Beth Anderson, Children's Writer

If I asked you to name a detective, I’d likely hear

Nancy Drew,

Agatha Christie,

Sherlock Holmes,

Dick Tracy,

and maybe even Allan Pinkerton…

BUT…I’m willing to bet no one would mention Kate Warne.

I’m hoping HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: KATE WARNE AND THE RACE TO SAVE ABRAHAM LINCOLN might change that and shine some light on this trailblazing woman and little known piece of history.

Until about 12 years ago, I’d never heard of Kate Warne. Or the Baltimore Plot. But when I did, I was smitten with her story. As a childhood fan of Nancy Drew books who still loves a good detective story, this spunky woman caught my attention. As a person who’s always been fascinated by Abraham Lincoln, I was intrigued. And as a writer who searches out little known history….I had to try. The manuscript had a long journey and, as always, challenges.

Seeing the cover of a book is always an anticipated moment because of all it holds and represents. Illustrator Sally Wern Comport and Calkins Creek art director, Barbara Grzeslo created a beauty! 

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: KATE WARNE AND THE RACE TO SAVE ABRAHAM LINCOLN became a very special book in the hands of illustrator Sally Wern Comport. Inspired by collage albums (also called scrapbook houses), Sally sampled the popular art form from the 1850s through the 1900s in the illustrations for this book. Though you’ll have to wait to see the treasures inside, I’m thrilled to share the cover:

From the publisher:

America’s first female detective Kate Warne’s mission? Protect president-elect Abraham Lincoln from Southern rebels bent on assassinating him before his inauguration.

Abraham Lincoln faces a dangerous and uncertain future after leaving Springfield, Illinois, for his inauguration in Washington, DC. Luckily for him, detective Kate Warne has his back, even if he didn’t know it yet.

Working for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Kate uncovers the rebel plot to kill Abraham Lincoln in Baltimore. Kate warns Lincoln’s staff that this only Southern city on his inaugural train route to Washington, DC is planning a deadly welcome. President-elect Lincoln is urged to change his route. But he refuses to cancel his commitments. In a race against time, Kate and Allan Pinkerton have one last chance. Using disguises, false names, and the cover of darkness, the detectives put their plan into action.

Can they sneak Lincoln through Baltimore undetected?
Can they fool the spies watching his every move?
Can they get Lincoln safely to DC?

This exciting American history picture book from award-winning author Beth Anderson, well-known for action-packed books on daring women, and illustrated by Sally Wern Comport in her signature mix of collage, drawing, and paint, brings Kate Warne to thrilling and vivid life.

Product details:

As we get closer to release on JANUARY 28, 2025, I’ll be sharing some of the manuscript’s journey and challenges it presented in blog posts and interviews. I hope you’ll stay tuned!