Set in 1929 Savannah, Georgia,
Diamond Gothic satisfies all the desires I have for a novel! Replete with suspense, romance, character development, and peppered with sharp 20s dialogue,
Diamond Gothic has become one of this summer’s best reads!
This trio of authoresses has intrigued and charmed many, offering everything that’s right for those of us who had no idea we could enjoy a genteel 1920s murder mystery with a side dish of wit.
What I love the most is that beyond offering an enthralling whodunit, these ladies have painted a fascinating portrait of human nature and relationship. For instance:
ANNABELL & THEODORE
Annabell Mason is a young woman a part of the upper crust wealthy and privileged. Nevertheless, Annabell our stubborn protagonists possess a certain sassiness about her that gives way to a romance with a young man whose family has unfortunately gone from riches to rags.
Theodore Wentworth, a childhood friend who has grown up to be quite the stunner, becomes the center of much of Annabell’s attention. Eventually, their innocent flirtations escalate and the couple finds themselves seeking a safe haven to be with one another and away from all those who would condemn their love.
“Run away from here and never come back,” Theodore smiled.
“What in the world are you suggesting, Mr. Wentworth, and what kind of girl do you take me for?” Annabell eyebrowed her statement with feigned disgust.
“Hesh up, ” Theodore smiled.
And he kissed her again. Another deep, long, just-out-of teenhood-spirited kiss. A kiss with all the youth and excitement of adolescence, but with the knowledge of adults (and of all those working parts in the proper places). It was a good time to be Theodore and Annabell. It was a good time for kissing.
Chapter 15 UNHINGED
Their love is so sweet, and so painfully underdeveloped I hope in future chapters we have an opportunity to see these two explore the joys of young love. Nevertheless, the ladies adroitly shed light to issues of socioeconomic disparity in depicting the relationship between Annabell and Theodore, as well as the Masons and the Help. Inasmuch, the detailed picture of life in the 1920s reminds us how different the times were....
But of course as much as I love
Theabell (sorry – I had to) their romance seems to be marred by an impending death that seeks to tear our lovers apart – which prompts me to wonder…
WHO SHOOTS ANNABELL MASON-HAYWORTH?
(Please read with caution – possible spoilers ahead)
Based on pure speculation – my guess is
not the more obvious choice, the envious
Eve ‘Harling’ Hayworth - but her brother, Mr. We-Haven’t-Met-Him-Yet Hayworth – otherwise cryptically introduced to us as Annabell’s husband in the first chapter!
But let me tell you why:
Chapter 1 - 1929 & BLEEDING reveals that Annabell Mason marries a
Hayworth and assumes his last name. Which begs the question - why isn’t she a
Wentworth as the burgeoning summer romance between her and Theodore Wentworth would clearly suggest?
Well there are two BIG reasons for that.
1. In
Chapter 12 - PRODIGAL SON, Abigail Spencer sheds a little color on
Walter Senior’s strong ties to the Hayworth’s. Though not by blood, and I repeat
not by blood, Walter becomes a part of the Hayworth family fabric with
Edgar John Hayworth becoming something of a brother to him. Edgar, father to a devious Eve Hayworth and a son (whom we haven’t been formally introduced to), ultimately dies in a tragic fire.
This is
especially important to remember because, “Walter had always been looking for ways to pay back the debt to the Hayworth family, without whom, he would be nothing”.
In
Chapter 9 - DADDY, Walter informs Annabell that there’s something wrong with his memory and that it would soon all fade in the recesses of his mind. Inasmuch, he strongly urges Annabell to quickly find a husband with whom she can share her father’s inheritance with. And now, what better way to repay a debt - than to urge your daughter to marry a Hayworth son who would inherit all your wealth?
It is my understanding that in a future chapter, Annabell obeys her father wish and without much say in the matter, marries into the Hayworth family...
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| 'Theabell' have so much promise! |
2. Which brings me to my second point, I’m sure Annabell will suggest that she marry Theodore, but her father will deny their love and force her to marry a Hayworth. Theodore, whose family wealth was lost as a direct result of his troublesome brother, has no chance to marry Annabell. Despite whatever fervent love they may share, Theodore is an inferior – nothing more than an employee to the Masons, just one of the Help.
As a result, Annabell may continue her impassioned romance with Theodore behind closed doors – despite her parent’s wishes. And even as she marries a Hayworth – it is my strong belief that “the doting bride, demure and gracious, innocent” will eventually be found out. And unfortunately, infidelity can drive people to commit the most unspeakable acts...including murder.
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Theodore Wentworth (top-left), Anabell Mason (top-right)
Jason Wentworth (bottom-left) & Eve Harling (bottom-right) |
Diamond Gothic is full of red herrings and vibrant characters. It just upsets me that the refreshing romance between Annabell and Theodore is marred by the protagonist’s imminent death. Nevertheless, this rotating novel is thoroughly addictive with the right light touch and plenty of plot.
Seriously, when will this be available in
paperback?
Stay tuned – later this week I admire the glitz & glamour of the 1920s and see as I try to decipher the supernatural undertone present in Diamond Gothic – what does it all mean?
