He is even more surprised to learn that his father had taken in Kassian, a scruffy Russian resident of the home, in the hopes of keeping Kassian sober and out of trouble.  While sitting Shiva with his aunt Shel, Abe’s best friend Lev comes in and whispers to Josh that he is certain Abe was murdered and that Josh must find the murderer. Josh, who hasn’t started successfully grieving for his father, finds this accusation unbelievable until he learns of his father’s diamond collection that has mysteriously vanished. 

Josh finds himself confronting the ghosts of his teenage life, searching for missing diamonds, looking into his father’s death, ending a marriage and career and starting a new relationship, all the while coming to terms with losing his father.  

Diamonds for the Dead has many wonderful characters, all very colorful and full of life. Josh is multi-faceted, dealing with all the changes in his life, each in a different manner.  His new friend, Rachel, is also very well grounded, interested in starting a relationship with Josh (whom she has known since grammar school), but willing to take things slowly, though not on special occasions, such as New Year’s Eve. 

Kassian is a very sad and sympathetic person, and though Lev suspects him of murdering Abe, Josh finds that accusation very difficult to accept. The plot and mystery are a little slow paced, especially given the terrific characters, and a few people and instances that could have been developed more into possible suspects are skimmed over. Readers out for a mystery with a faster pace will be disappointed, but those who enjoy good characterization and characters with a strong sense of family will enjoy Diamonds for the Dead.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry