I will use this opportunity to mention that Erica is a brand new protagonist, which required me to learn a whole lot about women in the military and life after discharge.
I am eternally grateful to all of the authors, editors, agents, publishers, critics, readers, librarians, booksellers, and the rest of you who inspired and advised me along the way. But special thanks are due to the members of my writers group: Mary Ellen Hughes, Becky Hutchison, Sherriel Mattingly, Bonnie Settle, Marcia Talley, and Cathy Wiley. And heartfelt thanks go out to Sisters in Crime and its Chesapeake Chapter. One of the best resources for crime writers, regardless of gender.
To acquaint myself with the life of a female Marine, I read several books by or about female Marines and soldiers—two different things. I learned that you never call a Marine a soldier. And there’s no such thing as an ex-Marine, unless you get kicked out of the Corps. In disgrace.
To write authentically about post-traumatic stress, opioid addiction, and Maryland law regarding the licensing of private investigators, I was fortunate to be mentored by numerous experts, including Master Trooper George Brantley of the Maryland State Police, as well as various psychologists, journalists, private eyes, other writers, and Marines. Any errors are my own.
Finally, I’d be remiss if I failed to acknowledge the small team of freelancers who are indispensable when it comes to publishing a book. They include my editor, John Barclay-Morton, publications specialist Laurie Cullen, and graphic artist Stewart A. Williams (with an assist from Eric Ward) who designed the cover. Most of all, I thank my family and my husband who did more than they will ever know to help make this book possible.