Acknowledgments

I would probably be disowned if I didn’t start by thanking my parents, Valerie Scott and E. Wyman Garrett. I was five when I first told them that I wanted to write books. Though they were the first to support my silly dream, they certainly weren’t the last.

This dream wouldn’t have been possible without the awesome Brenda Drake creating Pitch Wars, which lead to the incredible Sarah Henning picking me to mentor, which lead to the amazing Michelle Richter offering to be my agent, which lead to the wonderful Terri Bischoff and Midnight Ink buying my book.

Michelle, you believed in Dayna even when I didn’t and you continue to hold my hand even though your job is technically done (and done well at that). And Sarah, you were the first stranger to tell me that they liked my book, and I’m so glad that our relationship has evolved from mentor/mentee to friends.

Terri, Katie Mickschl, Sandy Sullivan, and the entire Midnight Ink staff, thank you for realizing that there aren’t enough mysteries written by people of color and deciding to do something about that. I am so thrilled to be a Midnight Ink author.

My siblings Donielle, Ernie, and Nikki. No one knows me—and accepts me as is—like you guys do.

My aunties Shelly, Monica, Renee, Donna, Marlene, Barbara, and the grande dame of them all—my Great Aunt Bernie. You have been amazing role models and I still aim to be just like you when I grow up.

The menfolk—Grandpa and Thad. I can’t convey how much I appreciate you both—even if I don’t always show it.

My grandparents Anna Will Stewart, Phyllis Scott, and Robert Scott. Even though you are no longer physically here, I know you’ve been with me every step of this journey.

Lateefa, Bianka, Iman, and Jasmine. You guys are proof that you don’t have to share blood to be family.

Mocumba Dimsey, Felicia Harvey, Carucha Meuse, Raven Britt, and Maiya Hayes for taking on the sometimes impossible task of keeping me sane for the last two decades and being the best friends a girl could ask for. Rue, thank you again for taking my author photos!

My ultra-supportive, ultra-talented writing group. Mocumba, Linda Halder, and Stephanie Dodson, you have both been there since day one and have happily read every word—even when the words sucked.

Brandon Walston, Joanna Lovinger, and Shireen Razack, for saying yes when I asked you to read this out the blue. Your notes were so helpful.

My fellow Chicks on the Case: Marla Cooper, Lisa Q. Mathews, and Ellen Byron. I’m in awe of all three of you and I still can’t believe you let me hang out with you.

Roselle Kaes, Sonia Hartl, and Claribel Ortega. Who knew that you could find your writing soulmates on Twitter and Facebook?

My fellow ’17 Scribers Kristen Lepionka (who helped me find my talented illustrator, Richard Méril), Laura Heffernan, and of course Mary Ann Marlowe. I’m so glad we’re going through this debut author journey together.

The Pitch Wars crew, especially Vanessa Lillie, Elly Blake, Kelly Siskind, the Mentee Class of 2014, and the CD. I’m going to go broke buying all of your books!

My iHeartMedia family. You guys have made me feel like part of the team since my first day and I’m so lucky to work with such a supportive, talented, and fun group of people.

And finally, the youngins Mallory, Julian, Ian, and Jace. You bring me so much joy and I look forward to one—or all—of you taking care of me when I get older!