I write, first and foremost, to entertain, but I also strive to enlighten readers with what I’ve learned while researching the subject matter behind my story. In the case of this novel, I’ve been unknowingly doing research for the past twenty years while working as an emergency-room physician in a hospital that sits at the epicenter of the opioid crisis in one of the hardest hit cities.
This is a work of fiction. But I am convinced an almost identical calamity could unfold today on the streets of Vancouver, or any other city. To call the opioid epidemic a tragedy is a sad understatement. In my province alone, thousands—most of them under forty—have died from overdoses. And it’s likely even more still will. The victims range from addicts to first-time dabblers or, sometimes even, as portrayed in this novel, people who are unaware they ever consumed opioids. The stats or demographics don’t move me as much as the emotional toll on those affected and their loved ones. I wanted to convey that sense of the suffering, loss, and helplessness. And how this crisis could, and does, touch almost anyone.
While I live the medical side of this disaster almost every shift I work in the ER, I had to rely heavily on a friend in law enforcement to understand the criminal elements that are driving the illegal fentanyl trade. Because of the sensitivity of his ongoing work, I can only identify him as JD. But I’ll be forever indebted to JD for sharing his boundless knowledge and reviewing the manuscript so painstakingly to ensure it was authentic as possible. He lent this story heaps of street cred.
I’m fortunate to collaborate with such gifted and supportive editors as Anne Perry, Bethan Jones, and especially Laurie Grassi, who invests so much time and energy into bringing out the absolute best in my writing. I’m delighted to be working with the talented folks at Simon & Schuster, particularly in the Toronto office, including Nita Pronovost, Gregory Tilney, David Millar, Felicia Quon, Jillian Levick, and Kevin Hanson, whose guidance has been unfaltering. This is the eleventh book in a row where I’ve depended on the feedback and wisdom of my wonderful first-pass, freelance editor, Kit Schindell. And I’m grateful for the counsel of my agents, Henry Morrison and Danny Baror.
There are so many others I could acknowledge. Writing is often considered a solitary pursuit, but in my case, it does take a village, including the many friends and family members who listen to the early pitches, read the rough drafts, and support me through the ups and downs of the unpredictable process. Thank you, all of you.
As always, I want to thank you, the readers, who inspire me to keep going. While, of course, I want you to enjoy the story, I hope it will also make you a little more aware of a terribly indiscriminate and potentially stoppable killer that is ravaging our communities.