Hilary Wagner

Hilary Wagner was born and grew up in Chicago. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in fine art. Her paintings have appeared in galleries and exhibitions in New York City and in the Chicago area, where she lives with her husband and two children.

Nightshade City was the result of a dare by her husband, and reflects her lifelong fascination with all things creepy. She writes, "I've always loved animals, so combining my love of creepy and creatures made rats the perfect choice for my first novel. While doing research for Nightshade City, I discovered what truly incredible and misunderstood creatures rats are. They are quite intelligent, able to come when called by their names. Though we can't hear it, rats laugh in ultrasound and they dream, just as we do. Like I said, incredible!"