In the Shadow of Blackbirds (39 page)

TO MY PATIENT, OPTIMISTIC, HARDWORKING AGENT,
Barbara Poelle, who swore we’d get this book published even if it meant she’d have to bruise her knuckles banging down doors: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. We did it!

To my editor, Maggie Lehrman: Thank you for your amazing, insightful, and inspiring notes and for sharing (and improving upon) my vision of this novel. I’m so incredibly grateful you took a chance on my historical tale. To everyone at Abrams who’s helped me share this book with the world (Maria T. Middleton, Laura Mihalick, and the rest of the crew): I’m honored to have your talents behind this book.

To my early readers, Carrie Raleigh, Ara Burklund, Kim Murphy, and Francesca Miller: Thank you for your time, feedback, and unwavering encouragement.

To Bill Becker of
PhotographyMuseum.com
, Sophia Brothers and Sophie Richardson at the Science & Society Picture Library, Holly Reed at the National Archives and Records Administration, David Silver of the International Photographic Historical Organization, and Stephen Greenberg, Crystal Smith, and Douglas Atkins at the U.S. National
Library of Medicine: Thank you for fielding all my historical image questions.

To Mrs. Betsy Martin and Ms. Kathie Deily, formerly of Crown Valley Elementary School: Thank you for making my writing feel special when I was a kid.

To my grandpa, Ward Proeschel, born in 1915: Thanks so much for sharing your memories of the early twentieth century with me.

To my parents, Richard and Jennifer Proeschel: Thank you for my life, and thank you for giving me the gift of the love of reading.

To my sister, Carrie Raleigh: You’ve been my first reader ever since we were children, and your love, companionship, and enthusiasm mean the world to me. I love you, Bear!

Last, but most certainly not least, thanks to my husband, Adam, and our two kids, for their steadfast patience, love, and support. This one’s for you, my loves.

CAT WINTERS WAS BORN AND RAISED IN SOUTHERN
California, near Disneyland, which may explain her love of haunted mansions, bygone eras, and fantasylands. This is her first novel. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her family. Visit her online at her main haunt,
catwinters.com
.

This book was designed by Maria T. Middleton. Its production was overseen by Alison Gervais and Kathy Lovisolo.

CAT WINTERS
WAS BORN AND RAISED in Southern California, near Disneyland, which may explain her love of haunted mansions, bygone eras, and fantasylands. This is her first novel. She lives in Portland, oregon, with her family. Visit her online at her main haunt,
catwinters.com
.

JACKET PHOTOGRAPH © 2013 SYMON CHOW
JACKET DESIGN BY MARIA T. MIDDLETON

115 West 18th Street
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