The rainbows-and-unicorns period of her friends-to-lovers relationship with Mike Finnegan officially over, Karina Cardinal is taking a tactical retreat. No way is she calling him for rescue from one of her infamous “scrapes.” Too bad trouble, if not her middle name, is a close relative.Sadira Manon, friend and colleague of Karina’s sister Jillian, has been dropping way too much cash on designer … designer labels for a middle school teacher. Even one who moonlights as a jewelry store clerk. But when she’s accused of theft, the loose diamond falling out of her purse is enough for the police to sing the song of their people—“Miranda Rights.”
Karina, Jilly, and Silverthorne Security join forces to investigate who’s setting Sadira up to take a fall, and why. They dig up a shady tangle of Russian mob ties and gambling debts. By the time Karina realizes they’ve dug too deep—and maybe a little too far outside the law—Jillian’s in trouble, and the only way out of this particular pot of hot water is to make that phone call…and hope Mike doesn’t let it go to voice mail.
International bestselling and award-winning author Ellen Butler presents book three in the Karina Cardinal mystery series! Fans of Melinda Leigh and J.D. Robb, who love the humor of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum will adore this gripping mystery adventure.
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Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3)
By: Ellen Butler
5 out of 5 stars
This is the next amazing book in a series I have loved from the first story. It had me on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next. Karina Cardinal is back. She finds herself helping out a friend of her sister, Jillian. She soon finds herself caught up in a mystery that she was not expecting. Read this book to find out the full story. This mystery will keep you guessing and turning pages. There are many characters in this story. Some of them are helpful to Karina, some have their own agenda and will do anything to make sure their plans succeed, and some make you wonder whose side they are on. The book pulled me into story and I didn’t want to put it down. The author has done a wonderful job in making the characters come alive and the story unforgettable. I would highly recommend reading it.
4 Stars
Diamonds & Deception is the third book in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series by Ellen Butler. It is a great mystery- with drama, danger, intrigue, tension, action, suspense, and more. Even though this is the third book in the series it can be read as a standalone without feeling like you are missing part of the story. But by not reading the first two books, you would be denying yourself some really great stories- and some recurring character introduction, backstories, and other information that would enhance your overall reading experience.
Karina Cardinal is a lawyer turned lobbyist in Washington D.C. She’s smart, controlled, spirited, independent and hard-working. She and her old college friend, Mike, turned their friendship into a relationship, but they’ve hit a bit of a rough patch of late and things start off a bit grim. So, when Karina’s sister Jillian calls her to help out a friend, the two sisters are drawn into a mystery which has them both questioning what is really going on. And when trouble comes calling, and you know it will, because Karina seems to attract it- will she call on Mike for help? Or is this the beginning of the end for them? With a diamond heist, danger, secrets, lies, multiple layers, surprising developments, and so much more to the whole situation than they ever suspected- you know you are in for a very intense ride.
As with the other two books, this is a really great story- but started off a little ‘slow’ in the beginning and I felt my attention wandering a bit in the first third of the book. But once the pace picked up, things really started flowing and the ‘action’ drew me in. Again, the characters are really well developed, crafted into fully realised individuals with their own personalities, quirks, and flaws. And all added to the overall storyline.
There is a “heavier” topic highlighted in this book, which I won’t go into here because I don’t want to spoil the story- but Ms. Butler definitely shone a light on it in a realistic and informative manner- but also with some sensitivity. I can imagine writing about such things would be easy- but again Ms. Butler doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects. She proves time and again what a great storyteller she is.
I am definitely looking forward to more from Ellen Butler!
Thank you, Ms. Butler!
Diamonds & Deception is the third book in the Karina Cardinal series by Ellen Butler. Let me just say Ellen Butler you know how to grab a reader and keep them engaged throughout the entire book. I would recommend reading the first two books so you will get to know Karina and become her book friend. Karina has a knack for getting into a tight spot. Being a mystery genre, I knew there were roller coaster rides but some of the twists and turns really dropped my jaw a couple of times. Will Karina be able to help the investigation? Will she be able to team up with her sister to solve this mystery or will she have to call in Mike to help her again? There are no hints here. You have to read the book to find out for yourself.
Ellen Butler’s Karina Cardinal Mystery series continues with Diamonds & Deception. Being book number three in the series you would think that you would know what to expect as far as storyline goes but Ellen Butler manages to keep things fresh, adventurous, and always exciting. I never for one moment find myself bored whenever I am absorbed in a Karina mystery.
I would highly recommend that you start with book one, Isabella’s Painting, if you haven’t done so prior to reading this one. The story and the mystery may be different with each book but the characters develop and often repeat. Their side stories keep things multidimensional and to fully enjoy it you will want the full picture.
Diamonds & Deception boasts a sneaky and complicated tale of mistaken identity and blows up into so much more. This has something for everyone in it from romance to mystery and doesn’t let up till the very last page where there is promise of more excitement to come in future books. I can’t wait to see what will come next for Karina and her sleuthing gang!
I’ve been loving Ellen Butler’s Karina Cardinal Mystery series of late and this was no exception. Diamonds & Deception can be read as a standalone, although of course there are certain details that benefit from the context of the previous books. I love this series for its detailed intrigue and fast-paced action. The plotlines and antagonists are well-researched, even if this book has slightly darker themes compared to the previous ones. I really loved how this one focused on Karina as a lawyer, but also how her romance with Mike keeps growing and Karina’s sense of humour made me laugh aloud many times. A suspenseful read.
Diamonds & Deception is the third installment in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series by Ellen Butler. The entire series is full of mystery, suspense, and romance. I have yet to be disappointed by this author. Karina always finds herself wrapped up in trouble, but each storyline is unique and pulls the reader in. Although each book can be read as stand alones, I highly recommend reading them in order. You’ll love this author!
Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler
5 of 5 Stars
This is book three in Butler’s ‘Karina Cardinal Mystery Series’ and having read the two previous novels and having been introduced to Karina Cardinal I was looking forward to this third instalment and was not disappointed. Although book three in a series it can be read as a standalone story, however if read as a series then the reader will have a better understanding of Karina’s backstory.
When a friend of her sister Jillian, Sadira Manon who is a middle school teacher is accused of theft from her moonlighting job as a jewellery store clerk, Karina steps in to help prove her innocence. Karina and Jilly join together with Silverthorne Security to investigate as Sadira is adamant that she is not guilty and that she’s being set up. The more they dig and uncover they soon find themselves amongst the shady and dangerous world of the Russian mob. Unfortunately Karina realises she has discovered too much and that she is in trouble a bit late and so she really only has one hope of rescue and that’s boyfriend and FBI cybercrime’s expert, Mike. However the couple who have had a friends to lovers relationship have hit a difficult patch and so Karina just hopes he will pick up his phone.
The storyline was fast paced and had plenty of drama, suspense and twists and turns in it that kept me guessing and happily turning the pages. I was fully immersed in this crime thriller and I literally could not put the book down. I love Karina, the main character, who really brings the story to life and she is a very relatable and likeable person and I felt fully immersed in the story alongside her. Having read the first two books I felt like I was back with an old friend. I hope there will be further books in this series.
Diamonds and Deception is the third book in the Katrina Cardinal Mystery series and i recommend reading them in order! This series just keeps on getting better every time! Once again Ellen blows our expectations out of the water with her talent! This book, just like its predecessors is full of twists you wont expect, and definitely keeps you guessing! This series as a whole is just fantastic and i recommend it highly! I cannot wait to read more from the talented Ellen Butler!
This book follows the ongoing story of Karina – I seriously cannot get enough of this series! When Sadira (Karina’s sister Jillian’s friend) is set up to take the fall for a theft, Karina must pull out all the stops to find out why and who. But did she go too far? The last thing Karina wants to do is get Mike, her ex, involved – does she have a choice, and will he help? The characters were well written as were the scene descriptions. This is one of those books you cannot put down until the very end!
This book, just like the others by Ellen Butler, grabs your interest from the first chapter, never loosens its grip and holds you down to discover more in this mystery. This book leads you down unpredictable turns but so are the characters that lead down unexpected paths. All the different layers of this mystery will hold your attention for a great deal of time.
This is the 3rd book in the series. Another great book by Ellen Butler keeping the series going and very engaging. Danger just seems to find Karina see doesn’t seek it. Highly recommended for those who like crime and romance. Well developed story line and plot. It kept me on my toes.
Another quick paced, compelling story from Ellen! This time, Katrina’s sister Jillian attends a fashion show with Katrina when one of Jillian’s co-workers is accused of stealing diamonds. On top of the diamond theft, Katrina ends up being thrown into something else even worse! This was a smoothly written book. Plenty of suspense and drama. And surprises along the way! Ellen knows how to dive in head first to write a good book!
5/5 Stars
Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery #3) by Ellen Butler
Butler has done it again. Karina is at it again in this new book and Butler has rightfully outdone herself. This is a fantastic book and I can’t wait for the next.
Karina, Rina, or K.C., is at it again with the trouble. She is following her sister down the rabbit hole, but it’s her sister. Things aren’t as they seem and Karina gets in trouble again. The quote I chose for Karina is: “No, don’t ‘Karina’ me. Listen, it’s not like I plan to be part of the raid. I’ll wait in the car. But I am coming with you. And if you do find her, I want to be there. I need to be there.”
Mike, FBI boyfriend, is once again out of town. When he gets another frantic call from Karina. This time he knows what’s going on and can’t be mad. The quote I chose for Mike is: “I can’t leave you alone for a second, can I? Between you and your sister, you’ve got disaster written all over.”
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good crime and romance. Ellen is fantastic.
Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler
5-stars
Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler was an excellent read. I loved how the author opens up the story at the beginning. I also loved that this novel can be read as a standalone. The storyline was inspiring, mysterious, and fun. It easily flowed from start to finish and kept my attention. I enjoyed the various characters and how much thought went into them. They were realistic and developed well. The various scenes were also descriptive enough to picture myself as a bystander watching the events take place. I was very impressed with this authors writing style and how addicted I was to the book. I highly recommend it.
I do love strong female leads, and a good mystery is always a winner with me. In Diamonds & Deception by Ellen Butler we get both. This is an excellent little mystery. It is my first Karina Cardinal Mystery Story, but I can tell you it won’t be my last. Although Karina is the star of our show her sister Jillian is every bit in the thick of this as Karina. The dialogue and the interaction between the sisters in this book is spot on., and even better than all of that is the “story within the story”. I always love that. This sweet little mystery is well worth your time.
I give Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler, 5 stars.
This is one of those series where I forget just how good it is until I pick up the next book. I absolutely love Karina. She is fun, quirky, real, has a big heart and so likeable. I would love to have her as a best friend. This time, she tries to stay out of things but gets pulled in by her sister. You can’t say no family. But she has learned from her past experiences. She asks for help from the guys at Silverthone Security. These guys are great too, I would love to see more about each of them — maybe a book dedicated to them? Karina, her sister, and the security guys try to get to the bottom of things to find who is really guilty and just what is really going on.
Besides the characters, the story itself is so compelling. It begins when Katrina’s sister Jillian attends a fashion show with her coworker. The night ends abruptly when the coworker is accused of stealing diamonds and arrested. Now they have to figure out if she is guilty, not to mention prove it. This would be enough for some mystery/suspense books. But wait, there’s more! They later discover something even more sinister is going on and find themselves thrown right into it. There were a few times I thought the book may soon be over, only to realize there was much more to go. The the author switching gears on us and leading us in a different direction is done so smoothly and so effectively it kept me from putting the book down.
I highly recommend this series and book to those who like real, strong female characters in their whodunnit/suspense books.
Diamonds and Deception by Ellen Butler is book three of the Karina Cardinal Mystery series. This book has a little bit of everything. It’s got danger, mystery, suspense and so much more. This book can be read as a standalone but for the full experience – recurring character introductions and backstories – I encourage you to read the first two books.
Karina is fiercely independent and recently her friend Mike has taken their relationship from friendship to relationship and they seem to have hit a rough patch. Karina is determined not to call Mike for help however she seems to attract trouble. When her sister calls her to help a friend, this time doesn’t seem to be any different. Karina and Jillian find themselves deep in a mystery that leaves them with a lot of questions. Will Karina call Mike for help when trouble inevitably strikes?
This book was enjoyable to read. It has a pretty quick pace and let you wondering what was gong to happen. I recommend it!
Diamonds & Deception
Karina Cardinal Mystery
Book 3
By Ellen Butler
This is book 3 in the Karina Cardinal series. This book could be read as a standalone, but why?
If you love a great mystery, you will love this story. When Sadira Manon is arrested for stealing diamonds, there are some questions that need answered. Like, why is a school teacher wearing high quality, name brand clothes on a teacher’s salary? Where did she really get her money? Things are not looking favorable for Sadira. So it is time to call Karina, Jilly and
Silverthorne Security.
Ellen Butler has done it again! She has written this compelling mystery. Her writing is clear and fast paced. She gives just enough information to keep you intrigued and interested in this book. I love the characters set forth in this suspenseful mystery. I loved being able to follow this series and can’t wait for more. Well done Ellen Butler! Well done!
Diamonds & Deception by Ellen Butler
Four Stars
Diamonds & Deception is the third book in the Karina Cardinal Mystery Series by Ellen Butler. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend you read this series in order. You get a great background on the characters if you do. This book like the previous books, hooked my attention from the very first page. I love the humor sprinkled in with the mystery and intrigue.
Karina and her sister Jillian dig a little too deep into a friend’s troubles andend up on the wrong side of the mob. Now, Karina must call on Mike to help, but will he be around to answer her call. If you love mystery, adventure, comedy and romance rolled into one this is definitely the read for you.
Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3)
by Ellen Butler
Another great mystery. You can read this book as a standalone but it is my suggestion that you start with book one for a better experience and back story of the characters. This book is full of action, suspense, mystery, and of course danger. Karina seems to find trouble and danger around every corner. There are unexpected twists and turns in this story. Karina and Mike aren’t exactly seeing eye to eye these days, so when Karina finds herself in a bind, will she call Mike? Will she be able to get herself and her sister out of danger? To find this out this is a must read. This book will keep you entertained throughout the entire time. I highly recommend this book.