Teen Hyde (High School Horror Story #2)(72)

When writing a horror story, it’s nice to have people who can make the process a little less scary: A huge virtual hug goes out to Tony DiSanto. You’re always willing to throw your heart and support behind these books. And to the rest of the team at DiGa, especially Tommy Coriale, Michael Maniaci, and Hayley Brooks, it’s a thrill to be able to work with you.

Shirine Coburn DiSanto and Meghan Holston, you didn’t have to, but you’ve adopted this project as your own and continued to be so generous with your time. Thank you both.

To my agent, Dan Lazar, your career advice this year has been invaluable. I’m glad to have someone like you in my court. And to Torie, for chasing down everything that needs chasing down.

I had a number of smart readers and friends who offered thoughts and motivation. Jeff and Maggie Langevin for clutch brainstorming. To Lori Goldstein, Kelly Loy Gilbert, Shana Silver, and Lee Kelly, thank you for providing a community of writers that understand. Charlotte Huang, as you know, I strongly believe that our e-mails are a little bit magic.

To my book club—Emily O’Brien, Kelley Flores, Lisa McQueen, Wendy Pursch, Julia Teague, Amy Morehouse, Kristen Largent, Kandice Karla, Whitney Waters, Kate Stein, and Susan Hobbs—for your cheerleading but also for years’ worth of lively conversations about books I might never have picked up on my own. Also the wine.

Lastly, big thanks to my family. My parents, Coni and Mike, you understand my crazy schedule and love to pitch in. To my daughter, thank you for your patience in letting me finish this book prior to your arrival and then for your promptness immediately thereafter. To my husband, Rob, hell hath no fury like a woman who is nine months pregnant and on deadline. Thank you for your patience and for your supply of chocolate milk, peaches, and boxed mac ’n’ cheese, among other things.