Q&A with Beth Anderson

 

 

Beth Anderson is the author of the new children's picture book Hiding in Plain Sight: Kate Warne and the Race to Save Abraham Lincoln. Anderson's other books include Thomas Jefferson's Battle for Science. She lives in Colorado. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write Hiding in Plain Sight, and how did you first learn about 19th century detective Kate Warne?

 

A: An article on Kate Warne, the first female detective in the US, caught my attention way back in 2015. I’ve always loved detective stories and been fascinated with Abraham Lincoln—and I’d never heard of the Baltimore Plot. I dove in, and it became one of my favorite manuscripts, but…when two other books on Kate were announced, I put it away…

 

…Until the events of Jan. 6, 2021, prompted me to pull it out. For the second time in our history, a group attempted to stop the duly elected president from taking office. Newly relevant and more important than ever, I reworked the story of Kate’s role in foiling the Baltimore Plot, using all I’d learned over five years of writing children’s books. 

        

Q: How did you research the book, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?

 

A: Using the internet, my library, the Library of Congress, and more, I read various accounts by Allan Pinkerton, the detectives’ logs recorded as the event unfolded, four books for adults about the plot, and multiple accounts of Lincoln’s activities and movements during his inaugural train trip.

 

I also researched widely and deeply into the time and what was going on in various parts of the country, including the logistics of train travel, the railroads, traditions, the telegraph, and more fascinating details that contributed to the challenges of thwarting the plot.

        

I think learning about the railroads surprised me with how this piece of setting impacted and complicated the entire story. Railroad lines didn’t meet in the cities, so passengers had to be transported in some way from station to station for the next leg of a trip.

 

There was no other way into Washington, D.C., except the rail line from Baltimore, a southern-minded city. Routes included incredible risks as passenger cars were carried across rivers on ferries or traveled over wooden bridges easily susceptible to sabotage. With every book I’ve written, I’ve realized how essential research into setting is to really understand what happened.

 

Q: What do you think Sally Wern Comport’s illustrations add to the book?

A: Sally’s art is amazing! Her illustrations inspired by the historical “collage albums” of the time set the book apart and create tone, style, and such a true sense of history.

 

Details (oh, how I love details!) such as the time ticking away on the recurring clocks and the use of maps really deliver the urgency and stakes. I can tell you that we vetted every detail for historical accuracy!

 

Q: The Kirkus Review of the book calls it a “lively, luminous account of a lesser-known woman’s ingenious contribution to presidential history.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I think it’s perfect! 😍 I’m so grateful they recognized the book with those words because it shows that our effort to bring life to this moment of urgency in history and shine a light on the contributions of this woman, who was severely underestimated, came through loud and clear.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I’m starting a new manuscript that’s a bit different for me. It’s fun, amazing, and a challenge to tell. After lots of reading and interviewing, I’m starting to draft—always the hardest part for me. For now, I’m keeping it under wraps.

 

But I can tell you that my next release, The Patriots and the Pox: George Washington’s Battle to Save the Continental Army, is in the final stages of the editorial process.

 

Releasing in fall 2026 as we’re celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, it shares what some historians consider to be Washington’s most important strategic decision of the war.

 

With smallpox devastating his troops, foiling his plans, and threatening the hope for independence, Washington faced a decision that could destroy his army, or save it. Talk about pressure! Like Hiding in Plain Sight, this book blows away any doubts that history is relevant to our world today.

  

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I’m also excited to share Sculpting President Lincoln: Vinnie Ream Carves Out Her Future in 2027. Like Kate Warne’s story, this book surprises us with another underestimated female.

 

Vinnie Ream, a teenaged (AGH!) girl (NO!) with no formal art training (Heavens!) blazes her way with spunk and grit to create the statue of Abraham Lincoln that stands in the Capitol rotunda today. It’s really an inspiring story!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Beth Anderson.