A Very Mersey Murder

AcknowledgementsFor the fifth book in the Mersey Mystery series, I have to say a big, big thank you to Debbie Poole. As my one-time proof-reader, Debbie has moved on to fulfil not only that role but has grown into her new role as my on-the-spot researcher in Liverpool. I've been away from the city for a long time, so it's obvious that not everything is as it was 'in my day' and Debbie is able to first of all, correct me if I try to include locations or buildings that no longer exist, or sometimes, corrects my faulty geography when it comes to local geography. Debbie also throws herself into the research role and has driven many miles around the city and its environs, seeking appropriate locations for scenes in the books. For example, she recently drove around, looking under railway bridges for a perfect 'body dump' site. Thank God the police didn't pull up and ask what she was doing examining railway cuttings, bridges and tunnels. “You see officer, I'm just looking for a perfect place to dump a body,” wouldn't go down too well, I think. Debbie has recently been joined in my 'research department' by Dot Blackman and these two fearless and intrepid ladies can often be seen in some of the most unlikely places as they delve into parts of Liverpool that others may shy away from as they go in search of locations, background stories and interesting information for use in current or future books, (hence the search for a body dump). So, thanks to Dot, too. On top of all that, Debbie has become a great friend and the Mersey Mysteries owe much to her help, her guidance and her critical eye on the words I write. I couldn't do it without her. Of course, I have to thank Miika, my publisher at Next Chapter, for his vision in having first seen the potential in a series based on my original Mersey Mystery, A Mersey Killing, which set the whole ball rolling. And of course, my dear wife Juliet always rates a big thank you for her patience as I take over the dining table, constantly fail to hear her talking to me, such is my level of concentration while writing, and for always supporting me in my efforts to produce the next book in the series. As always, my thanks go to the people of Liverpool, and Merseyside in general, without whom, the Mersey Mysteries couldn't exist. Finally, I have to say a big thank you to all my readers around the world who have helped the Mersey Mysteries on their way to success. I appreciate you all.