These pages were puzzled over by some fellow writers and friends, chiefly Dan Butterworth, whose enthusiasm was inspiring, his criticism invaluable. Jim Lynch shared pages as well as angst, and Terry Morehouse researched my cop questions and took me skiing once.
My deep thanks and respect to Cal Morgan, the kind of incisive, insightful editor I’d heard doesn’t exist anymore, and of course to Judith Regan, for her energy, her vision, and her patience with flaky writers from remote corners.
Finally, I have the great fortune of being married to my favorite editor. Like everything I do, this book is dedicated to Anne, and to my children, Brooklyn, Ava, and Alec.