Murder at the Flamingo
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6.Hamish sees the world through the lens of his favorite book, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Is there a book that has influenced the way you see the world around you? Why is its influence so strong?
7.When they visit the top of the Old North Church, Nate tells Hamish and Reggie that “some sanctuaries are for all” regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion. Is there a safe haven in your community or town that reminds you of the solace they find at the church?
8.Even though Hamish and Reggie live in Boston centuries after the Revolutionary War, the history still echoes in the world around them. What are some ways you find the ghosts of the past in your city or town?
9.“Maybe Boston is your heartbeat,” Hamish wonders as he settles into the home that he wasn’t born into but chose. Think of a moment in your own life where you have felt deeply connected to a place—why did it grab hold of you so tightly?
10.Vaughan Vanderlaan’s influence on Reggie is partly because of his representation of the world she ran away from. Is there a person in your life who ties you to your past?
11.Even though Luca clearly loves Hamish, Luca still decides to leave him at the end. How did this action change or strengthen your view of his character?
12.Hamish spent most of his life misinterpreting his father’s view of him as shame rather than the fear for his condition it actually was. Can you think of a time in your life when you have misread the actions of someone who had your best interests at heart?
13.By the end of the book, Hamish realizes that what he had always thought was his greatest weakness is actually the source of his biggest strength. Do you have a perceived weakness in your life that you could use as an opportunity for good?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Hamish and Reggie’s adventures would not be possible without the opportunity Daisy Hutton and the team at Thomas Nelson gave me, and I am so grateful. Thank you to Karli Ann Jackson, Kimberly Carlton, Laura Wheeler, and Kristen Golden. Working with your team is a dream come true. Sometimes I still pinch myself that this has really happened.
My agent Ruth Samsel is always in my corner. Thanks so much for your continued belief in me and my stories.
Partnering with Jamie Chavez was the best kind of brilliant challenge and an absolute joy. I learned so much and I can safely say a lot of this book’s heart and soul is in her careful direction. Thank you a million.
Will Stilwell, lead educator at the Old North Church, I pestered you with so many questions about the beautiful church in Hamish’s time and you were so patient. I tried to capture the essence of the magnificence of the place—and the North End—so liberties are all my own.
To the entire staff at the Massachusetts Historical Society: without your resources and patience (“Excuse me, Canadian girl, can you not lean on our almost century-old maps, please?”), the streets and world of Hamish’s Boston would lack the authenticity I tried to bring to its recreation.
To the staff at Brewery Bay in Orillia, Ontario—thanks for always clearing a table with an outlet when I visit home. To the staff at my Forest Hill Starbucks in Toronto, without you I would be a zombie. I appreciate you and your little notes and your joy.
Is it strange to thank a city? Well, I don’t think so. Boston, in the past years, you have snuck your way so deeply into this Toronto girl’s heart. I love you and I hope this series reflects your unique flavor. If cities can be best friends, you’re certainly one of mine.
Thanks to Stephen Schwartz, Katherine Reay, and Lynn Austin.
Sonja Spaetzel and Allison Pittman are always talking me off ledges and inspiring me to see more in myself than I ever thought possible. Annette Gilbert, I will never be able to think of signing this contract without you putting me on speaker and playing Barry Manilow in the background on the piano. Not many consider their aunts dearest friends, but not many have aunts like you.
Gerry and Kathleen McMillan, you always believed that I could do anything I put my mind to. That there were no limitations for this shaking, anxious girl. You taught me to approach life with humour and courage and to turn what I found perceived weakness into my own indelible brand of strength. You’ve walked me through the panic attacks and medicine changes, the doctors and the long nights and you never thought I was anything but exceptional. That belief hopefully translates into my decision to serve out my vulnerability and challenges to the world at large. Hopefully in a way that shows the same resilience, aplomb, and grace I learned from growing up in your household.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Agnieszka Smyrska/Smyrska Photography
Rachel McMillan is a history enthusiast, lifelong bibliophile, and author of the Herringford and Watts series. When not reading (or writing), Rachel can be found at the theater, traveling near and far, and watching far too many British miniseries. Rachel lives in Toronto where she works in educational publishing and is always planning her next trip to Boston.
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