Best-selling author and television personality Dr. Ian Smith embarks on a journey into the murky waters of Chicago’s political scene in “Beyond Midnight,” the fifth installment of his Ashe Cayne mystery series. The novel promises an intricate clash between power and justice, showcasing the intrigue at the heart of one of America’s iconic cities.
Dr. Ian Smith Unveils Beyond Midnight: Chicago Politics Meets High-Stakes Mystery

Key Takeaways:
- Dr. Ian Smith is both a best-selling author and a television personality
- “Beyond Midnight” is his brand-new novel
- This release marks the fifth installment in the Ashe Cayne series
- The novel focuses on Chicago politics and a high-stakes mystery
- Original coverage appeared on KHOU, referencing Great Day Houston
The Return of Ashe Cayne
Dr. Ian Smith, recognized for his work as a best-selling author and television personality, returns to the mystery genre with the fifth installment in his Ashe Cayne series. This chapter continues his tradition of blending personal drama, investigative depth, and big-city energy.
A Chicago Political Cauldron
In “Beyond Midnight,” Smith places his popular detective at the center of an intense political landscape in Chicago, one of the country’s most storied cities. The novel explores hidden motives, unexpected alliances, and high-tension power plays that carry weight both in the mayor’s office and on the streets.
High-Stakes Mystery Meets the Windy City
Readers of the Ashe Cayne series will find familiar detective work woven into a new level of intrigue. “Beyond Midnight” promises to delve into various levels of Chicago’s political underbelly, revealing a city where power-brokers meet relentless investigators, and personal ambition can lead to dangerous consequences.
Celebrating the Fifth Installment
Smith’s Ashe Cayne series has made a name for itself as modern, character-focused detective fiction. Now, with its fifth release, fans can look forward to another suspenseful chapter showcasing both the author’s story-telling flair and the gritty realities of big-city politics.
Coverage by Great Day Houston
“Beyond Midnight” was highlighted on Great Day Houston and further featured by KHOU on September 19, 2025. The coverage presented Smith’s novel as a thrilling detective story rooted in the complexity of Chicago’s political realm, suggesting that fans and newcomers alike can expect intrigue on every page.