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The Lost Diamond
'Captivating…[a] sparkling gem of a story' DAISY WOOD***
A hidden jewel. A buried past. A secret waiting to break free. India, 1947: Celia Fforbes-Whyte remembers little about her beloved mother, but she will never forget how the family’s prized diamond, the Chamakta Sitara, glistened at her throat. The diamond has been part of the family for as long as she can remember, but growing voices begin to ask whether it should ever have belonged to them at all?
With danger closing in on the eve of Indian independence, Celia’s father makes a drastic choice – to protect his family, the diamond must disappear without a trace. But in doing so, will he create a curse that lasts a lifetime …
London, 2024: Heartbroken and desperate for an escape, Lisa Statton retreats to the comfort of the Alps. But when she stumbles across a sparkling gem and an unopened letter, embedded in a glacier, Lisa finds herself thrust into a mystery more devastating than she could ever imagine …
A hidden jewel. A buried past. A secret waiting to break free. India, 1947: Celia Fforbes-Whyte remembers little about her beloved mother, but she will never forget how the family’s prized diamond, the Chamakta Sitara, glistened at her throat. The diamond has been part of the family for as long as she can remember, but growing voices begin to ask whether it should ever have belonged to them at all?
With danger closing in on the eve of Indian independence, Celia’s father makes a drastic choice – to protect his family, the diamond must disappear without a trace. But in doing so, will he create a curse that lasts a lifetime …
London, 2024: Heartbroken and desperate for an escape, Lisa Statton retreats to the comfort of the Alps. But when she stumbles across a sparkling gem and an unopened letter, embedded in a glacier, Lisa finds herself thrust into a mystery more devastating than she could ever imagine …
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2025
387 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen McGurl
26 books482 followersKathleen McGurl lives in Bournemouth with her husband and cat. She has two grown-up sons who have now left home. She always wanted to write, and for many years was waiting until she had the time. Eventually she came to the bitter realisation that no one would pay her for a year off work to write a book, so she sat down and started to write one anyway. Since then she has sold dozens of short stories to women's magazines and written three books for writers. These days she is concentrating on longer fiction and has published several dual timeline novels with CarinaUK and HQ. She works full time in the IT industry and when she's not writing, she's often out running, slowly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 16, 2024
The story switches between Agra, India in 1947, months away from its independance and London, U.K. in 2023. Although both stories are connected, I found their tone quite different. The India part is captivating historical fiction, a retelling of the chaos and organizing process that took place just before the Brits left, written in great detail with quite a few characters and set in a beautiful tropical landscape. The pace is pleasant yet the urgency is clear.
Then there's London in present day, with only two main characters, here to solve the mystery of an event that happened in 1947. I did not connect with either one of them. They were all over the place, split between work, friends and their investigation. The result is predictable, but a nice read overall.
Thank you Netgalley and HQ Digital for the ARC.
Then there's London in present day, with only two main characters, here to solve the mystery of an event that happened in 1947. I did not connect with either one of them. They were all over the place, split between work, friends and their investigation. The result is predictable, but a nice read overall.
Thank you Netgalley and HQ Digital for the ARC.
February 6, 2025
India: Celia Fforbes-Whyte’s mother passed away when she was young and she does remember her wearing the family’s prized diamond brooch, the Chamakta Sitara. Her father Wildred is a civil servant, Indian is gaining it's independence soon, and he doesn’t think this will happen without unrest and bad feeling towards British residents. He's planning for them to live in England and Celia doesn’t want to leave, she was born and raised in Agra, and it's her home. Celia has no idea her father’s preparations are already well underway, he wants to keeping his daughter and the diamond safe and despite the risk of being cursed.
In Kathleen McGurl’s latest dual timeline story it’s told from the two main characters points of view and in 1947 and 2024 and it’s very easy to follow and moves along at steady pace.
London: Lisa Statton has just broken up with her partner and her friend Gaby invites her to join her trek to the Alps and view the highest mountain Mont Blanc and it does lift her spirits. When Lisa notices something embedded in a glacier, she discovers it’s an old briefcase, inside is a newspaper, a letter and a brooch. Lisa returns home, she wants to find out who it belonged to, she has a few clues and sets about solving the mystery.
Thank you to Kathleen McGurl for sending me a digital copy of The Lost Diamond to read and review and once again she’s written an interesting dual timeline narrative and it’s full of wonderful and diverse characters like Celia and Vijay, Sita and Sanjit and Lisa and Ben.
Answers to the obvious questions are explored, how are Fforbes-Whyte family linked to Chamakta Sitara and when their ancestors acquired it and by what means and who’s the rightful owner and is the brooch really cursed?
A tale full of mystery, suspense, secrets, betrayal, complicated relationships and anticipation and it touches on the effects of global warming. I loved reading about colonial India, royal Maharajah’s and later the Taj Mahal and Ms McGurl’s notes at the end and about a real plane crash that inspired her to write her novel and five stars from me and I highly recommend the dual timeline saga.
In Kathleen McGurl’s latest dual timeline story it’s told from the two main characters points of view and in 1947 and 2024 and it’s very easy to follow and moves along at steady pace.
London: Lisa Statton has just broken up with her partner and her friend Gaby invites her to join her trek to the Alps and view the highest mountain Mont Blanc and it does lift her spirits. When Lisa notices something embedded in a glacier, she discovers it’s an old briefcase, inside is a newspaper, a letter and a brooch. Lisa returns home, she wants to find out who it belonged to, she has a few clues and sets about solving the mystery.
Thank you to Kathleen McGurl for sending me a digital copy of The Lost Diamond to read and review and once again she’s written an interesting dual timeline narrative and it’s full of wonderful and diverse characters like Celia and Vijay, Sita and Sanjit and Lisa and Ben.
Answers to the obvious questions are explored, how are Fforbes-Whyte family linked to Chamakta Sitara and when their ancestors acquired it and by what means and who’s the rightful owner and is the brooch really cursed?
A tale full of mystery, suspense, secrets, betrayal, complicated relationships and anticipation and it touches on the effects of global warming. I loved reading about colonial India, royal Maharajah’s and later the Taj Mahal and Ms McGurl’s notes at the end and about a real plane crash that inspired her to write her novel and five stars from me and I highly recommend the dual timeline saga.
December 17, 2024
It is no secret that I am a lover of Kathleen McGurl’s timeslip novels. Her stories speak to me as there are always gems of wisdom tucked in the layers. As a result, I connect deeply with her characters and understand their issues. Their trials put me in tears and their triumphs have me cheering! Her research skills are impeccable along with her ability to use that knowledge to her advantage. I feel fully transported to each setting and time period. And I slip easily into the characters’ shoes which gives me a strong emotional experience. The parallels between past and present are remarkable, along with the transitions between the timelines. They are seamless. I never feel jolted as the two just flow back and forth like the waves on the shore, drawing me deeper into heart of the drama and characters’ lives in both past and present.
First off, in The Lost Diamond, what a Prologue! If that doesn’t get your heart racing, nothing will. It is a brilliant, riveting introduction to the past character (1947) Wilfred Fforbes-Whyte who is basically in a plane over the Alps that is threatening to crash. We learn of the importance of his briefcase and that it is bound up with all that is ‘precious in his life.’ Danger lurks both in the air and on the ground. ‘The case and its contents must reach their destination, otherwise everything he holds dear will be lost.’ We then learn of the diamond he is carrying and the curse that surrounds it. Sadly, he is meeting his end and his last thoughts are of Celia and the fact he is unable to save her now.
The Lost Diamond has an enthralling premise. We wonder: what has led up to this point of the plane crash? The first chapter transports us to Mont Blanc 2023 with Lisa and friend Gaby exploring the slopes. When they come upon an object trapped in the glacier, they see the effects of global warming as its icy edges are melting. After Lisa sees the glint of something metallic, she, along with Gaby, free it from the mountain’s clutches. It is a briefcase. Once opening it, the story behind this man who owned it, begins to unfold slowly. Lisa learns of a plane crash in 1947. And finds the diamond tucked inside, along with other papers and a letter. Her journey begins that leads her to a descendant.
I enjoy stories of finding treasures and this one with its tragic plane crash and a lost diamond captured my interest and heart. There is also a struggle between two cultures. India’s fight for independence from Britain and Celia’s battle to convince her father she wants to stay in the country she loves. She does not want go to England but her father insists. He was born in India and spent a few years at an English boarding school and then Oxford. Oddly he considers England his ‘home.’ He wants Celia to learn the English ways and education but that means she must leave all she cares about behind: including a young man she grew up with who has become more than a friend in her heart.
This story got me thinking a lot and in fact, I read it overnight as I could not stop following the plot and characters until I saw how everything panned out. There is a wonderful sense of mystery surrounding the diamond and whether the curse is real. For every woman in the family ends up dying young. Does this diamond have power or are these things just tragic coincidences? When Lisa Statton and her friend stumble over the diamond on one of their mountain treks, and learns more about this gem that has been stolen by one family from another, she really does not believe the curse that surrounds it. Until something happens to her after meeting Ben, that puts a little doubt in her mind. For he also does not want to believe it but cannot help wonder due to his own losses.
Of course, love is part of the story. There are a couple of beautiful romances that add an extra sparkle to the drama. In the present day we have Lisa and Ben who helped each other unravel the mystery. He has a connection to the gem and struggles with the legend of the curse and how it might affect their relationship—even though he tries not to believe in it. And the past story of Celia and Vijay is quite moving. Their link to the diamond and events that surround it, slowly become known and lead in some interesting directions. Then there is Wilfred’s love for Celia. A father who truly loved his daughter but did not show it. He writes a moving letter to express his feelings that had me in tears.
I enjoyed both threads equally and how the mystery is solved from the past in the present. I won’t give anything away but at the close of the plot, I felt uplifted by the outcome and refreshed in my imagination. It’s an inspiring story of history, mystery and mayhem around an intriguing legend. Two close families at war, caught up in betrayal, manipulation and secrecy. But the final resolution is exciting when the present offers healing for the past and remedy’s an age-old grievance. It left me cheering, happy and satisfied with the result. I loved The Lost Diamond immensely. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to the author and publisher HQ Digital for a review copy.
First off, in The Lost Diamond, what a Prologue! If that doesn’t get your heart racing, nothing will. It is a brilliant, riveting introduction to the past character (1947) Wilfred Fforbes-Whyte who is basically in a plane over the Alps that is threatening to crash. We learn of the importance of his briefcase and that it is bound up with all that is ‘precious in his life.’ Danger lurks both in the air and on the ground. ‘The case and its contents must reach their destination, otherwise everything he holds dear will be lost.’ We then learn of the diamond he is carrying and the curse that surrounds it. Sadly, he is meeting his end and his last thoughts are of Celia and the fact he is unable to save her now.
The Lost Diamond has an enthralling premise. We wonder: what has led up to this point of the plane crash? The first chapter transports us to Mont Blanc 2023 with Lisa and friend Gaby exploring the slopes. When they come upon an object trapped in the glacier, they see the effects of global warming as its icy edges are melting. After Lisa sees the glint of something metallic, she, along with Gaby, free it from the mountain’s clutches. It is a briefcase. Once opening it, the story behind this man who owned it, begins to unfold slowly. Lisa learns of a plane crash in 1947. And finds the diamond tucked inside, along with other papers and a letter. Her journey begins that leads her to a descendant.
I enjoy stories of finding treasures and this one with its tragic plane crash and a lost diamond captured my interest and heart. There is also a struggle between two cultures. India’s fight for independence from Britain and Celia’s battle to convince her father she wants to stay in the country she loves. She does not want go to England but her father insists. He was born in India and spent a few years at an English boarding school and then Oxford. Oddly he considers England his ‘home.’ He wants Celia to learn the English ways and education but that means she must leave all she cares about behind: including a young man she grew up with who has become more than a friend in her heart.
This story got me thinking a lot and in fact, I read it overnight as I could not stop following the plot and characters until I saw how everything panned out. There is a wonderful sense of mystery surrounding the diamond and whether the curse is real. For every woman in the family ends up dying young. Does this diamond have power or are these things just tragic coincidences? When Lisa Statton and her friend stumble over the diamond on one of their mountain treks, and learns more about this gem that has been stolen by one family from another, she really does not believe the curse that surrounds it. Until something happens to her after meeting Ben, that puts a little doubt in her mind. For he also does not want to believe it but cannot help wonder due to his own losses.
Of course, love is part of the story. There are a couple of beautiful romances that add an extra sparkle to the drama. In the present day we have Lisa and Ben who helped each other unravel the mystery. He has a connection to the gem and struggles with the legend of the curse and how it might affect their relationship—even though he tries not to believe in it. And the past story of Celia and Vijay is quite moving. Their link to the diamond and events that surround it, slowly become known and lead in some interesting directions. Then there is Wilfred’s love for Celia. A father who truly loved his daughter but did not show it. He writes a moving letter to express his feelings that had me in tears.
I enjoyed both threads equally and how the mystery is solved from the past in the present. I won’t give anything away but at the close of the plot, I felt uplifted by the outcome and refreshed in my imagination. It’s an inspiring story of history, mystery and mayhem around an intriguing legend. Two close families at war, caught up in betrayal, manipulation and secrecy. But the final resolution is exciting when the present offers healing for the past and remedy’s an age-old grievance. It left me cheering, happy and satisfied with the result. I loved The Lost Diamond immensely. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to the author and publisher HQ Digital for a review copy.
January 25, 2025
The Lost Diamond is a dual timeline story of a hidden jewel, a buried past, and a secret waiting to break free.
I found the story so intriguing when it wasn't dragging on and on for pages and pages of explanations. In the London 2024 storyline, Lisa instinctively knew, understood, recognized, or realized things throughout the book. No one had to tell her. She just knew, which made her seem psychic. And, all too often, I had to remind myself of all of the characters' ages in both storylines, as their actions and words sometimes felt younger or older than what their ages were supposed to be.
The story was fascinating but the book needs some editing. Having the characters speak and act more age-appropriately, and doing something about those long long explanations would make The Lost Diamond unputdownable for me.
Thank you HQ Digital for providing this book for review consideration. It has an expected publication date of February 27, 2025. All opinions are my own.
I found the story so intriguing when it wasn't dragging on and on for pages and pages of explanations. In the London 2024 storyline, Lisa instinctively knew, understood, recognized, or realized things throughout the book. No one had to tell her. She just knew, which made her seem psychic. And, all too often, I had to remind myself of all of the characters' ages in both storylines, as their actions and words sometimes felt younger or older than what their ages were supposed to be.
The story was fascinating but the book needs some editing. Having the characters speak and act more age-appropriately, and doing something about those long long explanations would make The Lost Diamond unputdownable for me.
Thank you HQ Digital for providing this book for review consideration. It has an expected publication date of February 27, 2025. All opinions are my own.
February 5, 2025
Another lovely, well written, well researched, dual timeline book from this author.
When Lisa and her friend make a surprise find walking in the Alps, what follows is a tale of discovery, of moving on and new friends. We flash back to the past and meet Celia and her family and friends and learn of her life in India, as they move to Independence,
As ever the two stories run side by side, intertwine and come together perfectly.
The settings and timelines are described so well, you could visualise everything that was happening, now and in the past.
The story set a good pace, the urgency of their various situations, but also giving the story and characters time to develop. as you read you become invested in all of their stories, hoping for happy ending for them all.
I was really hoping I had worked out the ending correctly, and I had, which was a perfect finish to this book. The author really does know how to keep you reading and then bring the storylines together.
Another must read.
When Lisa and her friend make a surprise find walking in the Alps, what follows is a tale of discovery, of moving on and new friends. We flash back to the past and meet Celia and her family and friends and learn of her life in India, as they move to Independence,
As ever the two stories run side by side, intertwine and come together perfectly.
The settings and timelines are described so well, you could visualise everything that was happening, now and in the past.
The story set a good pace, the urgency of their various situations, but also giving the story and characters time to develop. as you read you become invested in all of their stories, hoping for happy ending for them all.
I was really hoping I had worked out the ending correctly, and I had, which was a perfect finish to this book. The author really does know how to keep you reading and then bring the storylines together.
Another must read.
March 16, 2025
Another good one from Kathleen McGurl ... I love her historical timelines! This one begins with a plane crash, and then the story backweaves through time. As the two story lines progressed, I was hoping that both would work out, but just couldn't imagine how - but, clearly, Ms. McGurl had a plan, and it was beautifully achieved! Her stories are always compelling, and I always learn a lot about history along the way.
August 28, 2025
I always really enjoy a good dual timeline story like this.
February 12, 2025
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
A hidden jewel. A buried past. A secret waiting to break free.
India, 1947: Celia Fforbes-Whyte remembers little about her beloved mother, but she will never forget how the family’s prized diamond, the Chamakta Sitara, glistened at her throat. The diamond has been part of the family for as long as she can remember, but growing voices begin to ask whether it should ever have belonged to them at all?
With danger closing in on the eve of Indian independence, Celia’s father makes a drastic choice – to protect his family, the diamond must disappear without a trace. But in doing so, will he create a curse that lasts a lifetime …
London, 2023: Heartbroken and desperate for an escape, Lisa Statton retreats to the comfort of the Alps. But when she stumbles across a sparkling gem and an unopened letter, embedded in a glacier, Lisa finds herself thrust into a mystery more devastating than she could ever imagine …
My rating:
Plot: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 5 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
Review:
This is a beautiful, vividly written dual time line story The book takes you on a journey to interesting and exotic places, this was especially true for the historical timeline set in 1947 India. It is one of those books that have the right amount of mystery and suspense, It captures you from the start and slowly pulls you in until you can’t stop reading, you have to know what happens next and before you know it, you have finished it. The characters are interesting and well developed. Each of the two time lines center around a strong woman who are both linked to the lost diamond at the end the two timelines are nicely interwoven into a satisfying conclusion.
Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me
A hidden jewel. A buried past. A secret waiting to break free.
India, 1947: Celia Fforbes-Whyte remembers little about her beloved mother, but she will never forget how the family’s prized diamond, the Chamakta Sitara, glistened at her throat. The diamond has been part of the family for as long as she can remember, but growing voices begin to ask whether it should ever have belonged to them at all?
With danger closing in on the eve of Indian independence, Celia’s father makes a drastic choice – to protect his family, the diamond must disappear without a trace. But in doing so, will he create a curse that lasts a lifetime …
London, 2023: Heartbroken and desperate for an escape, Lisa Statton retreats to the comfort of the Alps. But when she stumbles across a sparkling gem and an unopened letter, embedded in a glacier, Lisa finds herself thrust into a mystery more devastating than she could ever imagine …
My rating:
Plot: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 5 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
Review:
This is a beautiful, vividly written dual time line story The book takes you on a journey to interesting and exotic places, this was especially true for the historical timeline set in 1947 India. It is one of those books that have the right amount of mystery and suspense, It captures you from the start and slowly pulls you in until you can’t stop reading, you have to know what happens next and before you know it, you have finished it. The characters are interesting and well developed. Each of the two time lines center around a strong woman who are both linked to the lost diamond at the end the two timelines are nicely interwoven into a satisfying conclusion.
Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me
March 13, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and HQ for this eCopy to review
“The Lost Diamond” by Kathleen McGurl is a captivating dual-timeline historical novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The story is set in two different periods: India in 1947 and London in 2024. In 1947, we follow Celia Fforbes-Whyte, who remembers little about her beloved mother but vividly recalls the family’s prized diamond, the Chamakta Sitara. As India approaches independence, Celia’s father makes a drastic decision to hide the diamond to protect the family, leading to a lifetime of mystery and intrigue.
In the present day, we meet Lisa Statton, who, heartbroken and seeking solace, retreats to the Alps. There, she stumbles upon a sparkling gem and an unopened letter embedded in a glacier. This discovery thrusts her into a mystery that connects her to Celia’s past and the lost diamond.
What I loved most about this book was the seamless blending of the two timelines. McGurl’s writing is beautifully descriptive, making it easy to visualize the settings and feel the emotions of the characters. The mystery surrounding the lost diamond kept me engaged and eager to uncover the truth.
The characters are well-developed and relatable. Celia’s determination to protect her family’s legacy and Lisa’s journey of self-discovery are both compelling and deeply moving. The dual timelines add depth and complexity to the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
In conclusion, “The Lost Diamond” is a spellbinding tale that explores the power of family, the importance of heritage, and the enduring strength of women. Kathleen McGurl has crafted a masterful story that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and a good mystery.
“The Lost Diamond” by Kathleen McGurl is a captivating dual-timeline historical novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The story is set in two different periods: India in 1947 and London in 2024. In 1947, we follow Celia Fforbes-Whyte, who remembers little about her beloved mother but vividly recalls the family’s prized diamond, the Chamakta Sitara. As India approaches independence, Celia’s father makes a drastic decision to hide the diamond to protect the family, leading to a lifetime of mystery and intrigue.
In the present day, we meet Lisa Statton, who, heartbroken and seeking solace, retreats to the Alps. There, she stumbles upon a sparkling gem and an unopened letter embedded in a glacier. This discovery thrusts her into a mystery that connects her to Celia’s past and the lost diamond.
What I loved most about this book was the seamless blending of the two timelines. McGurl’s writing is beautifully descriptive, making it easy to visualize the settings and feel the emotions of the characters. The mystery surrounding the lost diamond kept me engaged and eager to uncover the truth.
The characters are well-developed and relatable. Celia’s determination to protect her family’s legacy and Lisa’s journey of self-discovery are both compelling and deeply moving. The dual timelines add depth and complexity to the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
In conclusion, “The Lost Diamond” is a spellbinding tale that explores the power of family, the importance of heritage, and the enduring strength of women. Kathleen McGurl has crafted a masterful story that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and a good mystery.
July 6, 2025
In this fascinating new dual-timeline historical fiction novel, readers follow Celia Fforbes-Whyte in 1947 India and Lisa Statton in 2024 London as they deal with the Chamakta Sitara, the family diamond. As Indian independence approaches, Celia’s father makes a difficult choice -- disappearing the diamond -- but risks creating a curse that will haunt the family and lead to the discovery of the diamond and a letter in a glacier decades later. As Lisa begins to solve this devastating mystery and reconstruct what happened to the diamond and Celia after they left India, readers will also learn about sacrifice, ownership, and family against the backdrop of the British partition of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. A great new historical fiction novel, this unique historical setting and time period offer some interesting conflicts and contrasts to Celia and Lisa’s stories, making the backdrop to the novel particularly interesting. The two characters are well-written and interesting, and the overlapping story does a good job connecting them without making the two timelines and narrators feel the same. Emotionally intense and full of incredible details, this is a great new historical fiction novel with mystery elements that fans of the dual-timeline women-centric historical fiction genre will love.
Thanks to NetGalley, HQ, and HQ Digital for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley, HQ, and HQ Digital for the advance copy.
January 10, 2025
The Lost Diamond is a dual timeline story with the first timeline taking place in 1947 in India, during the last days before Indian independence from Britain, with Celia and her father preparing to move back to England. Both were born in India although English citizens; her father Wilfred is looking forward to the move, while Celia is dreading it. The "lost diamond" of the title is a diamond brooch called the Chamakta Sitara which is owned by Wilfred but had been purchased by his family after it was looted during the first Indian uprising about 75 years prior. The novel begins with Wilfred on a plane with the diamond in his briefcase when the plane crash lands in the Alps. The second timeline is that of Lisa in 2023, who finds the battered briefcase during a walking tour in the Alps. After finding out who owned the diamond in the past, she returns it to the family and at the same time, meets Ben, the diamond owner's son, a man who could change her life - if only the diamond didn't have a curse attached to it! The two timelines were interwoven quite skillfully and about half way through the book, I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2025
India, 1947. Celia Fforbes-White remembers little about her mother, but she will never forget the Chamakra Sitara, glistened at her throat. The diamond had been part of her family for as long as she can remember, but growing voices begin to ask whether it should have belonged to them at all?
London, 2024. Heartbroken and desperate for an escape, Lisa Statton retreats to the comfort of the Alps. But when she stumbles across a sparkling gem and an unopened letter embedded in a glacier, Lisa finds herself thrust into a mystery mare devastating than she could ever imagine.
This story has a dual timeline that's told from the past - Agra, India. 1947, and the present day - London, 2024. This is an intriguing read. The two stories intertwine perfectly. It's descriptively written, the pace is steady, and the characters are well-portrayed. There was just the right amount of mystery and suspense. I enjoyed both stories equally.
Published 27th February 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ #HQDigital and the author #KathleenMcGurl for my ARC of #TheLostDiamond in exchange for an honest review.
London, 2024. Heartbroken and desperate for an escape, Lisa Statton retreats to the comfort of the Alps. But when she stumbles across a sparkling gem and an unopened letter embedded in a glacier, Lisa finds herself thrust into a mystery mare devastating than she could ever imagine.
This story has a dual timeline that's told from the past - Agra, India. 1947, and the present day - London, 2024. This is an intriguing read. The two stories intertwine perfectly. It's descriptively written, the pace is steady, and the characters are well-portrayed. There was just the right amount of mystery and suspense. I enjoyed both stories equally.
Published 27th February 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ #HQDigital and the author #KathleenMcGurl for my ARC of #TheLostDiamond in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2025
I have loved every book that I have read that were written by Ms. McGurl. I was so impressed by this book that I recited the whole story to my non-reading husband.
As in most of this author's books, there's a correlation between events in the past and events in the present. In this book it's India 1947, just before India becomes independent of Great Britain, and London 2023. The story jumps back and forth from Celia and her father, British citizens living in India in 1947, to Lisa, a woman living in London. There's mystery and romance. While hiking with a friend in Switzerland, Lisa sees the edge of an old briefcase sticking out of a glacier. She pries it out and discovers old papers from 1947 and a priceless diamond brooch. Switch to 1947 where Celia's father is the owner of the fabulous brooch, that was stolen from the ancient Maharajah's family by his great grandfather. Lisa is determined to learn the history of the diamond and return it to the family that lost it. Of course, she does, but it's so much more complicated than that.
This book has a fairy tale ending and it made me shed a tear or two. Fabulous story!
As in most of this author's books, there's a correlation between events in the past and events in the present. In this book it's India 1947, just before India becomes independent of Great Britain, and London 2023. The story jumps back and forth from Celia and her father, British citizens living in India in 1947, to Lisa, a woman living in London. There's mystery and romance. While hiking with a friend in Switzerland, Lisa sees the edge of an old briefcase sticking out of a glacier. She pries it out and discovers old papers from 1947 and a priceless diamond brooch. Switch to 1947 where Celia's father is the owner of the fabulous brooch, that was stolen from the ancient Maharajah's family by his great grandfather. Lisa is determined to learn the history of the diamond and return it to the family that lost it. Of course, she does, but it's so much more complicated than that.
This book has a fairy tale ending and it made me shed a tear or two. Fabulous story!
May 5, 2025
Wow dit boek is zo goed geen woorden voor!!
‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ want dit boek is zo veel beter dan de omslag doet vermoeden!!
Ik ga niet in op het verhaal want wil het boek niet onder doen met mijn woorden…
Het verhaal is zo krachtig en sterk,
Een verbinding door de tijd.
Een aanrader.
Soms ietsjes voorspelbaar hier en daar maar ja je kan niet alles hebben.
*Het verhaal heeft zo zijn inspiratie op een waargebeurde vliegtuig ramp in de bergen, erg indrukwekkend hoe enkele aspecten (de vondst van juwelen/edelstenen) van de waargebeurde ramp/rampen zijn verwerkt in het verhaal door er een eigen vertaling/draai aan te geven. Dit geeft het verhaal een ander inzicht en diepte dan een ander verhaal heeft.
Er is echt een eigen draai gegeven, een eigen verhaal gemaakt met een waargebeurd verhaal als inspiratiebron.
Soms kom je dit soort schatten aan boeken tegen gebaseerd of geïnspireerd op indrukwekkende verhalen of gebeurtenissen uit het verleden, verwikkeld of vertaald in een modern jasje. En dit is er een van.
‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ want dit boek is zo veel beter dan de omslag doet vermoeden!!
Ik ga niet in op het verhaal want wil het boek niet onder doen met mijn woorden…
Het verhaal is zo krachtig en sterk,
Een verbinding door de tijd.
Een aanrader.
Soms ietsjes voorspelbaar hier en daar maar ja je kan niet alles hebben.
*Het verhaal heeft zo zijn inspiratie op een waargebeurde vliegtuig ramp in de bergen, erg indrukwekkend hoe enkele aspecten (de vondst van juwelen/edelstenen) van de waargebeurde ramp/rampen zijn verwerkt in het verhaal door er een eigen vertaling/draai aan te geven. Dit geeft het verhaal een ander inzicht en diepte dan een ander verhaal heeft.
Er is echt een eigen draai gegeven, een eigen verhaal gemaakt met een waargebeurd verhaal als inspiratiebron.
Soms kom je dit soort schatten aan boeken tegen gebaseerd of geïnspireerd op indrukwekkende verhalen of gebeurtenissen uit het verleden, verwikkeld of vertaald in een modern jasje. En dit is er een van.
February 27, 2025
A priceless lost diamond is at the heart of this dual-timeline story set in 1947 India and 2023 London.
Ceila, born in India, doesn't want to leave and return to England, but her father insists it is necessary. The 1947 timeline is evocative and draws readers into India during significant change. It has a vibrant cast of characters and believable family dynamics between Ceila and her father.
The 2023 story is emotional and features complex characters. Lisa and her friend Gaby are walking in the Alps when they make an extraordinary discovery. Lisa is recovering from an acrimonious break-up and welcomes the chance to solve the mystery behind the unexpected discovery.
I like the storytelling, mystery and satisfying conclusion, which is perfect for an engaging read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Ceila, born in India, doesn't want to leave and return to England, but her father insists it is necessary. The 1947 timeline is evocative and draws readers into India during significant change. It has a vibrant cast of characters and believable family dynamics between Ceila and her father.
The 2023 story is emotional and features complex characters. Lisa and her friend Gaby are walking in the Alps when they make an extraordinary discovery. Lisa is recovering from an acrimonious break-up and welcomes the chance to solve the mystery behind the unexpected discovery.
I like the storytelling, mystery and satisfying conclusion, which is perfect for an engaging read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
May 24, 2025
I could not put this book down. I was compelled to keep picking up to find out what happened next. Lisa discovers a briefcase in a glacier in the Alps. inside the case is a brooch that she wants to find the current owners of so that she can hand it back. she tracks down the family of the briefcase owner and discovers that the brooch is priceless and carries a curse with it. Ben, the owner's son, has heard stories of this brooch and the curse associated with it and makes it his mission to return the broach to its rightful owner in India. if he returns the brooch back to India, he feels that the curse will be broken and that he and Lisa can develop their relationship further. Does he manage to return the broach or does the curse still follow them?
January 17, 2025
A dual timeline historical novel set in both India and England. On a hiking vacation in the Alps, the main character in the present, finds a briefcase embedded in ice. Finding letters and a diamond piece in it, she is determined to find out who the briefcase belonged to and how it came to its resting place. Jumping back to the past at the end of the British rule in India, the reader meets a British man and his daughter with the links to the briefcase. I always enjoy reading about history and the situation In India as the author describes it was very informative. Although it has a predictable ending, I did enjoy and will recommend it.
March 23, 2025
The Lost Diamond was a wonderful dual-timeline book with two entwined stories.
One happening in 1947 in India and the second in London in 2024.
I truly loved both timelines, although, in my opinion, the one from 1947 was more thrilling. The whole story was splendidly researched and told. I truly have learned something new from the history of India and Pakistan.
You will find out more about the Diamond, also known as "Chamakta Sitara" which got lost in 1947 and appeared again in 2024, and if it was cursed
I enjoyed the whole book and can recommend it to lovers of dual timelines and mystery.
One happening in 1947 in India and the second in London in 2024.
I truly loved both timelines, although, in my opinion, the one from 1947 was more thrilling. The whole story was splendidly researched and told. I truly have learned something new from the history of India and Pakistan.
You will find out more about the Diamond, also known as "Chamakta Sitara" which got lost in 1947 and appeared again in 2024, and if it was cursed
I enjoyed the whole book and can recommend it to lovers of dual timelines and mystery.
May 9, 2025
Where is the brooch and who owns it?
A brooch containing a very large diamond is the main subject of this story. Stolen 100 years ago in India. The family that stole the diamond still has it but the Indian family wants it back. On a flight from England to India to return the diamond, it crashes in the French Alps. Because of the massive storm, the plane is never found. 75 years later the diamond is found. A complicated series of events takes place to return the diamond to its rightful owner.
A brooch containing a very large diamond is the main subject of this story. Stolen 100 years ago in India. The family that stole the diamond still has it but the Indian family wants it back. On a flight from England to India to return the diamond, it crashes in the French Alps. Because of the massive storm, the plane is never found. 75 years later the diamond is found. A complicated series of events takes place to return the diamond to its rightful owner.
June 1, 2025
I always enjoy McGurl historic fiction books and this latest one was no exception. It takes place both in India in the late 1940’s and in current day London . When a priceless diamond brooch is found by a British hiker in the Alps, she is curious how it ended there. Her journey of discovery leads her to a family who has this brooch in India, and was believed to be lost during a plane crash in 1948. The history of this jewel is told back and forth and is a compelling read that is hard to put down.
January 10, 2025
I was totally engrossed in this book. Two interconnected stories presented side by side, each as enjoyable as the other, with the history and mystery of the diamond and the fate of its keepers slowly revealed. I absolutely loved it and spent several nights sitting up until late, unable to put it down. A very well deserved 5 stars.
February 16, 2025
This was a very engaging read. I particularly enjoyed the earlier year, set in 1947, in India. It was a time of political upheaval. I liked the descriptions of the places and the people. Celia lived with her father, Wilfred Fforbes-Whyte and was at that awkward stage of 15/16 years old and often in conflict with her father. She was a determined person and this would stand her in good stead for what was to come. At the centre of the story is a special diamond, owned by her father but wanted by the original owner’s family. In 2023, Lisa finds the diamond and is trying to find the owner. In doing so, she meets Ben Forbes. I couldn’t really understand Ben’s reasons for not continuing the relationship, particularly when they seemed to like each other and have a lot in common. I found the ending quite emotional, especially the letter. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 10, 2025
The story spanning 1947 India and 2023 London, very well written and beautifully narrated (audiobooks for me nowadays). The story of the lost diamond, an Indian family treasure, cursed or not, affecting families over decades.
I really enjoyed this book and am now off to find another Kathleen McGurl book to listen too.
I really enjoyed this book and am now off to find another Kathleen McGurl book to listen too.
July 5, 2025
Wow just wow!
I was first a little skeptical about this book as it seemed to be a storyline I had read before. However, Kathleen always keeps my attention and always adds twists that I love and I am not expecting. Then, I read in the author’s notes that it’s loosely based on a true story! Even better. I highly recommend reading books by this author.
I was first a little skeptical about this book as it seemed to be a storyline I had read before. However, Kathleen always keeps my attention and always adds twists that I love and I am not expecting. Then, I read in the author’s notes that it’s loosely based on a true story! Even better. I highly recommend reading books by this author.
October 5, 2025
A mystery surrounding a rare jewel from 1947 where young Celia lived with her father in India, her birthplace surrounded by love. Her nanny Sita and her best friend, the maharajahs son, Vijay to present day 2024 where a walk in the Alps unearths a briefcase with the rare jewel inside ....most enjoyable read
December 20, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC
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I did like this. It was a quick read for me and I appreciated the two interconnected storylines. I think the cultural and historical aspects were interesting but this was a much lighter read than say The Henna Artist series.
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I did like this. It was a quick read for me and I appreciated the two interconnected storylines. I think the cultural and historical aspects were interesting but this was a much lighter read than say The Henna Artist series.
December 31, 2024
A lovely book, even if a bit predictable, but one I would wholeheartedly recommend. It is set in India in 1947 which is a part of history I don’t know a huge amount about and found it very enjoyable learning about some of the intricacies of the end of colonial rule.
January 29, 2025
Stunning historical novel! I was unable to put the book down as I wanted to know what was going to happen! I love the dual story line with the past and the present, and the historical setting was beautiful. The characters were well developed and the plot was interesting. Highly recommend!
March 5, 2025
It’s fine, good for a YA. Not enough characters or possibilities to avoid signaling predictable plot twists hundreds of pages in advance.
The only reason I’m marking this as having spoilers is for a very odd omission. Did I miss it, or did the author forget that Celia and Ben are relatives?
The only reason I’m marking this as having spoilers is for a very odd omission. Did I miss it, or did the author forget that Celia and Ben are relatives?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2025
Captivating
Really beautiful story. About a diamond and who's the rightful owner, also there's a curse attached to it..... Considered priceless, the characters realize that the truly priceless things are the people you love.
Really beautiful story. About a diamond and who's the rightful owner, also there's a curse attached to it..... Considered priceless, the characters realize that the truly priceless things are the people you love.
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