Beyond Suspicion

Acknowledgments

Beyond Suspicion is a sequel to my first published novel, The Pardon. That first Jack Swyteck story was a true labor of love that came into being only after I’d spent four years, nights and weekends, writing a big, fat, multigenerational murder mystery that now collects dust on a closet shelf. Six novels later, I have to say that the best part about returning to my debut was the time spent reflecting on a point in my life when I didn’t have time to start writing until eleven o’clock at night, and when I wouldn’t stop pecking away until long after Tiffany had fallen asleep on the couch with the latest draft pages spilled at her side. Thanks, Tiff, for being there when it all began, and thanks for putting up with me all these years later.

A big thank-you goes to my editor, Carolyn Marino, and my agent, Richard Pine. Both were early fans of The Pardon, and both have left their mark on Beyond Suspicion. I’m also grateful to my team of first readers who endured some very rough drafts, Dr. Gloria M. Grippando, Cece Sanford, Eleanor Rayner, and Carlos Sires. Probate attorney Clay Craig lent his usual expertise, Patrick Battle and Joseph N. Belth provided insights on viatical settlements, and the World Federation of Neurology offered a wealth of information on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The people who helped most with my research wish to remain anonymous, which is perfectly understandable in the case of cops who work undercover. Their insights into the growth of Russian organized crime in South Florida were invaluable.

Finally, character names are often a pain to come up with, so I want to thank Mike Campbell and Jerry Chafetz for making my job easier. Through their generous contributions at fund-raising auctions for the benefit of St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School in Coral Gables and for The Gold-Diggers Inc. of Miami, they have lent their names to two of Jack Swyteck’s buddies in Beyond Suspicion.