hi Bernard, I am 60yo bloke, until mid 2011 I had not read any of your books and I read a lot. June 2011 I found myself in the Australian outback without a book, I eventually found 2 books, the pale horseman and a Sharpe’s rifles, I read them both and am rapt, Uhtred of bebbanburg is a great character, I intend to read all your books. regards Michael.