Dear Bernard, I am very much looking forward to ‘Sharpe’s Escape’. Having re-read ‘Sharpe’s Siege’ this week it seemed curious that Sharpe reveals he is incapable of hanging people, it is “his weakness” he says. This, of course, was the death awaiting Hakeswill before he was saved by the actions of his good old mum! Is there an intentional link between Sharpe’s self – confessed weakness and the fate escaped by his enemy or am I just making things up!!!!?!!! Hope you are well. Best wishes, Berj. P.S. ‘A Crowning Mercy’ was great!!!