“Err ... Hello?” she says. “You okay there?”
The knocker moves to rummage around in a miniature leather bag, before producing a card. He holds it out to her, standing on the tips of his toes.
Rachel leans forward and accepts the message. She turns the card around, studying the blank back before spinning it the other way.
“Okay,” she says, glancing back at the knocker. “There’s nothing on here.”
He gestures for her to look back at the card, insists by waving his hand violently through the air.
“Fine, but who sent this?”
The knocker’s shoulders slump, and he rolls his eyes. His hands go up to his head, fingers splay, before he mimes putting a crown on his head.
“Nova?”
Vigorous nodding in response.
Rachel looks back as ink bleeds into the card. Random letters are spelled out, coming into existence in no particular order. Her heart races as the message takes shape, a four-word warning.
You are in danger.
Rachel sighs heavily. “Yeah, tell me something I don’t know.”
Acknowledgments
I always feel wholly inept when it comes to expressing my immense gratitude for everyone who’s dedicated months of their time to producing my books, as well as those who showed their unwavering support and friendship throughout the journey. A simple ‘thank you’ seems inadequate for all the hard work and effort everyone’s put into The Bone Carver.
To my unparalleled and marvelous team at Vesuvian Books, all of whom went above and beyond to make The Bone Carver shine, I can’t begin to express my appreciation. I can try, but you all deserve so much more ...
A super thank you goes out to Holly for editing The Bone Carver (a.k.a. cleaning up my messes).
Massive thanks and hugs are owed to LK for being a superhero—few people could step up the way you have during a global pandemic. You are amazing!
Thank you so much to the other Vesuvian authors who’ve supported me from the first day. You’ve all systematically turned into my international family, and I appreciate each and every one of you dearly.
Then there’s Marcela Bolívar, who’s responsible for the gorgeous cover. Thank you so very much for creating such beautiful, striking art. I am awed by your talent.
Michael, from MJC Imageworks, thank you for making my title pop like nobody’s business (I still love the flies so freaking much!). You are a rock star!
Without everyone’s subtle nudges, input, and expertise at Vesuvian Books, The Bone Carver wouldn’t exist, so thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
I don’t even know where to start saying thanks when it comes to Italia Gandolfo. Not only are you a great agent, but you’re a wonderful friend. Thank you for taking a chance on me and my books, thank you for always being around for a little chat, and thank you for always being my cheerleader. Love your bones!
To my wonderful husband, whom I love with all my heart, words often fail me when it comes to how much I appreciate your support, friendship, and love. Since the beginning, you’ve done the impossible when it comes to making sure I have what I need to blossom. Without you, I wouldn’t be half the person I am. I love you!
I would also like to thank my family—my mom, aunt, and sister—as well as my in-laws for all their love and support. I know I can be difficult at times, and yeah, my work/sleep schedule is weird, but somehow you still put up with me anyway. Thank you so much for always being so understanding. I love you all to bits.
Lastly, I would like to thank you, the reader. You are the reason why I keep writing stories. Without your constant support, I would never have gotten where I am today. So, I just want to thank you for always motivating me to be the best I can be.
About the Author
Monique Snyman’s mind is a confusing bedlam of glitter and death, where candy-coated gore is found in abundance and homicidal unicorns thrive. Sorting out the mess in her head is particularly irksome before she’s ingested a specific amount of coffee, which is equal to half the recommended intake of water for humans per day. When she’s not playing referee to her imaginary friends or trying to overdose on caffeine, she’s doing something with words—be it writing, reading, or fixing all the words.
Monique Snyman lives outside Johannesburg, South Africa, with her husband and an adorable Chihuahua. She’s the author of the Bram Stoker Award® nominated novel, The Night Weaver, which is the first installment in a dark fantasy series for young adults.
www.MoniqueSnyman.com
