by Casey Lyall
“That our new slogan?”
“Would you prefer ‘we hide in closets, so you don’t have to’?” Ivy tapped her chin. “Or ‘Stealth, surveillance, and secrecy are our guarantee’? I actually like that one. That’s a serious suggestion.”
We’d work on it. But a new slogan for a new team sounded good.
Even if it meant new sticky notes.
Acknowledgments
A huge amount of people had a hand in Howard Wallace, P.I. becoming a real, live book. I’ve been lucky to work with some of the kindest, most supportive, and talented folks. Howard and I wouldn’t be here without them. Get your cheers ready!
To my phenomenal agent, Molly Ker Hawn: Thank you for choosing to work your special brand of smart, fierce, and funny magic with me. You’re amazing, and I’m forever grateful to have you in my corner.
To my delightful editor, Christina Pulles: Working with you has been everything I hoped for and more. It’s been a pleasure to be partnered up with such a fun, smart, and kind individual. Thank you for picking me and Howard!
To the incredible people at Sterling: I’ve been in the best hands throughout this entire, amazing experience. Your enthusiasm and support at every turn has been a beautiful gift. Many heartfelt thanks to Hanna Otero, Theresa Thompson, Kim Broderick, Brian Phair, Fred Pagan, Scott Amerman, Merideth Harte, Sari Lampert, Lauren Tambini, Josh Redlich, Ardi Alspach, Chris Vaccari, Trudi Bartow, and the fantastic sales team.
A special shout-out to designer Andrea Miller for the best page breaks in any book ever.
Thank you to all my friends who’ve read various versions of Howard along the way: Steph L., Stephanie B. and Gabe, Leanne S., Jody D., Jane G., as well as my teen readers Victoria G., Alana H., and Shey-Lyn R. Many thanks to Wade Albert White, Joy McCullough, and K. Kazul Wolf as well.
Thank you to everyone at Kick-Butt Kidlit, the Sweet Sixteens, and Pitch Wars for widening my circle with your friendship and camaraderie.
To the marvelous Sarah LaPolla: Thank you for being so kind to a petrified newbie author at her first conference. Your feedback and encouragement was appreciated beyond measure.
To my incredible critique partners: Naomi Hughes (my Pitch Wars Obi-Wan), Kendra Young, Wendy Parris, and Laura Shovan: Thank you for being there through the wails and cheers. You are extraordinary women whom I’m fortunate to know and beyond lucky to call my friends.
To my amazing boss, Jean Moir: Your support and enthusiasm have allowed me to work both of my dream jobs, and I’m forever grateful for that. Thank you to everyone at the Middlesex County Library for cheering me on and being the most excellent friends and coworkers.
To my fantastic family and friends: I consider it the best kind of problem that there are far too many of you to name here. Thank you for always being excited to hear what’s new and for your endless enthusiasm and encouragement.
To my grandmas, Patt and Elaine: Thank you for being the kind of grandmothers who always encouraged their grandkids to go after their dreams.
To my outstanding sisters, Jordan and Aidan: You are two of my biggest cheerleaders, and I’ve loved sharing this adventure with you. Thank you for your love, support, and endless happy dances.
To my truly wonderful parents: My heart is overflowing with love and gratitude. I wish I could list everything you’ve done for me so everyone would know exactly how amazing you are. None of this would be happening without your support and encouragement. Thank you for teaching our family to cherish and embrace our creativity. Thank you for providing me with the space not only to grow but also to flourish. And thank you for always thinking I could do this.
And finally to Past!Casey: Thanks for deciding to go for it. High fives.
If you enjoyed reading about the investigations of Howard Wallace, you might also like…
Zack Delacruz: Me and My Big Mouth
Itch: The Explosive Adventures of an Element Hunter
And make sure to watch for Book 2 in the Howard Wallace, P.I., series, coming your way Fall 2017!
