I’d like to thank the wonderful people at Poisoned Pen Press for once again transforming my manuscript into a book. Kudos to the Poisoned Pen Bookstore, in Scottsdale, Arizona, that hosts book-signings, author events, and so much more. Communities are lucky to have bookstores like this one.
As always, it’s been a pleasure to work with Annette Rodgers, my inspired editor, whose suggestions never fail to improve each book. Many thanks also to Barbara Peters for giving me the opportunity to tell Kate’s story.
Readers often ask me where I write my books. Well, parts of this book were written on planes, a tour bus in Iceland (in the winter to see the Northern Lights), and in various hotel rooms on the East and West Coasts. Deadlines don’t care if you are on vacation, sick, or feeling particularly uninspired—they have a life unto themselves. Thankfully, my worn and battered laptop held on until I sprinted past the finish line.
Penned had a rocky start. My critique group of fellow writers—Betty Webb, Sharon Magee, Art Kerns, Sonja Stone, and Charles Pyeatte—all hated the original beginning chapters of this book, encouraging me to scrap it and start over. They were right. Thanks again to the Sheridan Street Irregulars, one of the longest-running and most productive critique groups I know.
None of this would be possible without unwavering support from my husband, Jon, encouragement from daughters, Amanda and Britt, and good wishes from the rest of the family.
I always think of my readers as I write, hoping to amuse, educate, and entertain you with animal antics and an intriguing plotline. Let me know if I succeeded, at: www.eileenbradymysteries.com. And remember, like Kate Turner, I believe any day looks brighter when served with a slice of really good pie.
Finally, we all, as humans, can learn something from the animal community, both wild and domesticated, that surrounds us and sustains us. Life is complex, yet ultimately simple. Take a moment to enjoy and cherish our beautiful world and the creatures that share the land, oceans, and sky with us.