Hello Again Bernard

Just a few things that have been buzzing around my noggin…

I realise you can’t POSSIBLY write all the books you think of, or other people suggest..unless you are planning on continuing for the next hundred years! Would you consider either writing yourself, or even allowing someone else to write, a spin-off novel with a secondary character? For instance, i remember one of your fans suggesting San Sebastian, but with “Sweet William” Frederickson! i would love that, and think Frederickson deserves a chance to go on the Secret Mission and Get the Girl! Why should Sharpie hog all the glory?

I would also enjoy a prequel to the Last Kingdom, about Earl Ragnar, who is one of the best characters you have ever made.

I was also wondering about the Sharpe books in general..Its always interesting meeting real Historical characters…and in the case of the Tippoo, seeing Sharpe murder them! Did you ever try and slip in one of the Rifles who we know about, like Costello, Johnny Kincaid or the exceptional Tom Plunkett?  And, it does surprise, slightly,  me that you never found a place for Colquouhon Grant. That would have been a brilliant story, him and Sharpie!

Finally, i wanted to ask your opinion. I recently found an old book, from 1902 (in a Recycling bin!), entitled “12 Soldiers: From Cromwell to Wellington”, with a foreword by “Bobs” Roberts.

I “think” i know your opinion on Wellington, but what of the other 11 gentlemen?

Cromwell

Marlborough

Peterborough (never heard of him!)

Wolfe

Clive

Coote (Never heard of him, either!)

Heathfield (or him!)

Abercromby

Lake

Beard

Moore

 

Many thanks for all the pleasure you’ve given me. Looking forward to the War of the Wolf and these vague suggestions of a new Sharpe!

kind regards, as always

Matt Copley

Still in Wiltshire

 

p.s that phrase you used recently on here?  “oh, my paws and whiskers!” i am going to start using that!