title: A Tale of a Rough Diamond
author:  P. J. Mann 
description: Review<div> -Our Review- BookViral<br /><br /><br />It is always uplifting to review something a little different and with its intriguing title, A Tale of a Rough Diamond certainly fits the bill. There&apos;s a lot to be said for a novel that&apos;s able to generate considerable suspense and a sense of dread and on this level Mann&apos;s narrative creates the right balance of tension and intrigue to hook readers from the very start. With acerbic prose and a keen eye for nuance she eschews the stereotypes that typically dominate the thriller genre, leaning towards the fallible side of her characters that are at times darkly introspective. Given the turn of events that lead to Stephan&apos;s imprisonment Mann could have written a straightforward tale of revenge but she manages to add a cathartic kick that contains metaphorical nuggets in addition to the personal dramas that inhabit her plot. No matter how badly things have gone for Stephan, there&apos;s a constant sense of twists to come and this makes for a genuine page-turner.A strong and enjoyable debut that promises good things to come from Mann, A Tale Of A Rough Diamond is certainly deserving of a place on your bookshelf and is definitely recommended. </div>
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  Diamond in the Rough
  
  
  A.A. King
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter One
  
  
  
  
  
  The phone rang shrilly, cutting through the night like a hot knife through
  butter. Just hours before, Brian Russell had been wasting away another night
  watching television and drinking whiskey. Most nights were spent like this for
  the thirty six year old detective. He was married to his work and had no time
  for the finer things in life.
  
  
  What the fuck? He complained to no one in particular. Many a good night’s
  sleep had been interrupted by his career.
  
  
  Pushing the covers roughly from his body, he threw his legs over the side of
  the bed and snatched the ringing phone from its cradle, “Russell.” He growled
  into the receiver.
  
  
  “I will be there in thirty…tape off the scene and don’t let anyone in.” He
  ordered.
  
  
  Brian rubbed his eyes and blinked furiously, trying to clear the feeling that
  they were full of sand. He threw on his clothes and grabbed a soda out of the
  fridge before leaving for the