THANKS TO LAUREN Rosenfield, who came up with the title one hot night when Brains was just an idea, and Ted Frushour, who discussed key plot points and a variety of endings with me, none of which made it into the final draft. Special gratitude goes out to Truman State University’s Sigma Tau Delta chapter for asking me to be their keynote speaker one spring and for agreeing to my lecture, “The Ontology of Zombies.” Preparing for that talk crystallized my research and ideas, and I was encouraged by all the zombie-loving kids who attended the event.

Kenton DeAngeli whipped the manuscript into shape, forcing me to think big-picture hero cycle. I am forever indebted to Janet Reid, the funniest and sharpest agent on the planet, plus she eats brains for lunch. Thanks to Gabe Robinson for loving all things zombie and for curbing my bloody, gross, pun-loving side.

Special love to Sparky Romine for shopping, talking, rocking, and drinking. You are the best BFF a girl could ask for and I don’t deserve your continued support. But I’ll take it.

Finally, the best for last, my genius of a husband, Mark Spitzer, who taught me how to write by example…every day. Thanks for watching all those zombie movies with me, honey. You are a star.