Dear Mr. Cornwall, Odd how things taste better when you try them again. In my early twenties I picked up a Sharpe novel my Father had finished and couldnt get into it. Then fifteen years later I couldnt get enough of them, or indeed your other works. I wont bore you with in depth questions, although there are hundreds Id like to ask, but I would like to ask if you have smoked? Some of your characters are anti-smoking, but some comment on pipes and cigars with obvious relish. Im not pursuing political correctness, its just that being a pipe and cigar smoker Im curious about some of the experienced comments on pipes. Got to add the obvious fan statement though – I love your books and always look forward to the next release. Thank you for untold hours of entertainment. I reread while new books are in preparation and have, on more occasions than Id like to admit, stopped in lay-bys to finish a Sharpe book off when I should have been getting on with work. Tony Long