In the just-for-fun department, congratulations to Kaytlyn Krogman, winner of the Kill a Friend, Maim a Buddy Sweepstakes at LisaGardner .com. She won the right to have her mother, Tricia Lobdell Cass, included in this novel. Also, Heidi Raepuro is the winner of the international edition, Kill a Friend, Maim a Mate, choosing her own grand end. The contest is always a huge hit. Hope you all love the book!
The idea of bringing back Flora Dane was first proposed by my former editor, Ben Sevier. He then went on to a new position, leaving me and my new editor, Mark Tavani, to see it through. Thank you for your years of brilliance, Ben. And thank you, Mark, for effortlessly taking over the reins. May this be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
On the other side of the pond, I was equally sad to lose longtime British editor Vicki Mellor. But I look forward to working with Selina Walker, whose brilliant comments definitely helped make this a better book.
Closer to home, thank you to my proofreading crew. Yes, all those mistakes really were mine. Again! Thanks for making me look good. And to my beautiful daughter who’s now become my brainstorming partner, plot fixer, and overall partner in crime. An avid reader, she’s an excellent in-house editor. Thanks, love.
Finally, to the real-life Mike Davis. As the school counselor says, what everyone needs to survive high school is that one person who has your back.
About the Author
Lisa Gardner is the number one New York Times bestselling author of nineteen previous novels, including her most recent, Right Behind You. Her Detective D. D. Warren novels include Find Her, Fear Nothing, Catch Me, Love You More, and The Neighbor, which won the International Thriller of the Year Award. She also received the 2016 Silver Bullet award from the International Thriller Writers for her work with at-risk children and homeless animals. She lives with her family in New England.