It was slightly larger than a postage stamp. The bold headline caught my eye: WISHING TO TRACE. The ad appeared to concern an inheritance. But what if it was a code for something else? Who were these people? The years 1938 and 1939 were mentioned. Was the matter connected to World War II? I’m only a mere mortal. I succumbed to temptation and the spark for Secrets Lie In Wait, the tenth book in my mystery series featuring journalist Emmeline Kirby and her jewel thief/insurance investigator husband Gregory Longdon, flared to life.
Everyone has secrets. Trying to hide the past is futile. It always catches up. With a vengeance. Gregory knows this better than anyone. Yet, he turns his talent for stealing jewels to redress a long-ago injustice. Even noble causes have consequences. He’s kidnapped and framed for murder in Amsterdam. Russian mafia boss Bogdan Kozlov and Dutch underworld figure Tygo Jansing want to settle old scores.
Emmeline is fanning the flames of this simmering intrigue with exposés about Kozlov’s diamond smuggling operation and the Golden Tulip, a 130-carat yellow diamond looted by a notorious Nazi. In my research, I discovered that U.S. and EU sanctions have made it illegal to import uncut Russian diamonds. The UK has banned imports too. This is straining supplies in major trading hubs like Antwerp and Amsterdam. Alas, criminals are exploiting a loophole. Rough stones are shipped abroad, usually to factories in India. Once they are cut and polished, the gems are deemed “clean” and become the export of the country where the process occurred. Thus, the Russian diamonds could be mixed with stones from other sources, muddling a convoluted trail. Diamonds can change hands twenty to thirty times between mine and market. No self-respecting author could ignore this illicit nugget.
Meanwhile, I modeled the Golden Tulip on the Florentine Diamond, a nine-sided, 126-facet double rose cut yellow gem which roamed the world. The jewel was carried into battle in 1467 by the Duke of Burgundy, subsequently lost, found, and stolen through the centuries. The Golden Tulip is a brooch with an extremely rare yellow diamond set in platinum on a stem of emeralds. Elegant, alluring, and dangerous as sin. Kozlov and Jansing are willing to kill to possess it. Gregory is the only thing standing in their way.
Blackmail and cover-ups lure Emmeline and Gregory to Castle Muiderslot, an UNESCO World Heritage site in the town of Muiden. The round, corner towers of the medieval brick castle loom over the mouth of the River Vecht. Time seemed to slow as an unseen hand tugged me along the grassy towpath, where honeyed strands of sunlight filtered through the trees. However, when I crossed the imposing drawbridge over the moat and wandered under the portcullis, my eyes were drawn to the ramparts grazing the sky above the cobbled courtyard. I imagined husband and wife confronting two killers along the wooden walkways. An angry fire hissed and popped in the narrow, winding staircase behind them. There was no turning back.
As kindred spirits, I’ll trust you with my secret. I feel no remorse for torturing Emmeline and Gregory with my lethal impulses. The truth can be a double-edged sword. A blow from its sharp blade can be fatal for the guilty and the innocent.
What about you, readers? What’s your favorite book that revolves around a Secret?
Daniella Bernett is a member of the International Thriller Writers and the Mystery Writers of America, where she currently serves as a board member of the New York chapter. She also is a member of the Crime Writers Association. 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, When Blood Runs Cold, Old Sins Never Die, Viper’s Nest of Lies, A Mind To Murder and Betrayed By The Truth are the other books in the Emmeline Kirby-Gregory Longdon mystery series. Additionally, she is the author of two poetry collections, Timeless Allure and Silken Reflections. Daniella is currently working on Emmeline and Gregory’s next adventure. Visit www.daniellabernett.com or follow her on Facebook and Goodreads.
This is all so fascinating – can’t wait to read “Secrets Lie in Wait” — thanks so much for being our guest blogger today! Appreciate it.
Karna,
Thank you for your kind words. I’m delighted that my essay has piqued your interest.
I can’t even picture a 130 carat diamond!!! But I would love to see one, and I’d love to see Amsterdam—haven’t made it there yet. Sounds like an amazing book!
Lisa,
I’m tickled pink that my book has intrigued you. Amsterdam is lovely. You must visit one day. As for diamonds, they are seductive and their cachet is legendary. Is it any wonder that criminals are clamoring to possess them?