West 47th

by Gerald A. Browne

Book Overview

As a former Madison Avenue jeweler who earns his keep by recovering stolen precious gems, Mitch Laughton is used to dealing with dangerous situations. But when he becomes involved in the search for... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446516627
• ISBN13: 9780446516624
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Warner Books (NY)
• Length: 390 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

quips and quibbles

Browne's 1996 gem thriller opens with the bloody $6 million jewel robbery of an Iranian couple. The insurance company hires gem expert Mitch Laughton, husband of the fabulously wealthy, beautiful, and blind Maddie, to recover the jewels. Mitch is a conflicted man. He revels in the intrigue and glamor of the 47th Street jewel trade and savors the adrenalin rush of the hunt. But he hates being beholden to the insurance companies he has despised since the day his jeweler father was robbed twice ? first by armed thieves, then by Columbia Insurance, which seized on fine print to avoid meeting policy terms. In a "Nick and Nora Charles" (one of Mitch and Maddie's favorite entertainments) parallel, Browne involves Maddie in the hunt, which seems to be arousing more interest than usual ? even for $6 million. Maddie's blindness ? explained by no physical cause ? has given rise to uncanny perceptions and the relationship between them involves elements of voyeurism and vicarious excitement on both sides. The caper itself is driven almost entirely by greed, giving rise to frenzied and darkly comic events which plunge headlong to an explosive ending which loses none of its excitement to a strong element of slapstick. A couple of noticeable thin spots in the plot are minor distractions, easily overcome by Browne's likable Mitch and Maddie.

brilliant facets

swifts,swag,emeralds and pearls,all add up to a interesting learning experience into the precious stone world. With a slightly street type background and a love affair attached it made for a pretty good read. I will try some of his other books to get a better feel of the author. All in all I would recommend it.

Very good book.

This book is well worth reading. It has the usual jewel background which I love. It has very interesting characters, particularly Maddie.It has the terrific language usage that Browne does well as well as some interesting plot twists. You may have to suspend your belief during the scene with the mob guys but that is the only thing wrong with this novel. There is much interesting gem lore and allusion. It is not as good as Stone 588 or 11 Harrowhouse but it is a lot better than 18mm. Blues, or Hot Siberian. Give it a try!!! By the way. Does anyone know where I can buy or borrow a copy of Green Ice? I keep hearing how great it is but am unable to find it.