Any Old Diamonds

Any Old Diamonds (2019) K.J. Charles (Lilywhite Boys)

Set in England in 1895.

Lord Alexander Pyne-ffoulkes–who goes by Alec Pyne–desperately wants revenge upon his father. So he hires the Lilywhite Boys to steal the diamond parvane his father is planning to give his second wife on their 20th anniversary. But Jerry Crozier knows far more than Alec is comfortable with–and Jerry doesn’t trust Alec not to back out of the deal once things are set in motion.

This story was a bit of a departure for KJ Charles, in that we only see things from Alec’s side. We have no idea what Jerry is doing or thinking. I actually really liked that, since it helped emphasize how untrustworthy Jerry could be.

If I were inclined to repentance, and I’m not, I’d want to start now. To do it on one’s deathbed is to be sorry because one has been caught, and that surely doesn’t count.”

Consider me the antithesis of a Romish priest. I take confession, I keep your silence, but instead of absolution I give you vengeance.

This is, as noted, a KJ Charles book, which means it’s a M/M romance and full of boinking.

It’s also got a story that immediately pulled me in, lots of surprises, and complicated bad guys.

Which, of course, I’d expect, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth mentioning.

Also, bits like this make me think I might like to visit rural England of the past.

Behind them were the Bowland fells, barren-looking moors studded with gritstone, rising and falling jaggedly, stretching out and up forever, bleak and empty and beautiful.

Which won’t happen, but still.

Publisher: KJC Books

Rating: 8/10

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