I always thought writing books would turn me into a lonely, old shrew, but the friends I have made on Goodreads, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have saved me from that fate—at least the lonely part. To all the brilliant book bloggers, BookTokers, Goodreaders, and Bookstagrammers who light up my feed every day: Thank you for sharing your passion for reading and for broadcasting how books give you joy. You are not only a vital part of the modern-day book-o-system （“book” + “ecosystem”—yes, I made it up） but also a big part of what makes it fun.
I had technical help with this one from my go-to medical expert, Dr. Martin Bennett, who regaled me with gruesome ways to murder someone, many of which I filed away for later use. （No, that’s not a threat.） Thanks also to Dr. Judy Melinek, who told me everything I need to know about dead bodies, so I don’t have to look at them myself. I am indebted to Victoria Sainsbury-Carter for keeping me sane, except for when it was more useful to be insane, and Andy Cohen, my personal guardian angel, for pretending not to notice said insanity.
Shaping a manuscript from first draft to finished product takes vision, creativity, and wizardly command of the English language; Lake Union’s Chris Werner is that rare editor who has it all, and I feel hella lucky I get to work with him. Thank you to Gabe, Haley, Kellie, Jen, and all the dedicated professionals at Lake Union Publishing; I am humbled by your excellence and relentless attention to detail. This book was elevated by the contributions of my crackerjack developmental editor, Jenna L. Free, who endured countless episodes of “What if I tried this?” with just the right balance of thoughtfulness and good humor.
As with any intensely personal creative endeavor, writing books requires conjuring feelings, not all of them pleasant. My joyful, courageous, can-do agent, Laura Dail, is the lifeline that steadies me in my self-induced storm, and I am immeasurably grateful for her wisdom and support. Thank you to Katie Gisondi and all the book lovers at the Laura Dail Agency; you are the best partners a writer could ask for, and I feel extremely lucky to be on your team.
This book is dedicated to my husband, Uri, and our two daughters, Sophie and Taya, who graciously decline to remind me that making up characters and killing them is a ridiculous vocation, and not really a valid excuse for not making dinner. Thanks, guys—I love you, and sorry for all the freezer food.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan Walter was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After being given every opportunity to become a concert violinist but failing, Susan attended Harvard University. She hoped to be a newscaster, but the local TV station had different ideas and hired her to write and produce promos instead. Seeking sunshine and a change of scenery, she moved to Los Angeles to work in film and television production. Upon realizing writers were having all the fun, Susan transitioned to screenwriting, then directing. She made her directorial debut with the film All I Wish, starring Sharon Stone, which she also wrote, and her fiction debut with the bestseller Good as Dead. For more information, visit www.susanwalterwriter.com.