Many thanks to my friends and supporters in Scilly, including Linda Thomas and Rachel Greenlaw. Your kind welcome makes the islands an even greater pleasure to visit. I’m also grateful to Judy Logan, Amanda Grunfeld and Penny Hancock for listening to me bang on about this book’s plot and characters. Dave Pescod, my long-suffering husband, thanks for the tea, advice and chocolate biscuits. Who knew that during the COVID lockdown you would not only master the art of breadmaking, but also write your own brilliant novel? I am well and truly proud of you.
I owe a big debt to Bethan Jones, my new editor. The relationship between author and editor can be a tense one, but you have been so kind and supportive from day one it’s been a pleasure working with you. Your notes help hugely at every stage of writing these books. Jess Barratt, thanks so much for being such a committed and talented publicist. Many thanks for all your support on the Locked Island series. Knowing that the lovely sales team at Simon & Schuster also work so hard to promote my books is a huge encouragement.
My Twitter pals are too many to thank individually, but I’m so grateful for the wonderful support of Polly Dymock, Jennie Blackwell, Janet Fearnley, Anna Tink, Joanna Blatchley, Richard Purser, Peggy Breckin, Elaine Cook, Rachel Ward, Ian Dixon, Hazel Wright, Joanna Beesley, Angela Barnes and many more.
Thanks again to Vicki, Clive and Avril at Mumford’s in Hugh Town, St Mary’s, for requesting signed copies every year for your customers. I love seeing my books on your shelves!