This novel being a sequel necessitates me thanking all the same people again – to which, having gushed so effusively at the end of the first book, and not wanting to embarrass anyone with an excess of feeling, this time I will offer my thanks in a terribly British and understated way. Thusly, deepest thanks (again) to the following: Simon Taylor, Beci Kelly, Tom Hill, Lilly Cox (for the first time), Elizabeth Dobson and Vivien Thompson. Also, Frances Rutherford and Ed Wilson. Extra thanks to Viv for holding everything till the 11th hour and to all those on social media who jumped in to help out with the Latin! – Laurie (agent extraordinaire) and her genius cousin Lily, Paige, Janelle, Anita, Dave, Alan, Siren. And especially Victoria Jones.
Extra thanks to Alastair Meikle for the phenomenal illustrations and to Naz Ekin Yilmaz for the marvellous map. And to the real-life Cat for bringing me endless hot chocolates and Chelsea buns.
Continual thanks, as always, to those dear friends who do what us writers need and appreciate so much: ask after the latest novel, offer to read early drafts, read and say nice things about the published book, attend launches and events, and buy extra copies (unexpected and probably unwanted) for their own friends. I notice all this and am always deeply touched and grateful for it. Thank you, you all have my heart: Virginie (for listening and loving so deeply), Al Jago (for excessive kindness), Ash (keeper of the flame), Emily (especially this time for reading and encouraging when I needed it most), Ova (for asking so often and caring so much), Ruth (my baking fairy), Sarah W (for so generously promoting), Anita (for always making me laugh), Natalie (loveliest student and now friend), Steve (for that day in the café and many subsequent ones), Natasha (hope you like your cameo), Tanya and Ella (family and friends both), Katrin (beautiful art and beautiful smile), Naz and Laurence (who’ve both taught me so much), Kelly Jo (for foisting SO many copies of my books on the unsuspecting), Amanda (my fellow witch), Alice R (I love and miss our bookish chats), Dave (for all the doughnuts), Jo (for asking for the next book and, of course, the cakes), Amy (for being there and looking fabulous), Clara (I miss your cake deliveries and you), Ella (artist extraordinaire), Rachel (for kind and encouraging words), Emma (I look forward to our next slice of cherry pie), Steve (for all the postcards), Gemma and Thierry (for never missing an event), Alex G (so glad MM&C brought you into my life), Helen (for always staying in touch and reading every book), Miriam (ditto), Al P (double ditto), Lizzie (another sticky bun soon please), Roopali (your last note touched me), Kristina (travelled far but never forgotten), Barn (always late but always there), Vin (for the visits and excellent recs) and Tony (I know these ones aren’t for you, but you’ve not given up on me). You’ve all been, and continue to be, generous, lovely and amazing. Thank you!
And, of course, to my beautiful and brilliant family, who do all of the above and more, without whom my life would be so much smaller and dimmer: Artur, Oscar and Raffy, Mum and Dad, Jack and Mattie, Idilia, Christine, Fatima and Manuel.