I am a huge fan of the Starbuck Chronicles. The premise is fascinating and I could not wait to see how you were going to extricate Nate from the losing side. All our other heroes have been destined by history to end up with the victors. Is there any chance the we may read of Starbuck marching again?

Marcus Andrews

Bernard, can I start by saying how much I enjoy everything I’ve read with your name on the cover (all the Sharpe, Starbuck, Arthur and Uhtred stories along with Agincourt). I have a couple of questions regarding the Starbuck series. Firstly, is there a reason why you chose to make Nate a Yankee fighting for the Confederacy rather than the other way round?

Leading on from that, despite all his best efforts Nate is on the losing side and must surely either die or be imprisoned at the end of the final book – had you considered this before starting to write “Rebel”? And is the sudden realisation of Nate’s inevitable decline the reason for the gap since “The Bloody Ground” was published? Really cheeky questions I know, sorry! I know you’ll come up with a masterful escape for Mr Starbuck in the final reel!

Speaking of which as far as you know are there plans for a Sharpe style t.v dramatisation? And did you name him after a coffee bar?! Many thanks for all the marvellous literature, long may it continue, Richard Foskett