Dear Mr Cornwell, Firstly, thank you so much for giving us Derfel, Uhtred, Hook and Sharpe – characters we all love despite none being particularly loveable! The Burning Land was a gripping addition to the Saxon series and I can’t wait for the next installment. My problem is where to go while you are busy writing the next book! I recently enjoyed Simon Scarrow’s Gladiator having seen an endorsement from you on the rear cover, but wondered if you could recommend any other authors that write in a similar vein that you enjoy? Do you know of any similar writers that delve into Irish history? Once again, many thanks for your writing. Alexis