I am grateful to Markson Koroa for his help on my trip to Tikopia, and to Jimmy Kenekene and his family for their hospitality during my stays on the island of Savo. As always I am deeply indebted to my dedicated agent Isabel White for her unswerving understanding and enthusiasm. The charming and gifted editorial team at Constable & Robinson of Krystyna Green, Nicky Jeanes and Jane Selley has again contributed considerably. I am also conscious of how much I owe to Emily Burns and the sales, marketing and publicity departments for all their efforts on my behalf. My American publishers Soho Crime continue to be a source of much-appreciated enormous support and expertise.