Third Strike

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Writing a novel is supposed to be a solitary occupation, but we know it isn’t. As always, many people came to my assistance with the writing of this book, generously providing encouragement, help, advice, and information. I’m humbly grateful, therefore, to—in no particular order—fellow mystery authors Reed Farrel Coleman, for details on the seedier areas of Brooklyn; Shane Gericke and Fred Rea, for firearms info; Libby Fischer Hellmann, for casting her eye over my accidental Britishisms; and D. P. Lyle, M.D., for his superb detailed medical input. If you want to know how to tie off an artery by the side of the road or break into a hospital, Doug Lyle’s your man.

How can I not also mention other great writers who gave encouragement with this one—Ken Bruen, Lee Child, Jeffrey Deaver, and Stuart MacBride, as well as other enthusiasts within the industry—Jon and Ruth Jordan at Crimespree magazine and Ali Karim and Mike Stotter at Shots Ezine. Keep wiffling, boys.

McKenna Jordan and David Thompson, from the independent mystery bookstore, Murder by the Book in Houston, added geographical detail, as did Terry Farmer. Thank you to the staff at the Deerfield Pistol & Archery Center in Deerfield, Wisconsin, for letting me play with some cool stuff.

My test readers stood firm, as always—Peter Doleman, Claire Duplock, Sarah Harrison, Iris Rogers, Tim Winfield, and Shell Willbye (who also knows one end of a knitting needle from the other).

Of course, my biggest debts go to my agent, the incomparable Jane Gregory, her editor, Emma Dunford, and all the staff at Gregory & Company Authors’ Agents, for their patience, faith, and understanding.

Also to my UK publisher, Susie Dunlop, and my editor, Lara Swift, and all the incredibly enthusiastic and hardworking staff at Allison & Busby. And to my U.S. publisher, St. Martin’s Minotaur—in particular my editor, Marcia Markland, who also provided New York info; Diana Szu; and all the sales and marketing people who work so hard to make this book a reality in the United States.

Of course, without the constant encouragement of my husband, Andy, nothing would ever get done. Again, thank you.

And finally, I’d like to mention Terry O’Loughlin, who made the winning bid at the charity auction at Bouchercon in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2006, in aid of the Wisconsin Literacy, Inc., charity, to become a character in this book and whom it was enormous fun to include.