This is a work of fiction, but I have ‘borrowed’ a few incidents, sentences, or houses from real lives. They are too numerous to list here, but I’d especially like to thank my English teacher, Tony Barringer, who introduced me to ‘Bat’ and awakened my love of poetry, and Rowena, for her superb organisation of the Ilkley Grammar School reunions. And always remembering dear Rolf S and Alex B.
The book is set in Portobello, Edinburgh, the Outer Hebrides and Plettenberg Bay. I have played a little fast and loose with their geography and institutions, but I hope I have remained true to the spirit of these beautiful places I love.
About the Author
Alison Baillie (Massie/Taylor) was brought up by Scottish parents in the Yorkshire Dales. After studying English at the University of St Andrews, she spent a year in Finland and then taught in various Edinburgh secondary schools, including Portobello High. She later moved to Switzerland, where she taught until her retirement. She now spends her time reading, writing, travelling, walking in the mountains, being with her family and friends, and going to crime-writing festivals.
If you’d like to contact her, please visit:
www.alisonbaillie.com
She’d love to hear from you!
Sewing the Shadows Together Page 27
