Authors: Peter James

Alchemist (97 page)

I am always amazed at the level of enthusiasm from the people I turn to for help in the research for my novels. And this time there has been a generosity of spirit that has made the writing of
Alchemist
as much a tremendous (and at times hair-raising) adventure as hard work, and there are many people to whom I owe very deep gratitude.

I need to single out in particular Steve Goodman, Andy Holyer, Dr Nigel Kirkham, Joanne Larner, Chris Pert, Maxine Sanders and Dave Schmickel, who all in their individual ways came up with the inspirations that shaped the book and who gave their time warmly, whenever it was needed, for over two years. And I have a very special thank you owing also to my Deep Throat, My invaluable M.

To all the names below I thank you far more than this short space allows: Sue Ansell, David Austin, Don Barrett of Wyeth Laboratories, Anna Beard, Felicity Beard, Mr Robert Beard FRCS, Simon Bell, Nick Bremer, Richard Blacklock, Dr Clive Cohen, Dr Michelle Cooperman of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Robert W. Esmond and Evelyn McConathy of Sterne Kessler Goldstein and Fox, Steve Goodman, Drew Granston, Dr Patrick Hall-Smith, Mike Harris of Brighton Police, Dr Stephen Hempling, Andy Holyer, Veronica Hamilton-Deeley, Bill Jones, Dr Bruce Katz, Michael Keen, Joe Kerridge, Dr Nigel Kirkham, Robert Knox, Gary Lane, Joanne Larner, Professor Alan Lehmann, Judy Lehmann, Nigel MacMillan, Roderick Main, Robert Martis, Dr Lyne Mayne of the Trafford Centre, Paul Michaels, John Parker, Chris Pert and Hanna Dzieglewska of Frank P. Dehn, Patent Agents, Dr Ken Powell of Glaxo-Wellcome plc, Blaine Price, Peter Rawlings, Brenda Robinson, Maxine Sanders, Dave Schmickel of the US Patent Office, Martin Short, Ian Stevens, Dr Duncan Stewart, Simon Thornton, Lady Helen Trafford, Michael Stott, Patent Attorney, Canon Dominic
Walker OGS, Dr Jonathan Williams FCAnaes, Dr Richard Wiseman.

I owe an enormous thanks also to the creative team and tireless support of my UK agent, Jon Thurley, and his right hand, Patricia Preece, in whose presence the central idea for the novel first saw light, and to my wonderful editorial team of Richard Evans, Jo Fletcher and Katrina Whone, and my editor Liza Reeves who risked all with her studies to get the book completed â and got a First. And a deep thank you also for the invaluable input of my US agent, Michael Siegel.

And lastly, a debt of gratitude for the endless patience of my wife, Georgina, and to Bertie for not chewing all my floppy disks:-)