Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge the past patients and staff of Callan Park Mental Hospital (later known as Rozelle Hospital).

Special thanks to friends and family who supported and encouraged me in the writing of this book. I am indebted to Phillipa Martin for her expert editorial services, her wise counsel and patience during the many drafts of the manuscript.

A special thank you to Doctor Coletta Hobbs and Doctor Christopher Lauer for allowing me to ‘pick their brains’ in all matters relating to psychology and pathology, respectively. I enjoyed the conversations!

I would also like to thank Kerry Rogerson for assisting me with police procedures and putting up with my relentless questions during odd hours both day and night.

Also thank you for the forensic information so generously shared by Doctor Doug Lyle.

Asylum is a work of fiction. The clock tower in the grounds of the Kirkbride Complex is not accessible to the general public. Kirkbride is occupied by Sydney University of the Arts and is private property.

I apologise for the liberties I took with police procedures and please forgive any medical, historical, geographical errors or omissions, which were made purely in the interests of dramatic fiction.