ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
When my editor asked if I would be interested in writing a mystery series based on the character of Emma Woodhouse, I might have literally shrieked for joy. Emma is not only my favorite Austen novel but is probably THE book I would choose in the event that I was marooned on a deserted island. So, it is with deep gratitude that I thank my editor, John Scognamiglio, for supporting me throughout my career and giving me this opportunity. To say that I enjoyed writing this book is a massive understatement.
Evan Marshall, my agent, also played a huge role in bringing this book to fruition, and I am deeply grateful for his advice and support. I doubt I could have survived this business without him.
I am also grateful to Larissa Ackerman, Alex Nicolajsen, Vida Engstrand, Lauren Jernigan, and the marketing and social media teams at Kensington. Thank you so much for your support for Murder in Highbury, and for your kindness over the years. Many thanks are also proffered to the Kensington art department (the best in the business, IMHO), to Rosemary Silva for her eagle eye, and to the Kensington production department.
As a bit of hermit, I have a tendency to live too much in my head (an occupational hazard), so I’m grateful to the family who keep me grounded in the real world, especially my sister Trish, my stepmother Anne, my brother Brian, along with Liz Sykes and Wendy Durante. I’m also fortunate to have wonderful friends who encouraged me at various stages in the writing process, including Debbie Mason, Minerva Spencer, Terri Brisbin, Digby Ricci, Teresa Wilde, Sharon Page, and Moze Mossa-nen. As Ted Lasso would say . . . I appreciate you!
And a special shout-out goes to Nick Rudman, my uber-talented nephew, who created the awesome book trailer for Murder in Highbury.
I would also like to thank Louisa Cornell, whose knowledge of all things criminal in the Regency period is truly gobsmacking. Louisa, you saved me from more than one spectacular bungle, and any mistakes in the book are certainly mine! I’m also grateful to the Regency Fiction Writers group, whose collective wisdom has been so helpful.
It’s no exaggeration to say that I would have given up writing years ago without the steadfast love and encouragement of my husband. He not only cheers me on, he reads every word I write, plugging up plot holes and rescuing me from any number of grammatical and lexical mishaps. He not only does the laundry, he remains calm whenever I have a computer/technology /writing-related breakdown. And then usually fixes the problem. Randy, you are the best thing that ever happened to me, and I love you more than mere words can express.
Finally (and rightfully), my deepest thanks go to Jane Austen for creating such an iconic character. It has been a privilege to spend time in Highbury with Emma, and I add my voice to the legions of readers who rightly adore Austen for the novels she gifted to the world.