I must also recognize the Center on Wrongful Convictions for its harrowing work, and the exonerees who spent years of their lives in prison for crimes they did not commit. I drew inspiration from some of their stories in the exceptional Anatomy of Innocence: Testimonies of the Wrongfully Convicted （Liveright, 2017）。
Of course, I must thank my family. In creating the Pines, I borrowed from my children: Jacob’s tales of life, friendship, and chess at NYU; Emma’s tenacious ways and our hours binge-watching Netflix true-crime dramas; and Aiden’s love of movies and travel—and his admiration of a rogue country club caddie master. Kids: You have my whole heart. You always did.
And none of this would be possible without my wife, Trace. Like everything else, Every Last Fear is for you.