In addition to my online research, I consult with experts throughout the process to add a final polish of authenticity to my work. When the book is finished, they often also read not only the pertinent sections, but the entire novel. For this book, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to former Monroe County, Missouri, sheriff David Hoffman and to board certified forensic pathologist Dr. Mark Peters, who regularly testifies in homicide cases and teaches at the university level in addition to his autopsy work. These two gentlemen went above and beyond, answering my many questions promptly and thoroughly. Thank you both so much.

As always, special thanks to my husband, Tom, who has encouraged me every step of the way in my writing career, and to my wonderful parents, James and Dorothy Hannon, who are both cheering me on from heaven now. While the absence of their physical presence will always leave a huge void in my life, the sweet memory of their unconditional love and support continues to sustain me each and every day.

Looking ahead, in April 2023 I’ll take you back to my charming Oregon seaside town of Hope Harbor, where hearts heal . . . and love blooms. You’ll find an excerpt for Windswept Way in this book. And next October, I’ll be launching a brand-new suspense series featuring three foster siblings. It promises to be a thrilling ride!

Until next time, I wish you good health and happy reading.

About the Author

Irene Hannon is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than sixty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. She is also a three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romance fiction—from Romance Writers of America and is a member of that organization’s elite Hall of Fame.

Her many other awards include National Readers’ Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers’ Choice, Booksellers’ Best, Carol, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy award finalist.

Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.

Irene, who holds a BA in psychology and an MA in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full-time. She is happy to say she has no regrets.

A trained vocalist, Irene has sung the leading role in numerous community musical theater productions and is also a soloist at her church. She and her husband enjoy traveling, long hikes, gardening, impromptu dates, and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri.

To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com. She posts on Twitter and Instagram but is most active on Facebook, where she loves to chat with readers.