Ian K. Smith Discusses His New Thriller Novel 'Beyond Midnight'

The Setting and Inspiration for 'Beyond Midnight'

• 🏙️ Chicago serves as both the setting and a character in the mystery/thriller series, requiring elements of good food, corruption, and murder.
• 💡 The author finds inspiration for new stories in the regular occurrences within Chicago, leading to an "embarrassment of riches" in terms of ideas.

Creating the Protagonist, Ash Kaine

• 👤 The main character, Ash Kaine, is an African-American man who is tough, fearless, and smooth, capable of quoting both Shakespeare and Kendrick Lamar.
• 🎯 Kaine is designed to be authentically himself, regardless of his surroundings, and is characterized by his fight for justice.
• 🚗 A golf fanatic and vintage car collector, Kaine left the Chicago Police Department after refusing to participate in a cover-up of a bad shooting, subsequently starting his own private investigation business.

Ash Kaine's Personal Struggles

• 💔 Kaine's backstory includes the death of his mother from cancer and an estranged relationship with his retired psychiatrist father.
• 💍 He was also left at the altar a few years prior due to his fiancée getting cold feet, highlighting that heroes, too, must have their struggles.

Author's Writing Journey

• 📚 The author's previous work, including "The Shred Diet," is acknowledged, indicating a consistent readership across his different writing endeavors.
• 🙏 The conversation expresses appreciation for the author's stopping by and sharing insights into his latest book.