I’m very fortunate to have worked as the executive director of ThrillerFest, the annual conference of the International Thriller Writers, for the last several years. I’d like to thank my mentor, Liz Berry, for all her support and guidance—a brilliant lady and Disney guru. And Jessica Johns, my conference coordinator, who makes my life easier because of her hard work and positive attitude. All my staff and friends at ThrillerFest and the International Thriller Writers, you are spectacular, including Jennifer Hughes, Heather Graham, Amanda Kelly, Kathleen Antrim, Terry Rodgers, Dennis Kennett, Shirley Kennett, Taylor Antrim, Jillian Stein, Jon Land, Jeff Ayers, Sandra Brannan, Luzmarie Alvarez, Joe Brannan, Kara Matsune, Christianna Mason, Olivia Mason, John Dixon, Jennifer Kreischer, Lissa Price, Ursula Ringham, Jenny Milchman, Roan Chapin, Bryan Robinson, Elena Hartwell, Shannon Raab, John Raab, and so many more. It’s a community like no other. A huge shout-out to the “other K.J.,” the phenomenal K.J. Birch from the Grand Hyatt in NYC, who cheered me on as I juggled organizing ThrillerFest while writing. K.J., Allison Wied, and the entire Hyatt staff are incredible—it’s like coming home when I visit.
During my time at Seton Hill University, I benefited from the guidance of some generous and talented authors, including Patrick Piccairelli, Victoria Johnston, Felicia Mason, Tim Esaias, and other kind souls. And I appreciate the support of friends like Maria V. Snyder, Meline Nadeau, Heidi Miller, Jason Jack Miller, Ceres Wright, Jacki King, and so many others.
Kudos to Karen Dionne and Chris Graham for the incredible experiences at the Salt Cay Writers Retreat and to Kelly Meister for hosting us on the gorgeous Blue Lagoon Island.
Rogue Women Writers. These trailblazing women write international and espionage thrillers, and I’m proud to call them my friends: Gayle Lynds, Francine Mathews, Jamie Freveletti, Sonja Stone, Christine Goff, Karna Bodman, and S. Lee Manning. Drop by and visit us on our blog at www.roguewomenwriters.com.
I’m an avid researcher, and I wanted verisimilitude in the airplane scenes. William Scott, talented author and former test pilot, your unabashed enthusiasm for aviation was infectious, and I really enjoyed learning from you. James Hannibal, former stealth bomber pilot, you have way too much fun making things dicey in the air. I love it! And Dave Hughes, thanks for your amazing advice.
Donna Scher, your insights for Nikos’s journal were brilliant, and the analysis of each character’s psyche—including mine—has been a fabulous learning experience. Your support and kindness is forever appreciated. Wendy Chan, thanks for being such a warmhearted friend.
When I first decided to delve into the dark world of kidnapping, I had some generous people who patiently educated me. To real-life response consultant Dr. Francis D. Grimm, you have been instrumental in helping me understand how the K&R world works, the ultimate freedom broker. Clint Miles, your insights into the reintegration of former hostages have been sensational. Dr. Anthony Feinstein, thanks for your insights into a hostage’s mindset. Peter Moore, you are one of my heroes, and I always enjoy our “cheese” adventures. I have the deepest respect for how you are helping other former hostages. Ken Perry, your advice has been brilliant, and I deeply admire how you take risks to protect others. I could listen to your stories all day. Adam Hamon, your tactical knowledge and helpful feedback have been phenomenal. I promise you a date with Thea—if you behave yourself. Rigo Durazo, thanks for passing along a small fraction of your incredible badassery for the fight scenes. Warm thanks to Mark Harris as well as Lorna Titley and Alison Singhall from Quaynote for making me feel so welcome. I also appreciate the help of Joel Whittaker, Andrew Kain, Jack Hoban, Betsy Glick, and many others who need to remain nameless because of security concerns.
Before writing fiction, I was a medical, health, and fitness writer. Over 371 million people across the globe have diabetes, and scientists are working diligently to find a cure. My character Thea Paris has type 1 diabetes, and three inspirational ladies helped make sure that Thea’s experience was an accurate portrayal. Any mistakes are mine. Bethanne Strasser, thank you for your keen insights, sharing information about your full and active life with type 1 diabetes as an avid runner, a talented writer, and a mother. Laura Rogers, your year-long trip around the world, shipping medicines to different locales, taking on adventures, absolutely inspires me. And thank you to Devin Abraham from the fabulous Once Upon a Crime bookstore for her insights and suggestions. Also, kudos to talented author Brenda Novak, who works tirelessly to raise funds to help find a cure.
Mike Bursaw, George Easter, Don Longmuir, Larry Gandle, Michael Dillman, Ali Karim, Jacques Filippi—you’ve really been there to support me, and I thank you for it! And M.J. Rose from Author Buzz, a marketing genius. Tony Mulliken and Fiona Marsh from Midas, thanks for your phenomenal ideas. And Meryl Moss, your support is greatly appreciated.