Any novel is a collaborative effort, and I’ve been very fortunate to have, in Katy Loftus, a keen and enthusiastic — but above all very competent and personable — young editor who has done so much to shape this book. For her, and for the rest of the highly motivated team at Transworld out in darkest Ealing, I’m very grateful. Let’s have lunch again, and soon. And I obviously can’t forget my wonderful agent and good friend, Luigi Bonomi, who has always done his best to consistently and brilliantly shape my career as an author. To him, and Ajda and Alison and everyone else at LBA, my heartfelt thanks. Onwards and upwards!