Born Bad Read online

  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

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  The second book in the bestselling

  Georgina McKenzie series

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  Can George outrun death to shed light on two terrible mysteries? Or has she met her match…?

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  Four dead bodies have been pulled from the canals – and that number’s rising fast. Is there a serial killer on the loose?

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  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

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