Note: "Notes and Acknowledgments" begins thus (quoting the 2012 edition): Spiritualism is a philosophy, science and religion founded in the nineteenth century and still practiced by many thousands of people across the world. This book, however, is a work of fiction, and the specific principles and beliefs set forth here are not meant to represent those of any particular, sect, church, or person. Kirkus Reviews May 2000 (as posted 2010, above) gives publication date 2000-07-01. Its starred review begins: "First-novelist Ellis makes an auspicious debut with this imaginatively rendered psychological suspense thriller set in an upstate New York town inhabited entirely by mediums and spiritualists." Publications as Book Lust Rediscoveries contain Introduction, Discussion Questions, and Suggestions for Further Reading by editor Nancy Pearl. Pearl notes that fictional setting Train Line, New York, is based on Lily Dale. See Wikipedia on Lily Dale, New York (USA) and the Spiritualist movement.