Paddy raised an eyebrow and stared at his own distorted reflection in the disturbed surface of the cooling coffee. The thinning hair, plastered to his head. The overgrown stubble that made him look like Desperate Dan in dead man’s winceyette pyjamas. ‘I’m going to get myself well, thanks to you. I’m going to gather my strength. And then, I’m going to ruin them. All of them. Every last one. And they won’t even know who’s behind their downfall until it’s too fucking late. I’m the King, Katrina. Nobody kills the King and gets away with it.’
Acknowledgements
First I’d like to say a huge thanks to the people who are always behind me, every step of the way, and without whom I would struggle to make a go of this writing lark:
Natalie and Adam for their unconditional love, constant cheerleading and patience! Christian, for his child-wrangling skills and invaluable support.
My special agent, Caspian Dennis for his professional guidance and friendship, and all at Abner Stein, particularly Sandy, Felicity, Ben and Laura. You guys are all the best ever.
The hard-working, passionate and committed publishing team at Avon, HarperCollins – in particular Oli, Helen, Phoebe, Helena, Louis, Ellie, Natasha H and Hannah. Also an extra thanks to Sam Missingham for her props on Twitter.
The bloggers who review my books and say such wonderful things, more often than not. You guys are just brilliant and I appreciate every minute you spend reading and reviewing my writing.
The book clubs whose members read my stuff and spread the word. Your passion is invaluable. You are ace.
My other many readers, without whom I would be stuck in a crappy office being curmudgeonly, sweary and unhappy, photocopying shit and filling out funding forms. You’ve stopped me from turning into Bernard Black entirely.
The cockblankets, for all their moral support, filth and fun.
Next, I’d like to thank those who have helped with some inspiration for this book:
Damian Morgan – very long-standing pal, expert Mancunian and music agent at large; my bonkers family, none of whom are alluded to in this novel but who were part of my upbringing and therefore a major influence for the Mancunianness of this entire series; the people of Manchester, for being among the most inspiring folk in the world; the music scene of Manchester, which remains world class; the criminals of Manchester for being both despicable and sometimes entertaining – none of you are alluded to in this novel, so don’t get your knickers in a twist! My criminals are all 100% made-up. Put the shotgun and ego down and go for a pint. Finally, the ethnic communities of Manchester, who have wonderful stories to tell, a fraction of which I’ve tried to tell here.
That’s your lot. Until the next time …
Meet Georgina McKenzie…the gripping series from
Marnie Riches
Click here to get your copy!
The second book in the bestselling
Georgina McKenzie series
Click here to get your copy!
Can George outrun death to shed light on two terrible mysteries? Or has she met her match…?
Click here to get your copy!
Four dead bodies have been pulled from the canals – and that number’s rising fast. Is there a serial killer on the loose?
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Marnie Riches grew up on a rough estate in Manchester, aptly within sight of the dreaming spires of Strangeways prison. Able to speak five different languages, she gained a Masters degree in Modern & Medieval Dutch and German from Cambridge University. She has been a punk, a trainee rock star, a pretend artist, a property developer and professional fundraiser. In her spare time, she likes to run, mainly to offset the wine and fine food she consumes with great enthusiasm.
Having authored the first six books of HarperCollins Children’s Time-Hunters series, she now writes crime thrillers for adults.
By the same author:
George McKenzie eBook series
The Girl Who Wouldn’t Die
The Girl Who Broke the Rules
The Girl Who Walked in the Shadows
The Girl Who Had No Fear
About the Publisher
Australia
HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
Level 13, 201 Elizabeth Street
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
http://www.harpercollins.com.au
Canada
HarperCollins Canada
2 Bloor Street East - 20th Floor
Toronto, ON, M4W, 1A8, Canada
http://www.harpercollins.ca
New Zealand
HarperCollins Publishers (New Zealand) Limited
P.O. Box 1
Auckland, New Zealand
http://www.harpercollins.co.nz
United Kingdom
HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
1 London Bridge Street
London, SE1 9GF
http://www.harpercollins.co.uk
United States
HarperCollins Publishers Inc.
195 Broadway
New York, NY 10007
http://www.harpercollins.com
Born Bad Page 33
