Brian Mcgrory - The Nominee

It never ceases to amaze in this crazy business of news how many ordinary people are willing to share their extrordinary experiences, their emotions, and their insights, all for the common cause of enlightenment. And the same generosity holds true, I’m finding, in the business of writing novels. Many people have given me their time, their encouragement, and their thoughts, and to them, I offer my humble thanks.

To Detective Sgt. Dan Keely, one of the great homicide investigators for the Boston Police Department, for his lessons on murder and the way they are solved. To Steve Taylor, a member of the family that foundedThe Boston Globe in the last century and sold it in 1993, for his keen insights into what it means to be part of a great family-run newspaper. To Rick Daniels, the capable and affable president of theGlobe, for helping a mathematically challenged scribe understand the economics of newspaper publishing. And to Dr. Michael Miller, for his expertise and guidance on medical issues.

To Carole and Colleen, my two sisters, each of whom could have a career in book promotion if they weren’t so successful in their other endeavors. Carole offers endless encouragement in everything she does; it’s just her way. Colleen, a keen reader of fiction, knows more about what makes a novel work than I ever will, and prodded me toward completion yet again.

To Richard Abate, my agent and my friend, not necessarily in that order. He’s relentless, and he’s understanding, and for that I’ll always be grateful.

To George Lucas, my editor at Atria Books, whose creativity, vision, and wisdom once more prevailed upon my modest offerings. Beyond that, he is also one of life’s truly decent human beings.

To the great people ofThe Boston Globe, specifically to Michael Larkin, the man who hired me long ago and still edits me now; to Marty Baron, a classic newsman in every sense of either word; to Matt Storin, retired but in no way retiring, who understands the business like no one else I’ve ever met; and to Richard Gilman, who continues to publish one of the country’s most thoughtful newspapers, and allows us to keep our local identity, even as part of a national chain.