All the characters in this book, good and bad, are fictional. However, Mark is grateful for the inspiration from outstanding senior counter-terrorism colleagues Lucy D’Orsi, Terri Nicholson, Theresa Breen.

If you want to find out more about the causes of hate crime and extremism, the campaign group Hope Not Hate’s research is essential reading.

Naturally, all errors of fact and omission in this book are our own.

We are most deeply indebted to our agent Elly James from hhb agency for her encouragement and sage advice, and to our editor Cari Rosen and her colleagues at Legend Press for helping us to take our manuscript from draft through to publication with such skill and enthusiasm.

Most of all though we want to thank Helena and Ali for their love, support, patience, insight and inspiration.