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I have never written anyone before but felt compelled to write you. I have been reading books all my life. I am currently a history major and in my 19th year with the US Navy. I only say this so you don't think I am some kook. Several years ago I watched a PBS tv series called Sharpe's Rifles. I instantly fell in love with the character, time period and all it's glory and pain. I was in England shorthly after and saw your books in a store. I picked up my first book and have never looked back. You write with such realism I feel I was there. I have loved things about King Arthur since I was a boy. Your "Winter King' series was a perfect rendition. I have read it to my son and he now loves Arthur as well. Keep up the good work and I look forward to reading many more years worth of books from your imagination. Thanks. Tim Walters

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have just finished reading 'Sharpe's Enemy' and I am devastated by the death of Teresa! As I started reading the Sharpe books in chronological order (not by publication date) I have enjoyed all of the characters and their adventures. However, the loss of Teresa is a blow that poor Sharpe should not be expected to bear! I write these lines to you whilst sitting in a hotel room in Bogota, when I should be working on reports about the security of the wretched countries that I visit, instead I find myself too heavy hearted for poor Sharpe to even think about work! I continue to promise myself that I will read more geo-political commentary books as I travel to help my understanding of global problems (I advise my employer on security issues globally). Unfortunately, I find myself engrossed in following Sharpe from Seringapatam to Adrados. I am now in a bit of a fix as I have finished 'Sharpe's Enemy' and still must travel to Mexico City and then home to Hong Kong, with no more Sharpe books to read! I pray that in Mexico City I may find 'Sharpe's Honour'. I have also read many of your other books, and thoroughly enjoyed all. Thank you so much for the work you have put in and the books you have produced. But, you should be ashamed for killing Teresa! Kindest regards, Martin Purbrick.

I hope Sharpe and Harper will march again. I review books for the unimpessive Roanoke Times and reviewed Sharpe's Devil many years ago. I have purchased all others. I hope I can buy another. Another Starbuck wouldn't hurt either! Larry Shield

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have just completed reading "The Last Kingdom", it is suberb. Thank you for this latest creation, as well as for all of your previous works. Your grasp and presentation of times past has brought me many hours of happiness. I eagerly await your future books. Best regards, Ted Good

My daughter bought/brought me copy of The Last Kingdom from Scotland last week and, as usual I'm quickly finished with it and wondering why you can't write faster than I read. Another good story in a time period that I know little about. With your help (and hers - she studies Medievael History at St. Andrews) I'll fill in the gaps on my British History knowledge. Someday you will write something I don't like... then again maybe not. Thanks again. Bob Laystrom

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I want to congratulate you for having done such a detailed research about Arthur. I've read many books about this theme and I think that the Chronicles you wrote are the best ones (not only related Arthur, but also the best books I have ever read). Greetings from Brazil. Laura Friche

Hi Bernard (hope you don't mind me being informal), I have just finished reading 'The Last Kingdom' and would like to congratulate you on another fine job! As a schoolbay I never had much time for reading ... AT ALL!! However I started to read Sharpe in the early 90's and have so far read all of your works bar the Warlord and Starbuck novels (I know that's a lot of books but it's far quicker than saying what I have read). Life has come on for me since those days and the philosophy of Sharpe, Thomas, Sandman and now Uhtred Ragnarson all seem to be the same... as a leader one should always lead from the front and not sit back expecting to reap glory from others actions and respect and recognition should come from the deeds that you do and it should be earned not expected. These are philosophies I hold very dear and always try to live by. Thankyou for providing me with the inspiration to believe that a boy who left school with nothing can aspire to the man I am today... a teacher and a manager of teachers to boot! You have earned my respect and I will always hold Sharpe as my role model (although I tend to talk rather than fight but I am sure you understand where I'm coming from). Sorry it's a bit of a life story but rather than gush over your work I thought you may like to know the impact your work has had on 1 man from Leicester. I will be forever grateful. Jon
PS have also just finished Jack Absolute by CC Humphries, fantastic read if you haven't already.

Hello Bernard, just writing to comment on the question posed by FM of Norfolk about writing Sharpe in the first person. I think this would be a great idea when the Sharpe series comes to a reluctant end. Especially as you get asked many questions about Dick Sharpe's and Pat Harper's previous and post histories. Perhaps this story or hopefully series ( if you're not too bored of them by now) could take place when the great friends meet after 1830? When they haven't seen each other for a decade. I'll leave the locations up to you lol. Dublin would be good though and London. Maybe touching on early Victoriain grumpy old men etc. Anyway I aplogise if I'd try to influence you in any way, but I'm sure your huge army of fans including myself of course, would like this to be written ( no pressure mate lol) It would be a great chance to tie things up although it could be very difficult with all your avid fans out there. Anyway many thanks for all your work that have kept me entertained and long may they continue. Best of health to you and yours, Fondest regards Lee

Dear Mr. Cornwell: I feel silly not to have discovered this before--you used the name Susannah Kells as a psuedonym?!!? I read her books in high school and really loved them, then got to reading your Sharpe books a year ago. I feel a bit discomboluated but sort of thrilled, too, that you are the same person. I was always sad she didn't write more books, but then again, I guess you have. Thanks for making my day. Jenny Saxton

Sir you have done it again, your new book, the Last Kingdom, was grabbed off the shelve at W.H.Smiths in Beverley, East Yorkshire, shortly theirafter a fight ensued, between my darling wife and myself as to who would read it first, after much discussion, I won (not very gentlemanly, but you'll see why), so when the rest of the shopping was unpacked, fire on and ClassicFM on the TV, A nice cup of tea, and off I went, transported to the age of Alfred & the Norse, 15 cups of tea, 3 loo breaks, (food consumed with head in book) I turned the last page, 8 hours later. A fantastic read, we just love your work, now my wife has to put up with my Grumpy old man image until your next book, sorry if I seem to go on, but dare not ask you to hurry the next book, that would mean a drop in quaility, and that we would hate to happen, but if you need someone to proof the next book, I would do it for free, (beg, beg) My wife say a 42yr old should not beg but who cares , carpa diem (sorry if my latins a bit rusty) regards Neil Graham