SHORT STORIES
“Fatal Twist” > The Park Rapist has murdered his first victim—and FBI profiler Karen Vail is on the case. As Vail races through the streets of Washington, DC to chase down a promising lead that may help her catch the killer, a military-trained sniper takes aim at his target, a wealthy businessman’s son. But what brings these two unrelated offenders together is something the nation’s capital has never before experienced. “Fatal Twist” provides a taste of Karen Vail that will whet your appetite.
“Double Take” > NYPD detective Ben Dyer awakens from cancer surgery to find his life turned upside down. His fiancée has disappeared and Dyer, determined to find her, embarks on a journey mined with potholes and startling revelations—revelations that have the potential to forever change his life. “Double Take” introduces NYPD Lieutenant Carmine Russo and Detective Ben Dyer, who return to play significant roles in Spectrum (Karen Vail #6).
“12:01 AM” > A kidnapped woman. A serial killer on death row—about to be executed. Karen Vail has mere hours to pull the pieces together to find the missing woman and her abductor—before it’s too late. In a short story that reads like a novel straight out of the award-winning Karen Vail series, USA Today bestselling author Alan Jacobson sets a new standard for short form fiction.
More to come > For a peek at recently released Alan Jacobson novels, interviews, reading group guides, and more, visit www.AlanJacobson.com.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It’s impossible for writers to know everything about each topic they explore in their novels. I rely on experts to fill in the holes in my knowledge base and to educate me on those things I know little (or nothing) about. With that in mind, I owe thanks to the following experts:
John Bennett, special agent in charge, FBI San Francisco Division, for providing me with hours of insight as well as a detailed overview of the Bureau’s work in child crimes, including the procedures and protocols it uses in finding these offenders.
Martha Parker, special agent, FBI; Agent Parker is the FBI Academy’s child abduction program coordinator and the Bureau’s foremost expert on crimes against children. Her review of the manuscript, and correction of my procedural flubs and terminological errors, was invaluable.
Mark Safarik, supervisory special agent, senior profiler at the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (ret.) and principal of Forensic Behavioral Services International, for his assistance with FBI-related protocols and approaches, and for reviewing the entire manuscript for accuracy.
Jon Chinn, special agent, FBI, San Francisco Division, Squad CY-2, for assistance with Bureau radio technology and cell phone tracking.
John P. Cooney, special agent, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), for reviewing, and correcting, my chapters pertaining to the arson and fire investigation procedures.
Jillian Manus, Managing Partner of Structure Capital, a Silicon Valley early-stage venture capital firm, for reviewing the manuscript relative to IPO procedures and the many SEC-mandated rules that govern such investing vehicles. Owing to her previous career in Hollywood as a development executive and literary agent, Jillian has a keen eye for story and loves to pull out the red pen and edit; as a result, her input on The Lost Girl went beyond the LifeScreen IPO.
Bennett Leventhal, MD, Deputy Director of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and professor at University of California, San Francisco, for brain injury information and the diagnosis of, and clinical approach to, Melissa’s injuries.
Tomás Palmer, cryptographer, one of the guys who fights for justice, honor, and the American way by thwarting cyber criminals in the public, private, and governmental space, made sure Keller’s tech-related ventures were accurately conveyed.
Rhett Bratt, vice president at Charles Schwab (ret.), for an early overview relative to venture capital, angel investing, and the IPO process.
Davina Fankhauser, president of Fertility Within Reach, for explanations, ideas, and resources regarding GPD, fertility, and IVF.
Deb Phillips for answering my initial exploratory inquiries regarding Lake Merritt.
Jacquam Blue, sales associate, and Darrick Barnes, director of sales development, Shane Company jewelers, for assisting me with the pawnshop’s approach to valuing Amy’s wedding ring.
Bill Tait, for supporting this project and providing us with a terrific name befitting his character. Likewise, Steve and Leslie Johnson—whose namesake characters don’t make an appearance in this novel, but whose beloved Coco does.
My longtime editor, Kevin Smith, who was once again instrumental in orchestrating the various notes to help make the symphony melodic. My copyeditor, Chrisona Schmidt, who has also accompanied me on many of my literary trips to novel land while cutting unnecessary words, striking those well-intentioned (but superfluous) commas, and making the manuscript CMS-compliant.
My good friend Mark Share, for lending his sharp eye and proofreading skills.
My agents, Joel Gotler and Frank Curtis, for negotiating what needed to be negotiated and for keeping me out of trouble.
Annie Maco, graphic designer, for going above and beyond the call of duty in cover design. Her artwork provided a fresh look and some very creative concepts that previous designers had never explored.
The dedicated team at Suspense Publishing for their stellar work in getting The Lost Girl to you, my readers. Special thanks to Shannon (creative director) and John Raab (CEO and publisher), two of the most genuine people in the industry. Likewise, John Hutchinson and Virginia Lenneville of Norwood Press sit atop the publishing world in terms of individuals authors prefer to work with. (Contrary to his namesake in The Lost Girl, John is actually a pretty decent guy.)
My wife Jill, who conceived the idea behind The Lost Girl. I love writing and reap the benefit of seeing my creation reach fruition. Jill experiences the hard work I put in (and on the business side, the stress and frustration I endure) and for that deserves a medal. Perhaps even a ruby encrusted medal!
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