Acknowledgements

Were it not for my agent, Harry Illingworth, this novel would likely be no more than a too-bold dream by now, buried in a drawer at home somewhere. Harry took a punt on it, and took a punt on me. I’m forever in his debt. Thank you, mate.

Thank you to my editor, Ben Horslen. Last Lesson was always something of a badly behaved child. Ben, like the sort of irresponsible uncle every kid loves, never sought to straighten it out, instead nurturing its wayward personality. The finished product isn’t just better for Ben’s attention, it’s ruder and edgier into the bargain. I couldn’t ask for more.

Thanks also to the many brilliant professionals who I’ve been fortunate enough to work with, including Stephanie Barrett, Jane Tait, Mary O’Riordan, Alice Todd for the awesome cover design and everyone at Penguin, Emily Glenister, Fay Samson, and Zainab Mahmood-Ahmad and Beth Cox of Inclusive Minds.

Many thanks to the family and friends who’ve helped along the way, especially my brothers Will and Sam, Danny Ross, Tony and Julie Rizzo, and Alex Smith.

A special thank you to my grandad, Peter Hill. Sadly he didn’t see Last Lesson reach publication, passing away in the summer of 2019. His enthusiasm for my writing and this novel in particular always serves to remind me that very little of the teenage experience has ever really changed down the generations. He also provided invaluable expertise on the subject of homemade explosives, not to mention more than a little inspiration when writing the character of a loving grandfather.

Thank you to my mum and dad. I reckon we are all born storytellers, and we remain so until it’s educated out of us. You never told me to grow up, instead championing creativity above all else. If I can learn from you, and do even half as good a job with my own little person, I’ll think myself a success.

And to Vikki. For everything. This book is dedicated to you. It seems the very least I can do.

If you are affected by anything you have read in Last Lesson, or are worried about anyone in your life, there are organizations that can offer support.

These include:

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

Leading a movement against male suicide by supporting men who are down or in crisis, and supporting those bereaved by suicide. Their 365-day helpline for men over fifteen years old is open 5 p.m. to midnight.

Helpline: 0800 58 58 58

Cruse Bereavement Care

Offers support, advice and information when someone dies, so that all bereaved people have somewhere to turn. The youth website, Hope Again, is a safe place providing advice on dealing with the loss of a loved one, a listening ear from other young people and information about Cruse’s services.

Helpline: 0808 808 1677