“There’s an impressive deliberateness in the way that Hadlock presents her themes… The novel also skillfully uses foreshadowing to create a suspenseful atmosphere without giving the game away… An often engaging and inventive character study.”

“This affecting tale of a 19th-century American woman struggling to prove her worth other than as a marriage prospect leaves a lasting impression.”

“a compelling novel of historical suspense with a paranormal twist that will have you shivering. Bessie… is a character who will haunt you for all the right reasons—for her determination, her heart, and her soul. I was enthralled.”

“The Lives of Diamond Bessie is a picaresque, a courtroom drama, and a ghost story rolled into one, celebrating the heart and soul of a woman done wrong.”

“Fast-paced, richly observed, and populated with vibrant characters, The Lives of Diamond Bessie is un-put-downable.  

“As fascinating as it is riveting as it is original, The Lives of Diamond Bessie is a compelling novel of historical suspense with a paranormal twist that will have you shivering. Bessie… is a character who will haunt you for all the right reasons—for her determination, her heart, and her soul. I was enthralled.”

“Fast-paced, richly observed, and populated with vibrant characters, The Lives of Diamond Bessie is un-put-downable.  

“The Lives of Diamond Bessie is a picaresque, a courtroom drama, and a ghost story rolled into one, celebrating the heart and soul of a woman done wrong.”