Acknowledgments

Rusty Bore, its inhabitants, dogs and ferrets may not be real, but there are a number of actual people who helped with the creation of this book:

Thanks to Debbie Marks and Ciara Martin, who read an early version of the manuscript.

For generously providing ferret tips and tales, I point my finger firmly at the Garland family and Elise Vandertuin. Thank you, guys.

To my family and friends, who know the full list of Questions Not to Ask Authors, thank you for your support and encouragement.

A huge thanks to Text for believing in Rusty Bore—especially Mandy Brett, Alice Lewinsky, Anne Beilby and Kirsty Wilson (who’s worryingly familiar with the area between Teddywaddy West and Chinkapook).

It also seems appropriate to mention the Australian government, who, no matter who they are this week, remain an unwavering source of inspiration.

I can’t not mention Small But Big, aka Nicki Reed, best writing partner ever. A big thanks for letting me hang around with you.

Last, but not least: Ross, who puts up with it all, even managing to provide hilarious early-morning plot ideas before any caffeine has passed his lips. Heartfelt thanks. Sorry to break it to you, but I think it could still be argued that this is all your fault.