ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A heart full of thanks to my husband, Steve Sadler, who acted like it was perfectly normal for me to write a novel, and who read each page— hot off the printer—late into many nights. And to my parents, Ed and Sylvia Marson, for exuberant and unlimited belief in me. And Deborah Hoffman, my Evil Twin, and a splendid writer, for saying, “just keep writing till it’s finished.”

I fell in with a good crowd by way of this book. My agent, Richard Pine, easily lives up to his reputation as “best in the business.” He’s a great reader, professional guide, and, lucky for me, has abundant patience. Big thanks, too, to Lori Andiman and the entire staff at Arthur Pine Associates.

And at Random House: I can’t imagine there’s a better editor than Jonathan Karp, who gently and clearly guided me toward a much better book. He has the gift of patience, too, for which I’m grateful. Thank you also to Gina Centrello, Vincent La Scala, Casey Hampton, Jonathan Jao, Kate Blum, Sherry Huber, and so many others who are part of the effort.

Special appreciation to Howie Sanders, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Mark Rosenthal, and Larry Konner, who see the big picture.

Thank you, Paul Cremo and Sony Classicals for sharing the music.

And to my earliest readers, cheerleaders, and indispensables: David Marson, perceptive reader and fabulous nephew; Joe Marson, swell musician and fabulous nephew; and Linda Edeiken, who has always been there; Ruth, my sister of choice, and all the amazing Safirsteins at Schubert East; Bennye Sadler, great champion of books and authors; Carol, Sedge, and Lela Schneidman, a family of wonders; Daniel Guss, for his meticulous and fascinating comments; Burgess and Barbara Needle; Katalina McGlone; Brenda Gadd; Lana Holstein; Ann Pardo; Jan and Dan McIntire; Alyssa Cohen and Scott Friedmann; Susan Doyle; Ashley and Wilson Whitaker; Bernie Marson; Carole Hyatt; Robert Israel; Peter Ott; Karin Malzan; Anne Parker; Cousin Johnny Rosenberg; Dan Baker; Susan Hall and Bob Scholz; Teri Bingham; Julie Kembel; Rose Brandt; Anna and Dean Schoff; Chief Inspector Clouseau; and to Gargoyle Carvers everywhere.

Finally, there’s my unfinished, ever-growing love for Franz Schubert. Genius is all around us. Listen.