The Unlikely Spy

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The events portrayed in this novel are the product of the author's imagination, as are the characters who populate it, and it is not intended as a representation of actual events. However, many people gave generously of their time and knowledge to help a young man write about things that happened a long time ago. Obviously, the expertise is theirs. Any mistakes and dramatic license are mine.

I am forever indebted to the team at Weidenfeld & Nicolson in London: Anthony Cheetham, Cassia Joll, and Maureen Kristunas, who missed her tube stop. But most of all, a very special thanks to Ion Trewin, who lent me his eyes and ears and patiently answered each of my questions, no matter how mundane. Truly, this novel could not have been written without his help, encouragement, and weekend research outings with his wife, Sue, along the Norfolk coast.

To all my friends and colleagues at CNN, especially Tom Johnson, Ed Turner, Frank Sesno, Richard Davis, and Bill Headline, who gave me the time and freedom to write this novel, then allowed me to come home when it was done.

To the team at International Creative Management: Heather Schroder, Sloan Harris, and Jack Horner. But most of all to my agent, friend, and guide, Esther Newberg, who made a dream come true. There is none better.

To all those who gave me assistance or advice along the way: Dr. Uwe Heldt and Professor Klaus Fischer for their expertise on the history of Nazi Germany; Dr. Michael Baden for his counsel on the intricacies of stab wounds and decomposition; to Brian Montgomery for his patient lecture on the anatomy of a diesel engine; and to Lisa Havlovitz for her assistance in preparing the final manuscript. Also, special thanks to Adria Hillman, Kenneth Warner, and Jeffrey Blount for their invaluable support, and to Professor Bernard Jacob, my friend, my teacher, my eternal shoulder to lean on.

And finally to the remarkable team of professionals at Random House: Harry Evans, Linda Grey, Leona Nevler, Sybil Pincus, Jennifer Webb, Dan Rembert, Lilly Langotsky, Adam Rothberg, Brian McLendon, Kirsten Raymond, Mark Speer, Dianne Russell, Sairey Luterman, Annik La Farge, Melissa Milsten, Leta Evanthes, Camille MacDuffie, and Lynn Goldberg.

And of course David Rosenthal, my publisher and brilliant editor, who showed me the way, gently set me back on course when I strayed, and helped me turn a manuscript into a novel. A true friend from beginning to end.