Acknowledgements

TO MY EDITOR, LEONORA CRAIG Cohen, for loving this book and shaping it into the greatest version of itself. You have looked after it so well, and the opportunity to work with someone just as creepy as me has been a profound pleasure. Thank you for holding my hand!

To everyone at Serpent’s Tail who has taken such care of this book and of me: Hannah Westland, Anna-Marie Fitzgerald, Emily Frisella, Georgina Difford, Ali Nadal, Linden Lawson, and to Mark Swan for the fabulous, eerie cover. Thank you.

To my agent, Hayley Steed, who took a notion for a very new writer, years ago, and signed her up. You have been a steady source of encouragement, inspiration and good, sensible advice when I have run away with myself. Your faith in my writing, and that I could make a career of it, has been life-altering; how lucky I am to have found you.

To everyone at the Madeleine Milburn agency, for being so collectively supportive and providing me with a truly exceptional start in the industry. In particular, Georgia McVeigh, who read this novel in its infancy and gave such wonderful feedback.

To every marvellous friend who read my early writing and told me to continue: Henry Cockburn, Rebecca Reddecliffe, Jessica Richardson, Charlotte King, Laura Buchan, Kathleen Sargeant, Emily Cockburn and Rachel Sené-Todd.

To the friends that remained steadfast supporters as this book went on its publishing journey and I grew increasingly unhinged, who continued to provide strong drinks and suppers and understood when plans were cancelled, or when I was absent from the fun: Michael and Emma Bailey, Abby and Liam O’Looney, Chris Wright, Aarish Pandiya, Megan Webb, Sophie and Brian O’Radcliffe, Damilola Odimayo, Amanda Mason and Harry Jenkins, Lisa Williams, Victoria Beadle, Della Wolfe and Sharon Ridge.

To Abi Strevens, without whom this book would not have been written. Thank you.

To Fiona Whitehouse, who gave me generous and useful advice on how artists earn a living, among other things. Thank you for your kindness.

To Caoimhe Ní Dhónaill, who read this manuscript before anyone else, provided solid notes, and was so frightened that she almost didn’t finish it – you have been an excellent barometer for fear and a generous reader.

To Carolyn Ramsay, who once took a walk with me in Dorset. That trip inspired this novel and also delivered outstanding crab sandwiches. Thank you.

To my dearest friend, Heather S. Wright, whom I love so much. My primary editor, my greatest source of amusement, the person upon whom I call when the ideas (or the motivation) run out, and who never fails to inspire. The best sort of friend a person could have, only much more like a chicken.

To my family, large and lively and ever proud, ever supportive: Mike, Chris, Jessie, Genevieve, James, Emily, Jamie, Sarah, Andy and Bonnie. To the other half: Helen, James, Jane, Simon and Doreen. Thank you.

To those who will never read this: Bill McKellar, Harry and Valerie Cuming, and Shirley and Phil Crabb, none of whom ever underestimated the restorative power of a gin and tonic.

Finally, and crucially, thank you to my husband, Tim. For his unshakable belief in my abilities, for his unwavering commitment to helping me realise a dream. For a multitude of dinners, delivered to the desk of a woman who was too busy to say thank you (but he knew she meant it). For understanding the difficult days and celebrating the good ones. Without you, my life as I know it would not – could not – exist. Without you, this novel would not exist – nor the next one, nor the next. I am indebted to you, and I love you.