June 22, 2006
Behind the Scenes of Sins of Midnight
Written by Kimberly Logan in Our Books
With the release of Sins of Midnight just five days away, I thought this might be a good time to share a few behind the scenes tid-bits about the writing of the book and the Daventry Sisters series in general. And–like Robyn yesterday–I’m cheating just a little. 
I originally posted this at Romantically Inclined during my week of guest blogging, though I’ve thrown in a few extra tid-bits. It just seemed appropriate for today, and I thought there may be some JQ visitors who missed it over at RI.
The Daventry Sisters series is set in London during the Regency period, and the idea for it stemmed from a desire that I had been nursing for quite some time to revisit my early childhood love of the mystery genre. I have always enjoyed reading romances that combine a love story with a strong mystery element, and those who have read my past books can attest to the fact that I have a tendency to veer a bit more toward the dark side in my own writing. But the Daventry Sisters trilogy is different from anything else that I have ever tackled before in that it is a mystery that lies at the heart of the three books and that links them together.
When Sins of Midnight begins, it has been four years since the murder of the notorious Marchioness of Albright at the hands of her lover, and her death has torn the fragile fabric of her family apart. Her three daughters–Jillian, Maura, and Aimee–have been shunned by society due to the scandal, and they are just now finding their way back to acceptance with the help of their mother’s old friend, the Dowager Duchess of Maitland. Yet Jillian, the eldest of the sisters, has never quite accepted the conclusion drawn by Bow Street as to what really occurred on the night her mother was killed. Too many pieces of the puzzle don’t fit, and she has begun to suspect that the man accused of the crime just might have been innocent. She is determined to get to the bottom of things. Having inherited an interest in the study of criminology from her scholar father, she has secretly assisted her father’s friend and Bow Street Runner, Morton Tolliver, in numerous cases. And when Tolliver brings Connor Monroe to her with a case that just may tie in to her mother’s death, she can’t resist the opportunity to investigate. Of course, Connor doesn’t believe that a woman should have any involvement in such a grisly business, and sparks ensue.
The mystery of their mother’s death will continue to unfold throughout all three books. Middle sister Maura’s story is up next. Recently re-titled Devil’s Temptation, it is tentatively scheduled for a May 2007 release. Much more prim and socially conscious than her elder sister, Maura is dragged into the investigation almost against her will. And when she is forced to pair up with the son of the man once accused of her mother’s murder…well, you can imagine! I’m really having fun with it. I hope that Sins of Midnight–as well as the next two books in the trilogy-will keep you turning the pages, trying to guess whodunit.
Here are a few interesting behind the scenes tid-bits:
–In my original proposal for the series, I planned to include some paranormal elements. In that version, the sisters possessed some very special talents that aided them in their investigations. Jillian could talk to the dead, Maura could see the future, and Aimee could heal people. But after discussing things with my editor, we decided that there was enough of a story without giving it a paranormal slant, so those plans were scrapped and the emphasis was given to the mystery.
–The study of crime scene investigative technique was still in its infancy in 1817, when this book is set. In fact, Jillian and her father are just a bit ahead of their time. Eugene Francois Vidocq of the elite French police was one of the first true pioneers in this area, and his life makes for some fascinating reading for those of us who enjoy the CSI television shows.
–Of all of my heroes–including those languishing in my old, unpublished manuscripts–Connor Monroe is my personal favorite. There is just something about a man who has overcome great odds to make something of himself. He also has the distinction of being the hero with the most number of name changes, LOL! He went from Brennan (Which is now the name of another character in the story) to Andrew, to Connor, to Connal, and finally back to Connor. Connor just seemed to fit him better than any of the others. It’s a wonder he doesn’t have multiple personality disorder!
–I made a conscious effort to spice this book up a bit from my last two, and Sins of Midnight contains some of my steamiest love scenes yet. I must say, I’m no Bertrice Small, but I’m pretty proud of myself.
–When I first heard the concept for SOM’s cover, I wasn’t sure what I thought. I couldn’t help but be wary, because it sounded so very different from the usual Avon cover. But the first time I saw it, I fell in love. Very dark, sensual, amd mysterious, I feel like it suits the tone of the book perfectly. It just goes to show you that different isn’t always bad.
–Throughout the early plotting stages of SOM, I had no idea who the murderer of Jillian’s mother would be. There were so many suspects that the possibilities were endless. As it was, the identity of the killer surprised even me. But don’t ask, cause I can’t tell. 
11:05 am | Share This
Jennifer Y. Says:
Thanks for sharing…I love when authors share these little tidbits. Hot cover!
Robyn DeHart Says:
I am so looking forward to this series, Kim. Thanks for the inside look.
Shana Says:
Still drooling over the cover
Isabel Says:
Thanks, Kim
Isabel Says:
Thanks, Kim. I’m with Shana, awesome cover
Laura T Says:
sigh* looks like we are up for another fabulous series by Kimberly~! YAY! you’re one of those authors that never dissapoints~!…. and what’s this about the love scenes? I can’t wait to go shopping!!!!!!
Isabel Says:
Is it Tuesday, yet?
Kimberly Logan Says:
Thanks, ladies! Four days and counting! I’ll be lucky if I have any fingernails left by then.
Haven Rich Says:
I can’t wait for this book to be released. Plus I’m in love with the excerpts…and the hot, hot cover.