Juliet Burton has been my literary minder for longer than either of us care to dwell on, and when not scrutinising small print has kept me up to speed with The Archers, shared the pain and glory of being an English cricket lover, and just generally been there when needed. Thank you, dear.
And thank you for various forms of support to Alan Judd, Chris Edwards, Daphne Wright, Helen Giltrow, Jamie Laurenson, MSJ, Nick Smith, Sarah Hilary, Will Smith, my mum, my siblings, their partners and their offspring.
Those hoping to find HMS President on the Victoria Embankment will be disappointed, as it disappeared from its berth a day or so after I finished Spook Street. I have form in this area: setting scenes of novels in locations that are rapidly demolished, redeveloped or removed. Any suggestions as to how I might monetise this talent will be gratefully received.
MH
Oxford, May 2016