A big thank you to my agent, Alec Shane, who not only made this book happen but also provided me with all the support a writer could possibly need during a global pandemic. I truly appreciate all the hard work done too by the rest of the team at Writers House, New York.
To Al Zuckerman, who took me on this publishing journey, and made the best Negronis ever, I thank you for all the fun times we spent together.
A warm thank you to Kirsty Melville, Patty Rice, and Kathy Hilliard for doing what you do so well. I look forward to the time when COVID is vanquished, and we can all meet up again to celebrate this sixth book with Andrews McMeel. Shots of Tito’s vodka I think would be most appropriate.
Malika Favre, thank you for your genius, generosity, and wicked sense of humor. I adore the visual magic you conjured up to create the cover of Playing with Matches. Magnifique!
To my son, Oliver, how crazy to think that by the time this book hits the bookstores, you will be heading off to university. I’m so proud of you and love you more than all the dumplings you’ve ever eaten, and likely to eat in the future. (I’ll leave you to calculate that number.)
Mum, Dad, Genevieve, and Ryder, I have missed you terribly while preparing this book. When New Zealand closed its borders to the world, I had no idea it would be for so long. But thankfully there is now light at the end of this tunnel. I can’t wait to see your smiling faces again and to finally meet Nora, the new addition to your dog family.
To my friends, you know who you are, time to socialize again! Reservations being taken now for dinner at Ghost Street if you’re up for it.
My last thank-you is for the person who deserves it the most.
The love of my life.
Lang.