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
Praise
“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
“Aiven 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
📚📚📚📚📚⭐ = A book in a million
📚📚📚📚📚 = I could not put this book down. I Highly Recommend it.
📚📚📚📚 = A really great read.
📚📚📚 = It was enjoyable.
📚📚 = It was okay.
📚 = Um...! 😕
My Review
Rough Diamond - Rough Justice
📚📚📚📚📚
This book is the kind of thriller that grabs you by the collar from the opening chapter and refuses to loosen its grip. Avien Gray drops you straight into a world of covert operations, moral compromise, and emotional scars, following Cain — a former MI5 operative who can’t seem to outrun the life he thought he’d left behind.
Cain is a brilliant protagonist: capable, stubborn, and deeply human. He’s not a cardboard action hero; he’s a man shaped by trauma, loyalty, regret, and the constant tug-of-war between justice and survival. What makes the story compelling is how Gray balances explosive action with quieter, more reflective moments. You never forget Cain is dangerous — but you also never forget he’s wounded.
The novel moves confidently across continents, and each location feels atmospheric rather than decorative. The sense of place is strong, whether the story is steeped in heat, danger, or emotional tension. The stakes always feel personal, even when the plot spirals into wider conspiracies and darker corners of the diamond world.
This isn’t just a thriller filled with shootouts and betrayals; it’s about resilience, consequence, and the cost of living a life built on secrets. At times the story throws a lot at you, but the relentless pace suits the life Cain leads — chaotic, unpredictable, and never really safe.
By the time you reach the final pages, you feel like you’ve lived every hit, heartbreak and hard decision right alongside Cain. Rough Diamond – Rough Justice isn’t just exciting — it has heart, grit, and a raw honesty that sticks with you after you put it down. If you like thrillers that make you feel something as well as keep you on edge, this one’s definitely worth reading.
You can pick up your copy of this book on Amazon.
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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Thank you so much for your wonderful review of Rough Diamond – Rough Justice! I really appreciate your thoughtful insights and the care you took in highlighting the story’s intensity and characters. Your support means a great deal—thank you for sharing this with your readers.
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