Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 02/16/2026 Keen details and immersive scene work turn a 150-year-old historical event into a suspenseful account of the notorious duo who, in an elaborate money-making scheme, pulled off the Great Diamond Hoax of 1872. Cinematic storytelling by Sheinkin (Impossible Escape) introduces cousins Philip Arnold and John Slack, both prospectors from Kentucky who, upon arriving in San Francisco in 1870, inform mining investor George Roberts that they found a diamond field. As Roberts recruits wealthy partners to fund excavations, the relatives hoodwink similarly affluent businessmen into believing this claim, including engineer Henry Janin and congressman Benjamin Butler, the latter of whom backs new mining legislation to the cousins’ benefit. In 1872, after receiving several payouts totaling $300,000, the pair leads Janin to southwest Wyoming, where the engineer confirms the validity of the diamond site. As news of the mine breaks, the race to file a claim is on. At the same time, geologist Clarence King, doubtful of the prospectors’ claims, sets out to see the site for himself. Wry narration expertly builds tension and proffers key details across a six-part structure that’s punctuated by b&w comics from Chad (The Divmulti Ray Dilemma) depicting the events with Wild West flair. References to well-known figures of the era help situate a rollicking caper that offers historical hijinks and freewheeling fun in spades. Ages 9-14. (May) - Copyright 2026

School Library Journal - 03/01/2026 Gr 5–8—Cousin prospectors Phil Arnold and John Slack walked into financier George Roberts's office in San Francisco in November 1870 and asked him to hold a bag of stones for them overnight. And thus, began what came to be known as the Great Diamond Hoax. Arnold and Slack soon had a group of investors eager to purchase the land on which the so-called diamond mine existed. Circumstances of the time permitted the cousins to pull off the crime by "salting" a remote corner of land—planting fragments of purchased rough diamonds and rubies—along the border of Wyoming and Colorado. Hundreds of people became involved directly or indirectly through newspaper reporting and rumors, further driving the diamond fever. Only the efforts of geologists interested in protecting their reputations led to the hoax's discovery. Using his extensive research into the people involved, as well as the time and place in which it occurred, Sheinkin presents readers with a compelling story of bold lies, pervasive deal-making, and surprising gullibility. Reading like a crime novel, readers will eagerly turn the pages looking for answers. The inclusion of short graphic novel introductions to each of the six sections of the book adds to the feeling of immediacy. Extensive back matter includes source notes, a bibliography, and an index, along with a glimpse into the author's research activities. VERDICT A must-purchase for collections where true crime and nearly unbelievable historical tales are popular.—Heidi Grange - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.