Dear Mr Cornwell Once again thank you for the many hours of pleasure your books have provided me with over the years. I have noticed that you frequently state that you regret killing off Sergeant Hakeswell and have made mention that he may have a twin brother who may appear in one of your future novels. However, have you ever thought of writing a novel devoted Hakewell’s early life and army career? I know that you have made reference to some aspects of this in the Sharpe novels but there are a lot of gaps to fill and this would make interesting reading. John