Funeral for a Friend

Acknowledgments

Jonathan Stride is having an anniversary — and so am I! It’s now been fifteen years since the release of my debut novel, Immoral, which was also the first book in the Jonathan Stride series. Some great people have been with me all along the way.

Blackstone published the audio edition of Immoral in 2005 and has produced the audio books for every Stride novel since then. Now, with Funeral for a Friend, they are also publishing my print and e-book editions. I have had such a rewarding partnership with them since the very beginning of my career — and I’m honored to have worked with so many talented people there. A big thanks to Haila Williams at Blackstone, who has long been an amazing supporter, friend, and fan. And a special nod to the Blackstone head of library sales, Stephanie Hall, who has not only been a huge advocate for my books, but has become a wonderful friend to me and Marcia (and our cats).

I’m grateful to have tremendous people working on my behalf. Deborah Schneider and her colleagues at Gelfman Schneider, ICM, and Curtis Brown have been my agents, allies, advocates, and friends for more than fifteen years. Special thanks to Cathy Gleason, Alice Lutyens, Josie Freedman, Penelope Burns, Claire Nozieres, and Lucy Morris.

My wife, Marcia, is my partner in everything I do, and she’s been at my side through more than thirty-five years of marriage. She’s not only the first and best advance reader of every new manuscript, she’s also my creative sounding board, my events manager, and my social media guru. I couldn’t do anything without her love and support.

Marcia and I are fortunate to have some amazing friends who provide support for us, including Ann Sullivan (not only a friend but a great advance reader!), Barb and Jerry, Kathy, Sandee, Chuck, Rebecca, Sally, Matt and Paula, and many others. Thanks to them and my whole family for being such a wonderful part of our lives.

And a big, big thanks to the many readers, librarians, book reviewers, booksellers, and bloggers who have joined us on this journey during the last fifteen years. From the people of Duluth to readers across the country and around the world, Marcia and I are so grateful for your enthusiasm and excitement about my books, your help in spreading the word, and your friendship on social media and at events. We look forward to sharing books with you for a long time to come!