I didn’t “discover” you until Christmas last year – when dismayed at having finished all of Ken Follett’s books – I was looking for another historical author. I started the Sharpe series, as I had read many of Patrick O’Brians books from the same era. I particularly like a series of books – as once acquainted with the main characters – I like to follow them! I have in the course of a few months read up to book 18 (Sharpe’s Siege) – and love your style of writing – and especially the historical notes at the end (to tell the true story!). Both Sharpe and Harper are wonderful characters – it only dismays me how much Sharpe gets knocked about – physically and psychologically – Indeed, my wife has to remind me sometimes that Sharpe doesn’t really exist if I feel he has been badly treated (as he usually is!) I only hope that there is a very happy end for him in the last book! My reason for writing – is to say that in addition to the two main characters – that I really love the Capt. Frederickson character – indeed so much – that I would really like you to “give” him a book of your own. The television episode where Frederickson makes his first appearance is wonderful! I will be starting on your other books when I have finished Sharpe. I had hoped that the Sharpe series would keep me going all year – but alas – it looks like I only have a few left! Best wishes from a “fan” in Norway!

Philip Beck