Running Dark

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I’d like to thank the readers, whose enthusiasm and friendly e-mails made my debut launch special, and who continue to cheer me throughout the year.

Many thanks to Tavia Kowalchuk, Danielle Bartlett, Shawn Nicholls, Marisa Benedetto, Wendy Lee, and the entire Harper Collins and William Morrow staff, who helped me time and time again during the launch of the first novel and who made a debut author feel great.

I’m indebted to my editor, Lyssa Keusch, who made suggestions that were right on target and remained patient when I went on a tear and revised an entire section. Her keen eye for detail is greatly appreciated.

Barbara Poelle, my literary agent, trusted adviser, and good friend, keeps me balanced and makes me laugh. Working with her is always a joy.

Quite a bit of research went into this novel, and I’m grateful to Paul Salopek, Commodore Ronald Warwick, Samuel Warwick, and Dr. Jennifer E. Purcell, whose contributions are more fully explained in the author’s note at the end.

I was unbelievably lucky to receive the support of two of the most talented authors in the writing world. My heartfelt thanks go out to Tess Gerritsen, who went above and beyond the call by not only giving the first novel a blurb, but taking steps to see that it made it to Harper Collins at just the right time, and to Lee Child, who also donated his name to the cause and who continues to answer all my industry questions with good humor and an insight that I find invaluable.

Dana Kaye, friend and now principal of Kaye Publicity, assisted me with local publicity and the myriad of day-to-day details that go into a book launch. I couldn’t have kept it all straight without her.

Darwyn Jones is a trusted reader who I can always count on to give me excellent feedback. My thanks to him for his reactions and suggestions on a key scene.

And, finally, to my husband, Klaus, who worked his own business travel schedule around mine. At one point during the tour my flight was late arriving and his was late leaving, and I’ll never forget his smile when we bumped into each other at the airport terminal. He suggested lunch, and dining at O’Hare has never been better. Thanks, my love, for the fun.