Before She Disappeared

AUTHOR’S NOTE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This entire novel started with an online article from BBC, regarding Lissa Yellowbird-Chase, an everyday person who also searches for missing persons. From that news brief, I discovered an entire world of amateurs who seek to make a difference by working missing persons cold cases. What I gleaned: Especially in situations where technology has failed, the right person asking the right questions can make all the difference. That total strangers care that much for the missing among us, I found powerful—though also heartbreaking. So this book is for the dedicated, whether they’re amateur detectives, professional pilots, registered dog handlers, et cetera, who give their time for another family’s closure. I am totally inspired by you.

In the nuts-and-bolts department, several others made a difference. First off, Mary Nèe-Loftus, who brought the world of Mattapan—not to mention the school system of Boston—to life. Thank you, also, Betsy Eliot, for introducing me to Mary.

Also, for my dear friend Margie Aitkenhead. When I said, hey, I need to walk the streets of a tough neighborhood in Boston, she never hesitated to say yes. Also, the locals went out of their way to assist our efforts—and the food was beyond amazing. I reference several Mattapan landmarks in this novel, from Le Foyer to Simco’s; you should visit and eat at both. Haitian meat pies are my new favorite food, and I can’t wait to eat more.

I’m also indebted to Superintendent-in-Chief Dan Linskey, Ret., Boston Police Department, who walked me through all the resources the BPD have at their disposal. Let me just say, disappearing a person in this day and age of traffic cams and LPR is extremely complicated. And I’m extremely impressed by all the resources a major city police force has to bring to bear.

I’m also indebted to my daughter, who—having eavesdropped on my conversation with Linskey—informed me that I asked all the wrong questions. She then proceeded to tell me all the resources available to any halfway intelligent teenager for shielding communications from nosy parents. As a mother, I wasn’t sure whether to be impressed or appalled. I went with impressed because it allows me to sleep better at night. Maybe.

Which brings me to Lt. Peter T. Eakley, Ret., Millburn New Jersey Police, who walked me through fake IDs, forged visas, and all sorts of fun. I took some liberties in this novel, as there’s a fine line between entertaining readers and instructing aspiring forgers.

Also, please bear in mind this is a work of fiction and all mistakes are mine and mine alone. The real world is quite complicated, so thank goodness for fictional escape.

People who want to die: You know who you are. Congratulations to the winners of the Kill a Friend, Maim a Buddy Sweepstake, as well as its international counterpart, Kill a Friend, Maim a Mate. First up, Lupe Giron, who won the right to kill off her friend, Peggy Struzeski Griffith, whom she described as a “slightly crazy, book-loving blonde.” I approve of all slightly crazy, book-loving people, but per the terms of the contest, Peggy still had to die. Hope you enjoyed! Next, congratulations to Gwynne Andal, self-described proud Filipina and oldest of three kids, for earning the right to kill off herself. I’m sure this wasn’t as gruesome as you wanted, but I hope it’s still fun. For other aspiring winners of fictional death, the contest is back up and running at LisaGardner.com. It’s never too late to enter, and do encourage family and friends to nominate you, as well. Dying in a novel is a surprisingly enthusiastic and competitive sweepstakes.

Also, here is to the real-life Piper, an extraordinary rescue cat who now enjoys a pampered life with my wonderful neighbors Pam and Glenda, while hissing at me every time I walk into the room. I tried cat treats, then catnip. Literary immortality is all I got left. If only cats could read.

As always, my love to my family, friends, and fellow authors who kept me sane for the writing of this novel. Given that most of this happened during the pandemic, focus was hard to find, and support most appreciated. For those who follow me on social media, you understand hiking is my salvation (and my preferred method of brainstorming), so thank you to Michelle Capozzoli and Larissa Taylor for keeping me on trail and deep in homicidal thought.

For my readers out there: Love, gratitude, and best wishes for health and happiness. Thank you for your support. I’ve lived my entire life captivated by the power of story. Thank you for sharing that journey with me.