None of my books would be what they are without the ongoing assistance and first-draft revision suggestions of my dear friend, San Mateo assistant district attorney Al Giannini, whose general expertise on all things criminal, exquisite taste, and refined judgment contribute mightily to the finished product. Like no one else, Al is a true collaborator in the Dismas Hardy-Abe Glitsky series, and my debt to him cannot be measured.

Of course, any book owes its life to its publisher, and I am blessed to have worked with a wonderful staff at Dutton now for the past nine books. This is a fantastic group of enthusiastic, bright, committed people-starting with the publisher Brian Tart; marketing whizzes Lisa Johnson and Beth Parker; Erika Imranyi, Trena Keating, Kara Welsh, Claire Zion, Rick Pascocello, Susan Schwartz; and the wonderful cover artist and designer Rich Hasselberger. Saving the most personal until last, I’m knocked out by the style, taste, and talents of my editor, Ben Sevier. His support in many conversations was crucial throughout the book’s gestation, and his comments and suggestions as we approached a final manuscript were consistently pithy, germaine, and critical. Ben is the real deal as an editor, and I consider myself blessed to be able to work with him.

My writing life wouldn’t be half as productive without the load taken up by my assistant, Anita Boone. Besides possessing one of the most even-keeled and sunny personalities in the world (a major plus when working with sometimes gnarly authors), she is truly the right arm and majordomo of many, many aspects of my life in the business of writing, and I couldn’t do what I do without her.

As many have attested, the writing life can be solitary. Without close friends to keep perspective on the other things that are important, and that hopefully help to keep the writing fresh, the creativity wouldn’t flourish, nor would the experience be joyful. And so for keeping the spirit alive, here’s to the perennial best man, Don Matheson; to author/bon vivant Max Byrd; Frank and Gina Seidl; Sandy and Peter S. Diedrich, M.D., M.P.H.; and my two children, Justine and Jack.

Several characters in this book owe their names (although no physical or personality traits, which are all fictional) to individuals whose contributions to various charities have been especially generous. These people, and their respective charities, include: Stacy and Mark Wegzyn, Holy Family School; Katherine (Kay) Hansen, Thrillerfest (International Thriller Writers); Michael J. Schermer, the Sacra mento Public Library Foundation; Deborah L. Dunham and Chuck Cunningham, the Davis, California, Chamber of Commerce; Mrs. Jacky Glass, H.E.L.P. (Healthcare and Elder Law Programs Corporation); and Mickey Friend (Sonoma Paradiso).

Finally, my literary agent, Barney Karpfinger, is the rock of my career and of my professional life. A great friend, a tireless advocate, a beacon of taste and intelligence, Barney is simply the best in the world at what he does, and I’m endlessly grateful for my relationship with him. Thanks for everything you do, Barney-you’re an amazing and wonderful human being.

I very much love hearing from my readers, and invite all of you to please visit me at my Web site, www.johnlescroart.com, with comments, questions, or interests.

About the Author

John Lescroart is the author of nineteen previous novels, including Betrayal, The Suspect, The Hunt Club, The Motive, The Second Chair, The First Law, The Oath, The Hearing, and Nothing but the Truth. He lives in northern California.