‘The book’s strengths are threefold. The first is that it explains the murky trade in rough diamonds in crisp, compelling prose. […] The second strength is that Smillie’s writing on Sierra Leone is excellent. It is one of the best summaries of that country’s civil war and how diamonds bankrolled the RUF. […] Third is that he offers memorable observations on the difficulties in launching the Kimberley Process.’ –‘No One’s Best Friend: A Canadian expert examines the devastation diamonds have wrought in four African countries’, book review by Blake Lambert in the ‘Literary Review of Canada’

'Timely and of interest.' —‘International Affairs’ January 2011 Book Reviews

'Smillie’s skill is the ability to write a scholarly record of the circumstances that created conflict diamonds while also providing an entertaining, fast-paced read full of intrigue. ‘Blood on the Stone’ will be welcomed by anyone interested in Africa, corporate social responsibility, and geopolitics.' —‘Gems & Gemology’ Winter 2010 Book Reviews

'Smillie is one of the most well-known experts and advocates on blood diamonds. […] ‘Blood on the Stone’ marks another contribution to a growing body of literature on natural resource extraction purchases.' —Lee Berthiaume, ‘Embassy’ magazine book review

'A masterly account of the dark side of the diamond trade. Smillie's scalpel has cut very deep.' —Matthew Hart, author of 'Diamond: the history of a cold-blooded love affair'

'Global Witness, after first alerting the world to the horror of blood diamonds in 1998, has worked closely with PAC on the campaign to stop diamonds funding war. Smillie's book is a fascinating read about the world of diamonds, war and greed.' —Charmian Gooch, co-founder, Global Witness

'Ian Smillie was among the first international and most eloquent investigators who understood and publicly denounced the use of 'blood diamonds'… In 'Blood on the Stone', he links his own experiences and deep knowledge of the diamond trade to the history of… how these gemstones with no intrinsic value drive conflict, corruption and mayhem. It is an important story, and one that needs to be understood if the world is to help end the misery of conflicts driven by commodities and greed.' —Douglas Farah, co-author of 'Merchant of Death: Money, Guns, Planes and the Man Who Makes War Possible'

'Very high-octane…by far the most interesting and illuminating account of the blood diamond campaign.' —Dr Lansana Gberie, author of 'A Dirty War in West Africa'

'Smillie's compelling narrative of the journey from teacher to prosecutor is touching and breathtaking.' —Peta Thornycroft, award-winning Zimbabwean journalist

'Required reading for anyone who still believes the diamond trade is only about love, honor and trust… A devastating, important work… Read this before you buy another diamond.' —Greg Campbell, co-author of 'Flawless: Inside the World's Largest Diamond Heist'