Dear Bernard, I've now read all of your historical books, after about 4 years of catching up on each series, so now's the first time with the Uhtred books that after finishing one i'm left waiting for the next to come out. My problem is this:- With a memory like a sieve and 6 months to a year between books I find it hard to remember the previous events and reference to characters from the earlier books without rereading the earlier books. Not so much of a hardship I admit but when you get the new book you want to push on with that without having to refer back. If the series runs to 7 or 8 books Last Kingdom's going to be well and truly thumbed by then! The point is, it would be nice if a synopsis and/or list of characters was provided in the new books for us goldfish out there. Is it something you've considered or would consider? By the way, have got the first two signed and would like to get the whole series signed if I can but missed the 3rd book signing as was in AMerica at the time. Hope you don't mind me bringing the missed Uhtred book to any future signings! Many Thanks, Paul.
I like lists of characters at the front of a book, but the general feeling among publishers is that they put people off by suggesting that the tale will be too over-populated and thus confusing. As to a synopsis? I think it's worth considering, though I do try to sketch the main points in the new book - as it goes along. But I'll think on it!
That would be fine!