As always, thank you to my friends. You remind me that there’s more to life than research and writing. Friends are the family we choose. Thanks to Sharon Car, Linda and Doug Buck, Sharon Kator, Amee Rief, Leigh Ann Retelsdorf, Pat Heng, Patti and Martin Bremmer, Dr. Elvira Rios, Ed Rief, Anne and Keith Brown, and Patricia Sierra.
Special thanks to:
Dr. Enita Larson, my friend and my go-to expert when I have questions about dogs.
Tracie Hotchner of Radio Pet Lady Network™ for planting the idea of including a homeless character (Sully) and his dog (Gunner).
Josh Mackey for being the voice of Ryder Creed.
Dedi Keenan Thorne, thanks to you my serial killer buys his shoes in secondhand thrift stores, making it difficult for my investigators to match his footprints.
Amber Allen, remember telling me about the rolled up carpet you saw tossed alongside the highway? You knew I was going to put a body in it.
Sue Jones and Wag N Train Terrier Rescue for bringing us our very own Grace.
Judith Barnes, years ago you suggested we use “Team Grace.” Expect to see that phrase...a lot.
Lisa Black, author and forensic scientist, thanks for answering my questions about fingerprints inside latex gloves.
Deb Carlin, publisher extraordinaire, and truly the wizard behind the curtain. Thank you for all you do for the books, for the readers, and for me and the pack (Maggie, Huck, Finn and Grace). You make it possible for me to spend more time doing what I need to be doing...like writing!
My readers and VIR Club members: thank you for reading, sharing and recommending my books. I couldn’t do this without all of you.
Finally, this book is dedicated to my dear friend, Marlene Haney. You’ve been on this journey with me from the very beginning when you told me, “Just do it!” Since then, you’ve allowed me to use your children’s names as characters (and now grandchildren). When I asked to bury bodies on your family’s farm, you simply said, “Dig in!” Thank you for cheering me on, reading every single book, and telling me I “keep getting better.” Most of all, thank you for being such a wonderful friend.