A mystery/suspense crime novel about the diamond industry and a plan to steal the inventory and crash prices. Loosely based on the workings of the De Beers Cartel. It's set in 1970 England however other than the absence of mobile phones/technology you can't really tell it takes place nearly have a century ago.

I found it was quite slow to get moving and I wasn't particularly enthralled at all. However once the actual robbery took place and the getaway and double crossing started happening it picked up and became rather interesting.

Bit disappointing overall, had all the right ingredients for a fantastic story just didn't quite come together. ( )

This is a reissue of a 1970s book, and it is very 1970s in feel, but it is still a rather fun read. Diamond merchant Chesser is becoming fed up with The System, the global diamond cartel that control the entirety of the diamond trade. After being passed over for higher-level diamond deals, Chesser decides to cut ties with The System, effectively ending his career. An eccentric billionaire takes an interest in Chesser, hiring him to find a diamond and later, to steal The System's inventory. So, Chesser decides to infiltrate one of the most secure organizations in the world. What follows is a slightly absurd and yet engrossing series of high-stakes moves, and flight from multiple double-crossing enemies. Everyone in this book betrays everyone else. No one is what they seem.

The 70s touches to this book are evident. There are open relationships (oooooh! scandalous!) Everything feels a bit James Bond-y, though Chesser is far less competent than James Bond. The plot moves quickly, and I was curious to see exactly how it would all end up. The ending is a bit of a letdown, but it's a fun read. ( )

Entertaining read about a couple involved in "The System" - essentially the Diamond Cartel and a bred billionaire. Some clever plot items and scenes, including the theft of diamonds. The ending was a downer. ( )

Jewelry heist. Lots of sexual content. Not very original. Just fun to read if you have hours to waste. ( )

Basis for the Charles Grodin movie of the same name. The movie was a great early heist story with a wise-cracking narrator.