I wrote most of Break Bone Fever with my mother’s eight murder mysteries looking over my shoulder. Catherine Rae published her New York City murder mysteries after age sixty-five. When I causally mentioned to Wanda that I had always thought Galveston was the perfect site for a thriller, she immediately replied, “Let’s do it.”
The staffs at Galveston’s Bryan Museum of Texas History, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, and the Galvez Hotel patiently answered my many questions. Thanks to my sister-in-law, Kathleen Wright Rae, for her early reading and encouragement, my colleague Vanessa Tilney M.D., a graduate of U.T. Medical Branch, for her ear and suggestions, and my friend and published author, Patty Dann, for her sage advice. I was happy that my husband, Cody Arnold, was not surprised that I threw myself into this project and remained confident that the finished product would find and entertain readers.
—Dr. Mary Rae
While this book is dedicated to our mothers, I do not want to undervalue the contribution of my father. Refusing to let me say that something was too hard, he taught me the value of persistence and grit. It was just my mom who kept saying I should write a book. I would also like to thank my older sister who taught me to love reading and my younger sister for her faithful confidence in my ability. Some of this book draws on the experience of my brothers who, despite their struggles, had joie de vivre that was infectious. My nephew, Brent Adkins was incredibly helpful with checking the authenticity of life on an oil rig.
Many friends read and encouraged us with helpful edits. The Maikoviches gave generously of their time and energy. My children also edited and encouraged. And, of course, I have to thank my spouse and partner of forty-four years who always had faith that I would someday finish a book. Lastly, we would like to thank our publisher/executive editor Brittiany Koren, who has built a business which encourages and supports new authors. It was fun to inhabit the world of Marnie and Louise and Galveston.
—Dr. Wanda Venters