It’s a truism but true nonetheless that books are not the work of one person. So I’d like to thank the following for their help along the way.
First call must be to the Buckman Gang – Peter, Rosie and Jessica who plucked my tatty script out of the slush pile and were prepared to give it and me a chance. Then, of course, everyone at Avon for taking a punt on a first timer – particularly Max and Kesh for their humour and patience.
Thanks to Peter Marshall for friendship through the years and for advice on criminal procedure.
A big shout out to the members of HUG especially David Stacey and Michael Crawshaw – without your honest tongue lashings and generous encouragement I wouldn’t have finished this book.
Thanks is also due to the BW Mums whose ability to laugh at themselves made Damaged Goods much funnier than I could have done on my own.
Finally I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my family. My Dad for giving me my love of books. My Mum for assuming I would never be ordinary. My children for reminding me every day how lucky I am.
Then there’s Andrew. Husband, best friend. When I mentioned I might like to write a book you didn’t laugh. You bought me a laptop.