Not Without Proof

The International Diamond Dealers Association wants to hire Stratton O'Neil to uncover a thief stealing valuable gems from their members. Stratton insists he is out of that business, but the offer is so good so he accepts the IDDA as a client. The prime suspect is a Houston dealer Am Leonadov, owner of Leonadov Diamonds. Insisting he needs her ability to speak Portuguese, Am shocks his assistant Jennifer Rodas by taking her on a business trip to Rio, the first time his assistant goes on the road. However, someone kills Am in his hotel room and targets Jennifer next. Stratton, who followed them to Brazil, rescues Jennifer. He concludes she is an innocent dupe, but someone needed her and her boss out of the way. When the lead couple meets and remains on center stage the story line is a gem of a romantic suspense; when the sidebars push the stars off the stage, the tale slows down as the audience feels overwhelmed by seemingly excessive subplots. Stratton is a fabulous hero who wants to get out of the game, but has one last play in which the stakes are the highest he ever participated with, the safety of his beloved, and innocent soul. Fans will appreciate this strong suspense thriller. Harriet Klausner