The Wicked Girls

Acknowledgements

Books never come into being in the solitary confinement of an ivory tower. I owe debts of gratitude to many people; I only hope I don’t cause offence by failing to mention any of them.

Laetitia Rutherford and her colleagues at Mulcahy Conway Associates. A good agent is much more than the superficial job description. Laetitia’s sharp brain, unerring ear, sound advice, dogged approach and, frankly, at some points, patient nurse-maiding, have honestly revolutionised my existence. I can’t express my gratitude enough.

There are so many people at Sphere for whose knowledge, inventiveness and enthusiasm I have reason to be grateful. But particularly, of course, Catherine Burke and Thalia Proctor. Such a relief to find one’s work in safe hands!

My dear friend John Amaechi, whose professional wisdom in matters of both child psychology and identity have been invaluable, as have his always-entertaining from-the-spotlight tales of media interpretation over the years.

Alastair Swinnerton, for a late-night flippancy that turned into a solution.

Mum and Bunny. No need to explain.

Dad and Patricia. Ditto.

William and Ali Mackesy, whose support and love have carried me a long way.

Cathy and David Fleming, for the same reasons.

In no particular order: Chris Manby, Antonia Willis, Brian Donaghey, Charlie Standing, Stella Duffy, Shelley Silas, Lauren Milne Henderson, Jo Johnston Stewart, Venetia Phillips, Claire Gervat, Diana Pepper, Chloe Saxby, Jonathan Longhurst. And the Board, of course. What’s said there, stays there;)