What do a Vietnam Vet, Shangri-La, raw, uncut diamonds, and a female poet-cop have to do with one another? They are huge parts of Eric Wilder's latest novel, "A Gathering of Diamonds." Wilder has written his most exciting story yet!
Tom Logan receives a large uncut diamond in the mail from his brother, who has turned up missing. Being in the hospital for his flashback nightmares, Tom feels that he was unavailable to his brother Bill when he was most needed, and so he sets out on the literal trail to discover what has become of him. It is a journey that will make him face his worst fears from his Vietnam days, meet challenges he'd never dream of being able to accomplish, and possibly find a soul mate along the way. Leaving New Orleans to head into the hill of Arkansas, Tom encounters two of the strongest women characters I have read about in recent years. And he's going to need both of them to make it through.
This work of fiction brings readers right into the heart of the mountains, where people take care of things in their own way. This side of Wilder's writing is so pinpoint perfect that you'll think twice before traveling into the hills alone. I live in it - I know. The suspense of the story is nicely balanced with the flashbacks Tom has of his hell in Vietnam, and just as nicely in balance with the romance of what the group discovers hidden deep in the valley, cut off from the rest of the world, by choice. Just when you think there are no new, original stories to read, Eric Wilder brings out a tale that will capture your attention and never let it go.
Review by Heather Froeschl, Bookideas.com
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