A lot of writers warn debut authors about second book syndrome, but for me, my third book – My Perfect Friend – was my most challenging to write. Tens of thousands of words were virtually screwed up and thrown into a cyber bin before the story finally began to flow. Hence, I have a lot of people to thank for keeping me going.

But first, I would like to thank the experts who gave me their time. Thank you, Dr Mike Forsythe and Dr Sophie Lane, for your advice on Mark’s injury and treatment. Not only did you answer my many questions, but you provided the perfect solution for waking Mark up at just the right time. Thank you, Susan Clarke, for explaining the dog grooming process, and a big thank you to Inspector Simon Stone for sharing your knowledge and insight as a police officer in the Metropolitan Police. I hope your namesake Joe Stone meets your expectations – we can both look forward to the movie version! Thanks also to Hannah Smith for your eleventh hour social media insight.

I also wanted to give a blanket acknowledgement to the ‘between the commons’ area of my borough. Brookhill Road is fictional, but local readers may recognise some of the real landmarks I include in the book. Thank you for ‘lending’ me your lovely area for inspiration – I’m sure there’s no one as dangerous as Beth living amongst you!

Thank you also to everyone at HQ and especially my brilliant editor Cicely Aspinall. Your thoughtful suggestions were all ‘perfect’ and made for a much-improved book. Thank you also for being so positive about everything book-related and more.

The whole writing community is incredibly supportive, but I’d like to particularly thank Sophie Flynn, Liv Matthews, Meera Shah, Catherine Cooper, Jane Jesmond, Simon Van der Velde, Jac Sutherland and Lucy Martin for making me feel part of something. Thank you also to my friends closer to home, my Chuffing Bats tribe who always make me laugh, and especially Becky and Rachel. Thank you, Bex, for forgiving my absences, and Julia, Louise and Jane for the pep talks on dog walks.

I’d also like to thank my readers, especially those who have taken the time to review my books. From the early reviews given by Pigeonhole readers, NetGalley members and the book-blogging community, to every reader who has taken the time since. Reading your positive comments reminds me how incredibly proud I am to do this job.

And finally, my family. Thank you, Dad – your role as my chief beta reader remains secure – and Mum, for always listening. Thank you, Scarlett and Finn, for raising yourselves for a few months. And thank you, Chris, your Sunday roasts got me through.

Dear Reader …

Dear Reader,

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