Diamond Sky

The Porter Sisters #3

by Annie Seaton

The Kimberley can be a haven for those who can stand the heat, but its isolated beauty can also be deadly, if you're not paying attention...

The remote Matsu diamond mine in the Kimberley is the perfect place for engineer Dru Porter to hide. Her insignificance in that vast and rugged landscape helps her feel invisible. And safe. Surely the terror she left behind in Dubai will never find her here.

Security specialist Connor Kirk knows from experience that beautiful women are capable of treachery. When he arrives at Matsu to investigate a diamond theft, he immediately suspects the reclusive but obviously capable Dru Porter. He knows she's hiding something.

As Connor's investigation deepens and Dru's past catches up with her, their instant, mutual dislike threatens to blind them to the true danger lurking in the mine, one which could leave them both at the mercy of the desert...

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Crime, Contemporary Romance

356 pages, Paperback

Published June 26, 2017

About the author

Annie Seaton lives near the beach on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. She is fulfilling her lifelong dream of writing and has been delighted to discover that readers love reading her stories as much as she loves writing them. Her career and studies spanned the education sector for most of her working life until she took up a full-time writing career. Each winter, Annie and her husband leave the beach to roam the remote areas of Australia for story ideas and research.

Readers can contact Annie through her website annieseaton.net or find her on Facebook and Instagram.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Porter Sisters series and this time we are following the experiences of Drusilla Porter, tall, blonde, beautiful and damaged.

First of all though take a look at the lovely cover. Australia is a beautiful country but whoever produces the cover work for this series excels at finding the best pictures of it! The book is mostly set in a diamond mine in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and the author sets the scene perfectly.

At the mine, Connor Kirk, working undercover, is trying to find the source of stolen diamonds and suspects Dru as being the thief. He has a few quite valid reasons for his suspicions which end up taking the two of them to Dubai and Antwerp looking for the real truth. The book builds to a very exciting climax and an equally satisfactory ending.

I am enjoying this series very much and am happy to see there is a book 4. I have it ready to read very soon.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dru Porter had been working at the Matsu diamond mine in the remote Kimberley country in Western Australia for around nine months after fleeing a disastrous and dangerous experience in Dubai. She was an environmental engineer and loved her work, despite the relentless heat and red dust. Dru didn’t make friends easily as she found it hard to trust anyone – keeping everyone at a distance just made it easier. The only person Dru had let in was the older Aboriginal, Rocky Cardella who had been part of the mine for years.

When management of the Matsu diamond mine employed security specialist Connor Kirk to investigate the theft of diamonds somehow leaving the mine site, regardless of the rigid security, he had no idea his life was set to change. Connor didn’t find it easy to trust either, especially women, so when he was confronted with the cool and seemingly calculating Dru Porter, his suspicions were immediately raised. But finding the evidence was another thing…

The deepening investigation and inherent distrust Dru and Connor felt for one another plus the threat of Dru’s past catching up with her meant her stress levels were at an all-time high. Would Dru ever know peace of mind again? And would Connor manage to expose the diamond thief?

Once again Aussie author Annie Seaton has nailed it with the third in the Porter Sisters series, Diamond Sky. What an intense, gripping, edge of my seat experience that was! I absolutely loved it and feel it's the author's best yet – the tension and fast-paced action was full on; my heart was in my throat a few times! Highly recommended.

With thanks to Pan Macmillan AU for my ARC to read and review.

[Melissa (Mel’s Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this whole series. Kakadu Sunset and Daintree are among some of my favourite Australian suspense/romance books and Diamond Sky was like the icing on a really yummy cake!

Dru escaped a difficult situation in Dubai and came back home to Australia to work in a Diamond mine in the Kimberley. She feels safe now and enjoys her job, however is a bit rattled when newcomer Connor starts working at the mine. Connor is a private investigator, hired to find out who is stealing some of the mines diamonds. He is working undercover as a safety officer, and Dru is his number one suspect...

Firstly, I think the covers of this series are probably my favourite covers of any books EVER. They are all so beautiful and I think Diamond Sky is my favourite cover! Just beautiful! They really capture the landscape perfectly and just look so gorgeous!

Loved the premise of this one. I knew nothing about diamond mining before, so I feel like I have had a bit of education along with a great read! Really interesting stuff surprisingly! Really enjoyed the description of the mine and the workers, the different personalities and rules and regulations of the mine and living quarters.

It was such an original setting and, like all the other books in this series, I adored the descriptions of the landscapes and her research really shines through.

The romance was cute and the situation made it all the more intense. As always, I enjoyed the satisfying romantic tension.

It had a fair bit of action and suspense, but I would have liked more. It felt slightly lacking by the end, but I still can't get past Kakadu Sunset and the CROCODILES!!! What can beat that??!

Would I recommend Diamond Sky?

Yes it was a great romantic suspense by talented Australian author Annie Seaton. I won't hesitate to read anything she has written! Check out an interview I did with her last year HERE !

Many thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending me a copy of Diamond Sky in exchange for my honest review.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
I have really enjoyed following the Porter Sisters series by Australian fiction author Annie Seaton. I loved the first novel in this trilogy, Kakadu Sunset and I so was pleased when Seaton released another, Daintree. Diamond Sky is the final chapter in an engrossing series, which can also be easily read as a novel in its own right, without the support of the previous two novels. I am happy to report that Diamond Sky was a fantastic read all round.

It is time for the baby of the Porter sisters to have her story. The youngest member of the Porter family, Dru, has recently taken up at position at a remote Kimberley based diamond mine. Working as an environmental engineer at the Matsu diamond mine offers Dru the ideal place to conceal herself. Dru is hoping to put her turbulent time in living and working in Dubai behind her, after escaping a nightmare relationship. The diamond mine is Dru’s new sanctuary, but when Connor Kirk, the mine’s new security specialist arrives on the scene, Dru’s life is shaken up once more. Investigating a diamond theft, Connor sets Dru in his sights as a potential suspect. The two seem to clash upon immediate acquaintance, but Connor’s fixation with Dru’s possible involvement in the diamond theft scandal may be detracting him from uncovering the true culprit. It is a dangerous time at the Matsu diamond mine. The vast Kimberley frontier and arid desert terrain seems to be holding some secrets that Dru and Connor must work together to discover.

It has been a great opportunity to experience the writing of Annie Seaton for the third time. I have really enjoyed my time with her books, especially this loosely tied together series. It seems a shame we have to say goodbye to this series, but I am very hopeful that Seaton has some fantastic new stories for us to discover in the pipeline.

What impressed me about Diamond Sky, soon after I picked up this novel to read, was the level of background knowledge Seaton has applied to her latest novel. Seaton has obviously taken the time to thoroughly research her main topic. The final result of this dedication to her research has meant that the reader is presented with an interesting wealth of knowledge, pertaining to all aspects of diamond mining. This ranges from developing our understanding of the different types and colours of diamonds that exist, the inner mechanics of a diamond mine, the lengthy rehabilitation of a mine site and the security measures put in place at mine sites. Overall, it made for an informative and riveting read, about a topic I have little previous knowledge on. I came away feeling like a diamond connoisseur thanks to Annie Seaton!

Diamond Sky offers the reader a fantastic array of genres. In some respects this novel reads mostly like a romantic suspense novel, but it also touches on crime and overall, it is a solid Australian rural fiction offering. Seaton sensitively and informatively weaves a thread into this novel involving indigenous land rights. The use of the mine site character of Rocky, a local indigenous man, adds more to this aspect of the story. I found this topic very interesting personally, especially learning how mine sites do aim to work with the traditional owners of the land, to restore a mine site to its original condition. Dru, the main character in Diamond Sky has a fascinating job, working as an environmental based engineer, who is involved in this process of restoring mine sites to their former glory, ensuring the land remains as uncompromised as possible. Kudos to Seaton from bringing this aspect of mining our attention.

Dru, the lead in Diamond Sky, was an interesting character to sink your teeth into. On the outset she is very distant and I could very easily see why she was labelled the ‘ice queen’ by the workers at the male dominated mine site. Once you get past this barrier and Seaton reveals key aspects of Dru’s character, especially her past history in Dubai, she becomes much clearer. The aspects of the novel that delved into Dru’s experiences living and working in Dubai were the parts I enjoyed the most. This back story was a mixture of both heartbreaking and intriguing at the same time. I thought this aspect of the narrative was executed well by Seaton.

Dru is supported by hero of the story, Connor Kirk. In some respects these two leads are very similar personality wise. Both want to fly under the radar at the Matsu diamond mine and they also want to keep people at arm’s length. It seems for both Connor and Dru, the less they get involved with others, the better. Dru’s reasons for keeping a distance are more for emotional purposes, while Connor’s detachment is mainly for work purposes. It does make it hard to initially like these characters, until their tough exteriors are broken down and their pasts are revealed to the reader. Seaton ramps up the tension between these two leads extremely well. It was fun to observe this couple’s immediate dislike of one another, their reservations of each other and their eventual relationship. Along the way to this burgeoning relationship, Dru and Connor must contend with a few obstacles thrown their direction, especially in determining who is the real culprit of the diamond theft at the mine. This segment of the storyline allows for a range of secondary characters, both good and bad, to fill the pages of Diamond Sky.

I absolutely loved the setting of Diamond Sky. Currently the north of Western Australia, the Kimberley, where the bulk of the action of this novel is set, seems much more appealing than here in the cold capital of WA. The warm weather, along with the stunning scenery in the Kimberley, complete with rugged ranges and huge gorges, would be a wonderful place to visit. I would love to see an actual mine site in this region in operation and Diamond Sky offers the reader the closest way to do this – through reading this novel. Seaton treats the setting aspect of her novel with the insight and respect it deserves. Diamond Sky is not entirely set in the Kimberley, the narrative moves as the mystery and action aspect of the novel demands to be solved. We also get a glimpse of life in Dubai and Antwerp in these areas of the narrative, which I did enjoy.

Despite the fact that I am sad to see the end of this addictive series, I was really appreciative of the fact that Seaton gave the novel a fitting end. We get a small glimpse of the Porter sisters as a whole at the conclusion of the novel, complete with a lovely happy ending. The mystery and crime aspect of the novel is closed off well, but the process to get this end was far from predictable, which was great. Now Seaton’s Porter Sisters series has come to an end, I look to the future and eagerly wait what Annie Seaton is ready to bestow on us story wise next!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diamond Sky is book three in The Porter Sisters written by Annie Seaton. After her dream job in Dubai ended Environmental Engineer Dru Porter came back to Australia and started work at a Matsu Diamond Mine in the Kimberley. However, strange things were happening at the Matsu Diamond Mine, and Conner Kirk was hird to investigate. Conner Kirk came in contract with Dru Porter because she was one of the prime suspects. The readers of Diamond Sky will continue to follow the trust and turns in Conner Kirk investigations to see what happens.

I enjoy reading Diamond Sky. I like the covers of the books in this series they allow you to picture Annie Seaton's settings of each book. Annie Seaton engaged me with Diamond Sky from the first page, and I was unable to stop reading until the end. Diamond Sky is well written and research by Annie Seaton. I love Annie Seaton portrayal of her characters and the way she entwined them with each other.

The readers of Diamond Sky will learn about the role of an environmental engineer on a mining site. Also, the readers of Diamond Sky start to understand about diamond mining and the way jewellers know how to identify which diamond company owns the diamond.

I recommend this book.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evocative descriptions, engaging characters and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this outback romance will keep you turning pages.

Diamond Sky is the third book in the Porter Sisters trilogy but can be read as a stand alone. I loved the descriptions of the fly in fly out lifestyle of a diamond mine worker and the vivid descriptions of the Kimberly region. It was the characters that really made the story, though. Dru was a fantastic strong heroine. I'm looking forward to reading more of Annie's books.

I reviewed a complimentary copy.

[Jo-Ann Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diamond Sky by Annie Seaton – Suspense, theft and romance at a remote outback mine

Someone is smuggling diamonds out of the remote Western Australian Matsu Diamond mine. Connor Kirk, a guy who has been around the shadier side of life for more years than he would care to remember has been assigned the case. Going undercover at the mine, Connor has his suspects, but the closer he gets to the case, the more he needs to know.

Dru Porter is a reclusive engineer who has gained the name ‘The Ice Queen’ by her colleagues. She is withdrawn, secretive and highly capable. Dru quickly becomes Connors prime suspect, but is Dru all she seems to be?

My Thoughts On Diamond Sky

I do enjoy a good Australian fiction and Annie Seaton’s fans think she’s one of the best. This is the first of Annie’s books I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I found out it was the final instalment of The Porter Sisters trilogy, but it read as a standalone book and a good one at that. The detail of the remote outback and the Kimberley is on point, and the character outlines are as strong as the steel capped boots they wear out in the mines.

The isolation of the Kimberley sits in tandem with that of Dru, the central character, and the setting conveys the expanse of the region and the emptiness that fills Dru’s life. The motley crew at the mine are a great supporting cast and I suspected each in turn at different times in the book.

Even though I worked out how the diamonds were smuggled at about the 200-page mark, I had no idea how it would all pan out. I found myself rooting for Connor Kirk as he got to grips with the stories, rumours, dangers and secrets in the middle of the outback at the Matsu diamond mine.

If you love anything by Jenn J Mcleod or have read Never Never, and Out Of The Ice, then you’ll have a ball with Diamond Sky by Annie Seaton

[Dísir · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Porter Sisters trilogy crept up on me in a way I never did quite expect. Annie Seaton’s gorgeous descriptions of aboriginal Australian land in the remote Kimberley have made these books as much about the surroundings as they are of the people and the protagonists. And Seaton’s stories are easy to get lost in, amid the suspense and the mystery that’s set in this unique, ancient region.

‘Diamond Sky’ works perfectly well as a standalone, focusing on Dru Porter, the youngest sister of the lot who had always wanted to find her own way in life, protected only by the detached, emotionless barrier that had formed after her father was murdered. Now working in Matsu Diamond mine, the arrival of a safety officer (who’s really a security investigator undercover) threatens to unearth a past she wants to escape.

I was immediately drawn in by the initial hostile relationship between Connor and Dru, since the former sets out to investigate the latter in a case of diamond theft and all evidence points to Dru as the guilty party. And in a story that spans several locations, the build-up is nonetheless slow going as Seaton throws up several red-herrings to lead you off the track that you’ve been sniffing about. But I couldn’t quite swallow all of them hook, line and sinker: Dru’s flight from Dubai and the reason for it is still sort of left as an open threat (though not as ‘severe’ as initially perceived) and the sudden transformation of the brash, abrasive loner Dru to the vulnerable woman suddenly prone to anxiety attacks and crying jags was jarring, as was the abrupt flip of the switch relationship change between her and Conner thereafter.

I guess I had expected more, especially as the threads that had all looked intertwined at first weren’t actually significantly related, and that was sort of a downer since I was hoping to read about a larger ‘conspiracy’ and an explosive climax that tied it all together.

That said though, ‘Diamond Sky’ is worth a read as are the rest of the Porter Sisters books—they’re all heavier on the mystery than the romance—if only for the very unusual setting and plot which got me out of commission for a good few hours.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been really enjoying travelling around Australia with the Porter sisters and in 2017’s release we are introduced to Drusilla, my favourite of the three siblings.
In a far away diamond mine in the outback, Dru Porter is the engineer.
A place where no one knows her and a place where she can hide from the world after an unsettling incident in Dubai.
Expert Security man Connor Kirk is hired to investigate a situation where diamonds are being stolen.
He is placed undercover to catch the thief in action but it’s hard to believe that the glamorous and stunning Dru is the main suspect.
As Connor delves deeper into the investigation and as Dru’s past events arrive, their mutual attraction gets in the way of the real danger lurking in the dark.
Diamond Sky is book three of the Porter sisters series and definitely my most favourite.
I adored Dru, as the lead character in this story.
She was a feisty, strong, beautiful six foot and at times vulnerable glamazon but she really shone from the pages, a very mesmerising presence.
As for the captivating setting in this one, we are transported to The Kimberley for the majority of the story.
The plot is a buffet of suspense, romance, drama, action and crime against the harsh land in a remote beautiful location.
A wonderful and dazzling narrative with daring and unscrupulous characters and a plot of menace, tension and strength.
While originally this was supposed to be the conclusion to the trilogy, Annie does give all the characters a fabulous send off and an ending where everyone gets a happy ever after but don’t fret, due to popular demand we do get a fourth book.

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diamond Sky is the final instalment in the story of the Porter Sisters (unless another pops out from nowhere!) It has certainly been an interesting ride.

Like it's predecessors, it is a Romantic Suspense - these sisters certainly have a way of finding trouble! While I enjoyed it, I found it not quite as engaging as the first two which I felt just had characters that you could get more attached to. It's hard not to compare the three and perhaps by the last book the story has become somewhat formulaic.

That said, the writing was still top class, with twists and turns, secrets, misunderstandings and a good dose (but not too much) of romance. Of course the star of Seaton's books as always - the beautiful Australian Outback, in this case, the Kimberley region of Western Australia, once again brought to life masterfully by Seaton's writing style.

Once again it is clear that Seaton has an affinity with the environment and its protection along with the sensitivities of traditional ownership - a theme that subtly plays through all through books - though perhaps a little more obvious in Diamond Sky.

All three could be read as stand alone books but if reading as a trilogy I recommend reading in order as minor points will be uncovered.

I'm looking forward to reading some more of Annie Seaton.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

This third book was very enjoyable, I was interested in the diamond mining, working in the mining industry I'm always upset by the devastating effect it has on the environment, I hope that these companies work on rehabilitation as Dru does in the story. I was pretty sure I knew who the culprit was well before Connor made the connections, but it was still a good read.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great final book in the series. I really enjoy Annie Seaton's writing and look forward to reading more. Great setting and well researched.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I think Dru and her story is my favourite of the Porter sisters.

[Robyn Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great ending to the Porter sisters - loved the story and in the end just kept reading to finish - now I want more

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally appeared at: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/blo...

Diamond Sky marks the third and final book in the Porter Sister series and it was an engaging and exciting suspenseful read that fit beautifully with the other two books. Yes, this is the third book in a series but it stands solidly on its own.

The Porter Sisters series is really three stand alone books that are linked by the fact that the heroines are sisters. The stories are all quite different but they are also very similar. Mining and the traditional owners of the land play large roles in the series.

This book has been on my radar since reading the first book, not to mention the second, and it has been on my shelf quite a while too. I signed on to be part of the blog tour for the release last month, I pencilled in the date and had plenty of time… until I looked at the date yesterday and almost had a heart attack. I was left with yesterday to finish what I was reading and then today to read and review the book. I then managed to read it in one day with a baby and a toilet training toddler in the house, after being concerned I would be reviewing before I finished the book.

Dru Porter is the baby of the Porter family, and the one who found their father when he died, and it has left it’s mark on her; how could it not. She has been quite distant from her family for years but the distance seems to be growing even further.

The Matsu diamond mine in the Kimberley is hot, remote and the perfect place to hide. Dru Porter is in her first year as an environmental engineer helping to rehabilitate the land no longer used by the mine. Dru is a bit of an enigma; she stands out, whether she wants to or not. She is in a largely male dominated field, she is quite tall for a woman and she has long blonde hair. She is in the Kimberley to hide, to keep to herself and not let anyone get too close but she stands out and the fact that she wants to keep to herself doesn’t do her any favours. Working a mine site is quite a closed community so it seems to be a bit of a small town mentality really and that makes the loners a target.

Diamond Sky is a veritable smorgasbord of genres with a little bit of everything to appeal to a wide range of readers. Intrigue, crime, suspense, romance and a remote rural location with vivid characters and an arid landscape that will take your breath away, it certainly stole mine.

The inner workings of a diamond mine are completely foreign to me but Seaton has certainly done her homework to draw what comes across as an accurate depiction. It’s a little bit funny that I hadn’t read any diamond mining books but in the space of a month this is my third and the Matsu diamond mine is completely different from the other two… then again technology has come a long way since the historical depictions I read recently. I have no way of knowing what really happens in a diamond mine but it certainly seemed like Seaton had done some intensive research to paint an accurate picture of the process and the security.

Dru has been burned by life and she’s carrying some pretty hefty baggage. The walls she has built around herself for self preservation are impressive and she doesn’t let anyone in. Ever since uni she has been carrying a reputation as an ice queen and she’s more than happy to wear the crown, especially if it keeps people at a distance.

Her time at the mine is filled with work, sleep and swimming. She eats in the mess hall with the rest of the workers but tries to keep herself apart, except for the weekly poker game with some of the men. The man she shares the greatest bond with is Rocky, an indigenous staff member who has been with the mine since it’s inception. He reminds her of the man who helped on the family farm.

There is trouble at the mine and the owner wants it sorted; quickly, quietly and discreetly – preferably before news gets out. He hires in an investigator to trace the problems and the suspense begins. Connor Kirk has taken on the job but it isn’t what he’s used to, and he’s a man immediately suspicious of a strong female because he too has been burned.

Seaton deftly weaves the background of baggage for both Connor and Dru as she tells the story of the mine and its relationship with the traditional owners. There is quite a lot going on yet it all felt important to the story, there was no superfluous tangents that didn’t seem to have any relevance. There were interesting diversions and a lot of things that added to the intrigue and allowed the reader to form theories and try to work out what was going on but I’m not sure I ever even got close. It was certainly a tangled web she wove and I loved it.

Diamond Sky took me to a place I have never been, and probably won’t ever get to, and painted a majestic picture that celebrated the original inhabitants of the area and highlighted the important work that goes into rehabilitating mining sites.

A captivating read that brings the Porter Sisters series to a close, and leaves me hoping there might be another family member floating that will bring us back into their world.

[Deb Bodinnar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd Porter Sisters book and I think that it might have been the best! I have truly enjoyed each and every one of Annie's books I've read and hope that we get to see more of them.
Set in a Western Australian diamond mine there is a love/hate relationship between Dru Porter and Connor Kirk when Kirk first arrives under the guise of a safety officer. The truth is he thinks that Dru is stealing diamonds.
I love the fact the Annie spends her Winters travelling Australia to research for her next book. The information and details in the running, safety and security on the mine is great. Also find the inclusion of the Dreamtime and Indigenous culture most interesting. It is books like this that make the reader want to visit the locations and see for themselves the beauty and awe of this fabulous land we live in.
Life for the fly in/fly mine workers is a hard one and we get to see how that can affect some people and their mindsets.
This is a great story and I would highly recommend it.

[Cheryl Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Porter Sisters series and it features Connor Kirk and Dru Porter. Diamond theft is the name of the game in this fantastic story line. Connor is there to catch a thief or thieves and no one is above suspicion, even Dru Porter. No sparks between them at first but as time goes on things change. They're both extremely jaded from past hurts and don't like to let anyone in.

WHAT AN ADVENTURE!  This story takes us from Australia to Dubai, to Belgium and back again. All three books in the series should be a TV miniseries. Annie Seaton can take the landscape of Australia and for the time it takes me to read one of her books, make me feel like I'm right there with her characters, standing in the red dirt. The landscape, as much as the story line, is such an amazing escape. This is a fabulous mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seat trying to figure it out.  I always look forward to reading more from this amazingly talented author.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance and suspense blend in the wonderful setting of the Kimberley region, proving to be a good piece of storytelling. I loved the mistaken impressions the main characters had of each other, with the reader knowing this. The story then slowly builds to a satisfying ending, not all of it predictable.

[Lynne Stringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure whether to give this three or four stars but I liked the ending and I find that often gets books across the line with me. Truly, it was a good book, but at the beginning some minor repetition bothered me. For example, we were told about four times in two pages that Connor's new job was 'very different' from his previous ones. There was a bit of that here and there in other places too.
I also felt that there was quite a bit of coincidence in the story, and while that doesn't always make it a bad read, in this one I felt it stretched the bounds of what was believable at one point.
However, in spite of this, I liked the two protagonists and enjoyed the background of the mining town out from Darwin. It was a good location and gave me an insight into a profession I knew little about. It was good fun and well paced and generally a good story, in spite of the things I mentioned earlier. :-)

[Emma Moon]

Diamond Sky by Annie Seaton.
WOW! I was sucked on from the very first page.
Diamond Sky is the third and final instalment of the Porter sister trilogy, I haven't read the previous two books (I'll be adding them to my 'to read' list though) but had no problem following this book.
The story is set in the Kimberley's at the Matsu diamond mind where it's been discovered a worker or workers have been smuggling diamonds out and selling them after diamonds without a unique laser identification that all the Matsu diamonds are etched with were discovered in Antwerp.
Dru Porter has been working at Matsu for nine months as an environmental engineer, having previously worked in Dubai, a fact in which she doesn't want anyone to know.
The stolen diamonds were sold to a Dubai business man, making Dru the number one suspect.
Enter Conner Kirk a security specialist employed to discreetly find out who is behind the diamond thefts.
Upon meeting Dru and Conner take an instant disliking to each other.
Dru is a reclusive person, preferring her own company she puts on a brave face and a false air of confidence, earning her the nickname of the 'Ice Queen' when inside she is a nervous wreck always looking over her shoulder and trusting no one a legacy left from events in her past.
Conner only sees the confident face that Dru shows to the world and having been shafted in the past by a beautiful women he knows they are capable of anything.
The story followes Conner and Dru as Conner investigates the workings of the mine and how the thefts could be occurring all whilst he keeps a close eye on Dru, it follows them to Dubai and Antwerp, where both there pasts are slowly revealed and we discover the events that made them the way they are.
The intrigue intensifies as the story goes on as does Dru and Conners chemistry, who is behind the diamond theifts and will they be caught before someone is hurt?
Seaton has done a wonderful job of the description and detail in this story, you can picture the mine and the surrounds of the Kimberly's, a lot of research has been done into many different things that make up Diamond Sky, how diamonds are made, the Indigenous history, how a mine works, but none of it is an information overload.
The intrigue not just about who is stealing the diamonds but also Dru and Conners past has you turning the pages to find out more.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Pan Macmillan for the chance to review Diamond Sky.
The original review can be found here http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/blo...

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in a series about the Porter sisters, with each book concentrating on one of the three, and although I had not read either of the first two books I did not find that affected my reading of this book.

The book opens with Connor Kirk, ex AFP (Australian Federal Police) and now private investigator, sitting in the office of John Robinson CEO of Matsu Diamonds first discussing the theft of diamonds from the mine and then agreeing to take the case on. In this discussion we also get a very interesting explanation of the crystalline structure of diamonds and what creates naturally coloured diamonds.

The story then moves to the Matsu mine and Drusilla (Dru) Porter the youngest of the three Porter girls. We quickly find out that prior to working at Matsu she worked in Dubai and that “something” happened there which causes her great distress and fear. Dru works at the mine as an environmental engineer, working with the local aboriginal people to rehabilitate the area so that when the mining is finished the area is returned as close to as it was before the mining commenced as possible.

Dru is known by the nickname the Ice Queen, she is tall for a woman with long blonde hair and keeps mainly to herself, although she is a skilled poker player and regularly relieves the men at the mine that she works with of their money at games.

Connor arrives at the mine in the guise of a Safety Officer, brought in to investigate a spate of accidents and breakdowns but in reality a cover for him to investigate how the diamonds are being stolen from the mine, and who is responsible.

From the outset there is a tension between Connor and Dru which over time will lead to frightening consequences.

I found this a very easy book to read, although at times I found there were holes in the story line large enough to drive a truck through. There was a good mix of characters and situations, an interesting sideline on Aboriginal land rights and Native Title and plenty of tension between Connor and Dru. Although I had not completely worked out the who and how of the diamond thefts I had part solved it (long before Connor!)..

This story has enough to keep most interested, intrigue, romance, crime and suspense, all set in the remote red Kimberleys.

I would give it 3.5 stars.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and hate - two sides of the same coin. When Dru Porter meets Connor Kirk at the Matsu mine in Western Australia, it's a case of instant dislike. Dru is a loner with few friends and a reputation of being an Ice Queen. She is also on Connor's list of suspects as a diamond thief. Both protagonists wear masks that hide serious past hurts and fears.
Connor's dislike of Dru allows him to make errors of judgement he wouldn't normally allow in his work. His reputation till now has been excellent, but cumulative fatigue and the supreme confidence of Dru Porter convince him she must be involved in the theft of several large, rare diamonds from the mine.

Dru's family backstory has already been revealed in the previous two books in this series - the murder of her father, her mother's depression etc; but it is the period since she left home and worked in Dubai that is chilling. As it unfolds, I wanted to applaud Dru for her courage in finding a way to carry on. Ironically, it is this courage than Connor interprets as smug confidence and a sign of her guilt.

As always with an Annie Seaton book, the landscape is an important element, almost a character in its own right, and evoked in all its heat and dust and dangerous wildlife, and the stupendous beauty of the Australian outback. Secondary characters are well drawn and real; from the 'blokes' working at the mine, to Rocky, the indigenous liaison officer who gives Dru a sense of comfort, to the friends and others in Dubai.

The situation around the diamond theft is cleverly rolled out, with a few hints along the way, and several red herrings. The research into mining diamonds and the processes around them are meticulously researched. I really felt like I knew what happened without information overload being a problem.
A brilliant read, for lovers of a wide range of stories, from outback/rural to crime, and eco-adventure (a genre Ms. Seaton shines in).
5 brilliant violet diamond shaped stars.

[Anne Peachey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Diamond Sky by Annie Seaton to read and review from Beauty and Lace Book Club.
The cover photo catches your eye straight up. A stunning photo of red rocks, red sand and sparkling blue water.
Set in the Matsu diamond mine in the Ord River region of Western Australia's Kimberly, a ruggered isolated area.
Matsu's unique violet diamonds are appearing in Europe. The mine has strict security procedures in place.
Connor Kirk is brought in by the company as an undercover investigator to track down the thief. He is given a list of three suspects.
On the list is Rocky, one of the Traditional Owners.
Dru Porter is also on the list. She us an Environmental Engineer helping the rehabilitation of the land.
Dru left a hugh paying job in Dubai with a huge pay cut and is hiding out in the outback.
Liam is also on the list, one of the truck drivers.
As Connor delves into the diamond thefts, Dru and himself dislike each other.
Will their dislike help or hinder the investigation and will Connir uncover the chilling facts before tragedy strikes?
Annie Seaton has done meticulous research into the Diamond Mining Industry and the harsh isolation that the Kimberly is renown for.
Wonderful read that will appeal to many readers who love Rural Romance, thrillers, crume and mystery.
Highly recommended.

[Stacey Houllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The is the last of the book of the Porter Sisters series by Annie Seaton. I all can say it was one of the best books I have read I could not put it down. It is the story Dru Porter a mine engineer who once worked in Dubi earning more money than is now working in the romote Matsu Diamond mine in the Kimberly. She is running from her past in Dubi where her boss harassed her.
Conner Kirk is hire by the mine as he is security expert to find out who is stealing diamonds from the mine. Dru becomes one of the suspects in the diamond stealing but once Conner learns the truth of her past in Dubi when he follow her there for her friends wedding and talk to her previous boss . He puts her life danger but then he then helps her.
Together they solve who stealing the diamonds.
Conner learns he loves her and wants to be together once the case is over and Dru admits that she feels the same. I highly recommend this book and any of Annie Seaton books.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful conclusion to the Porter sisters trilogy. I love the Aussie outback landscape depicted and got a real sense of place. The stunning Kimberley is such a great backdrop to the story and Annie really brought it to life.
But all this was just the bonus. The highlight of this book was the story itself, about a diamond heist and the heroes attempt to catch the thief, and his chief suspect Drusilla Porter. I loved Connor and Dru. From a rocky start they developed a reluctant respect and eventually a romance which I just loved. The supporting cast were just as good, especially Rocky and the elusive and talented Greg.
The cultural and environmental issues were sensitively addressed and treated with the proper respect and seriousness, as we've come to expect from Annie Seatons previous books in this series.
All in all a great book and I highly recommend it.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I seen this continued on with the series I had to jump in again to see where it went next. This centers around Dru and Connor taking you on a slow volcanic ride. Right away a mystery will take you with also diamonds in the center. What is fun to read is the secrets that get unwrapped little by little with us at the bit. It also is like you are there with all the descriptive ways and means. The romance is just right for this story with it adding the extra zing to the element. Even though this is a stand alone you really need all the sisters because they are great characters. The adventure is thrilling with it giving satisfaction when finished.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

How ridiculous. This is the first book I've read by this author and I really wanted to like it - the two points go for the interesting setting. After a slow pace it started getting interesting, then things fell apart in a very melodramatic way.

I was really annoyed to see the 'I've been betrayed in the past so no women can be trusted' garbage from the hero (who also illegally breaks into our heroine's apartment). Meanwhile, our heroine goes from sensible to 'please don't leave me alone, it's not enough for you to get me safely on the plane, I want to follow you halfway around the world out of my way instead of go home directly as I won't feel safe without you'. What rot!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT. I really enjoyed The Porter Sister's 1 and 2 but this 3rd in the set is brilliant. So engaging and interesting, the Kimberleys coming to life, the diamond mining making fascinating reading and the portrayal of the characters is masterful. The diamond theft is suspense at its best and totally believable.
Even though you had a feeling from the start that the 2 main characters would end up as they do, the way they get there is anything but predictable. The way Dru Porter comes to terms with past events that have coloured the way she sees life is beautiful.
An enthralling read. So pleased there is another book in the series coming soon.

[Dixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my introduction to Annie Seaton's Porter Sisters. I was drawn in from the opening chapter. The world building was thorough and the conflict unique to the diamond mining industry. Backstory of the lead characters was revealed as needed to clearly grow them into relatable people and to move the plot forward. The romance elements simmered behind the scenes while the industrial theft and personal safety suspense plots took center stage.
There are a lot of secondary characters to track at the mining site.
The resolution to the various plots is thorough and satisfying.

[Bronwyn Hegarty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story the most until the two main characters arrived in Dubai, thinking it was a thriller and wondering how Connor was going to solve the case of the stolen diamonds. I was confused by the heart symbol on the library book denoting it as a romance novel. Well it turned out to be both - thriller and romance with some seedy undercurrents.
a fast and easy read, and an interesting premise - a diamond mine and stolen diamonds and the female engineer with a mysterious past. I will read more from this author.