Field of Blood

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book just couldn’t have happened without the efforts and insights of Selina Walker, and I cannot thank her enough for her patience and sharp eye. Katrina Whone, Rachel Calder, and Reagan Arthur also gave me great direction nearer the end.

Many people have helped with my research. Thanks and lunches are due to Stephen McGinty, Linda Watson-Brown, and Val McDermid, who gave me invaluable insights into the workings of a busy newsroom in the early eighties. Also to Kester Aspden for materials kindly given for no return.

Inspiration for the story was provided by the brilliant Dr. Clare McDermid’s work into the social construction of child offenders, most of which had to be cut out but will doubtless appear in another project at a later date.

Thanks also to Gerry Considine, who did his usual and gave me legal advice. Or did he this time? I can’t remember. Maybe it was Philip Considine or John Considine who gave me legal advice. If so, it’ll all be wrong because they’re not lawyers. Maybe it was Auntie Betty Considine. Is there a new European convention concerning wee cups of tea and fruit loaf?

Most of all, my undying gratitude to Steve, Monica, and Edith for their support during the scariest of wonderful times.