Review in The Tennessean 8-5-07

Local author pens gem of a mystery

By RICK TAMBLE


The man who writes under the name W.C. Hartline could be found for years at Draper Jewelry Company on Granny White Pike, offering expert advice on precious gemstones, especially diamonds for engagement rings. Along with the two Draper ladies, Lassie and Mary Pat, Hartline established a worldwide clientele via word of mouth and Internet sales.

With his first mystery novel Death by Diamonds, this emerging local author is using his knowledge of gems to tap into a different audience. It's a fast-paced story that includes intrigue in a Norman-built castle on the British coast, murder in a Belle Meade Boulevard mansion and carats of action in the diamond district of Antwerp.

As he introduces his central character, private investigator Robert Bozeman, the author's style brings to mind Raymond Chandler: The reader can almost visualize Bogart in a trench coat as Bozeman tries to solve the disappearance of William Smith, head of one of the world's largest diamond-buying companies.

Hartline fleshes out his characters all the way through to the last page. In addition to Bozeman, there's Colonel Briggs, who was his commanding officer in the army. Part of an organization that's also looking for Smith, the colonel enlists Reggie Holland, who grew up in Dickson, Tenn., to help out.

Mona Smith, the Belle Meade beauty who hired 'Boz' to find her missing husband, points out that he was 'different' when he returned from a business trip to Antwerp. He wouldn't listen to the antique Victrola in their garage as he did before. After the discovery that the fingerprints on the Victrola don't match the other prints William left around the house, things get nastier.

It's too early to tell if Hartline will be the Harry Winston of murder mystery authors, but he's made an impressive start with this page-turner.