Acknowledgements

I’ve stated before that authors don’t work in a vacuum when creating a book and this one is no exception. Although the actual writing is a solo effort—one person alone at the keyboard, except for their insecurities—there is a host of people figuratively at their back, or virtually at the other end of a cable.

Special thanks go to Denzil Meyrick for his unswerving support and guidance. Also to those authors who read this in its various stages: Caro Ramsay, Lucy Cameron, Theresa Talbot, Michael J. Malone and Neil Broadfoot. Thanks for putting in the time, and your advice was not just welcome but spot on. As well as Neil, I also have to give a shout out to the remaining members of the Four Blokes in Search of a Plot team—Gordon Brown and Mark Leggatt—who are always on hand for a word or a choice insult. The Tea Cosy of Inspiration also had a role to play.

Gratitude also goes to Jenny Brown, who graciously spent time with me and gave me pointers both before and after the first draft was completed.

Thanks to Alison Rae and all at Polygon for seeing the value of the book and to my editor Debs Warner for keeping the tale on track. And catching my errors. Also to designer Chris Hannah for what I think is a stunning cover.

I am indebted to Iain MacPherson for his assistance with the Gaelic phrases and David Kerr for his local knowledge. Also to Stephen Wilkie and Dr Sharlene Butler for their help.

And then there are the book bloggers and booksellers and librarians, without whom we could not function. The list has grown considerably over the years and space here is limited, but you all know who you are and I appreciate everything you do, not just for me but all authors.

To festival organisers who have invited me to attend—thank you so much. And please have me back.

Similarly, friends who have supported me, shared posts, attended events and generally kept me something approximating sane, thank you. Again, you know who you are, and I won’t list for fear of missing someone out, but you are all important to me.