Just wanted to say that reading the Sharpe novels has given me a much clearer idea of life in the army today. A reporter was saying how he had spent a few days with the British army in Afghanistan and how they slept under canopies – not tents (and I thought of Sharpe disparaging the tents ) and how after early departures they came marching back to drink hot tea – shades of Sharpe I thought, even though it is 200 years later. You mentioned in one of your forewords that you regretted doing away with Obadiah – I have to say I am glad he went, he was so horrid that I despaired Sharpe ever would get the better of him, even though I re-read his involvement just to be sure it ended with Obadiah’s death! I am looking forward to a new Sharpe story – whenever! Best wishes for 2008 and thanks again for creating Sharpe and Harper. Miss Barbara Francis