Rising Tiger: A Thriller (103)
In my two decades in this business, I have been blessed to have developed some amazing friendships. The following brilliant people were indispensable in the writing of this book.
Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien, former Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs and former U.S. National Security Advisor, has been a dear friend for many years and has helped with many of my thrillers. He freely shared his knowledge of India and its strategic importance throughout the writing process. I am much in his debt. Thank you, Robert.
Another dear friend, Chad Norberg, U.S. State Department, provided some terrific insight from his time stationed at the United States embassy in New Delhi. On-the-ground color details really help bring a novel, especially one set in such an exotic location, to life. Thank you, Chad.
Author, Diplomatic Security Service Agent (ret.), and good pal Fred Burton was incredibly helpful on multiple fronts over this past year. His nonfiction novel, Ghost, about his time in DSS, is one of the most gripping books I have ever read, and I highly recommend it. Thank you, Fred, for all of your help.
Sean Fontaine and I have been friends since we were little kids. Not only has he risen to the call every time his country has asked him to step forward, he has also picked up the phone every time I have called. He has always been willing to answer my questions and offer amazingly helpful suggestions. Thank you, Sean.
U.S. Navy SEAL (ret.) Pete Scobell has had an astounding career. He seems busier now out of the SEAL Teams than when he was in. Nevertheless, Pete is a terrific friend and always makes time to help me out on the books. His assistance continues to be invaluable. Thank you, Pete.
My good friend Sidney Blair, Senior United States Federal Air Marshal (ret.), United States Marshal Service (ret.), and United States Secret Service (ret.) has assisted on many of my books and was there again for me on this one. He always has great advice and terrific tactical suggestions. Thank you, Sidney.
Steve Tuttle is another great longtime friend who has helped me tremendously over the years. He’s one of the founding members of Taser International and Axon Enterprise. I think the TASER is an amazing tool, and I love coming up with outside-the-box ways for Harvath to use it. Whenever I do, I always run the scenario by Steve to make sure I’m on point. He always has great feedback for me. Thanks, Steve.
You never appreciate a good laugh or someone checking in to see how you’re doing more than when you’re in the thick of writing a challenging book. In addition to Pete and Sidney above, I want to thank Marcus and Morgan Luttrell, U.S. Navy SEALs (ret.), Paul Craig, U.S. Navy EOD (ret.), and Dan Moran, USMC (ret.) for their consistent good humor (even if 95 percent of the jokes are at my expense). Thanks, guys.
In Chapter 54, as Harvath and Asha discuss the importance of a strong military alliance between the United States and India, Harvath makes note of remarks by a United States ambassador to the United Nations. These remarks come from real-life former ambassador Nikki Haley and Congressman Mike Waltz in a ForeignPolicy.com OpEd titled “It’s Time to Formalize an Alliance with India,” which I highly recommend.
Simon & Schuster’s outstanding Jon Karp has delivered another incredible year for S&S, as well as for all the authors fortunate enough to be under his stewardship. Jon, I continue to be grateful for everything you do for me day in, day out. Thank you.
One of the reasons I am able to raise the bar year after year is because of my phenomenal editor and publisher, Emily Bestler. Her encouragement to keep pushing, and to keep delving into new and uncharted terrain, supercharges my creativity. This year, we celebrated the twentieth anniversary of my first thriller, The Lions of Lucerne. Emily, thank you. You are the absolute best. There is nobody else I would rather be working with. Here’s to the next twenty years!
The extraordinary Lara Jones is a consummate professional. It is an absolute pleasure to work with her and the rest of the awesome Emily Bestler Books team. Without them, you would not be holding this book in your hands. The tally of what they do every day is incredible. Thank you.
My astonishing Atria publisher, Libby McGuire, and associate publisher Dana Trocker keep pushing the envelope in new and totally creative ways. I am very thankful for all that you both have done and continue to do for me. Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
David Brown is, hands down, the absolute best publicist on the planet. He is tireless when it comes to promoting his authors and never rests on his laurels (or the author’s). He approaches each new book with boundless enthusiasm and energy. He’s a fantastic person to work with, and I am proud to call him my friend. Thank you, David.
I am now officially two years behind in bourbon drinking with another good friend at S&S, the spectacular Gary Urda. Gary and I go back so many years together, and one of my greatest joys has always been visiting New York and getting together with Gary for drinks. It’s not only a nice way to catch up and renew our friendship but also to say thank you for all that Gary and his awe-inspiring team do for me throughout the year. Fingers crossed that we’ll see each other soon. Thank you, Gary!
Jen Long and her crew at Pocket Books continue to be absolutely sublime. As the marketplace continues to change, Jen and her team are always ten steps ahead. You all are amazing. Thank you for everything.
One of the hardest working people I have the pleasure of knowing is the miraculous Al Madocs. He and the rest of the Atria/Emily Bestler Books production department are willing to do whatever it takes to get it right and get it done. Any errors in this novel are mine and mine alone, but I guarantee you that there are a lot fewer of them because of Al and his team. Thank you, all.