This book wouldn't be the thing you are holding today without the help of some remarkable people. A huge, heartfelt thank-you to:
Gemma Cooper, my agent, who saw
Stonebird
when it was no more than a one-sentence idea and was there every step of the way.
Sarah Lambert, my editor, whose vision and passion I'm still in awe of, and the whole great team at Quercus.
Talya Baker, who made me look cleverer than I am.
And, lastly, I'd like to thank J. K. Rowling, for showing me the magic of reading when I was Liam's age.