A book does not happen in a vacuum. I owe great debts of gratitude to many people:
First and foremost, to Michael Maddux, whose idea it was in the first place, who nudged and nagged his mom until it happened, and who put his mind to getting it between covers and into the world.
To the late Marie Whittington for a wise and careful first proofreading of the earliest draft; to writers-group companions Linda Haverstock, Jean Busch, David Snider, Maitri Sojourner, Liz Dykstra, and the late Ed Aceto and Bill Young, for their critiques and encouragement as bits and pieces of this manuscript were written, rewritten, and re-re-written; to fellow writer Linda Warren, for a careful proofing; and to my fellow mystery-lovers, alas no longer with us, Judy Williams and Janice Jackson, for their percept
