I still have to pinch myself to believe that I’m a full-time writer and on my fifth book. I couldn’t have done any of it without the most fabulous, hardworking (and best-dressed) agent in the world, Juliet Mushens, who always goes above and beyond. I’m so lucky to have her not only as my agent but as a friend.

The same goes for my two wonderful editors, Maxine Hitchcock and Matilda McDonald, who, along with all the amazing Michael Joseph team – from the sales to the art department – have made my books into Sunday Times bestsellers. I couldn’t ask to work with a nicer, more dedicated team of people and I feel very lucky to be an MJ author.

A huge thank-you to Hazel Orme for her meticulous copy-editing and her encouraging and supportive emails.

When I was writing this book I was fortunate to be introduced to a retired CID detective, Keith Morgan, who gave me invaluable help with this story, answering my endless questions about police guards in hospitals, what would happen to a suspect if they were too ill to be questioned or arrested, etc. Before I finished the book, Keith sadly passed away. He was such a lovely, kind-hearted man, who went out of his way to help me and I am so thankful to him.

Writing can be a lonely business so I really appreciate my writing buddies, Gilly Macmillan, Nikki Owen, Tim Weaver, Liz Tipping, Joanna Barnard, Fiona Mitchell and Gillian McAllister for the chats, support, meet-ups, WhatsApp messages and laughs.

Thank you to all the bloggers and readers who have bought, shared, borrowed and recommended my books, and to those who have contacted me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram – your messages really do mean so much to me.

To all my friends, who have been so kind and supportive, reading and recommending my books, particularly the wonderful netball team for all our pub chatter.

To my mum and sister for being my first readers, and to my lovely step-parents, step-sister, nieces and in-laws.

My family, as always, has been incredibly patient while I wrote this book. To my husband, who spends hours listening to me droning on about plots and characters, who’s always honest if he thinks something won’t work, and helps me brainstorm tricky plot points. To my children, who are still too young to read my books – although I suspect my daughter will be reading them soon!

And last, but definitely not least, to my dad, Ken, to whom this book is dedicated. From a very young age he taught me and my siblings that we could do anything if we put our minds to it and worked hard. Thank you, Dad, for always believing in me, for your continued support, for forcing my books on all your friends (whether or not they want to read them!), for your humour, your generosity and strength.

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