The Black Country (32 page)

My agent, Seth Fishman, and my editor, Neil Nyren, for their guidance, patience, and good humor. Ivan Held and Marysue Rucci for showing that first crucial bit of faith in me and in this book. Claire Sullivan, Kate Ritchey, and everybody else who had to go through this and fix my most glaring mistakes. Alexis Welby, Kelly Welsh, Lauren Truskowski, Victoria Comella, and Kayleigh Clark for making me peek out of my shell a time or two. All the other wonderful people at Putnam and the Gernert Company.

My early readers and experts, who were gracious with their time and showed great kindness while tearing my prose to little bits: Roxane White, Alison Clayton, Melanie Worsley, Brandy Shillace, Whitney Lyn Kalin, and Arnold Hermansson, DDS.

The many booksellers and readers I have been fortunate enough to meet. I hope to see you again soon.

My father.

My wife and son, without whom there would be nothing important.