The Knoxville Division of the FBI has been remarkably cooperative throughout this series of books. Stacie Bohanan—the Bureau’s media liaison—responded swiftly and kindly to our latest request for help, and Special Agent in Charge Richard Lambert shared generously of his time and expertise in advising us how Dr. Bill Brockton might play a pivotal role in a fictional undercover sting. This book contains more medical detail than any of our prior books, and we’re grateful to the medical professionals who helped us get things right. The autopsy scene in chapter 15 draws heavily on the advice of Dr. Dan Canale, a Nashville pathologist, whose knowledge is accompanied by equal doses of patience and good humor. Emergency physician Dan Cauble, M.D., graciously reviewed the air-ambulance scene; so did Dr. Jim McLaughlin, an old buddy from way back. At the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Dr. Leonard Hines, Dr. Victor Krylov (a pioneering Russian hand surgeon), and nurse Judy Roark—all of the Simulation Center—offered unique glimpses into the realms of hand surgery and microsurgery. So did Dr. Bruce Minkin, an Asheville hand surgeon who was once one of Bill Bass’s best students…and who opened our eyes to the remarkable capabilities of reconstructive hand surgery, especially toe-to-thumb transplants. And at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Linda Cendales—a nationally prominent hand-transplant surgeon and a world-class human being—shared her inspiring vision of the promising future of hand transplantation.
We could never have embarked on the fictional journey of the Body Farm novels—nor continued it for an additional four books—without the unwavering enthusiasm and able assistance of our literary agent, Giles Anderson. We’re grateful to Giles for getting us the chance to write these books. We’re also deeply grateful to Harper Collins/William Morrow for making us feel so welcome for six years now. We bid a poignant farewell to our longtime Morrow publisher and friend Lisa Gallagher, and a warm welcome to our new publisher, Liate Stehlik. Magic occurs at Morrow, where our electronic drafts are transformed into edited copy, and edited copy is transformed into printed books—and then, remarkably, those printed books are transformed, when the planets align for us, into bestsellers. We’re delighted to be part of the Harper Collins/William Morrow family—and we’re thrilled to have such a large and supportive extended family of readers. How amazing, that these stories and characters we invent take on a life of their own, finding believers and making friends across the United States and around the world.
A special thanks to Frank Murphy, Knoxville radio personality, comedian, and eagle-eyed reader. Frank joined us in proofreadingThe Bone Thief , and caught several errors that would otherwise have slipped through the cracks.Gracias, Frank.
Last but best, our families and friends remain wondrous sources of support, encouragement, and inspiration. To one and all, thanks evermore.
—Jon Jefferson and Dr. Bill Bass
About the Author
JEFFERSON BASSis the writing team of Dr. Bill Bass and Jon Jefferson. Dr. Bass, a world-renowned forensic anthropologist, founded the University of Tennessee’s Anthropology Research Facility—the Body Farm—a quarter century ago. He is the author or coauthor of more than two hundred scientific publications, as well as a critically acclaimed memoir about his career at the Body Farm,Death’s Acre . Dr. Bass is also a dedicated teacher, honored as National Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Jon Jefferson is a veteran journalist, writer, and documentary filmmaker. His writings have been published in theNew York Times, Newsweek, USA Today, and Popular Science , and broadcast on National Public Radio. The coauthor ofDeath’s Acre , he is also the writer and producer of two highly rated National Geographic documentaries about the Body Farm. www.JeffersonBass.com
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