general

When courier Lee Mandel disappears while carrying precious sapphires, many are quick to label him a thief. His half sister Kate Chandler, the gem cutter who fashioned "the Seven Sins" from a rough sapphire, is convinced otherwise. Using her intimate knowledge of the gem industry, she attempts to track the stones down, hoping to also discover clues to Lee's whereabouts.

At a gem show, she attracts the attention of maverick FBI agent Sam Groves, who is part of a task force trying to stem a rising tide of gem thefts. Originally taking her for a thief, he comes to realize she might be a useful ally. Working together, they begin to unravel the conspiracy that has cost the lives of several jewel couriers. The only thing that stands in the way of solving the mystery is their growing attraction to each other.

Research on Lowell indicates that The Color of Death isn't her first book to utilize the world of gems and jewels as a backdrop, and that the plot of Color of Death resembles one of those books, Amber Beach. So, for those familiar with her work, Color might feel like a rehash of previous efforts. Those reading her for the first time, however, will likely find this book enjoyable, as Lowell tells a good yarn, replete with memorable characters, convincing action, and numerous dirty secrets about the jewelry business. With the exception of some overwrought sex scenes, she rarely missteps, crafting a combination of suspense and romance reminiscent of Elmore Leonard's Out of Sight.

Although EL's series-books are some of her finest, this apparent stand-alone mystery is excellent. Set in the world of international jewel traders (like the Amber Beach/Jade Island series), Color of Death introduces all new characters. The mystery is entertaining. The characters are vivid (maybe a bit cranky, but vivid). FBI agent Sam Groves walks the edge, but actually gets the job done and the mystery solved. Jewel cutter Kate Chandler is intelligent, skilled, courageous and a little less cranky than Sam.
This is my idea of a good summer read.

Too many characters with implausible relationships and convienent coincidences.