The Fisherman

by Vaughn C. Hardacker

  The second Connie, my editor Constance Renfrow, who liked the manuscript from the first time she read it . . . then sent me four single-spaced pages of recommendations. Every writer looks upon their work as if it were their firstborn child, but like children, it can always be improved . . . she was right. The net result was a better, stronger story.

  This brings me to my partner and new first reader, Jane Hartley. She read this manuscript at least four times and found who knows how many mistakes, typos, and inconsistencies. I knew what I meant to say, but she was quick to say, “This doesn’t make sense.”

  To be successful, a writer needs a strong critique group of writers who are willing to read the bad stuff and to be strong enough to give him (or her) constructive, honest criticism. I have been fortunate to be involved with two such groups. First is The Monday Murder Club group where I truly learned how to write. Thanks Paula Munier, Steve Rogers, Andy McAleer, Margaret McLean, and Jim Shannon. Second, The Breathe Group in Maine. Thanks are also due to Wendy Koenig, Heather Hunt, Vince Michaud, and Larry Bubar for their invaluable feedback and input.

  Thanks are owed to Jay Cassell and the staff at Skyhorse Publishing; without them none of this matters.

  Finally, my friend and agent, Paula Munier, who has had faith in my work since we first met in 2002.

  This book is a work of fiction, and any mistakes and/or inaccuracies within are entirely the fault of the writer.

  Vaughn C. Hardacker

  June, 2015

  THE AUTHOR

  Vaughn C. Hardacker has completed seven novels and numerous short stories. He is a member of the New England Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America and has published short stories in several anthologies. The Fisherman is his second novel to be published by Skyhorse Publishing. His thriller, Sniper, was released on February 4, 2014.

  He is a veteran of the US Marines and served in Vietnam. He holds degrees from Northern Maine Community College, the University of Maine, and Southern New Hampshire University.

  He lives in Maine and, at this time, is working on his next mystery thriller.