Home » Authors Interviewing Their Characters: Daniella Bernett Interviews Emmeline Kirby and Gregory Longdon

Authors Interviewing Their Characters: Daniella Bernett Interviews Emmeline Kirby and Gregory Longdon

September 18, 2020 | By Daniella Bernett | Reply More

OLD SINS NEVER DIE

Never look back…Treason is deadly

While in the Lake District, journalist Emmeline Kirby and jewel thief/insurance investigator Gregory Longdon overhear a man attempting to hire international assassin Hugh Carstairs, a MI5 agent who went rogue. They race back to London to warn Philip Acheson of the Foreign Office and Superintendent Oliver Burnell. But it’s a devil of problem to prevent a vicious killing, if the target is a mystery.

More trouble brews as Emmeline pursues a story about shipping magnate Noel Rallis, who is on trial for murder. Rallis is desperate to keep the negative publicity from exposing his illicit schemes, especially something sinister called Poseidon. Lord Desmond Starrett, whose dark past made him easy prey for blackmail, is getting cold feet about their dubious partnership. Hovering in the shadows of this ugly secret world is a Russian mole buried inside MI5. Scorned prima ballerina Anastasia Tarasova makes the fatal mistake of threatening to reveal all she knows. The hunt for the answers takes Emmeline and Gregory up to Scotland, where they learn that the truth has lethal consequences.

“Another exciting foray into the world of international intrigue, dark secrets, and double dealings. Along the way, Daniella Bernett always takes me to new places and teaches me new things. This series just keeps getting better and better!” -Alyssa Maxwell, author of The Gilded Newport Mysteries

“Devotees of the series and new readers alike will revel in this intricate mystery with abundant British atmosphere and lots of relationship development.” -Tracy Grant, author of The Tavistock Plot

Daniella Bernett Interviews Emmeline Kirby and Gregory Longdon

Daniella: Please introduce yourself to the readers

Emmeline: I’m the editorial director of investigative features at The Clarion, a major newspaper in London, the city where I was born and currently live. My parents died when I was five years old. They were journalists too. I’d been told that they were killed while on assignment. However earlier this year, I found that they were actually murdered. Although the trail had gone icy cold, I was determined to find their killer. And I did. But that’s a story for another time. My grandmother raised me in Kent. She’s the one who instilled in me a love of mysteries. We are both aficionados of Agatha Christie.

Daniella: What an interesting life. Is your affinity for mysteries what made you pursue journalism as a career?

Emmeline: I never really thought about it in those terms, but I suppose you could say it was a stepping-stone. I’m always chasing down leads to discover the truth and ensure that justice is served. That is the core fabric of my being. The public has right to know, after all. I’m an expert at firing off a barrage of questions. The type of questions that make people nervous and sometimes (quite often, if I’m honest) get me into dangerous predicaments.

A male voice is suddenly heard: Yes, my dear Emmy, has a penchant for being reckless.

Emmeline called out: Said the pot to the kettle.

(The next instant, a devastatingly handsome man with wavy dark hair touched with gray at the temples and a mustache enters the room.)

The gentleman: How do you do. (He lifts Daniella’s hand to his lips and brushes her knuckles with a kiss, before settling on the sofa next to Emmeline.)

Daniella: Oh, my. You must be Gregory Longdon. I’ve been eager to meet you. They say you’re a jewel thief. That can’t possibly be your profession.

Gregory: (gives a throaty chuckle) It sounds as if you’ve been talking to Oliver. (Emmeline glares at him.)

Daniella: Oliver? Do you mean Superintendent Oliver Burnell of Scotland Yard? No, I haven’t had the pleasure.

Emmeline: Indeed. A hard-working detective. (She turns to Gregory.) You shouldn’t needle the poor superintendent. Really, men can be so childish. Can’t you see that Burnell is waiting for any excuse to throw you in jail?

Gregory: (presses a kiss to Emmeline’s dark curls.) Darling, I’m a law-abiding citizen. Oliver is simply tilting at windmills. (Then to Daniella.) To answer your question, I’m the chief investigator for the insurance firm Symington’s.

Emmeline: I’ve accepted the fact that he was a jewel thief, was being the operative word. You see, I gave him an ultimatum: Either he find legitimate employment or I wouldn’t marry him.

Daniella: I’m sorry to intrude on newlyweds, but readers are curious to know more about the pair of you. You’re both so different. Has this caused tensions?

Emmeline: (casts a sideways glance at Gregory) Not tensions, per se. More of a concern. The other night when we were at the party at Lord and Lady Starrett’s house, I saw a distinct gleam in Gregory’s eye when his gaze fell on ballerina Anastasia Tarasova’s ruby and diamond necklace. (She bites her lip and lowers her voice.) She was murdered at the party and her necklace was stolen. (She gives Gregory a pointed look.) I hope the necklace’s disappearance is nothing to do with you. If you value your life, you had better not be contemplating a return to your wicked ways.

Gregory: Emmy, my heart is pure. I’m as innocent as a newborn lamb.

Emmeline: Hmph. Don’t think your charm will distract me. I’m deadly serious about your former métier.

(Shockingly, Gregory winks at Daniella. The cheeky devil is still stealing jewels. How does he manage to stay one step ahead of the law and his wife?)

Daniella: (clearing her throat in an attempt to get the interview back on track) What stories are you currently working on?

Emmeline: I’m focused on a story about shipping magnate Noel Rallis, who is on trial for murder. He was at the Starrett party too. I overheard him having a heated argument with Tarasova. She cornered me and promised to tell me all of Rallis’s dirty, illegal secrets. But she was killed before she had chance to do so. I also suspect that Rallis is blackmailing Lord Starrett. And yet, they’re involved in some sordid scheme together. I will find the answers.

Gregory: Emmy, Rallis is ruthless.

Emmeline: That’s precisely why he must be stopped. I know you feel the same way, so don’t pretend otherwise. Nothing you say will make me drop the story. I just stumbled on a hot lead. Something to do with Scotland. I can’t possibly ignore it.

Gregory: (exhales a weary sigh.) As you can see, my wife enjoys making herself a target. But I wouldn’t want to change her. Therefore, my only option is to ensure that her killer instinct for uncovering the truth doesn’t become the death of her.

Daniella: From what I’ve observed, the two of you are more alike than I first imagined. The villains of the world don’t stand a chance.

—

Daniella Bernett is a member of the Mystery Writers of America NY Chapter and the International Thriller Writers. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Journalism from St. John’s University. Lead Me Into Danger, Deadly Legacy, From Beyond The Grave, A Checkered Past and When Blood Runs Cold are the books in the Emmeline Kirby-Gregory Longdon mystery series. She also is the author of two poetry collections, Timeless Allure and Silken 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.com.