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hello! really, really love your books. Have just read The Warlord Chronicles which I think is my favourite so far and I think, although it would be very extensive, it would make an excellent film?! Natalie Ward

I thought when I first read about Sharpe many years ago and that you made him a rifleman you must have been paying tribute to Forester. Glad to have it confirmed in Escape (one of your best, by the way). When I first read Rifleman Dodd and The Gun in high school it got me hooked on historical fiction and the Napoleonic Era in particular. Currently, I think Richard Sharpe's only serious rival for best fiction hero is Midnight Louie. I also like Thomas of Hookton very much. I only wish the horses did not get hurt so much (I know that is unrealistic of me). John Schwirtz

Dear Bernard, Whilst having a look through the site I noticed your opinions on the movies 'Braveheart' and 'The Patriot', I agree completely with your opinions about Braveheart. It was an utter sham; I have not seen the Patriot (after reading the reviews I decided I wouldn't dignify it by going to see it, I also think Mel Gibson must have something against the English). The problem is that a large part of the audience will have taken Braveheart at face value, despite the fact that it was historical nonsense. There have been occasions where you have altered events slightly so Sharpe can be in the thick of it, now this is Ok because in essence the novels are historically accurate, its just detail that gets changed; e.g. Sharpe's division may make an attack at a certain place when it was actually the light division, the attack did, however, take place, and in much the way described (and you always own up to the facts in the historical note). But Braveheart wants to rewrite history completely and seems to have partially succeeded; a statue supposedly of William Wallace was put up in the car park of the national William Wallace Monument. It isn't a statue of William Wallace at all; it's of Mel bloody Gibson! I would suggest that this was simply a cynical attempt to cash in on the success of the film, and I would lay goods odds that plenty of Scots find it embarrassing (well it is, isnt it? It's an absolute mockery of the real man). And then we get the enigma machine captured by an American submarine, presumably King Arthur was American and Horatio Nelson came from a little town just outside Boston. I really do object to our history being so abused and misrepresented, but what is historical accuracy next to the rapacious greed of Hollywood? Richard Griffiths

re "Old Trousers" query. Old Trousers (Seann Triubhas) was a Highland Dance. Its movements express abhorence of the Act of Proscription which banned the wearing of kilts etc. How this came to be connected to the Pas de Charge, I don't know. Info from www.celticnationsworld.com/ Ron Fox

Hello, I have read every book you have ever published (to the best of my knowledge) and thoroughly enjoyed them all, the thrillers are regularly returned to. A return to the Starbuck series would be appreciated but one man can only do so much I suppose. I look forward to your next book, Many thanks for the years of pleasure and to many more to come, Tim McGee Devonport Tasmania Australia

I have recently picked up a copy of your book The Archers Tale. I am in shock at how good the book is. Thank you for writing these books it is great. I have just graduated from high school and think it is great that I can now have a series of books to read because it is usually hard for me to find good books. Christian Jennings

I am a 14-year-old high school student and I chose one of your books from The Starbucks Chronicles, Rebel, for an English project and I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed it. I really haven't read many other published Civil War novels but after reading this one I assure you that I am going to read any other Civil War books that you have written. I really enjoyed how you made the situations life like and full of excitement, like when you first introduce Nathaniel Starbuck and he almost gets tarred and feathered. I also enjoyed how you made the content easy to follow and understand. Another great thing about this book is that the battle scenes are great. They have so much action and adventure in them that it just wants to make you read on and on. Once again I would just like to tell you that this book is awesome and I am definitely going to read the rest of the series. Thanks for writing a Great War novel that teens can read and understand. Lance Bubak

Firstly I wanted to thank you for coming to Vancouver, Canada...it was a pleasure to meet you at last. I also wanted to comment that I find one major difference between your Richard Sharpe and Horatio Hornblower (whom I've also read and thoroughly enjoyed) and that is that Sharpe has grown and matured as a person throughout the books. He started off unsure of himself, ill at ease in command with his men, but he has grown up and become self confident and 'a man' and I find that much more appealing and realistic than someone who seems to stop maturing at about age 20. He still has his moments of self doubt, of course, but he hides them well, and doesn't wallow in self analysis...and I thank you for that. I think that's why I like him so much. There is hope for us all if he can make it. Sterling Mair

I think I've read all your books (at least those under your name!) and have loved them all. Many thanks for all the enjoyment over the years - ongoing I may add since I have all the Sharpes and re-read them regularly. Having just finished "Escape", I loved the little passage where Corporal Dodd got isolated by the French retreat - which I guess is your nod to CS Forrester's "Death to The French"? I read CSF as a kid and always wondered how Dodd got isolated.... I hadn't reckoned on Slingsby! Brilliant stuff! Please could I add my vote for a follow-up to Gallows Thief, some serious possibilities there. Many thanks for all the wonderful reads Rgds Dave

Hi This the first time I have visited your web page, I am not worthy to utter your name o storytelling god. The Sharpe books are fantastic - you bring history to life for me. I have read and re-read the books many times. My family, all fans, have just hunted down Sharpe's rifle and Harper's 7 shooter at the Royal Armouries, you should do a promotion there, would really set the scene. Please, please keep Sharpe and Harper marching. Richard