Acknowledgments

I owe a debt of gratitude to the Mar Vista Historical Society and especially to Glen Howell for his insights and uncanny stories of this most special community that I call home. I also want to thank the people who make Ocean View Farms community garden such a magical place to visit, and, if you’re lucky enough, to cultivate in. Great respect also goes out to the Los Angeles Police Department Pacific Division and to Senior Lead Officer Adrian D. Acosta. You hardly batted an eye when I asked you to actually lock me in a holding cell so I could experience the isolation. Thanks also for letting me out!

To my über agents and partners in crime stories, Sharon Belcastro and Ella Marie Shupe, cheers! Same to John Scognamiglio and all the wonderful people at Kensington Publishing. And Bardot? What have I told you about coming into the house with oil on your paws?