The Lost Girls

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Lost Girls was an emotional book to write, and required more research than I initially thought. I think Google maps has become my best friend!

First and foremost, I want to thank Mike Pettingill, a friend of mine who used to work with me in the California State Legislature. The year after I left the legislature to write full-time, Mike and his family became full-time missionaries with Missions to the World. Mike answered all my questions about what it’s like to be a missionary, the joys and the fears. I wish I could have used everything I learned. It takes a truly special person to give up everything they own to serve others.

Once again, Deborah Coonts-author, pilot, and all-around extraordinary woman-helped with the plane details. If I got anything wrong, it’s because I messed up.

I was thrilled when my cousin Jason Gifford married the amazing Dee-for more than because I like her. She’s also a nurse! Dee helped me tremendously with a pivotal scene in this book that, without her guidance, wouldn’t have been half as good. Thank you so much, Dee.

Crime Scene Writers led by the wonderful Wally Lind is always my go-to place for all types of crime questions-this time I needed information about warrants, foreign nationals, extradition, witness protection, and more. Thank you to all the cops, lawyers, medical examiners, pathologists, and P.I.’s who are extremely generous with their time and talent to help writers “get it right.” I may have taken a few literary liberties, but I try to stay as close to the truth as possible-while still keeping the story entertaining.

Always, thank you to my agent Dan Conaway who keeps me grounded, and my editor Kelley Ragland at Minotaur who helps each book reach its greatest potential. This time she outdid herself and forced me to dig deep into the emotional well to make The Lost Girls hit all the right notes.

Last but not least, my family-for understanding my crazy schedule, for being patient, for letting me bounce around ideas, and for making me laugh.