I’m grateful, as always, to everyone who took time to answer my questions, read early drafts of this book, and offer advice and suggestions when I hit the occasional wall. The usual disclaimer: If it’s right, they said it; if it’s wrong, it’s on me.
So, to the following people, my thanks: Cheryl Kosmann, Swedenburg Estate Vineyard, Middleburg, Virginia; John J. Lamb, author and former homicide detective; 2nd Lieutenant Adam Law, USMC; Paula Smith (the “dock lady” of the Potomac); Pam Stewart, Loudoun Museum, Leesburg, Virginia; Rick Tagg, Barrel Oak Winery, Delaplane, Virginia; Peggy Wagner, Library of Congress; and Captain Richard Yuras, Director of EMS Training Programs, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, Fairfax, Virginia.
An enormous debt of thanks to Tom Snyder for early editing help; also to the RLI gang: Donna Andrews, Carla Coupe, Laura Durham, Peggy Hanson, Val Patterson, Noreen Wald Smith, and Sandi Wilson. I’m grateful to André de Nesnera, Catherine Reid, Elizabeth Arrott, Martina Norelli, and Pat Daly for reading and commenting on the manuscript, and for their counsel.
At Scribner, my heartfelt thanks to my terrific editor, Anna deVries, as well as to Christina Mamangakis, Rex Bonomelli, Katie Rizzo, and the many people who make the book you’re holding in your hands or reading on your screen look as good as it does. At Pocket, thanks to another wonderful editor, Micki Nuding, as well as to Melissa Gramstad. A special shout-out to Heidi Richter and Maggie Crawford.
Last but not least, to Dominick Abel, who is simply the best.