I first came to know you when I read your book, Sisters & Lovers, nearly 30 years ago(!!!) and I have been a fan ever since. When I heard you were now delving into romantic suspense, I thought it was a perfect co-mingling of genres for you. And now that I have read this terrific reimagining of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, I am eager to tell everyone about you and Chloe.
Q: Tell us what your new book, Chloe, is about?
A: First, I’m really flattered to even know that you read my very first novel, Karin. Thank you so much for all your support. I’m so excited about this book. Chloe is a romantic suspense novel about Angel Gibson, a private chef who falls in love with and marries billionaire Everett Bruce after a whirlwind romance on Martha’s Vineyard. When they return to his mansion and estate in Maryland, called Riverwild Estate, Angel finds herself haunted by the presence of his deceased first wife, Chloe, and his overprotective sister Ida. As Angel uncovers dark secrets about Chloe and her marriage to Everett, including affairs and betrayals, she comes face to face with the devastating truth about her new husband.
Q: Your publisher says that this is your retelling of the timeless novel, Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. How is Chloe different than Rebecca? And in what ways are they the same?
A: Like Rebecca, Chloe centers on a second wife living on a grand estate in the shadow of her husband’s deceased first wife. In both cases the protagonist finds herself constantly being compared unfavorably with her predecessor. Both feature a mysterious death and hidden secrets. They also both explore themes around class dynamics and how wealth and privilege can mask dark, ugly truths.
The biggest difference is that Chloe takes place in a contemporary setting and explores these themes in Black society. Other dynamics are also different–whereas Rebecca’s haunting presence is maintained by the head housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, Chloe’s presence is maintained by both Everett’s sister Ida and Everett himself.
Revelations about the first wife’s death are also handled differently, with Angel coaxing the truth from her husband rather than discovering it.
Q: The setting in Chloe is like a character, itself. What is the inspiration for Riverwild?
A: Riverwild Estate has a huge mansion and is surrounded by ten wooded acres bordering the Potomac River in Potomac, Maryland. It includes several buildings, tennis courts, and gardens. The mansion features high-end architectural details. The property represents a level of status and wealth that not many people attain and enjoy, particularly in Black social circles. However a few black people have managed, including in the DC metro area. The dark, gloomy atmosphere in the mansion created by keeping all the drapes closed as well as the raging waters of the Potomac River in the background embody how Chloe’s death continues to haunt and even terrify the household. The estate’s isolation contributes to the suspenseful atmosphere.
Q: Describe your protagonist, Angel, in three words:
A: Determined, talented, resilient
Q: And describe your antagonist, Bruce, in three words:
A: Powerful, complex, controlled
Q: Can you talk about the central themes in the book?
A: I explore how people use wealth to create class distinctions and a sense of superiority. Angel’s employer thinks of her as “just a cook” and not worthy of attention from a billionaire. Despite Ida’s lower social status as manager of Riverwild, she wields tremendous influence due to her connection to Everett’s first wife. And Riverwild, this magnificent estate built on secrets and lies, symbolizes how privilege can conceal horrific truths.
Q: This is your 9th novel but only your two most recent books have been suspense. What made you decide to write suspense over continuing to write commercial women’s fiction?
A: I wanted a change after a long absence from the writing scene, and it seemed like a natural evolution to write in a genre I’ve always been passionate about as a reader. This allows me to continue to explore complex romantic relationships and moral dilemmas as I did in my earlier novels while adding elements of mystery and psychological tension.
Q: What is something you learned while writing this book?
A: I like to be challenged as a writer. I like stretching myself and exploring new themes and methods of writing.
Q: Tell us about your writing routine?
A: I’ll have my morning coffee while catching up on the news. Then I use my time showering and getting breakfast to think and daydream about the upcoming writing session. By 9 or 10 am, I’m ready to get going. I’ll write for three to four hours. If I’m really zoned in or facing a tight deadline, I’ll dive in for another session. This routine seems to allow me both time to think creatively and dedicated writing time.
Q: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to write a book?
A: Establish a consistent writing schedule and stick to it. Even more important, write what you’re passionate about reading.
Q: What is one of your favorite books that you’ve ever read, and why?
A: I have a few favorites, one of them being Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow. I loved the intricate plot twists and the themes revolving around physical attraction, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. But it was the surprise ending that landed it among my favorites. It was masterful.
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