A very different version of Breakneck Point began when my good friend and fellow writer, Tim Cooke, told me I should write a crime novel, something that had never occurred to me, even though I’ve written about policing for over twenty years and used to be a scenes of crime officer. Thank you, Tim, for starting the ball rolling and for your ongoing support and friendship.
I would also like to thank the author and my tutor on the Curtis Brown Creative six-month writing course Lisa O’Donnell for teaching me to search for the ‘truth and nothing but the truth’ in my writing. That course changed my life in so many ways, not least by introducing me to the September Tribe of amazingly talented writers and all-round lovely people who have been a tremendous support to me. I hope I have been able to return the favour. Thank you, Kath, Robbie, Charlie, Sarah and Lolly.
Thank you also to Lucy Morris at Curtis Brown, the best agent any writer could wish for. Your expert guidance, your belief in me and your enthusiasm for my novel have been incredible. I’m so lucky to have you in my corner. I’m not sure there’s anyone else I’d rewrite 45,000 words for!
Thank you also to Cicely Aspinall, my editor at HQ. Your brilliant notes are so full of humour and kindness that you made the editing process as painless as it could be. You have been a joy to work with.
I’d also like to thank my brother-in-law Mick for his patience in explaining the intricacies of modern police procedure to me. I am in awe of your knowledge, and any veering off course is entirely down to me.
Thank you to my awesome children, Frank, Rose, Joseph and Alice for accepting as completely normal a mum who spends hours tapping away on a laptop.
And finally… Richard, who has not only cheered me from the sidelines for more years than I care to remember, but frequently runs onto the pitch to pick me back up again. I love you for that and for all sorts of other reasons.
Lastly, I’d like to acknowledge the men and women in the forensic suits that you see on your television screens disappearing into crime scenes. Everyday SOCOs or CSIs quietly and diligently go about the business of finding that vital piece of physical evidence that will bring an offender to justice. Without them, the world would be a more dangerous place.