Diamond Fever! A True Crime Story in the Wild West

Keen details and immersive scene work turn a 150-year-old historical event into a suspenseful account of the notorious duo who, in an elaborate money-making scheme, pulled off the Great Diamond Hoax of 1872. Cinematic storytelling by Sheinkin (Impossible Escape) introduces cousins Philip Arnold and John Slack, both prospectors from Kentucky who, upon arriving in San Francisco in 1870, inform mining investor George Roberts that they found a diamond field. As Roberts recruits wealthy partners to fund excavations, the relatives hoodwink similarly affluent businessmen into believing this claim, including engineer Henry Janin and congressman Benjamin Butler, the latter of whom backs new mining legislation to the cousins’ benefit. In 1872, after receiving several payouts totaling $300,000, the pair leads Janin to southwest Wyoming, where the engineer confirms the validity of the diamond site. As news of the mine breaks, the race to file a claim is on. At the same time, geologist Clarence King, doubtful of the prospectors’ claims, sets out to see the site for himself. Wry narration expertly builds tension and proffers key details across a six-part structure that’s punctuated by b&w comics from Chad (The Divmulti Ray Dilemma) depicting the events with Wild West flair. References to well-known figures of the era help situate a rollicking caper that offers historical hijinks and freewheeling fun in spades. Ages 9–14. (May)