Ask Me No Questions is a story about identical twins, Thea and Gabriella, caught up in a nightmare from their family’s past. And it’s a police thriller about the detective investigating these crimes, DS Kate Munro, a determined and intelligent woman, but with a few personal problems getting in her way.
Ask Me No Questions
I have always been interested by identical twins, or, more specifically, the intense attachment between them. While writing the book, I interviewed a few sets of twins, and their insights were fascinating. They talked about the reassurance of knowing someone always had your back, and how fights were quickly forgotten, with no need to apologise. But they also mentioned the need to know who you are as an individual, and that there was never – never! – any cross-over in love.
As a storyteller, there is so much to explore in the bond between Gabriella and Thea. So much fun stuff to play with!
But, to avoid giving away some of the twists and turns of the plot, let me also tell you about the men of Ask Me No Questions. Because where my curiosity really lies is with the intertwining of the personal relationships that takes place amongst all the action. It is the day to day connections, and ultimately love, that determines how we react in any given situation.
The more I wrote about Thea and Gabriella in the early drafts, the more I realised they needed someone else in their lives. Someone to grow up with, someone that knew them better than they knew each other. And someone to love them.
Writing the book, I became slightly obsessed with Harry.
Harry has had a hard childhood, he has issues. But - and this is important - Harry is hot. He is tall, well built, he runs, he has sparkling blue eyes. And - if the moment so takes him - he can throw you over his shoulder and carry you to the bedroom.
I’m sure it’s easy to tell by now, I had a fantastic time writing the scenes with Harry. And particularly certain scenes.
But, of course, every good hero in love needs a rival.
Unlike Harry, who grew on me slowly, Mortimer arrived fully formed on the page, back story, American accent and all. He’s not the boy next door.
I like the differences between them. Where Harry is reactive, Mortimer is measured. Where Mortimer is sorted, Harry needs about ten years of therapy. But they’re both kind and loyal - the sort of men you would want in your life.
While my heart remains with my beloved Harry, I always have a special place for Mortimer. But what about Gabriella and Thea? And, as you read the book, who will you prefer?
Ask Me No Questions is a story about family and trust, but as the stakes get higher for Gabriella, Thea and Harry, loyalties are tested and love is pushed to the limits. As DS Kate Munro gets closer to the truth, whose side will you be on?
I can’t wait for you to decide.
Ask Me No Questions by Louisa de Lange is published by Orion, £8.99 and is out now.