Hello , I like your books , and admire your writing abilities . Have done for about 14 years . I write to convey specific appreciation , having just finished what I consider is your best work . I live in Italy , so I don’t get your most recent books as they are published ; which is why I am about to comment upon the third book in the Uhtred saga . The weaving of the various threads of the tale is incredibly well told .An example that I particularly admire is the ” hidden hoard at Fifhadden ” , but then there are so many deft touches … ” I am Steapa of Defnascir ” is an astounding piece… the combat descriptions , as , for example on page 37… the mendacity of Guthred making a free man of Uhtred on the shingle at Gyruum ( my home town , Wallsend , is 800 feet across the river )… the very wide variety of well described , believably motivated characters … the duplicity of religion – being good , honest , charitable are not as desirable as being effective , politically influential and ruthless ( as ever )… the inherent weakness of politicians who seek help from religion … your willingness to include Uhtred’s savage murder of the scheming Jaenbert , in a church , and the prolonged manner of the brutality , details more about the character and beliefs of Uhtred than Conan Doyle managed in all of his Holmes books … ” Cuthbert’s talkative for a dead man , isn’t he ” … and ” I grinned , suddenly elated ” ; so did I , and so was I . Christ , I have only addressed a quarter of my notes , and think perhaps I may already be outstaying my welcome . May the three spinners continue to look favourably upon you and your own . Thank you for many astonishing entertainments . ( ” The Battle Flag ” deserves to be read by every adventure story writer living on this planet ). Yours sincerely , Ben Crozier