I am so very grateful to my friends Sarah, Luke, Oli and Bianca Schelosky for teaching me about Swiss culture, particularly the food. Raclette could become a wintertime obsession in the Nannestad household, and I have developed a deep respect for the humble gherkin. A special danke to Luke for his patience, skill and good humour in checking the German words used in this book.
I am also grateful to Jordan Poldi, the student who suggested some fabulous titles for books that Tobias Appleby might write in the future. The Casket, mentioned in this story, is just one of Jordan’s suggestions.
Thank you yet again to Kate ‘Eddie’ Burnitt and Chren Byng for working with me on this series. It has been a wonderful experience and I am always learning something new from you both.
And, last but not least, I must express my gratitude to that great Swiss man, François-Louis Cailler, for inventing the very first chocolate bar in 1819. What a hero!