AcknowledgementsThe Nemesis Cell began life as a short story. One of the first to read it, Sheila Noakes, enjoyed it so much she wanted to know more about the characters, and encouraged me to develop the story into a full-length novel. Writing the longer version has proved to be an enjoyable experience, for which my thanks go to Sheila. She has also read each chapter as it has been completed to ensure that the new version lost none of the attraction she felt for the original short story.
The character of Harry Houston is based largely on the help and information provided to me by Detective Chief Inspector David Moffat of the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan in Fife. His assistance has been invaluable in developing Harry Houston as a person and as a police officer.
Malcolm Davies has read and re-read The Nemesis Cell so many times he probably knows it better than I, and I thank him for his time and efforts in ensuring that the story remained fluent and concise.
To Graeme S. Houston I owe my thanks for his superb cover designs for both the e-book and the paperback versions of the book, and his encouragement along the way. For finding a home for the print version, my gratitude goes to my agent Aidana.
Finally, as always, my thanks go to my dear wife Juliet, for her patience and her support through the long hours she has sat alone listening to the sound of my fingers upon the keyboard. Her honest criticisms help keep my writing on the straight and narrow.