For (sometimes long) conversations about education, truancy, teaching and the processes of a school, huge thanks to Siobhan Hutchinson, Lynne Hallet, Beryl Hales, Paul Matthews and Hollie Matthews. Further thanks to Beryl for letting me ‘borrow’ an art month for Middledip, along with the Google map idea.

Mark Lacey, retired detective superintendent and independent member of the parole board, very kindly provided me with the likely view the police might take on teenage pranks that cross the line.

Social media friends contributed an unusual amount to this book. Thanks to those on Twitter who joined the fascinating discussion about being disappointed in a sibling. You made me think hard about how Grady would deal with learning the truth about Mac. My Facebook friends also helped me on the subjects of horses and Christmas gifts.

My writing life’s enriched by the members of Team Sue Moorcroft. Thanks to them for constant support and for providing names and occupations when my inspiration runs dry. (If you’d like to join the street team then visit www.suemoorcroft.com and click the sign-up link at the top of the page.)

My brother, Trevor Moorcroft, does my early research and this time he searched out information on bullying, infertility, agoraphobia, auto art, decorated gourds and more for me to study. He also kindly maintains several spreadsheets, including the Middledip Bible that allows me to keep track of characters and what they do in the village.

Fellow author Mark West has been my beta reader for most of my writing life and provides me with a fresh perspective, a keen eye for detail and an entertaining commentary. I frequently discuss my plots with him as they evolve. If I couldn’t chat about writing I think I’d go bonkers, and another thing that’s kept me grounded during tricky times is my Sunday evening video call with Pia Fenton and Myra Kersner – better known to their many readers as Christina Courtenay and Maggie Sullivan.

I couldn’t get my books to readers around the world without some very special professionals. Love and thanks to Juliet Pickering and the Blake Friedmann Literary Agency team and Helen Huthwaite and all at Avon HarperCollins. Working with you is a joy and a privilege.

Most of all, thank you for being one of my readers. You make it possible for me to spend my days conjuring stories for you to enjoy. Thank you for reading Under the Mistletoe and my other books, connecting with me on social media and sending me lovely messages and – of course! – writing good reviews. You make me happy.

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