A Blood Thing

by James Hankins

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I usually begin by thanking my wife, Colleen, and I can’t think of a reason to stop now. She’s my first reader and biggest fan (or so she kindly claims), and I honestly couldn’t do this without her. I mean that. Thanks go to my sons, too, who support me every day and think it’s cool that I write books.

  Heartfelt thanks to two of my siblings—Susan Hankins and John Hankins—both of whom read early drafts of this book. They are experienced lawyers, as is my wife, and the advice all three gave me improved this book immeasurably. The same goes for Mark Taylor, an esteemed state court judge who happens to be my brother-in-law, who also read an early version and gave me his valuable insight. If there are any errors, which I hope there aren’t, they are mine alone, a fact of which I am certain they will remind me, if necessary. If readers noticed a theme in the book—family looking after family—I hope it is clear where it came from.

  Thanks also to good friend Eric Stern, a talented musician, composer, conductor, and giver of advice about classical music.

  Thanks, as always, go to my agent, Michael Bourret of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC, for his many years of steadfast support and sage advice.

  I am indebted to everyone at Thomas & Mercer who helped make this book happen, including (but certainly not limited to) Liz Pearsons, Gracie Doyle, and Sarah Shaw. Thanks also to sharp-eyed editor Tiffany Yates Martin for making me dig deep.

  My gratitude also goes to the former Vermont state police detective who chose to remain anonymous but still graciously answered my many questions.

  To list the rest of the family members and friends whose love and support mean so much to me would require a book all its own, longer than this one. Just know how important you all are to me.

  Finally, many, many thanks to those who use some of their valuable time to read my books, follow me on Twitter and Facebook, and reach out to me to let me know that they enjoy my work. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: it means the world to me. Truly.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  James Hankins writes thrillers, mysteries, and novels of suspense, including The Inside Dark, The Prettiest One, Shady Cross, Brothers and Bones, Drawn, and Jack of Spades. He lives north of Boston with his wife and sons and can be reached through his website, www.jameshankinsbooks.com; on Twitter @James_Hankins_; and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JamesHankinsAuthorPage.