A CLEFT OF STARS – 1973

ISBN:   978-1-4401-7713-2

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a_cleft_of_stars_smaller a_cleft_of_stars_smallThe Cullinan Diamond-the largest the world has ever known-was discovered in Pretoria in 1905. It was the 3106 carat Cullinan which, later cut into several major stones, now forms the centerpiece of the British Crown Jewels. Experts agreed that it was only a portion of a much bigger gem, since it revealed a cleavage face suggesting that it had been cut by man. A widespread belief prevails that the second, greater portion of the famous diamond must exist. It is on this belief that Geoffrey Jenkins has based this adventure story.

Standing fortress-like at the confluence of the Shashi and Limpopo rivers is the site simply known as the Hill, where during the 1930s unrivalled discoveries of ancient treasure were made. Now, magnet like, it draws to its arid desolation three men who for the space of thirty-six hours play out of a deadly charade.

The three are: Young Guy Bowker, who has come to settle a score with John Rankin, the man responsible for his having spent eighteen months in prison on trumped-up charge of possessing illicit diamonds;

Rankin, the treacherous estwhile partner of Guy’s father with whom he ‘discovered’ the Cullinan Diamond, determined to let no one trespass on the Hill or interfere with his feverish search for treasure; and Manfred von Praeger, ex-Gestapo doctor, who in Amsterdam during the war learned of a possible clue to the other half of the Cullinan from the lips of a dying diamond-cutter-Guy’s own maternal grandfather.

These three, and a lone woman, now converge on the Hill,where they find themselves alternately cast in the roles of hunter and hunted, until the forces of nature take hand to produce a terrifying climax to their murderous charade.

“Geoffrey Jenkins can write with rare compelling fervour”.
Times Literary Supplement

“His story-telling has a drive that is compulsive”.
Scotsman