A Checkered Past

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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Publisher: Black Opal Books

“Stolen art, memories of the French Resistance, and a charming man of dubious integrity make A Checkered Past a delightful read. A wonderful installment in Daniella Bernett’s Emmeline Kirby - Gregory Longdon series!”

— Tasha Alexander, New York Times bestselling author of Death in St. Petersburg

“Daniella Bernett delivers up another masterful tale of suspense, this time involving family betrayals, government intrigue, and insidious wartime crimes, that will have readers clamoring for justice. Prepare for a brisk ride with plenty of twists to keep you reading late into the night!”

— Alyssa Maxwell, author of The Gilded Newport Mysteries

“Emmeline and Gregory are back in another fast-paced adventure as they unravel a mystery that stretches back to World War II-and touches on the secrets of Gregory's shadowy past. An enchanting blend of adventure, mystery, and romance that makes for the perfect late summer escape.”

— Tracy Grant, author of The Duke's Gambit

“[With] thrills aplenty…A Checkered Past is…a fast paced, gripping crime thriller….The combination of Nazi’s, MI5 and plundered art makes for an interesting and complex thriller that twists and turns in more ways than the river Thames….A compelling and exciting read. Highly recommended!...Daniella Bernett creates wonderful and memorable characters and a fabulous plot.”

Bookliterati Book Reviews

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“A scintillating tale of theft, murder and general mayhem…. styled to mirror the writing of classic Golden Age authors. With strong characterization…writer Daniella Bernett has enhanced a series which…has the potential to gain a strong following.”

— The Dorset Book Detective

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Book 3: From Beyond The Grave

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Book 5: When Blood Runs Cold