The King of Diamonds, a ctrue-life tale, hronicles the audacious jewel-theft spree that shocked Dallas’s elite and stymied law enforcement from the late 1950s into the 1960s. The mastermind—nicknamed the “King of Diamonds”—slipped into lavish homes during social events or late-night hours, pocketing high-value jewels (an estimated $6 million in today’s dollars) while occupants slept or were Pederson conducted over 200 interviews with detectives, victims, neighbors—even strippers—crafting a rich mosaic of sources.
Beyond the crimes, the book paints 1960s Dallas atop its oil-fueled social hierarchy—complete with country clubs, debutante balls, and clandestine gambling ring connections.
With numerous suspects drawn from high-society hangouts—escort services, interior decorators, hair stylists—the narrative occasionally feels cluttered. Still, many find this adds texture rather than confusion.
The King of Diamonds is a standout in true crime: meticulously researched, vividly written, and immersive in its setting. Even without a definitive culprit, Pederson’s investigative lens and narrative flair make it a gripping read for those fascinated by audacious crimes, mid‑century Southern intrigue, and the shadows behind society’s glittering façade.
In its review, The Wall Street Journal called it “…deeply researched and fluidly written.” Publishers Weekly said that it is “… a must‑read for any true‑crime buff.”
Pamela Skjolsvik and Tandy Culpepper interview author Rena Pederson about the exhaustive research she put into the machinations of this ielusive second story man and he rattled law enforcement and the well-heeled of Dallas before vanishing into thin air. d
