My wonderful editor, Tilda McDonald, who has taken my story and elevated it to something far more than I thought it could be, and who has given me confidence in my ideas. Also Beth Wickington, for joining Tilda in the editing process and complimenting me far more than I felt I deserved!

Sabah Khan and Ellie Pilcher, for publicity and marketing respectively – you do so much work behind the scenes, and even though I didn’t get to do many events this year, I can’t wait to see what we have in store in the future. Rebecca Fortuin for her stellar work on the audiobook, particularly for ensuring we had d/Deaf representation in this format. For production and sales: Catriona Beamish, Caroline Bovey, Kelly Webster, Jean Marie Kelly, Emily Gerbner, Charlotte Cross and Peter Borcsok.

Thank you to Sarah Whittaker for another stunning cover, and Rhian McKay for copyedits (it seems I have terrible aim when highlighting sections to be italicised!).

Friends and family have been invaluable, providing everything from cheerleading to childcare, and it certainly takes more than a village to get a book written! Thank you to: Hannah Bowman, Kate Davie, Kayleigh Christopher, Becky Page, Monica Warren, Jen Clapp, Mette Thobro, Vic Logan, David Bishop, Liz King, Kirsty Holmes, Shane Kilbee, Jo Binks, Debi Alper, Ruth Cheesley, Lizzie Monaghan, Becki Rothwell, Jillian Cranmer, Ange Robinson, Gemma Hall, Lynsey Lowry – so many people have supported me, believed in me, and recommended my books to others, and I am immensely grateful. If I’ve forgotten anyone, please forgive me!

Special mentions: Faye Robertson, for always answering my weird police-related questions – all errors and flights of fancy are always my own; Nick Quantrill and Nick Triplow, for their excellent work supporting writers around the Humber region; Nick and Mel Webb at The Rabbit Hole bookshop in Brigg, for being fantastic advocates for local writers; Philippa East, my Lincolnshire partner-in-crime; Clare-Louise English and Lara Steward for championing my writing from a d/Deaf perspective. To my interpreter friends, I’m sorry for taking liberties with your job.

Thank you, as ever, to my parents, Glynis and Mark; to Will, Michelle and Alice; and to Gary, Edna, Julia and Patrick. To Stuart, for always being there for me and believing in me when I need it most, and to Albert, for giving me a reason to keep writing.

About the Author

After studying English at university, Nell Pattison became a teacher and specialised in Deaf education. She has been teaching in the Deaf community for 13 years in both England and Scotland, working with students who use British Sign Language. Nell began losing her hearing in her twenties, and now wears hearing aids. She lives in North Lincolnshire with her husband and son. Nell is the author of novels The Silent House and Silent Night, featuring BSL interpreter Paige Northwood.

By the same author:

The Silent House

About the Publisher

Australia

HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty. Ltd.

Level 13, 201 Elizabeth Street

Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia