I think I was hoping for more effective social commentary here but I thought it maybe bought into stereotypes a bit. It’s tough because I probably went in wanting something else.

This book had me hooked from the beginning. I had to keep readingto find out what happens with Diamond! Three stars.

I read the blurb, and I thought I knew what this story was going to be about, but I wrong. Not completely wrong, but at least a little bit wrong about certain things. It does include the themes of prostitution/forced prostitution, human trafficking and is a dark read, but I don’t think it was overly graphic in its descriptions. I don’t think people realise how ‘common’ these issues are today, and think more big picture/international gangs, rather than a more homegrown viewpoint.

There were parts I enjoyed about this book: the storyline, the characters, the mystery, the writing of the POVs and the pace, but there were other parts which I found to be grating, for example the way the FMC made so many mistakes and seemed to just get lucky, which, to be honest, is maybe exactly what happens to PI’s, I don’t know. Her decision-making abilities irked me though. She did show some strength and sensitivity.

I was entertained and invested in the story enough to read until the end and thought I could definitely see it playing out on a screen.

To find a missing girl, Sandy must return to the insidious places she once worked tirelessly to escape

Sandy Corrigan used to be called Diamond. She used to live in an apartment with other girls like her, though she rarely slept there, instead spending her evenings in hotel rooms around Orlando with lonely, unfaithful men. That is, until the incident.

this was a great book, had me on the edge of my seat, a real page turner, happy ending though, so many surprises, like the bent cops!

Private Investigator Sandy Corrigan knows all about life in Orlando, Florida. Sandy’s past makes her particularly adept at navigating the underworld that springs up around the tourism mecca. But she’s left that life behind, the life where she was known as Diamond and where she spent her nights in the hotel rooms of paying clients. She escaped it all after a brush with death that left her scarred but grateful to be alive. Now she works for her brother and is raising her young son, Tyler.
When a young girl goes missing, and an old friend asks for Sandy’s help, she finds herself back in the thick of her old life, and among some old enemies. Before she knows it, she is risking everything to find out what happened to the girl and to right some decisions she made years before that she regrets.
This book goes deep into the scourge of human trafficking and does so with sensitivity, avoiding the traps that often come along with similar subject matter. Sandy is a strong, resourceful heroine who I enjoyed rooting for. Thomas B. Cavanagh weaves a thrilling and believable tale in DIAMOND CUT. I couldn’t put it down!
Thank you to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for the opportunity to read this advanced review copy.

This was such a great book, full of plot twists, which I was unable to predict. An absolute page turner, that was very difficult to put down.
Loved the main character, Sandy.
This was my first book by Thomas B Cavanagh, and it certainly won’t be the last.
The author clearly did extensive research into particular issues, and at the end of the book has information on the issues

Liked this storyline, a bit slow at times and too much detail at time
Overall I would read more from this author

This was a great read. I’m glad I got to read it. The author did a great job with character development and the plot. Also, I didn’t see the twists coming.

I could not put Diamond Cut down! This was such a jam packed novel that was so easy to read and captivating! The characters were very well written and the plot was in thrilling. I read this all in one day because as I said I could not put it down! The were some common tropes in the story but it was just really well done that it didn't take away from the story. Highly recommend Diamond Cut!

If you love thrillers with a strong female lead you are sure to love Thomas B. Cavanagh's, Diamond Cut. Sandy Corrigan, aka, Diamond, a prior private investigator who was a sex worker in a previous life gets pulled back into her prior life in search of a missing girl, Naomi Nguyen.

Full of intrigue, crooked and corrupt cops and even Russian mafia this one never lets off the throttle for a minute and I highly recommend!

Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy. It is my pleasure to write an honest review.

This book was a ride.....
Let's talk about plot first.
The writer did a great job devising the outline of the plot as none of the events in the book seem like they are popping out of nowhere. It is fast paced, at least enough for me to not loose intrest in the book. I liked that after every few pages there was twist or an awesome logical revelation.
If we talk about the heroine, she was really a character that we can relate to. The decisions she made in the whole book related to what a normal person would make in those circumstances.
Sometimes she was stubborn though but that was also required, I guess to make the character seem more realistic. There were some decisions made by sandy that I am certainly not a fan of but the plot overpowered it. It didn't give you time to think the consequences of her decision so it was good.
The one thing that could have been improved was the ending because the villain was portrayed like someone who was very powerful and although the ending was realistic, I was expecting some big showdown at the end because of the expectations that the whole book gave me so I was a bit disappointed by the ending.
Nevertheless I was happy that sandy got her normal life back and took those girls out of that hell.
I am a sucker for happy endings 😁

“Corrupt cops, Russian pimps, and international sex trafficking” “oh my…”

This was an exciting fast paced read. Sandy, a previous escort, is pulled back into her old world and she is determined to help those still living that life, even if it means putting herself in dangerous situations.

At times it felt predictable, but I enjoyed the wonderfully written suspense so much that I didn’t mind. I’m usually a fan of multiple POVs to keep me interested in a story. This was all first person from Sandy’s POV and I had no trouble staying invested. I failed at my attempts of “just one more chapter” many times.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas B. Cavanagh, and Oceanview Publishing for this ARC opportunity.

Publication date: July 2, 2024

I enjoyed the writing style and the premise of the plot, however this is not my genre and I couldn't settle into it. This does not mean it's not a good book, it just wasn't for me.
Give it a read.

Diamond Cut by Thomas B. Cavanagh. This is the first book by Mr. Cavanagh that I have read, and I can tell you I look forward to so many more. Diamond cut introduces you to Sandy Carrigan, working now as a (PI) Private Investigator for her brother Billy for the last 6 years. She had a rough start in life and has tried to escape the events that left her single and alone. She is asked to help a friend from the past find a missing woman. However, will this lead her back into the life she has fought so hard to escape.

Author Thomas B. Cavanagh leads an amazing adventure and suspenseful story of murder, deception, and revenge. Sandy Carrigan is drawn, and feels responsible, for the murder of missing working girl from her old stomping grounds. Asked to find out what happened and find out who did it, she is drawn towards a whirlwind of twists and turns. One would never see the secret corners of the working girl community. This story has a strong female lead that shows determination, grit, strength, and integrity to do all that it takes to make it right and bring those responsible to justice.

The descriptive way the author presents this story leaves you no choice but to get emotionally involved and feel what the characters do. I found myself holding my breath just to get through many parts of this book. If you enjoy murder and suspense in a good thriller you will love “Diamond Cut”. I highly recommend this book. This story has so many twists and turns it’s hard to find a place to stop for the night. 8 hours last night and I found myself finishing it. This book really needs to be a movie, it’s that good!

TW for: Human Trafficking, Suicide, Sexual Assault, Prostitution

Sandy, a retired escort turned detective, thought her past was behind her, until she has to revisit her past in order to find a missing girl.

At first, I thought this book was not going to be one I would enjoy, but once I got into the pace of it, I could not put it down!

The themes were a bit tough to get through however it's a book that tackles real life issues and shows it for what it truly is.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

After careful consideration, I would confidently rate "Diamond Cut" by Thomas B. Cavanagh a solid 4 stars. This gripping thriller takes readers on a suspenseful journey as Sandy Corrigan, a former call girl turned investigator, navigates a dark and treacherous world to find a missing girl.

Cavanagh's writing style is immersive and engaging, skillfully depicting the seedy underbelly of Orlando and capturing the tension and danger lurking around every corner. The protagonist, Sandy Corrigan, is a complex and relatable character, whose resilience and determination shine through in the face of adversity. Readers will find themselves emotionally invested in her journey as she confronts her past and fights to uncover the truth.

The pacing of the book is commendable, maintaining a steady rhythm that keeps the suspense building throughout. The well-crafted plot is filled with twists and turns, ensuring that readers will remain captivated and guessing until the very end. The exploration of themes such as redemption, survival, and the lasting effects of trauma adds depth and resonance to the story.

"Diamond Cut" delivers on the thrills and surprises expected from a top-notch thriller. With its well-developed characters, engaging writing, and an intriguing plot, it delivers a satisfying reading experience. Fans of authors like Sue Grafton and Lisa Gardner, who appreciate strong female leads and suspenseful narratives, are likely to thoroughly enjoy "Diamond Cut".

In conclusion, "Diamond Cut" is a 4-star thriller that combines realistic storytelling with a fast-paced and thrilling narrative. If you enjoy mysteries and suspense novels that keep you on the edge of your seat, this book is an excellent choice. Thomas B. Cavanagh has crafted a compelling and enthralling story that will leave readers eager for more.

I appreciated the main character's resilience. The book tackles serious issues, which is a plus. (human trafficking, prostitution, sexual and physical abuse, etc.) The writing shows that the author really knew and was well-informed about the topic.

The MC had a little too reckless behavior despite understanding multiple times how dangerous what she was doing was. Her actions seemed sometimes forced. Also, nice connection between the MC's past and how she wanted to help someone get out of that same situation she was in six years ago.

A story that dives into serious and real topics such as trafficking, prostitution, sexual assault, physical abuse, murder, and more. I admire the way the protagonist overcame adversities and it truly demonstrates how resilient one can be. The story was clearly well thought-out given how events lined up. Aspects of this I did not enjoy, the main character is a novice PI or slightly above, she makes numerous mistakes and acts irresponsibly and irrationally. I feel like time and time again, she got lucky. I found myself literally getting angry at her decision making. She was competent enough to understand how certain things were wrong or dangerous yet had this hero complex and would act regardless. About 3/4 in, the story felt like I was reading the end of a movie.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Overall the book was OK. The main character was likable. I was a little disoriented though how she could flip flop between 'bad ass' and almost catatonic. That felt too extreme given her life experiences.