My writing would not be possible without Patrice, and without our kids, who helped at every turn. I’m also very grateful to my friend-readers—for their friendship even more than their valuable feedback—and especially to Westport’s own Jack Menz, whose warmth and integrity were a gift that his family and friends lost far too soon.
As usual, my awesome agent, Kirby Kim at Janklow & Nesbit, and literary assistant Eloi Bleifuss made the book better, as did the team at Mysterious Press. Otto Penzler and Luisa Cruz Smith remain the dream team, but now I know and deeply appreciate the rest of the team, including Charles Perry, Julia O’Connell, Will Luckman, and their partners at Norton. I’m grateful to them all for making this possible—and fun. And last, but not least, special thanks to Aileen Boyle of Audere Media for great advice, hard work, and unshakeable good humor.