My debut novel, The Da Vinci Diamond, is a fast-paced mystery/crime story with 5 star ratings on Amazon.com. You can find out more at http://cafestories.net or the Amazon website at http://amzn.to/HpWASg.
What is the secret of The Da Vinci Diamond?
Three beautiful Russian women, along with Italian and Russian mobsters are all after The Da Vinci Diamond, a million dollar blue gem once owned by the great Leonardo himself.
San Francisco Police Detective Tony Mariani follows all the suspects and uncovers clues from the Bay Area and around the world. The evidence eventually leads to The National Museum of Rome, the original home of the gem.
The women, a mistress, jewel thief and assassin, provide plenty of action, murder, intrigue and romance as they manipulate others to find the diamond. What is the key piece of evidence that unlocks the mystery? How does Mariani recover the diamond and arrest the conspirators? You’ll never guess the unpredictable ending but you’ll love the ride.
The Da Vinci Diamond is the debut novel by master storyteller Jerry Guarino, author of these five star rated short story collections: The Best of Cafes Stories, Trilogies, 50 Italian Pastries, 40 Slices of Pizza and Café Stories.
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What do editors, authors and publishers say about his writing?
"I've been a fan of Jerry Guarino's work for a long time, and this latest offering (his debut novel!) is his best piece of fiction yet. Exciting, thrilling, well-researched and interesting, this book was difficult to put down once I picked it up. I love the pacing and the international intrigue so elegantly woven through this book. Working with his seemingly innate talent for crafting realistic, powerful and substantial exchanges between characters, Jerry weaves an impressive tale complete with a sense of steamy sensuality that shouldn't be missed. I loved the ending too!"
Earl Wynn - Thunderune Publishing
"Firstly - I love the cover, any photo of the Bay is going to make me open the book. Mostly I love the way Jerry has a number of sub plots running alongside each other, moving back and forth from A to B to C etc. The characters are believable and well developed. Although your brain keeps saying that it has to all come together at the end, the finale is still a surprise, I didn't expect them to...sorry, you need to read it. Well done Jerry."
David Cousland - Author
"I have been a fan of Jerry Guarino's writing for years. His short stories and style of writing have drawn us in and then left you wanting more. Now, this first novel, The Da Vinci Diamond manages to take you on a fast paced journey you will not want to put down. Starting in the familiar San Francisco Bay area then eventually landing you in Italy with all her secrets. Full of twists and surprises, history, espionage and an ending you never see coming. A terrific read that will leave you ready for more."
Sue Hohl
"What an exciting ride!! The Da Vinci Diamond has been stolen and the thief has escaped. What follows is an international pursuit. I was immediately drawn into the world that Guarino has artfully created. This book has mystery, intrigue, sex and a shocking ending. I loved Guarino's characters and his writing style made the story come alive. A must read for anyone who enjoys "James Bond" type intrigue."
Sandra K.
"Jerry Guarino's, crime/mystery novel, The Da Vinci Diamond, is a fast paced ride with an unpredictable ending. This shortstory teller has used his writing skill by linking many sub-plots within his debut novel. He's done the research on medical forensics and gun ballistics. The whirlwind tour goes globe hopping around the world from the US to Europe and back. A very good first novel. You should check it out!"
Dwight Lee, MD, PhD
"Having read author Jerry Guarino's awesome short story collection 50 Italian Pastries: short fiction for people too busy to read a novel I was thrilled to learn that he had published a full length novel. Although this was a shift in genre from his usual character based narratives, it was still very well done with excellent character work and overall smart, clever use of language. It's an entertaining read and a story that stays with you. A real bargain at the current Kindle price."
Talleyrand (Sydney, Australia)
"A Modern Day O. Henry"
50 Italian Pastries is a short story reader's culinary delight. Jerry Guarino's 50 slice of life pieces are filled with delightful takes on people, places, and things that make America great. He infuses his stories with life's delights: good food, great music, fine drink, and the emotional roller coaster of interpersonal relationships.
As a short story writer myself, I found his work honest and filled with delightful irony. He is a keen observer of the human condition, and a writer of obvious talent.
I look forward to reading more of his work. He is a master at mirroring to his readers all their foibles, their fantasies, and their forever quest to understand why the wheel of life turns as it does. 50 Italian Pastries is short storytelling at its best!"
Wayne C. Long - Author of Eye Candy, Flash in the Hand and Stories from the Edges
(http://longshortstories.com)
"His style is simple and consistently powerful, his storytelling a triumph of art over artifice."
Ben Price (Zouch Magazine and Miscellany)
"Jerry's writing is consistently fresh and inventive. His stories grab from the beginning, then hurl the reader into surprising and powerful endings. Definitely a must-read."
Earl Wynn (Thunderune Publishing)
"Each story is well crafted with the natural elegance of a natural writer...a real treat for the reader."
Scott Wilson (Editor of The Fringe Magazine)
"Jerry Guarino sends his readers on a merry chase through a wild array of micro/flash fiction--humor, satire, and pathos. He artfully captures gentle souls and slick cons, the high brows and their unsuspecting victims in characters that step from the page to engage the reader. Guarino finds the tiniest trait that creates zany folks the reader wants to protect or strangle. Often at the same time. Prepare for the surprise twist at the end. He gets you every time."
Myra McIlvain (Author of Legacy)
"Jerry Guarino's writing is refreshing and authentic. His storytelling grasps the nuances of life, leading the reader into expertly crafted moments of intimacy, humor, thoughtfulness, and surprise. Read one story and you're hooked."
Sheila Pierson (Author of Steak and Potatoes)
"Jerry Guarino never confines his writing to a single style or a single idea. From science fiction to college tales of love, Guarino writes it all."
Taylor Lampton (Editor of The Scarlet Sound)
"Jerry Guarino's writing reminds me of the late, but great, Jose Saramago's. His structure is both unique and compelling, always leading the reader to places that they never see coming.
Weeb Heinrich (Editor of Writing Raw)
"Jerry Guarino's 50 Italian Pastries takes the nuances of everyday, places it on its head, and then tilts it slightly to the left. His comical spin on life will make you wheeze with mirth and leave you wanting more."
Daniel Poole (Editor of Larks Fiction Magazine)
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