hard to keep our children safe from online predators.
An equal debt is owed to Commander William C. (Bud) Taylor II, who before heading off to lead the Afghan National Police Program in Kabul, met with me at a coffee shop to talk about the Navy SEALs. Bud’s deep knowledge of SEAL culture and warfare tactics brought Tom Hawkins to life for me. Some things Bud told me about the SEALs couldn’t be included in my book because nobody would believe them.
The character of Sergeant Brendan Murphy is in no way representative of the exceptional police force that is safeguarding our home towns. However, Sergeant Rich Mello and former police officer, Janet Fox, patiently answered my numerous questions about police procedures. I’m deeply grateful to Susan Hodgdon for her expertise in school politics and for providing a fantastic role model for the Superintendent of Shilo Schools, Angie Didomenico.
I have two people to thank for Marvin’s character. Attorney William J. Bladd generously shared his legal expertise, while Attorney Sven D. Wiberg assisted with his knowledge of the New Hampshire laws.
I’d like to thank Craig Powers who allowed me to observe him coaching our local high school girls soccer team. I also want to thank Jill’s namesake, Jill Ackerly, who like the character in the book is a standout soccer player.
I try hard to make the technology in my books both informative and accessible. To that end, I’m indebted to the talents of my tech support team, Jon Corum, Mark Niedzielski, Jeff Strobel, and Peter Floss.
A novel is as good as its words, therefore I’m supremely fortunate to have had the following people contribute their editorial talents to this work: Clair Lamb, Rosemary Silva, and Carlie Webber. I cannot thank my fabulous mother enough for her careful readings, insightful editorial suggestions, and never ending willingness to help. And to my dad, who is always a great sounding board.
A huge thanks to Meg Ruley and the entire team at the Jane Rotrosen Agency for their continued support. I’m fortunate to have your continued guidance and stewardship. Also, I couldn’t imagine being a part of a better publishing team! John, Peter, Laurie, Steve, Lesleigh, Adeola, and Karen, you’re the tops! I’d like to also say a special thank you in memoriam to Walter Zacharius. To say that he will be missed is vastly understated.
As always, I thank my family, my wife Jessica, and children Benjamin and Sophie. You give my life its shape and purpose.
Resource Page Suggested Links
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: www.missingkids.com
Official site for current information on Missing and Exploited Children. Search for missing children, view wanted posters, submit child “sightings,” and additional information.
FBI—Innocent Images: www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigage/cyber/innocent/innocent
Virtually every day, children are lured away from their families by cybersexual predators. We’re committed to stopping these crimes through our Innocent Images National Initiative. Based in Maryland, it joins FBI agents and local police in proactive task forces around the country that work online undercover to stop those who prey on our kids.
National Crime Prevention Council: www.ncpc.org/topics
A non-profit educational group formed to address the causes of crime and violence and reduce the opportunities for crime to occur.
Tips to Prevent Sexting: http://www.doj.state.wi.us/news/files/Sexti ngPrevention.pdf
Five simple tips to help prevent sexting
Cyberbullying Research Center: www.cyberbullying.us
Presents research statistics, tips, prevention strategies, stories, fact sheets, handouts, and other downloads to combat cyberbullying.
StopBullying.gov: www.stopbullying.gov
StopBullying.gov provides information from various government agencies on how kids, teens, young adults, parents, educators and others in the community can prevent or stop bullying.
Top 50 Internet Acronyms Parents Need to Know: www.netlingo.com/top50/acronyms-for- parents.php
Helpful list to “translate” text messages.
Facebook Family Safety Center: https://www.facebook.com/safety
Information, tools and resources to stay safe when using Facebook.
SafeTeens: www.safeteens.com
SafeTeens.com is a place for teens and their parents to learn safe, civil and responsible use of the Internet. It’s operated by technology journalist Larry Magid who also operates SafeKids.com and is co-director of ConnectSafely.org.
About the Author
Daniel Palmer spent a decade as an e-commerce pioneer helping to build first generation websites for Barnes & Noble and other popular brands. An experienced musician and songwriter, Daniel has recorded two CDs and licensed his songs for commercial use. Daniel’s co-written two short stories for the trade organization International Thriller Writers, which were published in Thriller (edited by James Patterson) and First Thrills (edited by Lee Child). His debut thriller novel, Delirious, is scheduled to be published by Kensington in early 2011, part of a three book contract with the publisher. He holds a master’s degree in mass communications from Boston University, and currently resides in New Hampshire with his wife and two children
Books by Daniel Palmer
PUBLISHED BY KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.
