Katherine Armstrong, for a flawless edit. Thank you for putting up with me, for running up hills with me, for making me a better writer and for helping me tell this story. It’s infinitely better because of you.
Victoria, for loving me even when I tried to grow a beard. Never have the words ‘Turn out the lights and no kissing’ been uttered with such tenderness.
Charlie and George, for driving me mad, keeping me sane, and everything in between. I do it all for you.
Liz Barnsley, my first and last reader, my friend, my spirit guide. We are proof that sometimes the blind lead the blind somewhere very special.
My family, who are always there. Take that how you will.
Cathryn Summerhayes, officially the best agent in the world. Thank you for always fighting for me, you’re scarily good at it.
Silé Edwards, for helping me bag Patterson. That bed of money is ours.
Katie McGowan, Luke Speed and everyone at Curtis Brown. Obviously book people are the best people, but with you I feel I’m with the best of the best.
All at Bonnier. Thank you for feigning indifference when I call into the office, I know you do it just to keep me grounded.
Nico Poilblanc, sales god, love god, all round beautiful man. Thank you for making people buy my books. I really hope the 200 signatures all match. I did my wrist exercises with you in mind.
Nick Stearn, for once again making earth-shattering cover love to me.
Jennie Rothwell, the most talented (and famous) Jennifer in the world. There’s no one I’d rather dress as a book and run 26.2 miles with.
Kate Parkin, for paying for my exquisite words. Please don’t deduct for those C-bombs.
Francesca Russell, for pimping me out with such grace and style. No one rocks a fur coat and cane quite like you.
Stephen Dumughn, for totally getting this book. And also for teaching me dazzling marketing spiel. We need to sit down and cultivate our vertical synergies very soon.
Jon Appleton, for copyedit brilliance. Any mistakes are, of course, his.
Siobhan O’Neill. Always.
I once stood on a stage and forgot to thank Maxim and the CWA judges. I’m remedying that now. Thank you for backing the longshot.
The book blogging community, I would love to name you all here but feel certain I’d leave someone out. I want you to know how much you have helped me, you are the lifeblood of the industry and I look forward to kissing each of you at future events. No tongues, Fenton. Sorry.
My fellow author friends, there are too many of you to list, and for that I will always be grateful.