Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Lies and Spies with Daniella Bernett

RHYS BOWEN:
I met today's guest at the Edgar celebrations a year ago and enjoyed talking with her so we have kept in contact ever since. It's one of the perks of the writing career that we strike up good friendships and meet such interesting people.
As Daniella says in her blog post today, we writers see the world differently. Other people overhear a conversation and probably pay no attention. Someone at the next table says "And if it won't work?" and the reply is "It's got to work."
It's probably arranging a surprise party, a stunt at work, and we think kidnapping, murder, heist. It's how our brains are now wired.
My favorite line I ever overheard?  "Of course the gunbelt weighs you down."  And this was in the swimming pool. It made me swim faster to keep up with the conversation!

So here is Daniella now to give you her thoughts on the writer's mind:

DANIELLA BERNETT


A Diamond, Spies and Poisonous Lies

I would like to thank Rhys Bowen for inviting me to Jungle Reds. I had the honor and pleasure of meeting her in April 2018 at the Mystery Writers of America’s pre-Edgar Awards gathering in New York. I also would like to thank the rest of the Reds, who have graciously shared the spotlight and given me an opportunity to discuss my work ever since my first novel was published. 

I’m delighted to let everyone know that WHEN BLOOD RUNS COLD, the fifth book in my mystery series featuring journalist Emmeline Kirby and jewel thief-cum-insurance investigator Gregory Longdon, was released on September 21 by Black Opal Books. The story is set in contemporary London, where the long tentacles of revenge at last catch up with their quarry. A defector’s treachery is repaid with death, while the auction of a flawless blue diamond stirs up desires that are dangerous as sin.

I believe my fellow writers will agree with me, when I say that we look at the world differently than those around us. We grasp it, turn it upside down, and then round and round. There is no such thing as an ordinary situation. In our minds, a story can always be coaxed to life. I have always enjoyed losing myself in a good mystery or spy thriller, whether it be a book or one of those Golden Age movies. It’s the story that captivates my attention. Therefore, when I sit down to write, I have an irresistible temptation to stray into the sinister to slake an inherent human craving for excitement and to provide an escape from the mundane. I revel in creating an intricate puzzle laced with layer upon layer of deception and obfuscation.

A spy is the embodiment of intrigue. I almost want to whisper the word spy. If I close my eyes, I hear footfalls echoing hollowly on rain-slicked pavements, each step coming closer and closer as a swirling froth of smoky fog folds one into its moist embrace. Spies lurk in the forbidden shadows of the night, where those who ask the wrong questions vanish. For anyone who thinks the Cold War is dead, think again. Putin’s penchant for dispatching traitors and his enemies to the netherworld provided a spark for my tale.  


In WHEN BLOOD RUNS COLD, Emmeline is hunting for answers. So many answers. She recently discovered that her parents were murdered while on assignment when she was five. But is it possible to find a killer who has evaded justice for 25 years? Meanwhile, her probing questions about the suspicious death of Russian national Pavel Melnikov have put her in the crosshairs of those who jealously take their illicit secrets to the grave. Melnikov made the foolish mistake of trying to betray Putin and Russian mafia boss Igor Bronowski. If that wasn’t enough, Putin and Bronowski’s business dealings with ruthless British entrepreneur Alastair Swanbeck stir up another hornet’s nest of trouble.

Dashing Gregory’s sangfroidstarts to thaw a smidgen around the edges at Swanbeck’s most unwelcome resurrection from the land of the dead. Their paths crossed during Gregory’s days as a jewel thief. Swanbeck has vowed to make him pay for his transgressions. Now, he has found the perfect tool to exact his vengeance: Emmeline. 

A journalist is obsessed with finding the truth. But when the raw, ugly truth is laid bare, Emmeline realizes that everything she believed in was a lie

Sometimes it’s better not to know. But Emmeline and Gregory have always thrown caution to the wind. It takes courage to face the truth because one never knows whether the consequences will be fatal

If When Blood Runs Coldpiques your interest, don’t miss Lead Me Into Danger,Deadly LegacyFrom Beyond The Grave and A Checkered Pastthe first four books in my series, where Emmeline and Gregory put their lives at risk when they’re thrust into imbroglios involving government intrigue, stolen diamonds, looted art and blackmail.  


Daniella Bernettis a member of the Mystery Writers of America New York ChapterShe graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Journalism from St. John’s University. Lead Me Into Danger, Deadly LegacyFrom Beyond The Graveand A Checkered Pastare the first four books in the Emmeline Kirby-Gregory Longdon mystery series. She also is the author of two poetry collections, Timeless Allure andSilken Reflections. In her professional life, she is the research manager for a nationally prominent engineering, architectural and construction management firm. Daniella is currently working on Emmeline and Gregory’s next adventure. Visit www.daniellabernett.comor follow her on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008802318282or on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4450173.Daniella_Bernett.




33 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your newest book, Daniella. Your series sounds quite intriguing; I’m looking forward to meeting Emmeline and Gregory.

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    1. Joan,

      I'm delighted Emmeline and Gregory have piqued your interest. I assure you that their lives are far from dull, as you will see in my book.

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  2. I couldn't agree more about the writer's mind, Daniella. The new book sounds intriguing. Tell us how you researched spies!

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    1. Edith,

      As for my research, I read a lot of articles. Putin made the spy aspect of my story quite easy. It's well documented that he considers traitors and those who oppose him as traitors. And, therefore, these offending individuals must be dispatched. Alas, tragic and terrifying though it is, it makes the perfect kernel for a story.

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  3. Edith,

    One more thing that I neglected to mention that provide a spark for my story was the 2006 death in London of Alexander Litvinenko, a former FSB security service agent and Kremlin critic. Litvinenko drank a cup of tea laced with radioactive polonium 210 during a meeting at Brown’s Hotel with two Russians. Hmm, poisoning in broad daylight. It was too tempting a prospect for a writer to pass up.

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    1. That is such a terrifying story, Daniella, as is the poisoning in Salisbury. Only recently has that area in Salisbury been deemed toxin free. And Putin got away with it...

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  4. Welcoe, Daniella - I notice your bio says you also write poetry. So I'm wondering how THAT factors into your writer's sensibility... and how you see the world.

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    1. Hallie,

      I'm focused on my Emmeline and Gregory mystery series, so I only write an occasional poem when the muse strikes. As for poetry, it is doesn't rhyme. My poems are descriptive and emotive. I have always wanted to paint, but I can't even draw. So I try to paint a picture with my words. I describe places that have made a strong impression on me or certain mood that has enveloped me.

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  5. Congratulations, Daniella. I agree about the writer's mind. I work at a company that makes software for the medical field. One day, I went into work and there were two boxes of latex gloves on the table. In my world, you only need latex gloves for a couple reasons - and neither of them have to do with medicine!

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    1. Liz,

      Thank you for your good wishes. I've always thought that the ideas that authors get sometimes must be terrifying for those who are not writers. I often come across a place that to the average person is ordinary, but my mind immediately starts spinning and I think, "Wouldn't this be the perfect place to find a dead body?"

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  6. Oh, that last comment, Daniella! I've been in the field many times in remote locations or not so remote, where the thought crossed my mind not to be surprised if we were to find a dead body--and not a prehistoric one!

    I'm writing down Emmeline and Gregory's adventures now, so I don't forget to look them up in the near future! P.S. Emmeline was my grandmother's name--an added incentive to pick up your novels!

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    1. FChurch,

      I knew I would always find kindred spirits here on Jungle Reds, who in an instant understand exactly what I mean. Ah, the journeys the imagination takes us on when we give it free rein.

      I'm tickled pink that Emmeline and Gregory have captured your attention. I have always loved the name Emmeline. That's why I decided to give my character that name. If you're wondering how I chose Gregory, as I mentioned in my piece, I grew up watching movies from the Golden Age. Cary Grant and Gregory Peck are among my favorite actors.

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  7. So fascinating! And chilling, too. Incredibly timely.

    The most interesting thing I have ever overheard, so far? A restaurant booth, someone behind me said “ And not just Quakers, Seminoles!“ I still think about that. congratulations on your books!

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    1. Hank,

      Thank you for your good wishes. Spies and the cloak-and-dagger intrigue that naturally shadow their footsteps has always sent the adrenaline coursing through my veins. It's a dangerous world...and yet the possibilities for murder and mayhem are endless. There are so many things that go awry. I think that's part of the appeal. At any rate, I find it a delicious escape.

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  8. I'm glad to see the spy story is alive and well, because I love them too, Daniella. As to where the writers mind go, we have a famous story in my family: I was taking defrosted ground beef out of the microwave and spilled most of the jus. I was on my knees, paper towels in hand, when my husband and kids got home. "What on earth are you doing?" my husband asked. "Research!" I said.

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    1. Julia,

      I can picture the scene. Only a writer can appreciate it the innocence and the sinister connotations that could arise from misinterpretation. Imagine, it could be the beginnings of a story thread in which someone is falsely accused of murder.

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  9. You used the word "footfalls" - you are an author for me to look for in my next book quest. Sounds like a strange reason but I use that very word at work often, with the people looking at me like I have a second head. I have no idea where or when I heard the word but I love it. It seems so perfect. Congratulations on the new book.

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    1. Deana,

      Thank you. I've always used the word footfalls. Perhaps, it comes from my background as a poet. I think the word sounds so much more elegant than footsteps. As all writers, I'm a voracious reader. I love historical novels. I think one tends to see "footfalls" more in such books. However, one still sees it in contemporary novels too.

      I'm also delighted that you'd like to dip into my series. Emmeline and Gregory will do their best to entertain.

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  10. As of today, your books are on my TBR list! I love the premise of including real live villains in your stories such as the modern day Caligula who leads Russia. Overhearing snipets of other peoples' conversations definitely can fire up one's imagination. It should be a cautionary tale for all of us to lower our voices when in public if we don't want to find ourselves quoted in one of Rhys's books! LOL.

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    1. Judy,

      You can't see me, but I'm cheering as I type this. I'm tickled pink that everyone is intrigued by WHEN BLOOD RUNS COLD and my series.

      And yes, we should all exhibit caution when in public. A slip of the tongue could lead to murder because we authors are essentially thieves. We store up snippets of conversations and other ideas like ill-gotten loot in the nether regions of our minds. They slumber there docilely, until we are ready to pluck them out and wield them with fatal literary intent.

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  11. Another series that sounds irresistible. Every time I click on the link to this blog, I collect more books for my TBR pile. So glad I’m retired now!

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    1. Teri,

      Thank you. Your words warm an author's heart. I agree wholeheartedly with you about Jungle Reds. It's wonderful blog that brings readers and authors to discuss what they love most: books. In our case, mysteries and thrillers. It's a criminally delicious way to exchange ideas.

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  12. Daniella, your series is screaming my name! Honestly, it sounds so good! And there's nothing like family secrets. Plus a "bad" boy gone good. Can't wait.

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    1. Pat,

      I'm happy you're heeding the siren call from my series. As for Gregory and his criminal past-and perhaps present? But shh, you'll have to find out on your own about that.-he's a gentleman at heart and murder is not the done thing. So naturally, he must put his "talents" to work to help catch the culprit. But I warn you that he and Emmeline find themselves in several rather sticky predicaments.

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  13. Daniella, welcome to Jungle Reds! I often discover new authors here on the Jungle Reds blog. And congratulations on your new book. Are your novels similar to John le Carre's novels?

    Diana

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    1. Diana,

      Thank you for your warm welcome. I think John Le Carre's novels are a bit darker than mine, although the element of intrigue is the same. I've infused my books with a bit of humor in the form of a ongoing banter between Gregory and Superintendent Oliver Burnell of Scotland Yard. Burnell knows Gregory is guilty of oh, so many jewel thefts. But alas, he has never been able to catch him red-handed. Gregory likes to tease Burnell unmercilessly.

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    2. Daniella, congratulations on your new book, which sounds like a great thrilling tale. I had to pause on your comment about whispering the word "spy," as it made me realize that when I say the word "spy," I give it special treatment, saying it softer and with a hint of mystery. And, oh, I think that there is a whole world of spies and espionage that I am much unaware of. The connection of deaths to Putin is so scary and so real, and I know it's only the tip of the iceberg to what I don't know.

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    3. Kathy,

      It is indeed terrifying that Putin has such contempt for human life and dispatches people with immunity simply because they have crossed him. I agree about there being a whole world out there of which ordinary people are unaware. The spying "game" is anything but a diversion. However, in a book the criminal is brought to justice so at least we can have a little peace of mind that there is still order in the world.

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  14. Daniella, your books sound fun AND interesting. Your set up reminds me a bit of Elizabeth Peter's Vicky Bliss books, with John the reformed thief, which I loved. Who were your influences, and how do you do your research?

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    1. Deborah,

      I was influenced by Leslie Charteris's The Saint, aka Simon Templar, and of course, how could anyone not be swayed by dashing Cary Grant in To Catch A Thief or in Charade?

      In terms of research, there is no end to the canon of articles on Putin and his lethal machinations.

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  15. Daniella,

    Very impressive! Congrats on the latest novel in your mystery series.

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  16. Great post, Daniella, and congrats on When Blood Runs Cold. I'm wondering if you ever sleep. And if you sleep, do you dream?

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