I would like to thank the following people: my parents, Farrah, Damian, Daniel and Fin who are always there for me and provide continuous support, ideas and encouragement. Mum especially, you’re a complete star. Also John Kelly, Quentin Humberstone, Sam Baker, Margi Conklin, Niki Browes, Camilla Kay, Lisa Oxenham, Victoria Moss, Louise Roe, Kerry Potter, Jacqui Swift, Natasha Hunter. I am also hugely grateful to Jonathan – I couldn’t think of a better lunch companion to steer me through the waters of publicity and crisis management. And to George in Maui and the Riley’s in Ventura County – thank you for your rooms with a view!
I am fortunate to have such a dedicated agent Sheila Crowley and a wise and wonderful editor Wayne Brookes, who always knows what’s right for my books and has made the last four years of my working life such a pleasure. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Continued thanks to the terrific team at Harper Collins: Amanda Ridout, Lee Motley, Wendy Neale, Clive Kintoff and the rest of the sales, publicity and marketing team – I’ll always be grateful for your hard work, help and support. And a special mention to the production department, including Penny Isaac, for making my deadline stretch when this book got longer and longer – and later and later.
And finally, to my beloved John – captain of the Pez Gang, obtainer of rare antiquities, sound-board and editor par excellence and all-round hero – I couldn’t do it without you.