Deep Fake is a departure from my usual David Slaton series, and was written during the lockdown days of COVID-19. I am deeply thankful to have a publisher who allows me to occasionally go off-script, which, as any writer who has done so will attest, is something near therapy.
Much appreciation to my editor, Bob Gleason, who has long championed my stories at Tor, and whose insights and suggestions are invariably spot-on. Thanks also to Robert Davis for being such an agreeable mentor—I feel like each book we build together gets easier. To Robert Allen and Katy Robitzski at Macmillan Audio, my sincere gratitude for all you do. To Eileen Lawrence and Libby Collins, your efforts in getting the word out are enduringly appreciated. And of course, thanks to Linda Quinton whose stewardship at Forge is steady as ever.
Much appreciation to my agent, Susan Gleason, for your longtime support and encouragement. Thanks also to the board of International Thriller Writers for carrying the organization through difficult times. ThrillerFest XVII was a smashing success, and it was fantastic to reconnect with so many friends. Jeff Wilson, Mark Greaney, Brian Andrews, Simon Gervais, Brad Taylor, Tony Tata, Heather Graham, Jack Stewart, Chris Hauty, Don Bentley—you made it better than ever.
James Abt, the man behind the curtain at Best Thriller Books, has proved himself one of savviest promoters in the business. BTB has also assembled a stellar lineup of reviewers. Todd, Ankit, Derek, Chris, Sarah, Steve, Stuart, Kashif, David: your words and opinions are truly valued. I also enjoyed talking thrillers with David Temple of The Thriller Zone podcast, and Mike Martini of the No Limits: Mitch Rapp Podcast. You truly are the experts.
And as always, much gratitude to my family for their support, advice, and tolerance. Without you I would have no stories to tell.