For my mother, Amy Barkman, who loves mysteries and mushrooms.

Acknowledgments

I believe every good story comes from God, and he carefully selects the author of each. I'm thankful He gave me this one.

I'm also thankful to:
Ted, who supports me in so many ways, and who never thought when he married me that he'd end up becoming a "patron of the arts."

Maggie Tirey, Christy Leake, Beth Marlowe, Susie Smith and Amy Barkman, for their enthusiastic encouragement

My dear friend Tracy Ruckman, for critiques, support and prayers above and beyond the call of duty.

Trudy Kirk, my sister-of-the-heart, for helping me flesh out the details in her comfortable kitchen.

Susan J. Kroupa, Lisa Ludwig, Janelle Mowry, Sandra Robbins, Jess Ferguson and Tambra Rasmussen for expert critiques. And Chip Banks for patiently answering my banking questions.

Krista Stroever and all the folks at Steeple Hill Books for making my story so much stronger.

Wendy Lawton, for believing in me and handling all the yucky business stuff while I get to do the fun parts.