Three editors provided input into this novel, and my heartfelt thanks go to all of them – Victoria Oundjian, Kate Mills and Celia Lomas. As always, your comments and thoughts were invaluable and helped make the book the best it could be. Thanks too to the copy-editor, proofreader, fabulous cover designers and marketing team at HQ – so many people involved in getting this book out to its readers.
I’d also like to thank my husband Ignatius and son Fionn, who both read an early version of this novel and provided useful feedback. It’s so good to have the unquestioning support of my family. ‘Mum, it’s OK, you got this,’ says my other son, Connor, whenever I have a wobble. It’s much appreciated.
As always, thanks to my many writing friends – fellow HQ authors and RNA members. It’s always great to be in touch with people who really understand this writing lark, and can help with encouragement, sympathy or celebration depending on what’s needed.
Finally, my thanks to Pete Leeming, whose comment as we stood reading an information board in Mardale planted the seed for this novel in my head. I said at the time I’d put you in the acknowledgements, so here you are.