The Unclaimed Victim
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Cikraji, Michael. The Cleveland Nazis: 1933–1945. Cleveland: MSL Academic Endeavors, 2016. Available from http://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/msl_ae_ebooks/1. Accessed May 18, 2016.
The religious language and customs used in the story were largely inspired by my research into Mennonite and Unitarian missionaries active at the time the Torso Killer roamed the streets. Given the loose connections between the Silver Shirt Legion and the occult, I was also inspired by my research into German and Pennsylvania Dutch folk magic. Any errors or omissions are my own, and I sincerely apologize for each of them. This story is not intended to disparage or denigrate the cultural history, religious beliefs, or traditions of any person.
The biblical book of Psalms provided many of the incantations and prayers used throughout the story. In addition, the following books provided unique insights into spell casting, prayers, and customs during my research:
Hohman, John George. Pow-Wows, or Long Lost Friend: A Collection of Mysterious and Invaluable Arts and Remedies, for Man as well as Animals. Lexington: Wildside, 2016.
Stoltzfus, Louise. Quiet Shouts: Stories of Lancaster Mennonite Women Leaders. Scottsdale: Herald, 1999.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It takes a village of friends, family, editors, and helpful civilians to make a historical novel like this one possible. Ty Harris, Claudia Madden, and the Tremont Place Lofts staff graciously allowed me to explore and sleep inside the building that inspired the story. Mary Maglicic offered her time and family records to give me insight into the secret life of the vacant building complex once owned by her brother Joe Scully. Dr. Judith Cetina at the Cuyahoga County Archives and Lynn Bycko and her staff at the Cleveland Press Collection were amazing resources for me as I researched the Torso Killer and the secretive Silver Shirt Legion. Cleveland author and Torso Killer expert James Badal graciously met me for coffee to discuss his work and the tenuous possibility that there was more than one killer.
Thank you, Jessica Tribble, Gracie Doyle, Faith Black Ross, Sarah Shaw, Laura Petrella, and all my friends at Thomas & Mercer and Amazon Publishing, for bringing The Unclaimed Victim into the world. I couldn’t ask for a better team. From editing to cover design to marketing, you do it all so brilliantly.
I’d also like to thank my agent, Yishai Seidman, for giving me a new perspective on my writing and opening so many doors, and a hearty thanks to my friend James Renner for introducing us.
It should never go without saying that my family makes all this possible. I couldn’t write a word without their amazing love and support. My fabulous sister, sister-in-law, mother, and mother-in-law give me invaluable advice and encouragement. My husband reads every draft I write, weathers every edit, and soothes every fit of doubt I bring to bed with me. My two sons cheer me on and do their best to keep the peace while Mommy is working, but more importantly, they keep my heart and mind open to endless possibilities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © Rebecca Cain
D.M. Pulley lives just outside Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband, her two sons, and her dog. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a Professional Engineer, rehabbing historic structures and conducting forensic investigations of building failures. Pulley’s structural survey of a vacant building in Cleveland inspired her debut novel, The Dead Key, the winner of the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. She is also the author of The Buried Book.