Edward J. Dohring, M.D., whose name my readers may recognize from previous books, is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, a fellowship-trained spine surgeon, medical director of the Spine Institute of Arizona, and a researcher and teacher on the care of spinal disorders. His help with the passages about Parrish’s injury and recovery was invaluable, as was his review of information about Violet’s care.
Kitty Felde, a National Public Radio special correspondent and an award-winning playwright, was of immeasurable assistance when I asked her to talk to me about Irene’s career change. She was able to offer insights from her own experiences and brought her wonderful imagination to the task of anticipating the challenges Irene would face.
What Rachel taught Irene about self-defense comes from true leaders in the martial arts. Grandmaster Al Tracy (who has been teaching karate for over fifty years) and his wife, Kenpo karate black belt (7th dan) Pat Tracy, who run Tracy’s International Studios of Self Defense, generously shared their expertise, read and reread fight scenes, and offered excellent advice.
Among my journalist friends, I must take time to individually thank Debbie Arrington, who from the moment I decided I wanted to write about a newspaper reporter, never has failed to spare me the time it took to answer my questions.
Thanks also to my nephew, Detective John Pearsley, Jr., of the El Cajon Police, who answered my frantic late-night emails on police procedure. Forensic anthropologist Marilyn London answered my questions about age determination and frozen remains. Melodie Grace and my brother, John G. Fischer, helped with questions about legal procedures.
I am also indebted to my sister Sandra Fischer, who read each chapter as it was written and caught many of my errors.
This book received shepherding from Marysue Rucci and Amanda Murray, and most especially from Sarah Knight at Simon & Schuster. I’m also indebted to Philip Spitzer, my agent, for his feedback. Thank you all!
Tim, who has met the challenge of living with me with both humor and bravery, has all my love.
About the Author
National bestseller Jan Burke is the author of a dozen novels and a collection of short stories. Among the awards her work has garnered are Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar® for Best Novel, Malice Domestic’s Agatha Award, Mystery Readers International’s Macavity, and the RT Book Club’s Best Contemporary Mystery. She is the founder of the Crime Lab Project (CrimeLabProject.com) and is a member of the board of the California Forensic Science Institute. She lives in Southern California with her husband and two dogs. Learn more about her at JanBurke.com.
