This novel is dedicated to my husband, Dr Berndt Sellheim, for good reason. Writing two novels back to back without a break (and with a funny, swaggering, giggling toddler) is no easy thing, and without his unwavering support I simply could not have done it. Thank you for the love and coffee, Berndt. I can’t wait to hold your novel in my hands next year.

I’d also like to thank my own Great-Aunt Celia/fairy godmother, Selwa Anthony, my friend and literary agent. You and Brian are family. To Cate, Claire, Sam, Caitlin and the team at Pan Macmillan, thank you for letting me bring Spektor to life.

I am blessed to have wonderful friends, including the Gothmother Alison, Aunty Hels, Miss J, Mindi, Joshua, Adam and Susie, Tracey and Charlie, Pene and Karim, Jody and Simon, Jack and Venetia, Alicia and Carlos, Charlotte, Misty, Sarah, Caroline, Kelly and Mick, Jacinta, Lizzy, Marieke, Helen, Mieke, Emily, Lauren and Josh, Amelia and Desi. Thank you for your patience, inspiration and general wickedness.

Thank you also to the Wiccan goddess Fiona Horne for the circle of protection. And to the Blue Mountains for the magical mists of Spektor.

To my precious family, Dad and Lou, Nik and Dorothy, Maureen, Jacquelyn and Annelies, I love you. Sapphira, you are a gem. Thank you for making my life richer. Mum, I never forget you.