Acknowledgments

In the language of flowers, the Canterbury bell is a symbol of gratitude and acknowledgment. And I have a bouquet of them to hand out. I’ve long enjoyed reading Berkley Prime Crime mysteries, so first I’d like to thank Berkley for the opportunity to write one. And my delightful editor, Katherine Pelz, and my agent, Kim Lionetti, for making it possible.

Thanks to Janice Cline, Kathleen Hurst, Susan Johnson, Virginia Mackey, Debra Marvin, Dawn Mohr, Lisa Richardson, and Lynne Wallace-Lee for trudging through various versions of my manuscript. Your insightful comments were invaluable.

And for Christine Bress for reviewing the floral design in the book. Thanks also to the Atrium School of Floral Design, and to Brighton-Eggert Florists (Tonawanda, New York) and Jessica Carter of Sponseller’s Flower Shop (Berryville, Virginia) for inviting me into their backrooms, allowing me to look around, hang out, and ask silly questions.

Also thanks to Laura Patten and T.W. Fritts of the Berryville Police Department for being so helpful. And to Lee Lofland and his fabulous Writers’ Police Academy. Also Logan Van Meter of the Berryville-Clarke County Visitor Center. While the town of Ramble is fictional, you helped me ground it more firmly in Virginia soil.

Perhaps most thanks should go to my husband, family, and friends who put up with vacant stares, furious typing, and more than one takeout meal.

Dedicated to Him who is the Author and Finisher of my faith.