When I was growing up in Texas, I was taught that it was illegal to pick bluebonnets. I didn’t realize until I was researching for this book that it wasn’t, at least not in my lifetime. Legal or not, no self-respecting Texan (or recovering ex-Texan as the case may be) would ever intentionally pick a bluebonnet, and I assure you that no bluebonnets were harmed in the writing of this book. The lovely flower on the gorgeous cover of this book is a plastic bluebonnet that fell off a souvenir Cedar River Bluebonnet Festival hat. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.
I am constantly inspired by my readers, and I want to give credit to those of y’all who participated in the “Name That Brew” contest for helping name Sip & Spin drinks in this book, including Rebecca Worley for “I Will Always Love Brew,” and Adrian Andover and Elisa Shoenberger for “Sweet Chai O’Mine.”
I’d also like to give thanks to the immensely talented authors who took precious time out of their busy schedules to blurb the Record Store Mysteries, including Elle Cosimano, Mia P. Manansala, Gigi Pandian, Diane Kelly, and S.C. Perkins/Celeste Connally. I’m such a huge fan of y’all, and your kind words mean everything to me. And of course, all my love goes out to the magnificent writer community, booksellers, reviewers, and especially, the readers!
I’m so very lucky to have Nettie Finn and my fantastic team at St. Martin’s Press, including Sara Beth Haring, Sara LaCotti, John Rounds, Janna Dokos, Jen Edwards, Olya Kirilyuk, Mary Ann Lasher, and John Simko: I literally couldn’t do this without y’all.
For my agent, James McGowan, and the team at BookEnds, I’ll have you know that not only is James a fantastic agent, but he’s always there in a pinch when I need a pun. He gets the credit for suggesting the incredibly effective earworm “I’ll Bean There for Brew” as a coffee special. Talk about the GOAT!
Another special shoutout goes to the amazing Jessica Joyce for inspiring (and naming!) Buttercup, the accidental cow, and to all the zany Berkletes and Killer Caseloaders for providing constant support, encouragement, and entertainment.
As always, I want to thank my friends and family for their support. To my fellow hockey stans Michelle, Ellen, and Danica—keep those pictures of hockey players with puppies coming! And to the Little Screaming Eels (Ris, La, Liz, and Dare), who have known me the best and the longest and are somehow still around. What’s wrong with y’all??? And, finally, to Potassium: Who loves ya, babe?
I also want to take a minute to acknowledge the copious amounts of caffeine and music that inspired and fueled this book. On that note (for once, pun not intended), I want to thank all the artists who fill this weird little planet with music. Keep up the good work!
And please, y’all, don’t pick the bluebonnets!