Thank you to my beta readers: first and foremost Laura Hedley for not hating it; Liz Bankes, whose reaction I read when I’m feeling blue; Conrad Mason — I pretty much owe you my firstborn for this; and Freddie Carver, who does not deserve this credit whatsoever, given that he failed to read the manuscript.

For the erstwhile BWC crew, Cat Clarke and Kate no-longer-Knighton — I miss you both. Writing chapters without the reward of a pint in the pub isn’t quite as rewarding.

A huge shout out to the book bloggers who I met online before I met in person. You are all proper champions, but I would specifically like to thank Kirsty Connor for suggesting Neville’s favourite drink and making sure I get invited to things and Liz de Jager — no longer a blogger, but for ever a friend, one who’s held my hand as we walked the path of publication together.

It makes sense to thank my family right about now. Mum — you’ve got a dedication, which makes the whole book an acknowledgement really. And Dad, who understands that being there has nothing to do with geography.

And Pragmatic Dan — thank you for all of the things, but especially the patience.

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Copyright

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, used fictitiously. All statements, activities, stunts, descriptions, information and material of any other kind contained herein are included for entertainment purposes only and should not be relied on for accuracy or replicated as they may result in injury.

First published 2014 by Walker Books Ltd

87 Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5HJ

Text © 2014 Leonie Parish

Cover design by Walker Books Ltd

The moral rights of the author have been asserted

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted or stored in an information retrieval system in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, taping and recording, without prior written permission from the publisher.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data:

a catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN 978-1-4063-5410-2 (ePub)

www.walker.co.uk