Book Review: Rough Diamonds by Gillian Godden

We are pleased to be welcoming Gillian Godden to Novel Kicks. She’s here with the blog tour for her latest novel, Rough Diamonds.

Flawed, tough, unbreakable….

In the aftermath of her husband’s shocking murder, Patsy Diamond wants answers. Who was Nick really? Where is all his money? And who killed the man she once loved? Patsy knows exactly who to go to first – Nick’s pregnant mistress, Natasha.

Natasha might seem young and innocent, but Patsy’s certain the girl is hiding something. And the only way to find out what is to keep Natasha close and make her part of the Diamond family.

With the two women forming an unlikely bond, they begin to dig deeper into Nick’s secret life and discover things that shock…and terrify them.

Because Nick Diamond played a deadly game and if the women in his life want payback, then they are going to have to follow his rules – or break them and make their own.

But the strongest diamonds are created under pressure and these women are no exception…

*****

Patsy always knew that there was a side to her husband she didn’t know. When he’s murdered and his associates start to close in, she finds herself teaming up with the most unlikely of people.. her husband’s mistress. 

There is action right from page one and it didn’t take me long to get pulled into the story. 

It’s mostly made up of female characters which was a great perspective to have, especially when a lot of books in this genre focus on the men. 

Patsy is a strong character but she soon finds herself out of her depth. It was interesting to see how she dealt with situations especially when you factor in children. 

Natasha is not what she appears when you meet her and I wasn’t sure whether I could trust her. 

The book was paced well and the author successfully sets up a tense atmosphere. 

Themes explored include family, loyalty and trust and how fragile it all is. 

I don’t want to say much else as I don’t want to give away any spoilers. 

Rough Diamonds was a great gritty crime/thriller where nothing is as it seems. It would be a perfect companion for a holiday. Once I finished reading, I got the feeling there’s plans for a sequel. I hope I’m right. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Netgalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

About Gillian Godden:

Gillian Godden is a brilliantly reviewed writer of gangland fiction as well as a full-time NHS Key Worker in Hull.

She lived in London for over thirty years, where she sets her thrillers, and during this time worked in various stripper pubs and venues which have inspired her stories.

Say hello to Gillian via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bookbub. You can sign up to her newsletter by clicking here. 

Rough Diamonds was released on 2nd August 2022 by Boldwood Books. Click to buy on Amazon UK and Waterstones. 

by

Chris Parish