Brian Freeman - Goodbye to the Dead (Jonathan Stride Book 7)

I’m at the green bench. Meet me there?

It took only a moment for the lightness she felt to become the weight of all the things that were uncertain in her life. Maggie was right: she was insecure. The green bench was a place for turning points. Jonny went there in good times and bad times, and she couldn’t help but wonder which this was.

Good or bad.

I know a secret , Cat’s expression sang again. The secret was waiting for her at the end of the Point.

Serena realized that her first instinct was to run away. Even from good news. Even from things she wanted. She almost got into her Mustang and drove away from Duluth without ever finding out what he wanted to say to her.

Instead, in the still of the night, she went to meet him.

I’m fortunate to work with many talented people in all areas of the publishing industry, including editors, agents, publicists, librarians, and booksellers around the world. My books wouldn’t be in your hands without them, and I’m grateful for all of their help and support.

Jeff Edblad, the Isanti County Attorney (and fictional judge!) was kind enough to offer technical insights on the legal and courtroom issues in this book. In Duluth, I’m very grateful to the Honorable David Johnson, Tony Mancuso, and Dana Kazel at the St. Louis County Courthouse; to Machelle Kendrick and Colin Bates at Miller Hill Mall; to former Duluth Police Chief Scott Lyons; to Chuck Frederick and the people of the Duluth News-Tribune ; to Sally Anderson and everyone at the Bookstore at Fitger’s; to Ann Hoak and her team at Barnes & Noble, Miller Hill; to Tami and the entire staff at Fitger’s (www.fitgers.com); and to Pat and Bill Burns for their hospitality at ‘Stride’s Cottage’ www.cottageonthepoint.com).

My advance readers always give me great insights on the first draft before I turn the book in to my publishers. Big thanks to Mike O’Neill, Alton Koren, Ann Sullivan, and Matt and Paula Davis — and, most of all, to my best and very first advance reader, Marcia.

Finally, Marcia and I are so grateful to the people of Duluth for their support in the ten years since my first Stride novel, Immoral , was published. I’ve brought some dark things to a truly magical city, and yet you keep welcoming us back! Thanks for making us feel at home.