The Diamond Escape by Sheila Bitts opens in 2012 at a diamond mine in South Africa, where Frederick Falloy was working as a reporter. Two years later, Frederick is working as a private detective on a case for stolen Cacaw Diamonds. The case takes a turn when the thief turns to murder, and the evidence starts piling up. Everyone close to Frederick seems likely to be a suspect, with time running out before the diamonds are gone. As he works with officer Phillip Grable, he builds a surprising friendship, and finds romance where he least expects it.

Sheila Bitts is case orientated in her style, with vivid details and a thrilling mystery. Several suspects create twists and turns as Frederick and Grable take one piece of the puzzle after the next. The case is compelling with an underlying commentary, diamonds, and hope for a better tomorrow. The banter between the characters is quick and witty, with Frederick's dialogue changing slightly, depending on who he's addressing. He goes from flirty to snarky within lines, bringing charm, attitude, and heart to the story. A bit of romance between Frederick and Gail touch on the softer side of the case, creating potential new beginnings and chances at a happy ending. Gail is a complicated character, but I like that she's a strong woman who can defend herself and her baby. She's very elegant and sophisticated, and strikes a balance with Frederick. The Diamond Escape brings strong prose and layered characters to life in this gritty detective story.

The Diamond Escape by Sheila Bitts is a crime mystery. An eleven-million-dollar diamond necklace was stolen from the Field Museum. The diamonds are known as the Cacaw Diamonds and went missing in South Africa on the same day that thirty-four strikers were shot dead during a strike. These diamonds are tainted by bloodshed and violence. Leon, the current owner, loaned the diamonds to the Field Museum to be displayed, and he will be able to get more than the market value for them. Frederick Falloy is invited to a gallery and is drugged by Leon. Leon wants to hire Falloy to catch the diamond thief. When a body is found at a restaurant, Falloy went to the crime scene where he met Phillip Grable. Falloy and Grable then work together to find the killer and catch the diamond thief.

The Diamond Escape is engaging and exciting. The events are described in detail, and it was easy to visualize the people and events. The plot is complex and requires focus to read. The tension built as the story progressed and kept me on the edge of my seat. The story was fast-paced and jam-packed with action. There was never a dull moment. Sheila Bitts builds the background for a wide number of characters. It was a wild roller coaster ride with participants that were authentic and relatable. Each had a unique personality trait. The story was well written, and mystery and suspense were blended. The twists and turns unraveled toward an excellent ending. It was unexpected and surpassed my expectations.

The Diamond Escape is filled with mystery, suspense, and adventure. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by Sheila Bitts. In this intriguing novel set in contemporary times, we follow the exploits of private detective Frederick Falloy as he explores the world of jewelry theft in his very first case. Teaming up with veteran homicide detective Phillip Grable, the intrepid pair delves deep into the conspiracy in a violent criminal underbelly that will test Falloy to his limits and make him confront some dark issues of his own along the way.

Sheila Bitts has crafted a concise and intense thriller that will certainly please readers looking to escape into an interesting and atmospheric tale. Having visited Chicago a few times over the last few years, I loved the way that the setting played such a key role in how the plot unfolded and in creating a varied atmosphere of museum culture versus the seedy urban crime underworld. I also enjoyed the character development, especially the inclusion of Gail. Her subtle role grows as the plot progresses and provides a fresh angle for the two male leads to explore their options. In particular, Grable’s dialogue tickled me and reflected the grizzled old vet that he was. The novel’s narrative flow had a lot of slick charm and was easy to follow and enjoy. I would highly recommend The Diamond Escape to mystery fans everywhere who are seeking a great new detective series to enjoy.