Crimes Against Magic (41 page)

I’d firstly like to thank my wife, Vanessa, for always believing in me, even when I didn’t. And also my two lovely daughters. You three together are the reasons I write, and I love you more than I could ever say.

My parents, who never once thought I was incapable of achieving this goal, and who always taught me to strive to better myself, thank you for making me the man I am today.

My friends and family, who always asked me how the book was going and always sounded interested even when I discussed the dullest pieces of information regarding sentence structure, agent hunting or what fifteenth century people would have worn. It’s finally written and I’ll shut up about it now, I promise.

To Michelle Muto and D.B.Reynolds. Two of the finest writers I know, and two people I’m proud to call my friends. Without their help on this book, it would never have gotten where it has. 

Speaking of writers, I’d like to thank everyone on Kelley Armstrong’s forum, but especially those in OWG group 6. All fantastic writers and each of them helped me craft this story. But a special mention goes out to Dianne, Chrissey, Danni, Teri and Angie who took a lot of time to go through the book and tell me what did and didn’t work. 

All books also have a collection of readers, in my case Howard, Alex and Kerry. Thank you for your time and kind words.

It’s probably cliché to thank your English teacher, but I don’t care I’m doing it anyway. Peter Pearcy (its weird calling my teacher by his first name) was not only the best English teacher I ever had, he was the best teacher. He allowed me to get away with murder, but he also ignited a spark inside me for writing that has burned for over twenty years. And for that I will always be grateful.

There are many people who helped in small ways with information that didn’t make it into this book, but hopefully what I learnt will be used in a later one. Firstly, BMW Southampton who explained how to steal a Z4 (short answer you can’t), and not calling the cops when I asked. Hampshire Fire and Rescue for showing me how to start a fire to make it appear as an arson attack and also not calling the cops when I asked. Thank you both for not having me arrested.

The imperial war museum in London, who gracefully allowed me into the catacombs beneath the museum to see some of the items they have that aren’t for public display. It was a day I will never forget, mostly because it was a day when I tried not to bump into anything explosive.

Last, but by no means least, to my friend Kev Burman, you are the wind beneath my wings (told you I’d put it).