Georgie Harvey and John Franklin Collection

Chapter 4

Although several of the places and businesses in this book exist, all characters and events are fictitious and I’ve taken some liberty with setting. For instance, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Camp Street was sold for redevelopment some years ago. Today, the church is hidden behind locked doors and surrounded by unruly gardens, and squatters allegedly shelter in the small hall out the back. Its copper spire may be tarnished but this neo-gothic church is a prominent Daylesford landmark, worthy of resurrecting in this story.

I am grateful to the many people who helped with this book. Any mistakes are my own.

Firstly, warmest thanks to the team at Next Chapter.

Next, my thanks go to Brian Rix, Chris McGeachan and Tony Haining, who were generous with their insights into policing in the homicide squad and general duties at Daylesford and Olinda, while Tessa Jenkins was a gem for police information.

I’m grateful to the original publisher and editor of Tell Me Why, Lindy Cameron of Clan Destine Press and Liz Filleul respectively. Also cheers to the convenors and members of Sisters in Crime Australia who are passionate about the crime writing art (and for the nod to Tell Me Why with the Davitt Award Readers’ Choice).

Tell Me WhyTell Me WhyThanks also to Kerry Greenwood, Andrew Rule and John Silvester, along with Ruth Wykes, Judy Elliot, Raylea O’Loughlin, Sharon Gurry, Ray Mooney, the late Anne Calvert, Maurice Gaul, Mandy Tannenbaum, Seamus Anthony, Nola Brooks, Jacinta Butterworth and Alex Petrakos. My appreciation also goes to Ruth Kennedy.

A big shout-out to my family and friends for being a patient cheer squad, and thanks to you, my readers! I always treasure your messages and reviews letting me know you’ve enjoyed my stories. I’d love you to join me on f*******: and i********: or follow my website.

youLastly, an ovation to my partner and best mate, Glenn. Without him, this novel and those after would not have eventuated.