Rock climbers Chris Little and Steven Tu got me started with a helpful session about climbing, climbers, and gear, and recommended excellent reading as well as places to watch climbers. Fellow writer and rock climber Letha Albright went the extra distance-not only offering helpful, quick comments on several drafts of the book, but also by bringing her equipment to the Mayhem in the Midlands convention and demonstrating various knots and gear while we were there.
Questions about the world of true crime television programs were answered by television development executive Nancy Meyer; Justin Manask, manager with Renaissance; and video and film editor Chuck Montgomery, who has worked for ten seasons on COPS. I ask readers to please keep in mind that Ty Serault and Crimesolvers USA are totally fictional.
True friends Mary Jo Reutter and Jay Spothelfer didn’t hesitate for a moment when I said, “Say, can I leave a dead body in your house?” But don’t look for the house in Lakewood-it flew farther than Dorothy’s place traveled to land on a witch.
The story told in Nine was better told thanks to the many hours of editorial work and the support given by Marysue Rucci. She’s the insightful, dedicated champion writers dream of-an editor willing to help you take a chance on something new, smart enough to figure out what needs to change (and brave enough to tell you), and able to encourage you on those days when the manuscript’s working title is The Book.
My deepest thanks also to Carolyn Reidy, David Rosenthal, Louise Burke, Victoria Meyer, Tara Parsons, and the incredible sales reps who work for Simon amp; Schuster and Pocket Books.
Many thanks to agents Philip Spitzer and Joel Gotler for their comments, support, and insights.
Sandra Cvar read the manuscript several times and gave me her Crow book, which caught my eye whenever I stared up at the bookshelves wondering what to write.
Being my friend or relative means there are long periods of time during which phone calls are cut short and one’s invitations are answered with, “Sorry, I can’t, I’m on a deadline.” Thank you all for your patience. Especially my ’Buds-purple power rules.
Timothy, you are that center which holds me steady and true.
To you, and also to the descendants of the Moriarty Nine, my love.
About the author
Jan Burke is the recipient of the Edgar Award for Best Novel, the Agatha Award, the Macavity Award, the Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine Readers Award, and the Romantic Times’s Career Achievement Award for Contemporary Suspense. She lives in Southern California with her husband, Tim, and her dogs, Cappy and Britches. She is currently at work on her next novel.
