Acknowledgments

It has been a great privilege to meet the people of Verbena, California and to be part of their adventures. I know that might sound weird since Verbena is the product of my imagination (plus eighteen years of living in northern California), but it really feels like that some days. These funny, quirky, good-hearted people seemed to pop up in my brain unbidden. When that happens, there’s really nothing for an author to do but write it down.

That said, however, I don’t know if I’d have opened the doors for the characters in this book, their town, or their adventures without the vision of Matt Martz and the gentle direction of Jenny Chen. Thanks to both of you for your kindness and advice.

I wouldn’t have had much idea of what went on in a funeral home without the very generous Mark Alexander who took time out of his busy day to take me through his establishment and to explain to me what he does and how he does it. Beyond that, however, his quiet dignity and clear compassion impressed on me the qualities it takes to be a funeral director. I went in looking for information. I came out with that plus a whole lot of respect.

Very special thanks to my sister Marian who devised the murder method in this book. Any details that are wrong are due to my faulty understanding, not to her knowledge. As always, though, I’m left with the very strong feeling that I need to stay on her good side. Love you, sissy! You can borrow any of my clothes that you want.

I am not actually a dog person. I know that sounds terrible, but it’s true. Or it was true until Teddy Rendahl and Jolie Law brought Orion into my life. Apparently having a grand-dog changes everything. I couldn’t resist putting him into the book. Thank you for sharing him with me.

I am surrounded on a daily basis by an incredibly supportive family and a group of friends who feel like family. Diane Ullman, Alex Rendahl, Carol Kirshnit, Kris Calvin, Catriona McPherson, Beth McMullen, Ellen Shields, Deb Van Der List, Spring Warren, Tilly Rodrigues. You all buoy me up.

Finally, thank you to Andy Wallace. He bears the brunt of those dark nights of the soul when I fear I’ve taken on a task I can’t rise to and remains patient and supportive through it all.