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.

Whoa!!! This surprised the hell out of me. I was instantly intrigued by the delicious cover ❤️.
I am so glad I stumbled upon this little hidden gem 💎

— The plot

Sandy is a retired escort now turned private eye (detective). She has been enjoying this nice and safe little life along with her six year old son, Tyler. One day she is contacted by someone she hasn’t seen or heard from in six years, another old ‘coworker’. She has been hired to investigate the disappearance of one of the new girls. Easy peasy right? Wrong! Soon, Sandy learns this was way bigger than she ever could have imagined. This isn’t just pimp stuff and missing hookers……. Lives are being trafficked.

I will be honest and admit that I was a little hesitant at the start. Once I got about 30% in……. I was all invested. Sandy is one of those characters that you’re rooting for but still continues to make stupid decisions just to be the hero. I could live with that. As she once lived that awful life, she wants to save anyone and everyone from that deep dark place. This has a little action, which I didn’t mind…. Considering the heavy weight of the story.

I am delighted to say this a fantastic book. Loved every minute of it! I highly recommend this if you can bear the trigger warnings. It is 3:18am as I am writing this, so you know it must be good!
** Trigger warnings are sexual assault, prostitution, human trafficking, and I might be missing some. You have been warned**

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing, and Thomas B. Cavanagh for a copy. All opinions are my own.
Expected release date July 2, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This had me on the edge of my seat to the point where I had to stay up til 2am to finish. This was a thrill ride from start to finish and I'm so incredibly glad to have been able to read this. When will there be more?!

Sandy has a dark past that she thought she'd left behind, but she must call on the painful lessons of her past in order to help someone else. Not a light read, but engrossing and well-written. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

Delving into the dark realms of prostitution and human trafficking, this book is not an easy read. It's candid about a haunting issue that is often overlooked in society, yet avoids being overly graphic. However, it's an essential read to raise awareness about a problem that's more widespread than we might think.

The lead character is a remarkable embodiment of resilience and strength. Having faced unimaginable adversities, her journey showcases courage that's both inspiring and touching. She's genuinely endearing, and her compassion, even when it leads her into peril, resonates deeply.

A potent mix of heartrending moments, suspense, wit, and unexpected twists, the narrative had me riveted. The caliber of the writing was truly impressive, making me wonder how I hadn't come across this author earlier. The plot is insightful and well-researched, balancing the gravity of the subject with an engaging storyline.

For those who appreciate intense, enlightening reads that don't skimp on action and suspense, this is a must-read. I'd give it a solid 4.5 stars.

A big thank you to Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing for this advanced copy.

Sandy thought she had left her old life behind, but soon she must revisit her past in attempt to help another. Not a happy book, but definitely a page turner.

This was a bit of a dark read involving prostitution and human trafficking. I will warn readers that it's not extremely detailed but still not for the faint of heart due to the subject matter. This is one of those books that NEEDS to be read because it is way more common than anyone really knows and it brings to light the issues that so many in the world like to ignore.

The protagonist in this was such a strong female character who has been through hell and back and is still fighting. She's highly likeable and compassionate to the point of danger. This is a real page-turner with humor, nerve-wracking suspense and tragedy. The writing was phenomenal and I'm surprised that I honestly have not heard of this author before this. The story was brilliant and the author clearly did his homework. While this was a real-life eye opener, the story still maintained to entertain and give the reader the action and twists and turns that we all love. I highly recommend this one. Four and a half stars.

Thank you Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing for this ARC.