Queen of the Flaming Diamond

by Leroy Yerxa

"Queen of the Flaming Diamond" by Leroy Yerxa is a fantasy adventure novel written during the early 1940s. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant nightlife and mysterious characters, the story intricately weaves themes of love, identity, and the supernatural through the tale of a mystical diamond and a captivating dancer. The narrative revolves around the interconnections between humans and foxes, linking the fate of a race to an enchanting gem. The plot centers on Jim Drake, a man who, amidst his drunken stupors, encounters a dancer named Sylvia Fanton, who holds the world's largest diamond—a gem crucial to the survival of her fox people. Following a daring robbery at the Owl Limb Night Club, where the diamond is stolen, Jim finds himself on a whirlwind adventure to rescue Sylvia, who transforms between her human form and that of a silver fox. As he navigates the dangers posed by the nefarious George Lardner, who seeks the diamond for his own gain, Jim delves deeper into the mystical world of the foxes. Ultimately, he struggles against time and treachery to restore the diamond to its rightful place, save the life of Sylvia, and unravel the enigma surrounding their world, leading to a heartwarming resolution where love triumphs against all odds.