By the time I was twelve years old, I had read almost every book in the children’s section of our well-stocked small-town public library but was not allowed access to the adult section, which was restricted to “mature” people over the age of fourteen. As a result, my mother, a voracious reader herself, took out what she considered to be “age-appropriate” books for me, and it was then that I first fell in love with daring detectives, clever criminals, murder and mayhem, capers and heists. I am deeply grateful for her love of crime fiction and her view that murder plots were okay for twelve-year-old girls so long as there was a mystery to solve.
So many people have contributed their talents to the success of my books. Hugs to my longtime agent, Laura Bradford, who encouraged me to jump into something new. Your steadiness and positivity have kept me from more than one anxious meltdown over the years. Huge thanks to Kristine Swartz for your patience and humor and for taking a chance on this wild ride of a story. Thanks also to the entire wonderful Berkley team, including Mary Baker, Anika Bates, Stephanie Felty, and the fabulous Lila Selle for her wonderful cover design and illustration. Working with you all has been a real honor.
Wholehearted thanks to my friends Alice Tseng and Sarah Buyers, who buy all my books, like all my posts, and cheer me up with their uplifting comments and unending enthusiasm. You were some of the very first readers of my stories, and I can’t believe I still haven’t chased you away.
My deepest gratitude as always goes to my family: Jamie, Sapphira, Alysha, Sharon, Rana, Adele, and Tarick. Without your love and support, I couldn’t have gone on this crazy adventure. John, you are my rock and my inspiration for living a life of adventure. I couldn’t do this without you. Dad, your pride humbles me and your words inspire me. I unashamedly admit that I may have slipped one or two of your sayings into my book. Mum, thank you for the mysteries, the gift of stories, and your unmatched love of reading.
Finally, hugs to all my readers. Never say no to a grand adventure!