by Owen Mullen
Along the way, many people – too many to mention – encouraged me. I’d like to acknowledge the team at Bloodhound Books, especially Alexina – she knows why. My editors John Hodgman and Ben Adam, and the many authors and experts whose insight helped me to better understand a culture which was and in large part remains, alien to me.
As ever, my wife played a huge part in creating, developing and shaping the final tale. Where would I be without her? Thanks, Christine.
Things may have improved in that part of the world since I came across the girl in the sands. For Afra and the millions of Afras I hope so, I really do. Today more than ever, it seems we are awash in iniquity to the point where reading the news is best avoided. But now and then, something restores our faith and allows us to believe the forces for good are still out there, fighting against the darkness threatening to engulf us. Although it is a work of fiction, my sincere wish is that this book is one of them.
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Owen Mullen
Crete, November 2018