I dedicated this book to the memory of my sister, Patsy Silk, who passed away after a long battle with cancer in February 2023. Patsy helped me finish all nine of my first novels, volunteering to proofread the final copy and giving me suggestions for improvement. This is the first novel I completed without her, and I missed her in so many ways, especially as I tried to bring this book to completion. If you caught mistakes in the text, it’s because I’m not as good at catching them as my dear departed sis.
When I first started this series, my mom and dad helped in an infinite number of ways. Not least was my father actually pitching the idea to me for what became the first book of this series, A Woman of Valor—and actually helping me write it. They also drove me around Hartford on one of my infrequent visits home so I could revisit their old haunts. That exploration led to the creation of Clayton, Connecticut, and the neighborhoods in which the action of this novel occurs.
Several members of the Hartford Police Department assisted me in my background research for this book, and helped ground this fictional story in reality. In particular, Detective Buyak and Officers Mulroy, Kent, and King gave generously of their time, expertise, and personal perspectives, and I thank you all. The Valorie Dawes Thrillers would not have happened without you.
Many other friends, colleagues, and family members—too many to count or even remember—have contributed ideas, feedback, critique, encouragement, and love. Thank you all.
Special thanks goes out to my critique group partners—Erick Mertz, Jenny Furniss, and Laura Mahaffey—whose scene-by-scene critiques improved this story on a weekly basis. Jenny sent me some eye-opening links into the world of incels, particularly on TikTok, that I never would have seen without her help.
Thanks also to my Beta Readers—Judith Bottorf, Danielle Faucheux, Erick Mertz, and Rankin Johnson—who gave me invaluable late-in-the-game feedback. Rankin’s personal insights into the world of Brazilian jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts made each of those scenes infinitely better and more realistic. Danielle’s perspective as a young woman of Val’s demographic helps me keep her real, and her literary insights are second to none.
No writer can survive without a great editor. The keen eyes of Laura Lee Bennett caught many errors long after my own eyes glazed over. If errors remain, they are my fault, not hers.
I can never give kudos enough to Steven Novak, whose creativity and patience with me once again yielded an amazing cover design.
Nobody contributed more to my writing career than my dear mother Patricia Corbin, who awakened in me the love of books and reading, and always encouraged my love of writing.
But most of all, thanks to Renée, the love of my life. I’ve lost count of how many times she’s endured—and answered—my random questions about “What if I did X in my next book?” Always, her answers give me insight on what strategy to follow. But most important, Renée’s kindness, patience, humor, and beauty light up the darkest night and brighten the sunniest day. Renée, your support makes all of this possible. I love you.