The Color of Death

At first I didn't think I'd like the topic of this book: Gems. It's a romantic suspense story set around the gem industry and I actually learned a few things about gems! I thought the main characters were strong and likeable. I thought the plot was well developed and kept you involved and interested. Those who didn't care for the book probably prefer more romance that suspense in their reading but I thought it had enough of both.

Lowell's romantic suspense novels are always consistently spectacular, and her latest is no exception to this rule. Jewel cutter Kate Chandler is determined to discover why her half-brother, Lee Mandel, disappeared while acting as a courier transporting some very expensive sapphires. Though the FBI believes that Lee just disappeared with the merchandise, Kate is convinced that he met with foul play. She discovers one of the stones Lee was carrying at a local dealers show in nearby Phoenix. Kate switches the authentic stone with a fake in order to examine the valuable gem to prove that it was the same one in Lee's possession. While in the process of replacing the real stone and retrieving the fake one she had left in its place, FBI Special Agent Sam Groves catches her in the act and believes her to be a thief until she convinces him that the gem in her possession is synthetic. Sizzling heat builds between the pair, as he investigates her brother's disappearance and begins to believe that Lee may have been murdered. Rumors run rampant concerning the organized heists and murders of gem couriers. And when Sam believes that someone on the inside of the FBI investigation is responsible for leaking info about Kate, his confidential informant, he provides her with personal protection 24/7. Sensuous romance and captivating suspense are Lowell's forte, and she excels at both in this gripping read. Though the suspects of the various criminal acts may seem obvious at first glance, carefully readers will be surprised at the novel's conclusion, a fitting ending to a page-turning summer read.

Although EL's series-books are some of her finest, this apparent stand-alone mystery is excellent. Set in the world of international jewel traders (like the Amber Beach/Jade Island series), Color of Death introduces all new characters. The mystery is entertaining. The characters are vivid (maybe a bit cranky, but vivid). FBI agent Sam Groves walks the edge, but actually gets the job done and the mystery solved. Jewel cutter Kate Chandler is intelligent, skilled, courageous and a little less cranky than Sam. This is my idea of a good summer read.

This book will keep you guessing until the very end. Here is the basic plot: Kate Chandler is trying to find out what happened to her brother. He disappeared while transporting the `seven sins' (seven blue sapphires). The FBI won't listen to her and think she is a nut job. Kate runs into FBI SA Sam Groves while she is trying to track down the sapphires. He believes her story. When people start dieing he realizes that if no one keeps Kate safe she will soon be dead. This book was a GREAT read. I had to back up in the beginning because I forgot who was who. So pay careful attention in the first few chapters, don't read too fast like I did. This book has great suspense and a wonderful relationship between Sam and Kate, you will want to give Sam a big hug yourself at the end. What a great hero. As the book nears the end you'll think you have figured out who the killers are, but just wait. I gasped out loud when the book finally revealed the real leader. Ann Maxwell (Elizabeth Lowell) had delivered, yet again, a wonderful book.