Oh, sorry. Were you looking for me? I’m Emmeline Kirby, editorial director of investigative features at The Clarion, and I’m afraid I’m in a rush. I’m just running out to follow up on what I hope will be a great new lead. I’m working on a series about looted Nazi art. This is an important issue that must be kept in the public eye. As with all the stories that I work on, I want to see that justice is served. But this one has particular resonance for me. I’ve discovered that a Jewish family that I know had a Constable painting stolen by the Nazis. I know it’s a Herculean goal, but if I could find it and restore it to the family that would give me tremendous satisfaction.
That lead that I mentioned could help. I’ve been doing a bit of research (what good journalist doesn’t) and I came across a curious connection between the painting and an IRA collaborator named Doyle. Just saying his name to you sends a frisson slithering down my spine. He was a ruthless killer. Could he still be alive? If he is, he knows I’m on his trail. However, I have to push the fear aside, despite the fact that there have been (gulp) a few unnerving incidents already. I have to show some of that stiff upper lip for which we British are famous. I keep telling myself that finding the truth is the only thing that matters in the end. You have to understand, the only way I know to pursue a story is with dogged determination.
Yes, yes, sometimes (actually on more occasions than I’d care to admit) my zeal has plunged me into precarious situations. My fiancé, Gregory Longdon, would say dangerous. I will not give him that satisfaction. Besides, he’s one to talk. He’s a jewel thief. Correction former jewel thief. At least, he had better have found some legitimate form of employment. Otherwise, I refuse to marry him. Then there’s the question of his shadowy past. I know he is still keeping secrets from me and it bothers me to my core. He says I know everything now, but there’s something in the depths of his cinnamon eyes that scares me. Why won’t he trust me? Well, that’s a story I’ll have to chase down another day. Mark my words, I will find the answers.
Meanwhile if I don’t tread carefully with this article about the painting and Doyle, I may not be around to ask Gregory—or anyone else for that matter—a question ever again.
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a print copy of A Checkered Past. U.S. entries only, please. The giveaway ends October 1, 2018. Good luck everyone!
You can read more about Emmeline in A Checkered Past, the fourth book in the “Emmeline Kirby/Gregory Longdon” mystery series.
A looted Nazi painting. . .A former IRA commander. . .The tie that binds is murder
Emmeline Kirby is back in London, determined to make a success of her new job as editorial director of investigative features at The Clarion. Three months have passed since her trip to Torquay and the devastating revelations that surfaced about her fiancé Gregory Longdon. The whole interlude has left a bitter taste in her mouth, and she is keeping him at arm’s length. But a suave and dashing jewel thief like Gregory is not easily daunted. After all, faint heart never won fair lady. It doesn’t hurt that Emmeline’s grandmother and her best friend, Maggie, are on his side. Only his shadowy past could ruin his chances.
All of these relationships are threatened as Emmeline stubbornly pursues a story about looted Nazi art and an IRA collaborator. When a stolen Constable painting belonging to Maggie’s family turns up in the collection of Max Sanborn, the chairman of the company that owns The Clarion, her personal crusade brings danger close to home. To find the truth, Emmeline and Gregory must untangle a web of deception, betrayal, and dark deeds. But will they learn too late that justice can be cold comfort if you’re dead?
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Meet the author
Daniella Bernett is a member of the Mystery Writers of America New York Chapter. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Journalism from St. John’s University. Lead Me Into Danger, Deadly Legacy and From Beyond The Grave are the first three 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 daniellabernett.com or follow her on Facebook or on Goodreads.
All comments are welcomed.
This is very interesting to me!
Amy,
I’m delighted to hear that my book has piqued your interest.
Daniella
Wow, does she ever have her hands full!
Thank you for the giveaway!
Debbie,
Indeed, Emmeline is always finds herself in precarious predicaments. The only thing that counts is finding the truth-but what cost will she have to pay?
Daniella
New-to-me author/series….
Thank you for the giveaway…
Woo hoo! A print copy is cool every now & then.
This is a new series for me
A new to me series, but it does sound interesting.
Gram,
I’m delighted that my book has piqued your interest.
Daniella
This is a series I want to read. Thanks for the chance to win.
Doward,
That’s music to my ears. I hope you enjoy my books
Daniella
Doward,
That’s music to my ears. I hope you enjoy my series.
Daniella
This series sounds unique and very interesting. Thanks.
This book sounds absolutely fascinating! What a plot! I would very much love to win a copy and read this book! Thanks.
Barry,
I’m glad you’re intrigued by book.
Daniella
What an interesting plot. Another new author to add to my list. Thank you for the giveaway.
What an interesting sounding premise!! I would love to read this
New series for me and a fascinating topic! Definitely will need to read this one! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
New series for me and looks great. Like variety now and then and this will fit in.
You’ve done it again, Daniella Bernett! An exciting story carefully researched with vivid characters!
Can’t wait to see what the connection is. I’ve done a lot of reading on the stolen art so this sounds really intriguing.
I am fascinated by people like “The Monument Men” who try to track down all wonderful artworks despicably stolen and looted by the Nazis. After reading A Day in the Life of Emmeline Kirby, I’d love to read A CHECKERED PAST because it deals with Nazi looting among other things. Thanks, Dru Ann for featuring Emmeline on your blog ~
I really enjoyed the first book in the series. Love the characters.
This is a new series to me. The stolen art by the Nazis is an interesting storyline,sounds like a great book
I’m intrigued. I love historical reads with a mystery. I’m especially in awe of stolen artwork being found and returned to the rightful owners.
Sounds interesting – thanks for the chance.
I hope Emmeline is able to find the painting.
I like the sound of this.
A new series. It will be a good read.
I definitely want this one. One of my older cousins was in the O.S.S. during WWII and his division had a group that handled finding stolen art work by the Nazis. I’d love to have this book in my home library.
Looks Great 👍
Thank You for the chance 😊🍯🐝😊
Shared on Twitter 😍💞😘
https://mobile.twitter.com/LindaMoffitt02/status/1046243942231146499
Recovering art from the Nazis and partnering with a former jewel thief sounds like an exciting premise.
I’m delighted that so many of you are intrigued by Emmeline and my book.
Always interested in trying out new series. This series sounds very much like something I could get hooked on. Love reading about new characters.
Sounds fascinating – count me in, please!
This is a new series for me–sounds great and I’m looking forward to diving into it.
I have no idea how I have not heard of this author until now. This book sounds very interesting and I’d be interested in reading her book. Thank you for the most interesting write up.
Cynthia
I love the premise of this book–it’s so interesting to think about provenance and recovering stolen art.
Sounds great and I would love to win! Thanks for the chance!!
Thanks for the chance. I love cozy mysteries!
**** WINNER ****
A Checkered Past is Nora-Adrienne Deret
Congratulations!