by Becka Hons

The Diamonds And Daggers Audiobook Review, Murder Is Forever

Review of Diamonds and Daggers audiobook by Nancy Warren with tablet showing audiobook cover and progress, text stating the 11th book in The Vampire Knitting Club series

Diamonds And Daggers is book 11 in the Vampire Knitting Club series by Nancy Warren. These cozy mysteries are a series, but can also be read as stand alone books. I personally prefer to read them in order though, so you can see the character development and relationship growth. If you’re anything like me, you like reading books in order, so, here’s my review of the first book: Audio Book Review: The Vampire Knitting Club. I’m a fan of just about every book in this series, but let’s find out what you think with this The Diamonds And Daggers Audiobook Review.

Genre

This is considered a paranormal cozy mystery.

The Vampire Knitting Club series as a whole would be considered paranormal cozy mystery.

“Cozies”, if you aren’t familiar with the term, is a sub-genre of crime novels that usually feature an amateur sleuth, placed in a small town or close knit community, pardon the pun, and all of the violence or intimate situations happen off page. They generally focus on puzzle solving more than suspense.

This audio book is on the short side at 5 and a half hours long. So it’s probably considered a novella.

The Diamonds And Daggers Book Summary

Lucy is more than a little off put when Sylvia, the former silver screen starlet from the silent film era, comes to her apartment and announces that she is making Lucy the beneficiary of her estate. Knowing that there has to be a catch since Sylvia will still be around long after Lucy herself is dead.. she asks the vampire what exactly is going on.

Always one for the dramatic, Sylvia explains that a film company has decided to remake one of her most famous films: The Professor’s Wife. They reached out to her estate for the rights to replicate the famous Cartier set from the film that the one time actress was paid with. But what does that have to do with Lucy?

They’re throwing a red carpet party where Lucy, as Sylvia’s benefactor, would interact with the actors and production staff, but most importantly, she would have the Cartier diamonds on display at the party.
Lucy is horrified. She is not one to wear expensive jewelry, and certainly not something that’s priceless. However, she feels like she has no choice but to do this for Sylvia.
Later that night, after the Vampire Knitting Club meeting, Sylvia, Lucy, and her grandmother, Agnes, go down the subterranean apartments that the Vampires share. A glamorous Vampire shows them her famous Cartier set and Lucy feels even more sure that this is a bad idea. Especially when she’s told that she has to learn how to “float”.

Something Witchy

While trying to walk so that she is floating in her shop, Lucy is interrupted by Margaret Twigg, the leader of the local coven, and Lucy’s sometimes mentor. Margaret tells her that it’s time to choose her atheme, a ceremonial dagger. Lucy immediately declines this tradition since she doesn’t want a weapon. But Margaret assures her that its purpose is to focus her power, and cut to the truth of things.


Shortly after, Lucy goes to a meeting at the film studio as the distant relative of Sylvia Stan. Sylvia has gone over everything she could and could not say, and Lucy does her best to stick to the script.

The Gala

On the night of the gala, Lucy is dressed to the nines by Sylvia and her grandmother. She’s gone over how to walk, how to stand, what to say, and at this point, Lucy is fairly sure that she it nothing more than a walking mannequin. As she’s leaving the shop, Rafe appears none too pleased about the situation. He confirms that Lucy is indeed doing this because she wants to. After a moment, Lucy finds, to her surprise, that she does. Rafe insists that he will driver her in the Bentley instead of Alfred, no one argued.

Lucy is star struck, being treated like a star on the red carpet. She is mingling with Lords and ladies, produces, and the staff she had met earlier. Her eye is caught by the nervous looking man who is the accountant for the movie. He mentions that something is wrong with the accounts, they’re off balance. The way he, Bryce, is talking, he seems both concerned and skittish. He insists that he and Lucy must meet in private in 15 minutes, and she agrees. The lead actor for the professor’s wife is introduced to her not long after. He is charming, but reveals that there is no one set to be the professor’s wife.. nor is there a director. Lucy is starting to think Bryce might be on to something.

Beyond The Glamor

A few moments later, Lucy goes to the agreed upon spot only to find that she is alone. One moment later she feels a presence behind her, but before she can turn her head, she is hit on the back of the head. When Lucy returns to consciousness, Rafe is by her side, along with a dozen others. To her horror, the jewels are gone. The accountant is no where to be found and Sylvia.. Well she’s more than angry.

Now, Lucy, must once again ask her undead knitting group to help her solve this crime.. And not long after, a murder.

Reader

Sarah Zimmerman is the vocalist for this audio book and the rest of the books in the series. It took me a couple of chapters to get used to her ironic/sarcastic tone in the first book, but I love her now.

The main character is quite sarcastic, so she chose that tone for the first person narration. Her various voices and accents make it clear that she is a wonderful voice actress.

Each character has a different voice and speech pattern that is quite enjoyable. You can easily tell the difference between them as well, which is always something I look for in an audio book.

My Diamonds And Daggers review

It’s nice to see Lucy embracing her witch side more. I think by this point she’s learned to go with her intuition. I was a bit disappointed in the way that Sylvia reacted to the jewels being stolen. Yes, she’s clearly living in her passed glory days, but this is Lucy we’re talking about. She knows how danger prone and magnetic for murder Lucy is. Lucy’s want to not be in the spot light is almost comical, considering that is generally where she ends up. Sylvia is going to be upset about this for a bit, but I have a feeling Lucy will be the one staying aloof longer.

On the relationship front, if you haven’t read the books up to this point and you know you want to. This book will spoil something for you. And I’m about to talk about it so.. scadat if you don’t want to hear it.
Now that they’re gone, Lucy. Dear. Stop playing with my, I mean Rafe’s emotions and say yes!! For goodness sake the smart, sexy Vampire wants to marry you! I know the whole he doesn’t age thing is a problem, but you’re a witch! There’s got to be a solution! And even if there isn’t, this man is willing to give you his heart even having been through all this before almost 500 years ago.

On the murder side, I felt like this one was a bit obvious. Maybe I’ve just watched/read too many whodunits… But I felt like it was going for “The Secret Adversary” lite and.. It was good, but I definitely saw it all coming.

WHERE TO GET Diamonds And Daggers

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products or services I genuinely trust and believe will bring value to my readers.

Here is the book on Amazon: Diamonds and Daggers

You might be able to find it at your local library or request it. Just go to the circulation or check out desk and ask for a book request form. (That’s how my library works with requests any way) Bear in mind that you’ll probably be waiting a while if you do a request form.

I personally use Audible for my audiobook addiction. I have had the audible premium plus membership for years. You get 1 credit a month and you keep any book you buy with the credits even if you stop having the membership! You also get access to tons of podcasts, plus you get exclusive sales and discounts. If you’re interested check out the membership plans here.

WANT MORE AUDIOBOOK REVIEWS?

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