Birdie Horne is the combined pen name of former enemies Eden Robins (right) and MW Garguilo (left). Over the years, they have been love rivals, co-godmothers, and neighbors across an alley in Chicago. Separately, they have published over twenty books, and together they have a resume full of the kinds of jobs that genuinely worry their parents. One of them was nominated for—and lost—Chicago Crossing Guard of the Year. Don’t Cross Mo Ellery is their first outing as Birdie Horne.

Photo credit Jeff Kurysz