Thanks to:
Finn Cotton, for your patience and insight. A tremendously good editor with a sharp eye, and a pleasure to work with. And the Killer Reads team in general.
Shelley Instone, a massive influence and brilliant editor.
All the people I can “talk writing” to … fellow Killer Reads authors. Script Yorkshire folks and other members of the Board. Also Maria Malone, Gemma Head, the ‘Js’, and our recently formed writers group. The ones on social media too.
Those who keep the book scene buoyant in Leeds – Fiona Gell of Leeds Big Bookend. The Hyde Park Book Club. The gorgeous Leeds Library. Your support is so much appreciated.
Lisa and Adrian Burch, the creative duo who produced an excellent book trailer for the last one, Losing Juliet.
All my Leeds friends, you really are the best, including those who’ve moved away. And other friends, you know who you are, I hope we see each other very soon. (I like to keep my friends close and have no time for enemies!)
Walt and Art, for making me laugh and being so smart. Grandma Sal and Nana Boo, you are greatly missed.
The McMahons and the Taylors, who’ve always been there for me, family is everything. Mrs Joon, with your relentless energy and encouragement, your enormous sense of fun, you keep us all afloat. Tim, I’m sorry I have this writing disease but so many thanks for your support! Pearl, my big sister, whom I miss and adore, I still look up to you even now. Dad, I hope I made you proud.
Helen Cadbury, my friend and fellow writer. You had my back on the first book and I’ll always remember that. I miss your wit and wisdom, your kindness, and all the daft email banter. You were a special human being.
The locations in this book around Leeds are a mixture of reality and fiction. The Midland hotel in Morecambe does exist and is a wonderful place. I have tried to give an accurate portrayal of Morecambe, too, and all the other locations, but bear in mind this is a work of fiction.
The characters are totally made up, I promise.
Finally, if you enjoyed Keep Your Friends Close, I’d be grateful if you could leave a review. It’s a big ask, I know, but every one of them helps the writer. (e.g. on Amazon, Goodreads, etc.)