Angel Maker: An Unputdownable Scandinavian Crime Thriller With A Chilling Twist (DI Jamie Johansson Book 1)

Writing an acknowledgements page is something I wasn’t sure I’d ever have to do. I used to read them in books and always find myself thinking – how could so many people be a part of a single book? That was probably because I always wrote things on my own. I did my own research, my own editing, my own revisions. And then I put them out there. And so there was a part of me that thought I’d never get here.

And yet here I am. The first outings for Jamie Johansson were penned within a closed environment. And I believe that really shows within the reception and the reviews – not all of them wholly positive. And understandably so. I’d do a lot different if I had it all to do again.

So when it came time to begin work on Angel Maker, I sought the help that I needed. And the assistance, both big and small, that I received, has been instrumental in making this book feel more authentic and rich — feel more real, and hopefully, feel like a more complete and satisfying work to read.

So, here we go then.

Firstly, I would like to thank my editor, Rebecca. Self-publishing as an indie skips a lot of vital steps in the editing and refinement process, so having a trusted voice of reason and editorial advice is indispensable. The edit of Angel Maker has been the most intense of all my books, and has come with a steep learning curve for me. But I believe the manuscript is all the better for it. And that is down to you, Rebecca. And for that, you have my eternal thanks, as well as loyalty. So if you were hoping to scare me off with all those corrections and suggestions, tough luck. You’re stuck with me now, and you’ve only yourself to blame.

Next, I would like to thank my friends and colleagues in Sweden who advised tirelessly on the grammar and translations included, as well as the feeling of the setting, the descriptions included, and everything else that helped to place this story in and around the wonderful city of Stockholm. Julia Karlsson, Jennifer Hallberg, Shannon Oehlschlager, Anna Abrahamsson, and Linnea Grunnesjö. This book would have been a lot worse without you. And for that I thank you.

I would to thank those first faithful readers and reviewers who deigned to take a chance on Bare Skin. You picked it out of a pile of free-to-read novels, and gave it your time and energy. And then, you were kind enough to give it your support. Your words, your enthusiasm, and your feedback fuelled me to continue writing during what has been a difficult year — both globally, and personally. Honestly, without you, I probably would have just given up. Abbie James, Kathi Defranc, Kelly Hansen, Samantha Wells, Rosie Bray — your words mean more than you can know to a writer trying to make it.

I would like to give my thanks to those who’s undying enthusiasm of this genre has allowed them to find a little more space in their hearts and minds for a new author. To discover readers offering such a warm welcome and reception was something I never expected, and something for which I will always be grateful. So thank you, Donna Morfett, Joe Singleton, and Samantha Brownley. I hope that you will continue to let me eat up your time with my words and presence. Meeting you will no doubt become something I will look back on fondly in years to come.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to those closest to me, who have supported me unwaveringly through not only this latest phase of writing, but who have always been there while I chased this dream. Julie, for always being the first to read, and for unfailingly pointing out stumbling in my grammar. I’m sure my work would be a flaming mess without you. And to Sophie, my partner, who has watched me try and try again at this whole writing thing, and who has never once been anything other than stalwart. There comes a time for pragmatism, and a time for blindly pushing on even when there is no light at the end of the tunnel, and I cannot thank you enough for encouraging me to do the latter, rather than applying the former. I am where I am because of you, and I’ll never forget that.