ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  

First and foremost, I’d like to thank my husband, Ben Pickarski. He has the true green thumb in the family, and I’ve learned so much from him. What started as an economical past time (a way to eat organic foods in a cost effective manner) blossomed into a passion for both of us. He was my number one consultant for all things farming while writing A Muddied Murder. Thankfully, I have him on retainer for the next book.

 

I’d also like to thank my agent, Frances Black of Literary Counsel. The idea for the Greenhouse Mystery Series developed while I was at a book signing in a small town in North Carolina, and I called her that weekend to pitch the concept. She immediately understood my vision, and her encouragement, insights and passion helped bring the town of Winsome and all its quirky inhabitants to life.

 

Many thanks also to my Henery Press family. Kendel Lynn and Art Molinares believed in the project from the beginning, and the wonderful editors and staff at Henery Press—Kendel, Art, Anna Davis, Erin George, Rachel Jackson, and Stephanie Chontos—supported the book throughout the process. Their sharp ideas and intelligent editing made it a better novel.

 

Thanks to Rowe Copeland at The Book Concierge. Cheerleader, business manager, organizer, friend, first beta reader…Rowe does it all. And she does it all well.

 

I am grateful for the smart feedback and ready wit of my beta readers and line editors, Adrienne Robertson, Sue Norbury, Laura Coffey, and Carol Lizell. Thank you!

 

A big shout-out to my family. Ian Pickarski, Mandy Gohn, Angela Tyson, Greg Marincola and Ann Marie Pickarski—as always, they provided much-needed emotional and marketing support. And my twins, Matthew and Jonathan, may just be the best plot brainstormers and Revolutionary War researchers ever.

 

To all of the people who embrace an organic, more humane lifestyle and who are willing to question the status quo…you inspire me. Keep the faith.