Being a writer is like being a mother. You funnel all of your passion and energy into this beautiful little thing you created, then one day you let it go off into the world and you just pray it thrives without your constant hovering. Except if your books were your babies, they’d starve to death, because your real-life kids don’t give you a moment alone to write. Thus is the life of a writing mother.
Much like being a mother, I can’t take all the credit. This book is about friendship—and friends are the roots of life. They keep us grounded, and I am lucky enough to have several of them to help me stay motivated when I wonder if I should put writing on pause until my kids are older. Emily Sutton, your voracious love of books—my books—inspired me from the very beginning when you read draft after draft, reminding me of my strengths and lifting me up from the mire of exhaustion. I’ll always thank Gwen Stefani for bringing us together all those years ago in high school. And every writer needs a sidekick to tell complete strangers about your books, because we writers are too shy to do it ourselves. Jessica Young, that’s you—the perfect sidekick who makes me feel like a celebrity. Love and Learn Daycare should put our faces on its brochure.
The real dream-maker is my editor extraordinaire, Katie Loughnane. She saw my gift, my potential, and turned it into a career. Thank you for taking a chance on me, Katie, and for embracing my words. With every step, the fabulous editors at HarperCollins (Bethany, Tessa—sending you love and gratitude!) guided my characters and my story into something I’m proud of. May your red pens never grow weary. My editor at Proofed to Perfection Editing Services, Kevin, always gets first look at my work, so thank you for your witty comments and extensive edits that perfected my craft. You are God’s gift to editors.
There are many behind-the-scenes staff at HarperCollins who carry the heavy load of design and publicity, and while I don’t know your faces, I know your handiwork and you’re each amazing. Thank you for creating art and beauty in this world—even when that beauty is a “murder book.”
My family and friends are of course always at the top of the thank-you list as you support my writing, buy my books, spread social media love, and do so much more. Then there are the four that made me the Mental Mommy I tap into when creating characters—my beautiful kids. Talia, Kainen, Kiara, and Ariana, your enthusiasm for Mommy’s writing fills me up when I’m empty. Your insights on moms going crazy always give me a laugh, and I promise to pay for your therapy bills someday. Craig, the man who gives me writing retreats and forces me to take breaks so I don’t burn out, you’re the hero who rescued me. Thank you for reading each of my books when I know you’d rather read Stephen King, and for telling me I’m one of the greats and meaning it. Your faith in me is as endless as my love for you. Thank you for being the kind of husband I don’t want to murder (most of the time).
How could I conclude without acknowledging my fans—you, dear reader? Thank you for buying this book, for reading my words, for reviewing it online, for loving books as much as I love writing them, for celebrating imagination and thrills that authors work so hard to create. Although my stories may be dark, my heart is happy because of you. I hope I always deliver the twists and drama you’re looking for.