Huge thanks to my wonderful editor at Minotaur, Leslie Gelbman, for her enthusiasm, laughter, and brilliant edit notes. Also to everyone on the St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur team, especially Sarah Schoof, Allison Ziegler, and Kelley Ragland—I’m very lucky to have such a fabulous group of talented people to work with. Also, huge thanks to Art Director David Rotstein, whose gorgeous, brooding book covers perfectly capture Harper’s Savannah.
More thanks go to my amazing agent, Madeleine Milburn, who makes all things possible. Where would I be without you? And to her extraordinary team—Hayley Steed, Alice Sutherland-Hawes, and Giles Milburn. I’m in awe of all you do!
Big love to my author/editor posse: Holly Bourne, Melinda Salisbury, Ruth Ware, Sam Smith, Alexia Casale. Thank you for keeping me sane.
To Jack, who listens to all my wildest ideas with endless patience and laughs at the funny lines—I’m so lucky to have you.
Finally, I wrote in the book that, for women, being killed by someone who claims to love them is the most ordinary murder of all, and it’s true. My mother was a victim of domestic abuse, so I feel this cause very deeply. She survived her marriage. Too many women aren’t that lucky. If you are in a relationship that frightens you, don’t hesitate to seek help. Police, churches, and nonprofit organizations can help you find refuge and safety. I say this as a former reporter who has covered many murders of women who didn’t get out in time—if you’re scared: run.