Dear Bernard Having become a true fan of your books after reading the warlord trilogy and the Saxon stories, I then turned to Sharpe and have so far read 10 Sharpe novels in no particular chronological order. I must agree with your foreword in Sharpe’s Siege being my “favourite” too. It’s a shame in some respect that a story based on fictional events as opposed to historical events is, for me, more enjoyable and brings out greater emotions. Although the battle of Assaye based on historical facts in Sharpe’s Triumph comes a close second. I observe that purchase of Sharpe novels on Amazon in hardback isn’t straightforward, either not available or prices are disproportionately high compared to paperbacks. Is there a particular reason for this ? I guess it’s becoming difficult for you to fit in new Sharpe stories within the Napoleonic era or will Sharpe now as a veteran seek adventures in the years after Napoleon’s death. You have covered the Dark Ages, Middle Ages 12th/ 13th Centuries, Napoleonic Wars – would you consider developing a hero during the Crusades ? Many authors have written novels on the Crusades but they don’t seem, to me at least, particularly riveting – what do you think ? Can’t wait for the latest Saxon novel and may your creative genius continue for many years to come. Darius