The idea for this book developed in a slow and somewhat ungainly fashion over the course of a few years, and crystallized when Diana Fox said to me over lunch, “You should write something creepy involving horses.” I’m paraphrasing, but that was the sentiment, and it helped me tie together the disparate pieces of the book that would someday become Sawkill Girls. So, Diana, I must thank you.
Many thanks to my agent, Victoria Marini, who provided me with exuberant live updates as she read the first draft, and whose boundless enthusiasm for this project, and for all my work, keeps my confidence afloat and my heart hopeful.
Warm thanks to my editor, Claudia Gabel, whose keen eye and sharp mind helped me shape this book into something fiercer and smarter than it once was.
Thanks to Stephanie Guerdan, Katherine Tegen, and the entire Harper team for believing in this book, and for working so hard to make it pretty and get it into readers’ hands.
To the Bearsville coven of 2016—Alison Cherry, Michelle Schusterman, Lindsay Ribar, Mackenzi Lee, Lissa Harris, Jenna Scherer, Jen Malone, and Melissa Sarno—thank you for listening to me read the scary stuff from this book, particularly since we were living in a haunted house surrounded by Builders at the time.
To my early readers—Karen Strong, Renee Harleston, Nita Tyndall, and Nicole Brinkley—thank you for your insight, your wisdom, and your patience.
As always, to my family and to my girls—particularly my Slytherin queens Lindsay Eagar and Diya Mishra—thank you for your hearts and your claws, your light and your love.