Glitter of Diamonds: Reviews
“In her second mystery after Shaded Light, [Menzies], a master of plotting, seeds her tale with concealed clues and innuendos that keep readers guessing until the very end. Reminiscent of golden age mysteries, her latest will appeal to fans of classic mysteries.” Library Journal
“Glitter of Diamonds, second in the Manziuk and Ryan mystery series by award-winning Canadian journalist, author and speaker, [J. A. Menzies], continues with a finely drawn police procedural written in the style of Georgette Heyer, long considered queen of the British mystery genre.’ Just as her character Rico is a fierce competitor, [Menzies'] appealing characters, creative plot and classic Agatha Christie style writing make her a fierce contender for Heyer’s reputation.” The Suspense Zone
“Glitter of Diamonds is the second book in Canadian author, [Menzies'] Manziuk and Ryan mystery series. I have not read the first book in the series, Shaded Light, but if it was anything like Glitter of Diamonds, it is worth reading…. This is a modern-day whodunit, much in the style of the classic Christie novels. There are plot twists galore and you are guessing to the end. I had to stay up all night to finish it….” Natalie York, Armchair Interviews
“Although this reviewer very seldom watches a baseball game, listens to a talk show sportscaster, or ever reads anything on the sports page of the newspaper, this book was written in such a way that it’s possible for someone like myself to enjoy the story…. Glitter of Diamonds is a book worth reading. [Menzies] is fantastic in telling this story with humor, compassion, and commitment.” Betty of the Betz Review, Hidden Staircase Mystery Reviews
“Sports fans and readers who like police procedurals will want to read GLITTER OF DIAMONDS where famous baseball players are shown to be ordinary people with the same stress and problems as anyone else. The investigation is fascinating to watch as the police follow the clues and eliminate suspects one by one. [J. A. Menzies] is a fine writer who tells an exciting baseball whodunit.” MidWest Book Review
“Baseball. There are few things that say lazy, hazy summer days than that sport. But this book is anything but lazy or hazy – and is one hell of a read. A Christie-style mystery, this one does a good job of it…. There are plot twists enough to keep you occupied, and enough other entertaining material to please even the most demanding reader.” Mysterical – E, reviewed by Vero Caravette
“This is the second outing for Toronto detectives Paul Manziuk and Jacqueline Ryan, with a cast of characters with a capital C – all manner of players, a Marilyn Monroe wannabe and the potential for an international incident. The bases are loaded, it’s the bottom of the ninth, who is on first, I don’t know, keep reading to find out the answer in this nicely done ‘classical’ mystery.” Jack Quick for Book Bitch
“Although this is a story about a baseball team this is not laden with baseball. It is a mystery. The character Ryan has never seen a baseball game. So, if you fear it would bog you down, fear not … [A)ll in all it is an enjoyable read baseball fan or not." Futures Mostly Mystery Reviews
"The carefully plotted story is neatly integrated into the world of pro sports -- the emotions of the fans, the business-dollar-hype of management and agents, plus the media persuasiveness when it comes to the mystery of baseball as part of our cultural fabric. The writing has humour, the story-telling is edged with compassion and the characters are well drawn. The story is baseball, the language is the stress, ego and entertainment of professional sport and the result is an exciting stand-up triple." The Hamilton Spectator
"[Menzies] has created a novel that will please both fans of baseball and police procedurals with is wit and originality. There’s much to enjoy in this novel as the author brings to light the exciting and often convoluted world of Canadian baseball.” NoName Cafe
“[J. A. Menzies] really shines as an author with the depth and the detail she put into this novel. I used to be an avid baseball fan, and I can tell you she has the baseball scene down pat. She also has invested a lot into making each character realistic… This would be a great book to introduce to a book club as its sports theme would be well received by men as well as women.” Tracey’s Book Nook
“Somebody should see if a thirty-three-ounce bat applied to the skull would help get the message across . . .” “The day after sports reporter Stasey Simon suggests this on her radio show, Toronto Matrix pitcher Rico Valasquez has his head crushed by a baseball bat. Paul Manziuk and Jacquie Ryan have proven themselves a formidable team when it comes to solving murders in the past, but this high profile case leaves them with over a dozen suspects, few leads, and the potential for an international incident.
“[Menzies] has managed to bring the spirit of Agatha Christie’s classic whodunits into a modern Canadian context. Although she introduces a huge cast of characters, her list of major players and her characters’ unique personalities make it easy to keep them straight. Her combination of page-turning suspense, humour, and a true-to-life look into the struggles beneath each of her character’s public personas make this book one you’ll want to read twice.” Marcy Kennedy in Maranatha News
“There’s a harsh side to professional baseball and its media hype, and [Menzies] evokes it with gritty realism in this Agatha Christie-type detective novel. The author is a master of suspenseful plotting, wry humor, and psychological insights. The novel’s cover is gorgeous and its characters fascinating.” The Fellowship Link, reviewed by Elma Schemenauer
“The suspense was terrific and this woman really knows baseball inside and out.” Tom Monie, mystery fan and former high school sports and Little League coach
“Wonderfully crafted … I think [Menzies]t is one of the best mystery writers of our generation. Everyone who understands and enjoys baseball will surely love this book. Everyone who loves both baseball and mystery novels will be in seventh heaven. ” Radine Trees Nehring, author of the award-winning “Something to Die For” mystery series
“A well-plotted book with several surprises and should leave readers guessing until the end.” Christian Library Journal
“I admit it. I didn’t want to read this book. I’m not a sports fan. I am REALLY not a sports fan. The only sports I ever watch are the Olympics. So, when I picked up this book I didn’t know what to expect. Well, I was delighted. It kept me hooked and reading until the very end. A wonderful mystery in the classic Agatha Christie style.” Linda Hall, award-winning author and Christy nominee
“You can hear the fans screaming as [J. A. Menzies] hits another grand slam over the wall. A masterfully written whodunit that will keep even diehard mystery aficionados guessing to the very end.” Keith Clemons, award-winning author of These Little Ones
“If you love sports, mystery and a little romance, this is the book for you! [Menzies] delivers believable characters, a plausible inside look at the world of professional sports – the players, management, media and the groupies – and dedicated, hard-working detectives. An engaging whodunnit – will keep you reading long past lights out! Play ball!” Carrie M. Wood
“A plate full of intricate characters and a solution that won’t be served up until the very end—that’s the mystery Glitter of Diamonds, by Canadian author [J. A. Menzies]. Radio announcers, columnists, and the mismatched detective team of Manziuk and Ryan converge in this baseball whodunit. [Menzies] makes it easy to join in the dialogue, but before you open your mouth to speak, the puzzle pieces pile up. Don’t get too comfortable; there’s a twist in the action that will knock you senseless, and everything that glitters is not what it seems.” Diane H. Pitts
“I whole-heartedly recommend [J. A. Menzies'] latest novel, Glitter of Diamonds. A skeptic at first, [Menzies] has successfully won me over to the mystery genre! This author skillfully spins her yarn, drawing readers into the lives of her characters, until it is virtually impossible to put the book down. More is revealed as the pages are turned, but readers will be kept guessing until the very end. [J. A.] has chosen the road less traveled, by weaving the intricacies of her story without the use of inappropriate language or graphic imagery. In doing so she has presented readers with a work of art. I look forward with great anticipation to her next work.” Melody Metcalfe
Selected as a Librarians’ Choice mystery by the Toronto Central Library in 2008.