Diamonds in the Dust

by Beryl Matthews

London, 1920 - The three Bentley children are used to fending for themselves while their widowed mother works nights at a factory to make ends meet. Then one morning their mother fails to appear for breakfast, and when Dora, the eldest, is told by the gatekeeper at the factory that no one by the name of Harriet Bentley has ever worked there, the children begin to investigate . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction

252 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Charmaine Saliba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Diamond in the Dust. A heart-breaking novel of lost, secrets, lies and hope. This novel is set in London in 1920. I like the author’s writing style and the way she deals with the consequences of the Great War.
Dora and her brother Tom and sister Lily were worried when their mother haven’t show for breakfast. At first, they thought that she was held at work, but when Dora went to the factory the owner told her that they do not have night shift. Dora was confused, why their mother would lie? And more importantly, where was she?

Confused and scared the kids ask help to their neighbour Stan a former policeman. Stan has his problems, he had survived the Great War but had came back injured. Not being able to turn them down he promised them to help them. As days go by it was clear to Stan that Mrs Bentley is not who she claims to be, he is considering if it will be wise to leave things as they are.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rather old fashioned but sweet story. I've never read a book where they drank so much tea!

[Margaret Higgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

this should be listed as a YA book, not what i thought, but it was good enough to finish

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is about the three Bentley children Dora aged 18 Tom who is 12 and young Lilly who live in 1920’s London and are used to looking after themselves. Their father was killed in the Great War and their widowed mother has been forced to take a night job at Grant’s clothing factory to support the family. This means that Mrs Bentley only sees the children at breakfast and on Sundays. Dora is nearly 18 with a job and adequately takes care of her younger siblings. Then one morning their mother did not come for breakfast. Dora goes to Grant’s Clothing and they tell her that Harriet Bentley never worked there and they do not have a night shift. They know their mother would not desert them They ask for help from a neighbour who used to be in the Police Force but is now at home having been injured in the Great War.
The story moves forward at a nice pace and I did enjoy it and would recommend it as a nice easy read.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book takes place in London in 1920 while the country is recovering from the affects of World War I. I think the author couldn't decide if the book was supposed to be a mystery or a social commentary, or a romance. It's a little of all of these things. When the Bently children's mother doesn't return from work, the children go to her work to ask for her only to find out that she never worked there. The children enlist the help of their neighbor an ex-policeman who was injured in the war.

[Caroline Broderick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good premise for a story with a good outline of a plot (a missing person story that encompasses post war London's feelings about family, disability, class etc.) but just didn't... feel right. It started too abruptly, threw in a few random poorly explained characters and seemed very repetitive at some points. not a bad read but falls short of being great.

[Lisa Humphries · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read to the end because I wanted to know what happened to the mother, but that was the only reason. The writing was amateurish and clunky, and quite repetitive. Unlikely characters, especially the 12 year old. The storyline about the mother ended up being more of a backdrop. Predictable ending. Overall disappointing and I wouldn't read anything by this author again.

[Becca King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really liked this book, I just happened upon it at my local library. I love how is a nice, clean book that still deals with love. I would be anxious to read a second book and see how the children faired entering a new phase in their lives.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictable but I really enjoyed reading this one. The characters were likeable and engaging and the story plot developed at a good pace. I think you'd have to be a bit slow to not predict the outcome of the storylines but it was no less enjoyable for that.

[Diane Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most enjoyable novels I have read I enjoyed the characters and the suspense. If I could rate 10 STARS I would.

I think Beryl Matthews is
an excellent writer and author, glad I found her so I can read her books .

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very clean cut mystery story.c

It was a good read, easy to follow the story line. Would have been nice to add about the mother's life before her death. A little more spice about the inlaws. Like the story theme.

[Gemma Frogley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

A really good story with a bit of romance, very enjoyable. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

[Cindi Boselli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and happy ending

Quick read. Lots of wonderful character s and good came at the end. Enjoy this author very much. Read on one rainy cold day but warmed your heart.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story with a really fabulous details and a lovely romance which was really nice to read and gave me a warm glow! I couldn't put it down and wanted to enjoyed the mystery. It didn't quite get a 5 star as the disappearance was never completely solved which I found very unsatisfying. The rest of it however was brilliant and I will definitely be reading more by this author.

[Mrs Jennifer Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling tale. Well researched. I loved this story

[Gracefulshrimp]

I really liked this book though I felt the last 2 pages were a bit rushed feeling. but still awesome!

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Derith Rolfe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Siickily sweet

This was like reading an episode of The Brady bunch. Everyone was nice and polite. I think it maybe YA. And although I often enjoy YA. This wasn't for me.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simple and somewhat juvenile.

[LESLEY HEDISON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diamonds in the dust

I found this book very predictable, boring and most repetitive.
This would be moe in line for a young teenager to read.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beryl Matthews has written a touching story about survival and love. An enjoyable, quick read!

[Naomi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Predictable, repetitive and poorly written.

[Lynda Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed this story.was nice to see people helping each other out.bit sorry at th end when th "possible murderer"disappeared.also grandparents came to th funeral bt didnt really connect with th children.I wld of liked a better ending.