After setting my last couple of books in Austin, Texas, (a place I love), I decided to return to another place I love, the city I call home. Dallas aka Big D’s motto is Big Things Happen Here and it’s true. I’m lucky to reside in a city with a large and vibrant LGBTQ community where I can live openly and participate in lots of varied activities with my family of choice, including the Women with Pride book club now in its eleventh year. In addition to all the fun, queer stuff to do, Dallas is full of beautiful, fun, and sometimes funky landmarks. I was discussing these with my wife Lainey—the real artist in the family—when the idea for this book was born (she’s the brainchild who came up with Riley Flynn). Thanks, L, for the ideas and the encouragement to live my dreams.
I also want to thank the usual suspects. Special shout outs to Rad and Sandy who run the most amazing publishing house on the planet—I’m proud to call Bold Strokes home. To my editor, Cindy Cresap, thanks for your tireless guidance to make me a better writer. Thanks to Tammy Seidick for another amazing cover. Ruth, you are the blurb muse and I’m forever grateful for your generous help. Sharon B., thanks for always being willing to talk about dead bodies. Your knowledge is invaluable, and any forensic errors are entirely my own.
The act of writing may be solitary, but every writer needs a supportive crew of pals to get them through the process and I have some of the best. Georgia, Melissa, Elle, and Paula—I raise a glass to each of you! And Paula, special thanks for lending your keen eyes to the first draft of this story and sticking with me to the very last word.
And most of all, thanks go to you, dear readers. Your support in the form of buying the book, writing reviews, and spreading the word is what makes it possible for me to earn a living doing the work I love. You’re the best!