There is something completely irresistible about a mystery that sparkles—especially when it carries secrets buried deep in history.

In this episode, host Terry Shepherd sits down with award-winning author and gemologist C.B. Wilson to dive into her glittering new release, Water Diamond, the thrilling second installment in her popular Gem Hunter series.

From the sun-drenched hills of a historic Phoenix mansion to the iconic, Art Deco-infused shores of Catalina Island, C.B. Wilson previews a high-stakes historic race to recover a hidden piece of jewelry with a dangerous past.

We talk about the inspiration behind the book, the real-world existence of "diamond dogs," and how a tiny, pink-outfit-wearing dachshund named Glimmer stole the show. Plus, C.B. shares her expert insights into the fascinating history of antique diamond cuts, the reality of manufactured gems, and how her own passion for gemology keeps her chasing down the ultimate puzzle.

Whether you love a sharp mystery, historic architecture, or just really beautiful jewelry, this conversation is pure heaven.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

The Inspiration Behind Water Diamond: How the historic Wrigley mansion in Phoenix and the 1920s Avalon casino on Catalina Island sparked a coast-to-coast adventure.
Meet the Cast: A closer look at the fierce heroine Taylor Hunter, her GIA diamond-grader twin sister Hope, FBI love interest Rocky Rockman, and Glimmer—the mini dachshund who can sniff out diamonds 50 feet in the air.
The "Duet" Mystery: The history of a stolen 1929 Art Deco bracelet that connects to a larger narrative puzzle.
Fascinating Gemology Facts: Why antique diamonds were hand-cut specifically to sparkle in candlelight, and how modern technology shifted the industry toward brilliant cuts.
A Sneak Peek at the Horizon: Where Taylor’s adventures are heading next, from a closed-room mystery in a Quebec City ice hotel to diamond smuggling routes in Australia.

About the Guest

C.B. Wilson is an award-winning author and certified gemologist. Best known by many readers for her heart-filled Barkview Mysteries, her latest Gem Hunter action-adventure series blends sharp suspense, a lifelong fascination with jewels, and a deep love for animals.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Visit C.B. Wilson’s Official Website: cbwilsonauthor.com
Connect with the Author: Check out her website to sign up for her newsletter, see daily pictures of Glimmer’s clues, and explore her entire catalog of cozy mysteries and high-stakes thrillers.

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