Huge, gushing thanks first, and always, to my fabulous editor Alison Hennessey, who has been integral in shaping the finished book you hold in your hands now. Without her wisdom and guidance it would be much the lesser story and I count myself incredibly lucky to have her on my side.
It’s been my pleasure and privilege to work with an energetic, warm and endlessly enthusiastic team at Harvill Secker and Vintage. Heartfelt thanks to Maria, Vicki, Bethan, Anna and Áine, along with everyone else behind the scenes who helped turn those sheets of loose paper into a finished book. And then took such wonderful care bringing it onto the shelves and out to readers.
The crime scene is notorious for its supportive nature – as well as its hard drinking, filthy humour and general all round magnificence – and like most authors, I find myself drawing on the hive mind for practical advice and moral support throughout the writing year. In a solitary profession knowing friends are just a click away makes all the difference. I couldn’t begin to name everyone but you know who you are and big thanks to you all.
Special honours to Nick Quantrill, Jay Stringer and Luca Veste, who have kept me sane, laughing and fully appraised of developments in lower league football. They say it’s rare to make proper, lasting friendships as adults but only because they haven’t met you boys.
Thanks as well to all those in the blogging and reviewing community who have generously given their time and expertise to read early copies of this and all the previous books. Your support is so important to writers and, as a reader, you’ve led me to many brilliant authors too. There are just too many to name but please know I am deeply grateful to you for helping Zigic and Ferreira find their audience.
The highlight of the bookish year has to be festival season and I owe massive thanks to the teams at Bloody Scotland, Book Week Scotland, Edinburgh Book Festival, ChipLitFest, Essex Book Festival and Noirwich for allowing me on their stages and giving me the very best excuse to slip away from work. If you’ve been thinking about attending any of these marvellous events, think no longer – book those tickets and go enjoy!
Finally, to my family, thank you for the shopping trips and lazy lunches and the occasional bolts of crazy inspiration. Love you guys.