After a first kill, MI5 Agent and erstwhile photographer Cain becomes an undercover, extra-judicial killer for a secret Bureau.
Recovering from injuries sustained protecting the Royal Family, Cain embracesa new life and romance in sun-drenched Australia, leaving his past life behind.
But when tragedy strikes, he is on the move again. This time to a new career in the world of diamond dealings in Florida.
Curiosity takes Cain to the diamond world in South Africa, where his past finally catches up with him, the criminal world allies against him and he becomes a killer again.
In Cain's action-packed escapades, a spectacular betrayal takes him into the rigours of a Chinese prison where the truth about his past begins to unravel.
Aided by a loyal band of friends from the shadowy world of intelligence, he delivers his own particular brand of rough justice.
However, with enemies closing in on all sides, will Cain prevail?
Trigger warnings: violence, murder
Rough Diamond – Rough Justice by Avien Gray does not gently introduce itself. It does not clear its throat. It does not ask if now is a good time. It simply turns up, sits down, and starts talking about a lot of bad decisions!
Cain, the protagonist, is very much from the “damaged but still functioning” school of crime fiction. Capable, stubborn, and carrying enough emotional baggage to qualify for excess luggage charges. He’s not here to charm you. He’s here to survive, solve problems, and make choices that are… let’s say morally flexible. And honestly, that makes him far more interesting.
This book skips pleasantries entirely. You’re dropped straight into a world where everyone has secrets, motives, and a general air of being one inconvenience away from snapping. The tone is dry, the dialogue is sharp, and the atmosphere is pure noir — there is absolutely no comforting assurances that things will turn out fine.
The supporting cast orbit Cain in various shades of suspicious, complicated, and probably-not-good-for-you, which made every interaction feel slightly dangerous in the best way.
Plot-wise, this book knows what it’s doing. It doesn’t wander off. It doesn’t get distracted. It just keeps moving forward, calmly dropping twists, violence, and consequences like it’s all perfectly normal behaviour.
What I loved most is that Rough Diamond – Rough Justice has no interest in making you comfortable. There are no speeches about justice saving the day. No neat moral bows. This is a story about what justice looks like when it’s dented, compromised, and still being chased because someone—namely Cain—is too stubborn to let it go.
By the time I reached the end, I felt like I’d been dragged through something sharp, messy, and very intentional. This is a confident, unsentimental crime novel that respects your intelligence and keeps its edge intact.
Not cosy. Not cheerful. But very, very effective. And a really great read.
I highly recommend you grab a copy of this book which you can find on all the usual places - here!
What is everyone else saying about Rough Diamond - Rough Justice?
“Rough Diamond, Rough Justice” by Avien Gray is a riveting spy thriller that seamlessly blends electrifying elements of espionage, adrenaline-charged action, and daring escapades.
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion
“A gripping high-stakes thriller, “Rough Diamond - Rough Justice” by Avien Gray is driven by the urgent question of whether one can ever truly escape a dark and violent past.”
The Coffee Pot Book Club
“Avien Gray’s Rough Diamond, Rough Justice is a gritty and cinematic thriller that follows Cain, a former professional photographer turned MI5 surveillance agent, as he navigates a world of espionage, betrayal, and violence.”
Literary Titan
Avien Gray
Avien Gray, the English author behind Rough Diamond – Rough Justice, brings a wealth of experience to his gripping debut novel. Born in the UK, Gray has led a dynamic, bachelor’s life marked by an impressive array of skills and global adventures. He has a driver’s license, motorbike license, and pilot’s license. His physical discipline extends to martial arts, where he earned a karate black belt, complemented by a lifelong passion for photography that captures the world through his discerning lens.
Gray’s rumoured travels paint the picture of a man unbound by borders. He is said to have spent many months in Saudi Arabia, Australia, the USA, South Africa, Europe and China. This rich tapestry of experiences infuses his writing with authenticity, lending a vivid, worldly edge to the thrilling narrative of his complex protagonist: a man called Cain.
Avien and his best friend shared a flat and went out with various female friends together. They had a great time. As it says in the book when Cain is talking with his best friend: a Royal Protection Officer.
‘We will have to write that book when we retire,’ Cain said.
They looked at each other with knowing smiles – for a long few seconds.
‘All those secrets,’ said Jerry. ‘Perhaps we will.’
And time moved on.
But in real life, his best friend tragically died – leaving Avien to write their book alone.
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