Graveminder

Acknowledgments

I AM GRATEFUL TO MY DYNAMIC PUBLISHERS, Lisa Gallagher (yes, the bar is named for you) for acquiring the book and Liate Stehlik for support along the way; to my lovely agents, Merrilee Heifetz and Sally Wilcox, for crazy enthusiasm when I was drowning in doubt; and to my editors, Jennifer Brehl for early insights (especially on Charlie’s attire and the tavern) and Kate Nintzel for kick-ass editorial notes, unflagging energy, and an amazing attitude.

I couldn’t have written this book without the aid of “Undertaker Todd” (W. Todd Harra), who answered my incessant questions about the “dismal trade,” let me read his collection of mortuary stories, and read Graveminder to assure that I had the details and terminology right. Thank you for everything. (Note: Any craft-related errors are obviously mine. Todd did a great job educating me, but I’m sure I’m not always the best student.)

Along with Todd, I had a slew of great friends who read the text, listened to my rambling, and otherwise held my hand along the trip. Thank you to all of you, especially Jennifer Barnes, Mark Del Franco, Rachael Morgan, and Jeaniene Frost.

Thanks to Stephanie Kuehnert for “lending” your awesome hair barrettes to Amity.

Thanks, Mum and Dad, for helping with gun shopping for Alicia (in this and the short story) and for the usual unflagging faith. You really are the best parents a person could hope to have.

And, as always, the largest debt of gratitude is to my spouse, Loch, and our ridiculously patient children. Thank you for not sealing me in the office when I was in the crazier parts of the revisions. I’m sure that took serious effort some days.