White Jade

Author's Notes and Acknowledgments

I did a lot of research for White Jade. The comments about modern weapons, Chinese arms and capabilities, the White House, etc. etc. are all as accurate as I can make them. If there are mistakes, they're all mine.

The history of the First Emperor is well documented, as is his quest for an elixir of immortality. His tomb at Li Shan has not been excavated. It's a very large building. The floor is said to be made of solid gold, laid out as a map of the Empire, with lakes and rivers of mercury. The ceiling is said to be studded with precious gems and pearls.

Of course, he might not be there.

Recently a large deposit of quality uranium ore was discovered in the Inner Mongolian region of China, vastly increasing China's reserves.

"Connorsville" is based upon a real gold rush town not far from where I live. There is a mine, it is dangerous. The Chinese did dig secret tunnels under Marysville and Sacramento. The wealth of the gold rush was often brought to light by the hard sweat of the Chinese who came to the "Golden Mountain" to build a better life for themselves and their families.

There are many people who helped with ideas and encouragement. My wife, Gayle, who read early drafts and made really good comments and who has to listen to me, again and again; Frank Macchi, formerly of the SFPD, who told me about the BART airshaft at the end of the Ferry Building pier and some cool stuff about the Chinese Triads in the Bay Area; Greg Skein, former Army Ranger; Glenn Frazier, a Vietnam Vet and neighbor, who keeps asking for the next book.

Two New York agents, Emma Sweeney and Matthew Carnicelli, took a lot of their valuable time to look at the book and made excellent comments that have helped me become (I hope) a better writer.

There are others. Thank you, all of you.

July, 2011