ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Sincere thanks to the many people who have helped put The Fourth Suit together. As any magician will tell you, a successful illusion show can never happen without a masterful backstage crew. So I offer my heartfelt appreciation to the many, far more talented people than myself who were part of bringing these characters and stories to life, most importantly: Deirdre Jones at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, for keeping this fast-moving train from careening off its tracks; Dan Poblocki, our unique carnival’s ultimate pitchman; Lissy Marlin, whose wonderful images draw crowds in every town; Kyle Hilton, the illustrious Magic Moments illustrator; Laura Nolan, for her elegant whip-cracking skills; Jonathan Bayme, the man behind my magical curtain in books and life; and Timothy Meola, my remarkable assistant and right-hand man—although considering everything he does, he’s really also my left-hand man, but since that would leave me handless and unable to type, let’s just stick to the right one.

And to all of you who have read this entire series, who have learned the lessons, solved the codes, practiced the tricks, developed a routine… well, that’s just, wow, that’s fantastic. It’s more than I ever imagined a book of my words could accomplish. I’m wholeheartedly humbled and honored that you and magic have become fast friends.