acknowledgments

To my agent, Doug Grad, a huge thank you for your tireless work, the countless phone calls, emails, and especially your guidance. Actually, perhaps more so for your patience! To my editor Terri Bischoff and the great team at Midnight Ink for giving me the opportunity of taking a dream of over fifteen years and making it a reality.

To the authors who were so generous with their time and wisdom as I began this insane journey: Reed Farrel Coleman, SJ Rozan, Dan Judson, Jason Starr, Sarah Weinman, S. P. Lee, Todd Robinson, Bernard Whalen, J. D. Rhoades, and Terrence McCauley—and yes, I know I’m missing some people, please forgive my brain freeze. A very warm thank you to Otto Penzler for your candidness and generosity over the years. Larry Gandle, I would be lost without your sarcasm and dark wit; you’re the best. Laura Lippman, Ken Bruen, Ali Karim, R. J. Ellory, Brendan DuBois—thank you for the wonderful advice you’ve shared with me.

Before the acknowledgments become longer than my prologue, thank you to my family and friends. I must point out a few lifelong friends I’ve been honored to have in my life: David Sonatore, Ani Nappa, Enza Golden, Amy Winner, and Susan Olsen. I thank you for your support when I’d throw myself on my couch and scream, “What am I doing?!” Thank you, Tony Duino Black, for giving me the actual tools: my desk, computer, pen, pencils, and paper.

It took a village to make this happen, and I’m very grateful.