A book is a complex animal and it takes a complex process, which involves many very clever people, for it to end up looking so smart and sassy on a bookshelf. I am always in awe of the wondrous and dedicated team at Simon & Schuster UK who work such miracles for me and my book. Thank you a million times over to each and every one of you.
I am profoundly grateful to my superb editor Jo Dickinson for her wisdom and insight and for her calmness when I am in urgent need of it. Thank you, Jo, for everything you do. It is a privilege to work with you, the best of the best.
Huge thanks also to my awesome agent Teresa Chris for all the support and kindness, and yes, for all the whip-cracking when required too. You help make my job a joy.
I am greatly indebted to Lieutenant Scott Dyson of the RCN for being a constant source of information concerning all things military and for his generosity in giving time and expertise. However much research info I gleaned from military books, it was invaluable to have a military voice at my side to guide me away from pitfalls. Any errors are definitely mine, not his.
Thank you to Steve Sharam for – well, just for being his inimitable self, listening to my bookish woes and for introducing me to Scott Dyson. My warm thanks also to David Gilman for his daily shot in the digital-arm to keep me going.
Thanks yet again to my fabulous buddies in Brixham Writers. Always full of wise advice and noisy laughter. I raise a cup of tea and a choccie biscuit to you!
For her friendship and her speedy fingers my huge thanks to Marian Churchward. You make it fun as always.
Lastly my love and thanks to Norman for his encouragement and belief in my story throughout all the crazy ups and downs and sleepless nights, for his ingenious ideas when I’d tied myself in a knot and for sharing his impressive knowledge of aircraft.