Judgment at Santa Monica
Page 27
The last thing a writer wants to do (literally) is run out of words. But with each new book comes the joy of acknowledging those who helped make it possible, and I find myself looking for new ways to express my gratitude that won’t sound trite or less than heartfelt.
Sandy Moss and her gang of co-conspirators would never have reached you in any form without the absolutely dogged determination of Josh Getzler, my agent and my friend, who championed the series since we first met in a year that I’d rather not identify. Everyone at HG Literary had a hand in it and all are to be exalted. Special thanks to Jon Cobb, who keeps Josh off the phone with me so he can be on the phone with editors.
Of course the wonderful people at Severn House, whom I hope to meet someday in the post-pandemic world where Sandy lives, have been brilliant (to coin a term) and lovely to work with. Thank you Kate Lyall Grant, Rachel Slatter, Natasha Bell and Penny Isaac, without whom this book would: a) not exist, b) be much worse, c) probably have been sent to the wrong place and d) be riddled with timeline errors, typos, and stupid mistakes. You’re all invaluable.
Anytime the subject is a poison of any type, thanks must immediately be sent out to the amazing Luci Hansson Zahray, ‘the poison lady,’ who makes sure that if I do make a mistake, it’s intentional. If there is a misstatement involving lily of the valley, you can rest assured it is not Luci’s fault.
Booksellers have been ravaged by the past year and a half and we need booksellers desperately, so even if you don’t buy this one, buy other books and get them from a local, independent bookstore if you can. Let the other guys sell you a blender or something.
I get by with a little help from my friends, and my author friends, whether they know it or not, provide backup and support even when I don’t tell them I need it. So you should read their books, too: Julia Spencer-Fleming, Ellen Byron, Catriona McPherson, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Naomi Hirahara, Chris Grabenstein, Kellye Garrett and Jack Getze have all been there when I needed them. Thank you for that.
Erin Mitchell is an astonishing person who tries, often against my own efforts, to introduce me to a waiting public. Thanks for never expressing frustration with me for insisting on staying obscure, Erin. I promise you it’s not my real goal.
If you’ve read any E.J. Copperman or Jeff Cohen book, you are a member of my tribe and I am forever beholden to you. Drop me a line sometime and let me know what you’re thinking.
E.J. Copperman
Deepest New Jersey
April, 2021
Footnote
THIRTY-NINE
* Testimony taken from the transcript of State of California v. Cynthia D. Sutton