There are so many people I want to thank:
My agent Felicity Blunt, for believing in me and in this book, and for the editorial insights that transformed my story.
My brilliant editor Lucy Malagoni, for making my introduction to the world of publishing such an absolute pleasure, and the whole team at Little, Brown for their enthusiasm and support. Also Wes Miller at Grand Central for his insightful editorial input.
Everyone at Curtis Brown Creative, especially my tutor, the brilliant novelist Erin Kelly. Special mention for my fourteen wonderful CBC course-mates for their feedback, support and friendship. Also Eleanor Moran for telling me about CBC in the first place, and encouraging me to go for it.
The Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize, for seeing something in a very early draft of this book, with special thanks to Jo Ryan for her ongoing support and encouragement.
Caro Ambrose and all at the Bath Novel Award who do such great work supporting their long and shortlisted authors. Special thanks to Emma, for being a great cheerleader, and for the CCTV advice.
All my friends, who have been so supportive but especially Natasha and Claire, my first readers, who not only offered invaluable advice and encouragement, but had to suffer endless hours of debating plot points; Vicky, for the style advice and that brilliant idea about the nuns; and Hattie, Jane, Naomi and Rachel, for everything.
Glen Wilson, for never forgetting that I was meant to be writing a book.
My parents, Murray and Cecilia, for reading to me, and passing on their love of books; and my sister Alice, for all those games of the imagination. Thank you for making sure I grew up surrounded by stories. It’s what made me a writer.
My boys, Charlie and Arthur, for supporting me and telling everyone and anyone about the book. None of this would be worth anything without you.
And Michael, for reading and offering advice and all those endless conversations about the plot; and for believing in me and supporting me from the very start. I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without you. I love you.