Dear Mr. Cornwell – I’ve been enjoying your books for the past 18 months now. When in vacation in Hawaii early in 2006, I found a copy of “Sharp’s Fortress” in the condo we were staying at and spent several minutes considering should I read “Fortress” or one of the other books on the shelf. I made a good decision and began “Fortress” but was unable to finish it before it was time to leave. So, following a book exchange convention I’ve noticed at other vacation condos in the USA, I took “Fortress” home with me and left two of my own novels in it’s place. What a great decision because now I’ve read all the Sharpe series (including “Sharpe’s Christmas” and “Sharp’s Skirmish” and also last year watched the BBC series). I went on to the Grail Quest Series, the Warlord Chronicles, the Saxon Tales, and now I’m enjoying the Starbuck Chronicles. As you can see, I’m hooked! What I like best, is the historical perspective and reading about how folks loved 200 to 1600 years ago. Now that I’m reading Starbuck, I’m looking forward to the part where we readers are introduced briefly to Sharpe’s son. I really enjoy writing techniques such as this – I’ve read all of W. E. B. Griffin’s books and get a kick out of how he has successfully used this “trick” a number of times which simply brings me back for more. Perhaps you can use this approach in the future for Captain Fredrickson who I’ve enjoyed almost as much as Harper. I’m looking forward to “Sword Song” and I’ll probably buy it in the UK rather than waiting for the US publication in January. Thanks for your wonderful body of work and please keep adding to it! Mel Miller, Upland California.