Dear Mr. Cornwell, I doubt you remember my writing you way back in 1988 to tell you that I could hardly bear to turn the pages for fear of the horrors you were going to inflict on Sharpe and Harper. In fact, your kind reply indicated that perhaps Patrick had it a bit too easy, so perhaps…And here we are some 15 years later and you have not relented. Just wanted you to know I’m still turning pages timorously and enjoying every minute of my monumental discomfort. My husband and I did enjoy the TV series, though for me, page turning is my passion. And today I am turning to Chapter I of Sharpe’s Escape. Your other books are great, too, but Richard and Patrick are my heroes. The historical notes you include are greatly appreciated. Please keep on writing and I promise to keep on reading. Sincerely, Audrey Bailey