My thanks and appreciation to Five Star/Cengage Publishing. I am grateful for the support I’ve received from Tiffany Schofield and Deni Dietz and the artist who creates the fantastic covers for my books.
To my husband, Cliff, for his patience and critical eye for consistency throughout my writing, and to my daughter Carla (my web designer) and my daughter Krista who makes me laugh. And Shilo, my precious terrier.
I am again indebted to Sgt. John Hurd of the Livermore Police Department for patiently answering my countless questions. Livermore’s Citizens Police Academy continues to give me opportunities to understand how a police department functions, to role-play with SWAT, and to drive a police car. My thanks to Yolanda Magana and Joanna Johnson, LPD Community Service Specialists, for setting me straight about crime scene investigations, and to Christy Boyes for explaining property room procedures.
I’m also grateful to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department for their willingness to share their expertise with me.
Special thanks to my Friday critique group for reading many drafts and for providing helpful insights and constructive criticisms: Penny Warner, Ann Parker, Colleen Casey, Janet Finsilver, and Staci McLaughlin. I’m grateful for the many friends who have encouraged me through drafts and deadlines. Thank you for your friendship. Finally, my heartfelt thanks to my editor, Alice Duncan and to Tracey Matthews, content project editor, for your insightful comments and for steering me in the right direction.