Brad Thor - Path Of The Assassin

Thomas J. Baker, FBI (retired), another great friend and part of the Sun Valley team. Tom’s experience and contacts as an FBI Legal Attaché were very helpful with the Italian aspects of the book. He is yet another gentleman I am fortunate enough to be able to call on for real-world answers on a regular basis. Despite my “colorful” language at times, Tom has graciously taken me in and continues to share much.

Frank Gallagher, FBI (retired), who gave me the cook’s tour of FBI Headquarters and provided access to some incredible people and places. On top of all that, Frank insisted that he pay for lunch. Frank, you are a gentleman of the highest order, and now that you have changed careers, you’ll be able to read the books I send you without having them irradiated.

Will Cragun and the Ogden Metro SWAT Team, who strapped the body armor on me and let me shadow their Hell Week participants. Live-fire CQB runs and the armored Suburban were two of many great experiences. Thanks for sharing your tactical wisdom with me.

Willie Brauner, Glock-Asia, who has been a close friend of mine since childhood and who hosted Trish and me when we visited Hong Kong and Macau. Despite the great distance between us, we still manage to stay in close contact. His help in rounding out some of the Asia details in the manuscript was very much appreciated.

Richard Levy, American Airlines, who is invaluable when it comes to airline information, airplane information, and any information relating to sushi. Sorry we missed the wedding of the century. Congratulations to you and Anne, and thanks for your continued friendship and assistance with my novels.

Robbie Barrkman, The Robar Companies, a true warrior-artist and an all around great guy who invited me out to Arizona to shoot the Robar RC 50. What a rush. I don’t think there’s anything I could have asked Robbie for that he wouldn’t have gladly provided-short of being given my own RC 50 for free. Business is business after all, right? Thanks for an unforgettable experience, Robbie.

John Meyer, Heckler amp; Koch, who also was kind enough to invite me out to play with some incredible toys. I’m looking forward to hitting the H amp;K classes, and as soon as the baby comes, we’re going to get Trish in the Tac Med course. Thanks for everything.

Joan Harvath, what can I say? Thanks for all of your continued support and the great dinners when I’m in D.C.

Tom Hunter, www.SpecialOperations.com, a fellow USC Trojan with a great Special Operations and terrorist database. Thanks for your help with the book early on.

Doreen Martin-Ross, Department of Anthropology-Chicago Field Museum, who explained to me how antiquities are packaged, as well as transported, and was also willing to discuss some “what if” scenarios.

Chuck Thomas, one of those rare individuals who knows a little bit about everything and then knows exactly where to locate more information. If I can’t track something down, I call Chuck, and he can always help me find what I’m looking for. Thanks, Chuck.

Bob Boettcher, who actually put his hands on a schematic of the 747’s APU for me. Well done, Bob.

Joe Ellis, who helped me narrow down a biblical passage appropriate to the Hand of God organization. Thanks, Joe, and as you suggested, I’ll remember to call you if I ever need any Apalachian snake-handling information.

Kyle Mills and Dan Brown, who both shared with me their thoughts about writing book number two. Thanks for the input and sage counsel.

In addition to those mentioned above, there are the people who “ride herd” on my writing career and are immeasurably involved in both the business and creative ends of the spectrum.

The Atria/Pocket Books Sales Force-you really make it happen. You have my deepest gratitude.

The Atria/Pocket Books Art Department-Paolo and team, there is no way to measure the impact of your incredible creativity. Thanks for the fabulous art work.

Cathy Lee Gruhn, Atria/Pocket Books, who is my publicist. Having done my own PR in the past, I thoroughly appreciate what Cathy and her office do for me. A million thanks-you’s would still not be enough.

Heide Lange, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, who is my fantastic agent. When an excellent business relationship develops into an even better friendship, one is doubly blessed. A few simple lines hardly seem appropriate for everything you do for me, Heide.

Emily Bestler, Atria Books, who is my editor extraordinaire. Thank you for your friendship and for helping to take my work to the next level. Though I tell so many people how fabulous you are, I don’t think anyone can truly understand until they have had the privilege of working with you. I grow as a writer because of you.

Scott Schwimer and Angela Cheng-Caplan, who are the equal halves of my L.A. Dream Team and who still know the appropriate weapon to bring to a gunfight. Thank you for your vision, friendship, and unwavering support.

Esther Sung and Sarah Branham, who both will never know how much I appreicate everything they do for me.

Cecilia Hunt, who is my copy editor. To say Ceci has a keen eye for detail would be an amazing understatement. Though we don’t always see eye to eye, I wouldn’t dream of going to press without her. Thank you for keeping my bacon out of the fire.

If I had to choose one person to dedicate every book I write to, it would easily be my beautiful wife, Trish. No one is more involved in the day-to-day aspects of my writing than she is. She is my single greatest source of inspiration, and I thank her for everything she does for me and everything she puts up with before, during, and after I write a new book. I love you, sweetheart.

Cindy Jackson, Simon amp; Schuster, has gone from being a stranger on a European train, to being one of my dearest friends. I have learned more about the book business and the writing process from her than I ever thought possible. As I continue to grow as an author, I have no doubt it will be due in large part to her unfailing friendship and tireless efforts on my behalf. Cindy, I owe you a deep debt.

Finally, I want to thank you, the readers, and all of the wonderful booksellers around the world. It is because of your encouragement and support that I am able to enjoy such a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Many thanks,

Brad Thor