THANKS GO TO NUMEROUS PEOPLE without whom this book would never have undergone the metamorphosis from idea to the written word. My former editor, Sarah Durand, asked what I wanted to write after my final book in the Rachel Porter mystery series. She received her answer over martinis at a conference in Alaska. Sarah championed my proposal and helped to make sure it was green-lit. Then she left for another publishing house. Kate Hamill, my second editor at William Morrow, cheerfully adopted my manuscript. She wisely guided me by emphasizing the heart of the story. Kate moved on to a different imprint one week before the manuscript was due. Tessa Woodward gamely came on board as the third editor of the project. She deftly pointed out what still needed to be added and helped with the final shaping of the book. I owe each of these women a debt of gratitude.
Ed Newcomer is the heart and soul of this story and I am deeply grateful that he willingly gave so much of his time. Time is one commodity that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) agents don’t have enough of. Ed patiently put up with my prodding as I proceeded to dig into every corner of his life. He has requested that if the book ever becomes a film, the actor playing his role should be chiseled with rock-hard abs. I promise to do whatever I can if that happens. A note of thanks also goes to his wife, Allison, for allowing me into their lives and home.
Retired USFWS agent Sam Jojola first brought this case to my attention. He’s been a good friend and supporter for many years, and I can’t thank him enough for all of his help on this book and so many other projects. He has dedicated his life to fighting the illegal wildlife trade and continues to do so.
The Law Enforcement Division of the USFWS has some of the most dedicated agents, inspectors, and employees on earth. My respect for these men and women knows no bounds. I want to thank Erin Dean, Marie Palladini, John Brooks, Lisa Nichols, Mike Osborne, Chris Nagano, Sandra Cleva, Valerie Fellows, and Tamara Ward for all of their help. In addition, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Johns provided invaluable information on the case.
No book about butterflies would be complete without the assistance of lepidopterists. I am especially grateful to Dr. Gordon Pratt whose love for, and knowledge of, butterflies is boundless. I also want to thank Dr. John Emmel for his perceptive insight on butterflies and butterfly collectors, along with UC-Riverside entomologists Ken Osborne, Greg Ballmer, and Jeremiah George. Brent Karner, of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, always answered my calls for help.
I knew no one when I flew to Japan, but I left with two good friends who were always there for me. Many thanks go to Walter Krumholz. He made me feel at home and also introduced me to the indispensable Yuko Tsukada. Yuko was my guide not only to Kyoto but also to some of the mysteries of Japan. She taught me not to be such a gaijin.
Numerous friends contributed in countless ways to this book. I especially want to thank Regina Banks, Julie Holzworth, Janet Haller, Bridget Bly, and Dinah and Stephen Lefkowitz for their help and support. Anna Collins read my manuscript with a critical eye and offered pointed suggestions while listening to me wail. She also provided many necessary glasses of wine. Friend and author Lori Andrews was the first to convince me that this story had the merit to be a good book. Many thanks to George Brenner for scrupulously reading each chapter and doing his best to keep me sane.
Finally, I’d like to thank my agent, Dominick Abel. He trusted that a mystery author could follow her passion and write a nonfiction book.