I would like to acknowledge early mentors who offered encouragement I never forgot; they include Dorothy Davis, Clark Brown, Robert Nowell, Sandra Cisneros, George Thurlow, and Nell Doty. For their support, wisdom, and commiseration, I thank fellow writers Al Riske, Mark Richardson, Rachel Canon, Kieran Shea, Jedidiah Ayres, Frank Bill, Steve Pipe, Matthew Budman, Keith Rawson, and Terry McKenzie. Anthony Neil Smith single-handedly advanced my cause years before publishing knew anything about rogue upper-deckers or sociopath retirees who lounge in Speedos. Generous vets like Charlie Huston, Ken Bruen, Tony Black, Marcus Sakey, and Doug Dorst didn’t have to lend a hand, but did. I also am indebted to Victor Gischler, who after a long day of German sausage and beer introduced me to my future agent, the brilliant David Hale Smith, who in turn set me up with the ultimate dream team for this book: Cal Morgan and his thoughtful creatives at Harper Perennial. Mallory Farrugia has been invaluable on multiple fronts. Finally, I would like to acknowledge my people, including my late father, Mil Bardsley, with whom I shared an appreciation of “special characters,” and my mother, Carmen Bardsley, whose “follow your passion” advice never wavers. My sister Jennifer Bardsley has been an amazing scout for low-functioning behavior and a relentless supporter. And finally, I couldn’t have done this if it hadn’t been for the love, support, and feedback of my wife, Nancy Bardsley, my toughest reader, and our sons, Jack and Dylan, whose delight in (and suggestions for) Crazy Larry set me on my way.