Clinton Windell is brutally murdered in his Southwest Hills mansion and robbed of twenty million dollars in uncut gems. An anonymous client hires ex-DEA agent turned private investigator, C. J. Cavanaugh and his junior partner, Renita Harris, to root out the Windell murderers. There’s only one catch. C. J. and his partner must not reveal to anyone they are working on the case. To complicate matters further C. J. and Renita must deceive Cavanaugh’s long-time lover and dogged Homicide Detective, Destini Pendleton, who is assigned to head the high profile investigation. To maintain normal appearances, C. J. and Renita arrange to do a standard insurance inquiry on Genevieve Windell, the primary benefactor of her late husband. When Mrs. Windell turns out to be a prime suspect in her husband’s murder, C. J. and Renita find themselves boxed in. Between the killers, Detective Pendleton, the insurance company, and their omnipotent and ominous mystery client, C. J. has to utilize all of his cunning and training to keep him and his partner out of prison or the morgue long enough to capture the killers.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: In book one of a series, readers are introduced to former DEA agent and current private investigator C.J. Cavanaugh as he’s drawn into what looks like a jewel heist gone bad, but might actually be murder. A number of possibilities for solving the case are laid out for readers, including corporate espionage, infidelity, jealousy, and revenge—but the ending remains a twisty surprise.
Prose: The Gem Connection is rendered in an easy and natural style that will keep readers turning pages.
Originality: The Gem Connection hits some standard detective fiction beats, but layers on the plot twists and intriguing subterfuge.
Character/Execution: Lane does an admirable job of animating private investigator C.J. Cavanaugh as a vehicle for readers to experience the story. Detective Destini Pendleton is believable as Cavanaugh’s love interest questioning the motives of his alluring partner, Renita Harris.
Date Submitted: June 03, 2024
"Michael Lane does a phenomenal job bringing his story to life. The author goes into great detail about everything from the first chapter. Every detail is critical to the story whether it is to set up character personality, setting, or foreshadowing what's to come. Many events occur throughout the story, but the narrative doesn't feel overloaded with information, instead creating a compelling plot with plenty of twists and turns. The characters are complex and continue to develop throughout the story. C.J Cavanaugh is the type of investigator who is willing to risk his own life to find truth and justice. Readers find themselves both loving and hating him, while Lane transforms this mystery it into an epic thrill ride."
“This is the usual jewel heist, complicated by a ruthless murder. These are the facts: Wealthy jeweler Clinton Windell, a man who is used to getting his own way, is murdered at his lavish Southwest Hill mansion. In the end, it’s a glorious triple cross that makes this reviewer think of good film noir, making the reading time well spent.”
“I don't normally go for Private Investigator stories, but I picked this book up 'to have a look' and the characters had me by the end of the first chapter. I read it over a couple of days and when I finished I knew that I'd be delighted to meet CJ and Renita again.”
