Beneath the Shadows (28 page)

1. The past is still too close to us … How does the past infiltrate and affect the present in
   Beneath the Shadows
   ?
   
2. Grace is driven by her need for resolution: did you see this as an obstacle or a necessity for her?
   
3. Ghosts, omens, clocks that stop and start by themselves – is there a supernatural element in Roseby, or was it all just a figment of Grace's imagination?
   
4. Windows and reflections are strong symbols in the novel. How do you interpret their significance?
   
5. Not only is Grace reading
   Rebecca
   , but throughout the book the classic novel is alluded to in other ways too. Consider these parallels, and what they contribute to the story.
   
6. By the end, the mystery of Adam's disappearance is resolved. Yet Adam didn't tell Grace where he'd put their money, about his relationship with Jenny, or of
   the existence of the cellar. How much do you think the reader gets to know the ‘real' Adam?
   
7. How did you interpret Grace's strange dreams? Were they warnings, her subconscious trying to process her fears, or something else?
   
8. How important is Annabel to the story? What role does she play?
   
9. Is Meredith a villain or a victim?
   
10. By going through their belongings and their memories, Grace seems to be trying to understand who Adam's grandparents were. How far can she succeed, do you think? And why is this so important to her?
    

This book would not exist had I not been introduced to the wonderful North Yorkshire moors by my husband Matt and his family. Thank you to all of you for your steady support over the long writing process, in particular to Jo and Steve for letting me quiz you and for all the research you have done on my behalf. And thank you James and Dan for your creativity and cinematic know-how. I must also add that I have met many locals over the years I have visited the area, and all of them have been far friendlier than some of the people portrayed in this book – so I hope they will forgive me my artistic licence! Thanks also to Big Jon and Caroline Foster, Neil Raynsford and Fiona Thorp for answering police-procedural questions, and to Rosemary Johns for the legal input.

I am very fortunate to be published by such a supportive team of people. Thanks to everyone at Random
House, in particular Larissa Edwards, Elizabeth Cowell and Patrick Mangan – your insights improved the story immeasurably. Thanks also to Tobie Mann and Emma Caddy for championing the book, and to Debbie Clement for the beautiful cover designs of both my novels.

To Tara Wynne: you are a steadfast support in these interesting times, and I know how very lucky I am to have you on my side.

To Jen Shelton: thank you for taking such good care of my baby girl that I haven't had to worry about her while I've been working. To Punita Mandalia: thank you for bringing my imagination to life with your talent, let's collaborate more often! To Julie Cripps, Claire Moritz and Louise Clarke: I really appreciate your friendship and practical help. And to Kirsty Aldridge: many thanks for your time and expertise.

To Marian and Ray, your unwavering support is inspiring. Thank you for everything you have done for all of us over the past year or so. You know how much you have helped to bring this book to life.

And finally, to my husband Matt and my daughter Hannah. When it comes to you two, thank you doesn't even begin to cover it.

www.randomhouse.com.au/beneaththeshadows