AUTHOR’S NOTE

I WANT TO THANK MY PARTNER in crime, my editor, Anne Speyer, for the hard work and effort she put into this book. Her edits and suggestions improved the story at every point. Plus, she loves dogs—it’s a tough combination to beat.

Suzanne Gluck at WME has always had my back and always will. She’s not just an agent. Even better, she’s a friend.

To my Random House/Ballantine family—thank you. I have been at this for a lot of years now and we’ve always been there together. As one.

Thanks to Vincent, Ida, and Anthony of Manducati’s, and to the one and only Giuliano of Primola and his top-notch crew for keeping me well-fed all year long. You won’t find two better places to eat and drink in any of the five boroughs. They are simply the best.

To my children, Kate and Nick, who are always there for me—with a phone call, a dinner, a drink, and, yes, for our yearly trip to our beloved island of Ischia in Italy. Love you both more than you can ever imagine.

And welcome to the new crew of dogs—Sweet Siena and the lovable duo of George and Henry. Gus and Willow would be honored to have you on the team. No worries, Gus—you will always be top dog.