Ceylon Sapphires
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In this thrilling follow-up to Blood Rubies, plucky gem thief Rune Sarasin finds herself racing across Europe in pursuit of precious sapphires that might buy her freedom from a dangerous crime lord.
At a private showing in the Louvre, Napoleon Bonaparte’s great-great-grand niece Margot Steiner admires the painting of her famous ancestor while wearing a precious Ceylon sapphire necklace commissioned by the emperor himself. After getting caught in a commotion on the crowded staircase, however, Mrs. Steiner discovers that her necklace is gone and the suspicious young woman who started the commotion has melted away into the throng…
Rune Sarasin is new to Paris, but not new to stealing priceless jewels. She has spent the last few years plying her trade in the fast-paced city of Bangkok, but after unwittingly stealing from the ruthless smuggler Charles Lemaire, she now must hunt down the gems that he requests until she repays what she owes. But when Lemaire demands that she now steal sapphire earrings to match the necklace, Rune realizes that he will never willingly let her go.
Slick and dazzling, CEYLON SAPPHIRES takes off like a shot. The feverish pace never lets up as the savvy Rune cleverly attempts to outwit every player in a zero-sum game for her life. Action-packed and captivating, this stunning, globe-spanning suspense is one of the most exciting books I’ve ever read.”
—Samantha M. Bailey, USA Today, Amazon Charts, and #1 international bestselling author of Hello, Juliet
Rune Sarasin is an alluring antihero battling injustice at breakneck speed.”
―Booklist
Mailan Doquang is a writer to watch.”
―Alafair Burke, New York Times bestselling author
A true delight! CEYLON SAPPHIRES is what top-notch crime fiction is all about: a sharp, nonstop plot, richly drawn characters, good and bad, whose portrayals brim with richly observed insights, and exotic locations that come truly alive under the author’s deft touch. I read this fine novel in one sitting and I guarantee you’ll do the same. Breathtaking!”
―Jeffery Deaver, New York Times bestselling author and creator of Colter Shaw, from CBS’s Tracker
I had such a blast reading this book! CEYLON SAPPHIRES has a little of everything. It’s funny, fast paced, and packed with history from around the world. It also has a lot of heart. Mailan Doquang’s series has landed a place on my must-read list.”
—Samantha Downing, internationally bestselling author
Adrenaline junkies may enjoy the constant edge-of-the-cliff pacing as Rune stays one step ahead of the police while always plotting that one final caper that will get her out of Lemaire’s grasp. . . . This one’s for those who prefer adventure.”
—Kirkus
Gripping . . . Doquang’s evocative descriptions of Europe’s backstreets and Rune’s fast-thinking strategic moves will appeal to both espionage and heist fans, especially those seeking a cat burglar with depth.”
—Booklist
A gripping cat and mouse game between thief and smuggler.”
—CrimeReads
Sophisticated . . . the best caper novel I’ve read this year. Ceylon Sapphires also makes great use of its international settings, cementing Doquang’s reputation as one of those rare writers who can make the world seem large and small at the same time. A jewel of a mystery-thriller.”
—Jon Land, BookTrib
A classic thriller, starting in Paris and racing across Europe and Asia. . . . I was rooting for Rune across the continents.”
—Globe and Mail
Mailan Doquang has published extensively on the art and architecture of medieval France. She is an avid traveler, photographer, and runner. She is a Canadian transplant and longtime resident of New York City.
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