The Dead Travel Fast (27 page)

READERS’ GUIDE QUESTIONS

1. Theodora Lestrange is not the typical Victorian heroine. How does she differ from other women of her time?
   
2. Which of Theodora’s two suitors—Charles Beecroft or Count Andrei—is a better match for her? Why?
   
3. Why does Theodora remain at the castle when events take a dark and frightening turn? Would you?
   
4. Many of the characters have interests which are reflective of their personalities. Discuss how Cosmina’s work with medicinal, Florian’s music, and the count’s passion for astronomy extend their characters.
   
5. Are the strange events at the castle supernatural or are there logical explanations for Theodora’s experiences?
   
6. What elements of classic Gothic literature did you find in this novel?
   

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

As ever, I am tremendously grateful, not only for the support and many kindnesses I have received, but also for the chance to acknowledge them. Great appreciation and tremendous thanks:

To my family—my daughter for laughter and hugs and cups of tea, my mother for tidying up everything in my life, including my manuscripts, and my father for unfailing support.

To my agent, Pam Hopkins. I ought to have the words to adequately express my appreciation for all that she does, but they do not exist. I can only say that not a day passes that I do not marvel at the gift of her friendship.

To my editor, Valerie Gray, whose attention to detail and quest for excellence are equally inspiring.

To my dear friend Kimberly McArthur Taylor, whose enthusiasm for her work in epidemiology is surpassed only by her generosity of spirit, and without whose contributions this book would be less than it is.

To all of the unsung heroes and heroines of publishing, the many hardworking people through whose hands my books passed to be made better and who work so tirelessly to get my books into the hands of readers: editorial, marketing, sales, public relations and production. Particular thanks to the gifted and attentive Michael Rehder for his beautiful cover.

To the many booksellers who have shared their enthusiasm with their customers and converted them to readers.

To the readers of blog and books who have been so gracious and enthusiastic, who have written and e-mailed and traveled to book signings and who humble me every day with their praise. Thank you.

ISBN: 978-1-4268-4964-0

THE DEAD TRAVEL FAST

Copyright © 2010 by Deanna Raybourn.

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher, MIRA Books, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

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