First of all, I want to say that this book required a lot of research, which was fascinating, fun and time-consuming in the best way – exactly the distraction I needed in these strange, unsettling times.
While I love the idea of being out on the open ocean, boats and me don’t mix. Having been sick on a cross channel ferry and on a seal snorkelling trip, I’d decided my sailing days were over … or so I thought …
However, it became clear I couldn’t possibly write this book without actually going on a sailing yacht, so I decided, with much trepidation, to book a day trip with Bowman Yacht Charters around Falmouth bay and the Helford estuary.
Not only did I not feel the slightest bit seasick, I loved it and even took the helm for a short while. The stories I heard and the information I gleaned on my trip were invaluable, so I want to thank our skipper Adam and Cyprian from Bowman for their patience, insight and advice. A special thanks goes to Andy Aston who crewed the boat and has answered my many questions since our sail. I also want to thank Ben Harris, who builds beautiful traditional wooden boats at Gweek in Cornwall, and took the time to show me around his workshop and answer my questions.
On the archaeology side, a big thanks goes to Dave Hamilton, whose excellent and fun guide, Wild Ruins BC, inspired my interest in ancient sites. You can find him @DaveWildish on Twitter.
Apologies to everyone who helped for anything I’ve got wrong or deliberately fictionalised to suit my story. I do know Dozmary Pool isn’t on the Lizard, and the Merry Maidens are in Penwith, but my excuse is the plot comes first.
Last year was very difficult at times, but I found the perfect escape in this story and I hope you do too. Throughout it all, I’ve been able to call on the support of my author friends especially the Party People and the Coffee Crew, along with my best mate and bookseller, Janice Hume, and the indefatigable Friday Floras.
I also want to thank my daughter, Charlotte, for her scientific advice. This book is also dedicated to the wonderful Cambridge COG UK team of scientists and clinicians helping to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite everything, 2020 ended on a high for me with my previous novel, A Surprise Christmas Wedding, becoming my first Sunday Times best seller. I can’t describe the joy I felt and that’s down to all my readers, for buying my books.
Thank you too, to the incredible sales, publicity and marketing team at Avon Books who managed to get my work onto e-readers and the shelves of supermarkets and bookshops in the most challenging of circumstances. I’m also very grateful to Helena Newton, who has copy edited this book to help it sparkle for publication.
Thank you to my agent, Broo Doherty, and my editor, Rachel Faulkner-Willcocks, for helping me to keep writing and to make my work the best it can be for my readers. Not only are they both brilliant, they are also lovely people and I simply couldn’t do this without them. Finally, to all my family, especially Charlotte, James, my parents and John – I love you.