As always, heartfelt thanks go to my editor, Pete Wolverton. His patience, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for my stories sustain me through the long, slow business of getting the book written. And this one was longer and slower than some, due to a veritable ark of circumstances and events. More than this, his continued belief in me and support of my work is something I value hugely and will never take for granted.
I’d like to say a big thank-you to the team at St. Martin’s Press. This book has come into being through strange times, indeed, and I appreciate everyone’s fleetness of foot and determination in getting everything done well and in good time.
Once again, I am particularly grateful to the art department team for the beautiful cover. I am always thankful that they listen to my various demands, accommodate them where they can, but hold out for what they know to be the best version of what the book requires.