On the way out, a young man stopped Maisie. ‘That was really incredible.’

‘Thanks.’

He was shy, nervous, a little unsteady in himself, even. ‘Would you mind if I talked to you for a few minutes? It’s about what I am.’

‘I’d love that, son.’ And Maisie Bean Brennan smiled.

Acknowledgements

Two people helped to make this book happen. They believed in the story from the very start. They supported me when illness meant delays and tight deadlines, without saying one negative word. They helped shape this book. So to my agent Sheila Crowley and my Transworld editor Harriet Bourton go my heartfelt thanks. Sheila joked that we’re a Dream Team, and I like to think she’s right. Sheila, you are fierce, fabulous, honest and driven, and I’m so grateful for your representation. Harriet, every note makes perfect sense, you make me laugh, you know exactly what lane I’m supposed to be in and you always elevate the work. I couldn’t ask for more. Ladies, my heart is full.

A huge thank-you to my copy-editor Hazel Orme for her invaluable work on all seven of my novels.

To my entire family: I love you and thank you for everything.

To my friends: you make life better. Thanks especially to Enda Barron and Eimear O’Rourke for providing invaluable insight and local knowledge.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna McPartlin is a novelist and scriptwriter. Her previous incarnation as a stand-up comedian left an indelible mark. She describes herself as a slave to the joke and finds humour and humanity in even the darkest situations. Anna lives in Wicklow with her husband and animals. The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes, Anna’s previous novel, was a Richard & Judy selected title and a top-ten bestseller in the UK and Ireland.

Also by Anna McPartlin

Pack Up the Moon

Apart from the Crowd
The Truth Will Out
So What If I’m Broken
No Way To Say Goodbye
The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes