Lady: a ghost that haunts the restaurant. As the story goes, over seventy-five years ago, the woman (who always dressed in blue) fell in love and had an affair with the distillery’s piano player. But she was already married to another. She was allegedly murdered while walking along the beach below the distillery, and the case has never been solved. It is said that the Blue Lady haunts the distillery because she is searching for her lost lover. The restaurant still reserves her favorite table.
I immediately fell in love with the story, the mystery of it all, and was inspired by the affair and the lies. As I visited the area more frequently, book ideas began to stir. The Monterey cypress grove exists as it does in the novel, tucked between a quiet suburban area and the rocky coast. Hiking trails lead to tide pools, sheltered beaches, and a marine life sanctuary. The ocean in this area can be tumultuous and angry, the weather overcast and dreary. I tried to honor the area as much as I could while still satisfying the needs of the plot.
While I’ve taken creative liberty and changed even the core of the story, a hint of the Blue Lady remains in these pages. I humbly thank her spirit for the inspiration, and the Moss Beach Distillery for holding a candle to her memory.
For Justin, forever.
First and foremost, I’d like to thank God, who has blessed my life in unimaginable ways. Nothing would be possible without His grace.
Thank you to my wonderful agent, Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary, who makes my wildest dreams come true. To my editors, Kate Miciak and Alyssa Matesic, for having the foresight to see what this book could become and believing in my ability to make it happen.
To Tina Klinesmith, Deb Lee, Jennie Marts, and Vanessa Kier. Not only are you talented writers, but you are incredible friends. Thank you for your advice when it came to the development of this book.
Love and thanks to Monica Wunderlich, Gary and Giuliana Martin, Heather and James McKenzie, Justin Smith, Laurie and Manish Patel, Lora and Donald Walker, and Sarah and Steve Rhyne for years of friendship and inspiration. Thank you to my Spartan family for your support and enthusiasm. Heartfelt thanks to Aggie Smith for reading every word I’ve written. I wouldn’t have gotten from “Joliet” to this place without you, and certainly not in “nine days.”
I would like to give special thanks to Ann and Al Brocchini, whose wisdom and generosity were gifts when researching this novel. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to assist in making this book as accurate as possible. Any mistakes on the police procedural side of things are mine alone.
I’d like to thank my amazing family and support system: Larry, Charlene, Donny, Nora, Cameron, Kendra, Chris, Laura, Juliann, Willow, Steve, Ashlee, and Kaley. Loving thanks to my parents, Don and Marie, for your unwavering faith in me. To my husband, Justin, and children, Kelli and Gavin: I love you with my whole heart.
Read on for an exclusive look at Kristin Miller’s next riveting novel
The Sinful Lives of Trophy Wives
Available in 2021 from Ballantine Books
GEORGIA
PRESENT DAY
ST. MARY’S MEDICAL CENTER, SAN FRANCISCO
Pain is the first thing I remember. One moment I’m sleeping the soundest sleep anyone has ever slept. In the next, pain blooms through the tips of my toes. It crawls up my body, slinking over my skin, torturing every nerve ending, until it fills my chest like a giant, throbbing balloon. I try to suck in a jagged breath, but lead sheets crush my chest. I’m flattened against a firm mattress. I’m cold. So unbelievably cold.
Panic lashes through my veins.
I can’t open my eyes or my lips. I can’t speak. I’m lifeless. Immobile. My strength is gone, completely sapped from my muscles. I can’t move, can’t shift my weight. I’m pinned.
Beep.
Knives piece my eardrums as the sound goes off again. Swallowing is an effort. A jagged rock has taken up residence in the back of my throat. I’m so thirsty.