Sweet Liar (47 page)

I couldn't have written this book without all I've learned about New York over the last ten years, and I'd like to think that I couldn't have written it without the fulfillment of a dream: I bought my own apartment in my dear, beloved city.

I'd like to thank Paula Novick, realtor extraordinaire, of Douglas Elliman, for taking me to see town houses in New York and for finding my lovely apartment for me—and for becoming my friend along the way.

Nancy Miller of the Bank of New York (51st Street branch) helped me attain my dream and made me laugh while doing it. Thank you.

The people of Pocket Books readily wrote and rewrote letters of recommendation for me so that I could pass the co-op board:

Jack Romanos, who wrote about numbers, as well as said kind things about me.

Bill Grose, who went to the apartment with me and gave his approval and his advice.

Richard Snyder, who so graciously helped me with every aspect of my apartment.

Lily Alice's dad, a.k.a. Irwyn Applebaum, my publisher, who writes letters for me, cheers me up, gives me money, takes me to lunch, and makes me laugh until I can hardly stand up.

Thank you very, very much.

I'd like to thank Carrie Feron of Putnam-Berkley, for showing me some interesting parts of New York, such as the street fair and the antiques market on Second Avenue. Carrie was also one of the first readers of
Sweet Liar
and didn't mind telling me again and again that she liked the book.

I'd like to thank the people at the Santa Fe ComputerLand for selling me all nine of my computers, as well as eight printers—nearly all of which I still have. (I love the exasperating little dudes.)

My friend Judith McNaught taught me, by example, how to McNaughtize my book, then stayed up all night reading
Sweet Liar
and called me to tell me how much she liked it.

Special thanks go to the Pocket Books production staff, unsung heroes who make my books look so good. I pestered them a lot with this one. And, Sophie, we all miss you.

I would like to thank Lamont for climbing mountain after mountain with me while I plotted
Sweet Liar.
He was the best listener I ever had, never losing patience at hearing the same pieces of plot over and over as I worked them out. If he didn't have four feet, I'd marry him.

Most of all, I'd like to thank two very important people in my life: my secretary/friend, Gail; and my editor/friend, Linda. Thank you more than I can say.