Your Questions

I never tire of reading the Sharpe books and buy each new one when it comes out. I particularly liked the Indian series but Trafalgar was the best, the battle scenes were so realistic ( living in Portsmouth I have been on HMS Victory several times). When is the next Sharpe expected Please? Jan Grinham

Hello Mr Cornwell, I wanted to ask about The Warlord Chronicles. They were the best books I've ever read and I was wondering whether you planned to write more books about Derfel and his adventures. I was also wondering when the sequel to the Last Kingdom was coming out. Have you started writing it yet, if so when do you expect its release? thanks Drew Morcom

Hello, I am a great admirer of your books and thought I would write just to congratulate you on all of your books. I haven't read all of your works but I am sure they are all fabulous. I am currently finishing Sharpe's Devil, which I think is perhaps your best Sharpe book yet, I also thought that Sharpe's Triumph was slightly confusing. Unfortunately I did miss both Sharpe's Prey and Trafalgar and have recently discovered you have 'slipped' a book into the series. I have read lots of other books you have written such as Stonehenge and the the Harlequin trio, the Harlequin set has become my favourite books, they have started me reading more books( since I am a teenager I don't feel the need to read) even though the only books I read are your books. Once I have finished the Sharpe series I shall start the Starbuck chronicles. One reason I wrote was that I wanted to know where you found the inspiration to write these books, especially the Harlequin, Vagabond and Heretic novels, also I was recently told that Sharpe was based on a real-life character who lived in Normandy. Is this true and if so what was his name? From your biggest fan and admirer, Michael

Mr. Cornwell: Only this year did I discover your books. Completely enamored of Sharpe. Have read every book except Sharpe's Waterloo which for some reason keeps eluding me. I have now started on Thomas the Archer. I don't know why it took me so long to discover you but I am so glad I did. There is a silver lining to the cloud though, I have more of your books to discovered. AND it is so much fun. I do have a question, I know you're glad I'm finally getting to it. Will you be doing another short story or 2 this Christmas season based on Sharpe and his men? I have both Sharpe's Christmas and Sharpe's Skirmish already and would like to make sure that I don't miss any new short stories written for the season. I can't tell begin to tell you how sad I will be when I read Sharpe's Waterloo and there are no more adventures to share with Sharpe and Harper. I guess, I'll just have to start over again. It makes me wish I were Holly, the computer from Red Dwarf, who could erase the memory of all the books he/she'd read and then read them again with full "first time" enjoyment! Mary Ellen Wofford

Dear Sir: When may we expect books with Sharpe's early pre-military life as the subject?
Geoff Simms

I enjoy your books very much and hope you will continue writing for a long, long time. However, one thing puzzles me (and I am sorry if you have been asked previously) and that is 'why did you write Jane as nice and then as very nasty'? It was such a complete about face and with no gradual change in the middle. Have a great Christmas and don't forget to visit New Zealand when you can. Regards Anne Forsberg

Did you ever write a fifth novel regarding the Starbuck Chronicles since you implied there would be more in book 4? Joseph Hamulton

Bernard - Thank you for 'The Last Kingdom' - it was a novel that I found hard to put down and the first one of yours that I have read. I will be awaiting the second adventure of Uhtred, so can you tell me when it will be published - it would seem that my thirst for this adventure is as strong as the war thirst of the Danes!!! Thank you. Peter.

I just finished reading The Last Kingdom. I wondered when the sequel will be due. I really enjoy historical novels. Have enjoyed Sharpe's adventures immensely. Jeanne McDermott

Hi there. I just have to say that your work is an inspiration to the imagination. Each line of your writing paints a beautiful picture on the canvas of my minds eye. I own all of your Sharpe, Warlord, Starbuck and Grail Quest books (and over the years I have read them all countless times!). I have just finished reading The Last Kingdom and it has left me in awe. The only downside is that I have to wait for the concluding books to be completed! Any idea of when that might be ? Sorry for my impatience! I wish you luck in writing a tale that I know will leave your fans with a perpetual regard for your skill as an author! Best Regs David 22, London, Uk

Could you please shed some light on the books involving the name Susannah Kells? I have read A Crowning Mercy and I am just going to buy Fallen Angels. Are there two other books involved? Amazon are stating two more titles, Coat of Arms and The Aristocrats. Will these be reprinted again and are they linked to the Lazenders? Is Susannah Kells the name of your wife or the name you used before the one you use now? many thanks for your time, Chris Pollock

Hi, I love all of your books and now have purchased all of them and have even tracked down most of your hardcovers on Amazon. I live in Australia. Just found Fallen Angels and Crowning Mercy by Susannah Kells in hardcover via Amazon. Is Coat of Arms by S Kells also one of your books? It is not listed on your site. Mike Lankuts

Dear Bernard I am currently reading Fallen Angels & I wanted to say I am enjoying it immensely, in particular the romance side of it. My question is, did you write the romance bits, or was that Ms Kells? I feel the two of you make a perfect blend & I hope there are more tales planned for the Lanzander family. p.s congrats on your cricket win in South Africa, your team is looking quite good this season, I cant wait to play your boys soon! All the best Michael, Sydney Australia

Mr. Cornwell, I have recently been reading a book loaned me by my DCO called "The Man who broke Napoleon's Codes" written about George Scovell, the innovative intelligence officer during the peninsular war. I was wondering if you have any plans to introduce the good Major Scovell to Sharpe in any upcoming novels? David McColl