To Wayne Rock, of the Boston Police Department, who previously assisted me with Alone, and kindly consented to another round of questions so I could be current for this latest D.D. Warren adventure. I appreciated the overview of proper search-and-seizure, rules for questioning suspects, and, of course, the nice tidbit on strategic use of trash night in the neighborhood. Thanks, Wayne!

To Keith Morgan, Computer Forensic Technician, whose insights into a hard drive’s lazy nature and guilty conscience were fascinating, if a bit troubling, to a non-techie such as myself. Keith wins the patience award, as it took me a few tries to get all of the material right. At least I hope I got it all right. Hey, all mistakes are mine, remember? That’s the joy of being a writer.

Rounding out the pros are: Jack McCabe, Principal; Jennifer Sawyer Norvell, Esquire, of Moss Shapiro; Liz Boardman, Laura Kelly, Tara Apperson, Mark Schieldrop, and Betty Cotter with the South County Independent; and finally, the Divas, who approved all Barbies, games, books, and movies enjoyed by four-year-old Ree in this novel. Never have I received so much advice from such adorable consultants, who were compensated entirely in Cheddar Bunnies.

In the fun but dangerous category Congratulations to Alicia Accardi, winner of the fifth annual Kill a Friend, Maim a Buddy. Alicia Accardi nominated Brenda J. Jones, “Brennie,” as the Lucky Stiff. According to Alicia, “Brenda’s had to fight for what she’s got, has overcome a lot, and still struggles every day, but has a heart as big as the whole outdoors, and would give you the shirt off her back…. She deserves to be immortalized.”

Also, Kelly Firth was our first-time winner of the Kill a Friend, Maim a Mate Sweepstakes, the international competition for literary immortality. Kelly nominated Joyce Daley, her mother, who just turned sixty-eight and loves reading crime thrillers. “She’s my mum and I wanted to show her how much I love her…. I have told her, I couldn’t contain myself, and she was absolutely thrilled.”

For those of you still hoping to get in on the action, never fear. Both contests run every year at www.LisaGardner.com. Check it out, and maybe you can nominate someone you love to die in my next novel.