The hardest part about writing acknowledgments is trying to mentally replay all those moments where so many people helped in any part of the process so you don’t leave anyone out. The second hardest part is getting the names spelled correctly.
First, I’d like to thank my husband, Rob, who really makes my writing possible. My words tend to come in spurts, fueled by inspiration and looming deadlines. When those long days occur, it helps to have someone who’ll do things like toss in a load of laundry, read over a passage I’m struggling with, or whisk me off to dinner when he knows I need a break.
And then there are my local writing friends. Thanks to my regular critique partners: Lynne Wallace-Lee, Aric Gaughan, Nonna Gerikh, Katie Murdock, and Ken Swiatek. And to my fellow Sisters in Crime: Alice Loweecey (who often shares rides to events, more than one of which evolved into brainstorming sessions) and Lissa Redmond (who painstakingly answers my police procedure questions—any mistakes are because I didn’t think to ask the right questions). Also to Janice Cline, who reads all my earliest efforts.
Of course, to the good folk of East Aurora—and yes, it’s a real place—thanks for providing such a cozy town for inspiration. And for patiently putting up with me when I either get it wrong or have to play havoc with the geography to suit a story. So sorry for the crime wave!
Many thanks, as always, to my superagent, Kim Lionetti, and to all the staff at Crooked Lane.
And thanks to you, the reader. There are many books on the shelves, and you picked this one. I hope you’ve enjoyed the time we’ve spent together!