To the pioneers of the literary world, the trailblazers better known as librarians, educators, and booksellers: thank you for all that you do. Truly.
I relied on a mountain of texts while producing this book, and am indebted to the writers whose research and documentation allowed me to bring Kate’s story to life. Among my most heavily referenced resources were Thomas E. Sheridan’s Arizona: A History, David Dary’s Cowboy Culture, Robert Blair’s Tales of the Superstitions, and the incredibly illuminating Indeh: An Apache Odyssey by Eve Ball. I very much wish to thank her and the numerous Apache men whose interviews grace Indeh’s pages for allowing me such an intimate look at Apache culture.
As always, much thanks to my family. Dad, I’m so glad for the hours spent sitting on the couch beside you, watching Westerns. Thanks also for driving the van cross-country and showing me the great Southwest as a kid. Just like Kate says about her pa, you’re one of the smartest men I know, one of the best men I know. Mom, you always find the time to read my manuscripts and cheer me on. Thanks for catching a few historical inaccuracies in this one and providing me with reputable sources to help me address my errors. (The perks of having a librarian for a mother!) Kelsy, I sometimes wonder if I’d be here, writing for a living, if you didn’t ask “What happens next?” as I worked on a certain manuscript many years ago. I owe you for that, sis.
Rob, this book exists only because of you. Thanks for introducing me to the Lost Dutchman legend, participating in brainstorming sessions, “suffering” through re-watches of some of our favorite Westerns, and hopping a plane to Arizona with me for research purposes. You are my best friend, my home. I love you so very much.
Casey. Sweet, little Casey . . . You were the size of a grain of rice inside me when I started writing this novel. By the time this book enters the world, you’ll be almost a year old. Who knew I could love someone so fiercely? I can’t wait for the day you can read these stories Mommy writes. But only when you’re old enough. For now, let’s stick to board books. Also, stop growing so fast.
And last but certainly not least, don’t think I forgot about you. Thanks so very much for picking up this novel and following Kate across the gritty plains. I am so fortunate to call writing my job, and it’s only possible because of readers like yourself.
About the Author
ERIN BOWMAN used to tell stories visually as a web designer. Now a full-time writer, she relies solely on words. She lives in New Hampshire with her family, and when not writing she can often be found hiking, commenting on good typography, and obsessing over all things Harry Potter. She is also the author of the Taken trilogy (Taken, Frozen, and Forged). You can visit her online at embowman.com or on Twitter: @erin_bowman.