Welcome back to Jen’s Jewels, your go-to destination for the hottest new reads. Today, I’m shining the spotlight on THE CURSED DIAMOND by Anna Rasche, a captivating dual-timeline mystery centered on a spectacular gemstone with a story of its own. Looking for your next great read? Let’s take a closer look.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What’s your favorite way to spend a crisp November day?
Exploring the park with my daughter & husband, going on whatever side quests NYC presents us with, then pizza + movie night at home, feeling smug because we have earned our indoor time.
What’s your go-to Thanksgiving or fall comfort food?
At Thanksgiving, it’s a toss-up between the stuffing and the mashed potatoes. I’m all about unphotogenic foods.
Are you an early Christmas decorator, or do you wait until after Thanksgiving?
Let Thanksgiving have her moment!
What’s your favorite cozy writing day essential?
Warm socks (my house is old and drafty).
THE STORY BEHIND THE BOOK
November is a time for reflection and thankfulness. What inspired you to write this story, and what message do you hope readers will take away?
I was inspired to write this book by my years working in NYC’s diamond district, and the real-life legend of a blue diamond that’s been missing since the 1800s. I hope readers walk away having had an enjoyable and entertaining read, and with some fun new facts about the gem industry and NYC history.
Did a particular character, relationship, or storyline surprise you as the story developed?
Anneke & Marcella’s relationship developed in a way I definitely did not foresee.
The way you’ve crafted your setting almost makes it feel like its own character. What motivated you to pick it, and in what way does it influence the story?
Thank you! As a historian, setting is always my entry point to fiction. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot of Gilded Age jewels, and some of the mysteries surrounding the real life objects I’ve researched inspired me to choose this particular period. Additionally, much of the current architectural character of NYC was established around the turn of the twentieth century, and I wanted to explore what it was like for our two protagonists to be occupying these same spaces a century apart.
Did any personal memories, traditions, or meaningful places influence this book?
Absolutely. I worked for an antique jewelry dealer in the Diamond District for many years, and so those scenes draw heavily from my personal experience. I also included many other NYC landmarks that I love to visit, from Brooklyn to the Bronx, but I’ll leave those unmentioned here for fear of spoilers.
What was the most unexpected challenge you faced while writing this book, and how did you work through it?
With two timelines, you have half the word count to develop each protagonist, so ensuring that everyone felt like a whole person took a lot of finessing. It was an exercise in economy—making sure each phrase, each gesture or scenario established or reinforced something about a character. That, and lots of feedback from trusted readers.
THE PERSONAL TOUCH
Every novel has its challenges. Was there a moment while writing this one that reminded you why you love storytelling?
Yes! I am really pleased with the way the mystery and the two timelines click together in the final chapters. Getting the reveals just right was a challenging puzzle and it has been delightful to hear from early readers who were kept guessing until the very last pages.
If readers could step into one scene from your book for a day, which would you choose and why?
Of course it must be the Porter House ball. One of the last great (fictional) parties of the Gilded Age. Because who wouldn’t want to step into a debaucherous midnight soiree in a 100 room mansion? The dancing! The costumes! The feast! It was a party for the ages.
Can you share one thing about yourself that readers might find surprising?
Hmm…it’s been a while because the schedule is rough when you have a kid, but in the past I’ve signed up to do background work on films if it looks like there will be cool costumes.
What’s currently at the top of your TBR pile?
Trust by Hernan Diaz and The Last Prince of Florence by Zoe Sivak.
LOOKING AHEAD
Can you give readers a sneak peek at what you’re working on next—without giving away any spoilers?
It is very early days for my next novel, but I can say it will be a speculative mystery set in 1800s New England (I grew up in Maine). And of course there will be some weird, old, gem lore.
Where can readers connect with you and stay up to date on your latest books? Please share your website, newsletter, and social media links.
My Website, Insta/threads, Facebook, and my Newsletter
BONUS: The Author’s Playlist
Share 3–5 songs that capture the mood of your book or inspired you while writing.
For the 1910s timeline I listened to a bunch of historic recordings: “You Naughty, Naughty, Men” by Kennick & Bickwell makes an appearance in the story, for example.
In my head the Midnight Diamond’s theme song is “Bury a Friend” by Billie Eilish
And then Jennie has her moment during peak Indie Sleaze! So let’s say “Is this It” by the Strokes and “Float On” by Modest Mouse.
Narrator: Caroline Hewitt, Ferdelle Capistrano, Pun Bandhu
In New York City a century apart, two women’s fates are bound by the dark legacy of the Midnight Diamond
2010. Jennie is working as a runner in the Diamond District when a friend’s sudden death leaves her with a cryptic note: “Not Safe.” Her search for answers leads her to an antique jewelry box, a clue to a century-old mystery and the legend of the Midnight Diamond—a rare blue gem rumored to bring ruin to all who possess it. As Jennie is pulled deeper into a world of secrets and danger, she realizes she is not just chasing a lost treasure; she is uncovering a story that was meant to stay buried.
1910. On an ocean liner bound for New York, heiress Marcella Porter returns home after being disgraced by scandal in London. Her path collides with a charismatic nobleman and the magnificent Midnight Diamond, which she unknowingly smuggles into the city. Mesmerized by its brilliance, Marcella feels an irresistible pull toward the diamond, and when the glittering façade of her charmed life begins to crack, Marcella must decide whether the Midnight Diamond is her salvation—or her doom.
Can Jennie break the centuries-old curse before it brings more ruin? Inspired by history’s most captivating gemstone, The Cursed Diamond is a thrilling mystery about fate, obsession, and the deadly costs of ambition.
Fantasy | Paranormal | Fiction Adventure [ Park Row Books, On Sale: November 3, 2026, Paperback / e-Book / audiobook, ISBN: 9780778305613 / eISBN: 9780369773807 ]
Anna Rasche is a historian and gemologist who has previously worked in the jewelry collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She is a member of the teaching faculty at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and has a master’s degree in the history of design.
The Stone Witch of Florence is Anna’s debut novel, and is based on original research she conducted on the uses of gemstones in medieval medicine at the Cooper Hewitt Museum and on site in Italy.
She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, daughter, and two cats.
Jennifer Vido is the award-winning author of the Gull Island series, a collection of sweet Lowcountry romances inspired by her love of coastal living and small-town charm. Her debut novel, Serendipity by the Sea, won Best First Book from the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest. Jennifer has been named Baltimore Magazine’s Best Local Author for three consecutive years (2024–2026) and was named The Baltimore Sun’s Best Author in its 2026 Best of Readers’ Choice Awards. When she’s not writing romance, Jennifer shares her love of books through her weekly Jen’s Jewels column, where she spotlights exciting new releases and talented authors.
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