So many people have been generous with their time and expertise during the years I have spent developing this novel that I found it difficult knowing where to start with my thanks. In the end I adopted the strictly chronological approach.

My first thanks then goes to Jean Chapman, who persuaded me to start on the path that would eventually lead to this novel way back in 1983 and has been unfailing in her support ever since. Never has it been truer of anyone that if you want a favour doing, you ask a busy person.

I could not have managed without the initial help of two people, Rene Chapman, secretary of a local synagogue, and an Arabic retired teacher from Nazareth who does not wish to be named. Both of them have provided me with insider help on Arabic and Jewish political attitudes and customs during the mandate period.

I bless the day I stumbled on the web page of the Palestine Police Old Comrades Association. The help of their forum members has been invaluable. I must thank them for being such good friends over the past nine years and answering all my questions so enthusiastically.

I am grateful to my family too for providing me with loving care and not teasing me too much over my prolonged unpublished status. My son John has gone even further and provided literary critique and artwork suggestions.

Margaret Kaine, a friend from the time we were in creative writing classes together, has been constantly supportive, urging me to keep going despite all those rejection letters, diligently pestering literary agents and hunting out publishing opportunities on my behalf.

That brings me to the time I joined Leicester Writers club. I must thank all members who had given me such wonderful support. In particular, I would like to thank Bead Roberts, Dave Martin, and Biddy Nelson, all extremely busy people who have made time to wade through my manuscripts and provide most positive and useful critiques.

Lastly, in chronological terms, I must say Thank you to 'Discovered Authors', who have shown sufficient faith in my work to publish it, and particularly to Natalie who has been so patient with me through the ups and downs in the complex process of getting the work into print and between covers.

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