly filling a gap in the market. However this one does have a recipe that could prove successful. With lots of action, twists and turns and a splash of romance this book has danger and suspense all the way through. Although on the other hand are there enough readers out there who want to read about this kind of theme when we are already confronted with it everyday through the mass media.

If you need a rush of excitement then Spencer Dane’s first novel ‘Blue Diamonds’ is worth a try.
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Marjorie Doughty, author of Gator Hole, June 2007 -- "EXTREMELY WELL WRITTEN. Blue Diamonds would rival any on the market today. I strongly recommend it for an interesting read."

Arline Chase, author of Killraven and Ghost Dancer, June 2007 -- "A THRILLER
WITH A NEVER-LET-UP PACE. Spencer Dane's Blue Diamonds will keep you on the edge of your chair. Don't start this one late at night!"

Dennis M. Corrigan, December 2007 -- "This is a well written novel and the story line keeps the reader engaged. The descriptions used by the author to set the scenes are very good; it felt like I was in some of the locations that were familiar to me. I am eager to see Spencer Dane's next book!!
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Reviewed by Greg Cason 1/31/2007

Author Spencer Dane doesn’t waste any time getting the plot rolling in Blue Diamonds. A few pages in and there’s already a body count. Zachary Taylor, the protagonist, is a complicated hero who would rather spend a quiet evening listening to classical music than participate in a shoot out. Naturally, this fast-paced story doesn’t allow Zach his wish. Blue Diamonds follows the trail of a dozen rare diamonds stolen from Greek Jews during the Holocaust. The diamonds weave their way around Zach, a powerful mafia don, a corrupt Congressman, a beautiful and mysterious diamond broker, and Zach’s former girlfriend—an investigative reporter who will do almost anything to get her story, maybe even endanger Zach! It’s a great story with plenty of action, intrigue and unexpected plot twists.

You can tell Dane did his homework on this book. When Zach calls on his military or police training, you can bet that it’s 100% correct. Dane gives you accurate information about weapons and tactics without bogging the story down with unnecessary details.

The characters are well drawn and avoid the clichés so common in this genre. Zach, while being a highly-trained and very lethal man, is deeply religious and truly doesn’t like to kill. At one point in the book, he notices that a dead hit man he shot is Catholic and he calls in a priest to perform last rites. The book is tightly plotted. Besides Zach and his partner Sabrina, it’s hard to tell the complete agendas of the other major characters. And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the plot throws you another curve ball.

In summary, the book is well written. It’s a fun read with lots of good characters and an engaging plot. It was hard not to finish it in one sitting. I’ve heard that Blue Diamonds is the first in a trilogy of books about Zachary Taylor. I’m impatiently looking forward to the next two!

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