Thank you

Many people have helped me with these books.

At the initial stages of writing this series I was delighted to discover an entire website devoted to ancient Ostia: www.ostia-antica.org

The webmaster is Jan-Theo Bakker. The members are scholars and amateurs who share a passion for Ostia. Many of them have generously given me invaluable advice on aspects of life in ancient Ostia. I would especially like to thank John Bodel, Domenico Carro, Barbara Cooper, Valentin Kockel, Isabel Mardones, Silvano Sanges, Eric Taylor and of course Jan-Theo himself.

A member of the Ostia webgroup who deserves special thanks is Bill Thayer (AKA Lacus Curtius) who patiently helped me with countless questions and even read an early draft of 'The Thieves of Ostia'. He is webmaster of his own exhaustive site on all things Roman, Bill Thayer's Website.

One of the most gratifying aspects of writing these books has been the generosity of busy scholars, many of whom have taken the time to answer my questions or even read entire typescripts. Those I would like to single out for praise are Ralph Jackson (British Museum), Robert Wagman (University of Florida), Margaret A Brucia, Nodge Nolan, and Professor Kathleen Coleman (Harvard University).

Thanks to my agent (and friend) Teresa Chris, who told me to forget about 'A Film-buff's Guide to San Francisco' and get on with writing Roman mysteries for young people.

Thanks to my first editor at Orion, Judith, and my current editor Jon – long may he last! – and to the rest of the great team: Fiona, Jane, Kate, Sarah, Sally, Alexandra and the wonderful Maggy!

Thanks to my husband Richard, who is the first to read my drafts and is also my resident graphic designer, research assistant and cook.

This website was built and designed by Shema based on the original designs used for The Roman Mysteries book covers. The book cover design was by Richard Carr and the book cover artwork was by Peter Sutton with Fred van Deelen doing the mosaic work.

Finally, I want to thank my mother Pat Weiss, and my late father, Louis Weiss.
I love you and I couldn't have done it without you.

Maximas gratias vobis ago!