Hi, Just an appreciative note from someone who has reviewed more than 20 of your books and continues to be amazed by the volume, variety, and quality of your output. How do you do it? No, I don’t really expect you to answer that question, though I would like to know the answer. Ive been writing histories, biographies, and reference books myself for more than 30 years and can readily appreciate how much research must go into your writing. I do, however, have a real question for you. Somewhere (on the Barnes & Noble pages?), you mentioned a “Bamburgh” family name connected to your own ancestors. Could that name possibly be related to “Bambrough”? My mother’s maiden name was Bambrough. I really should look into the history of that side of my family. I know a great deal more about my Danish ancestors, who included King Frederick VI (through a bastard child). Incidentally, I was somewhat taken back while reading SHARPE’S PREY when I realized that the Danish crown prince to whom you frequently alluded was my great-great-great grandfather. My published reviews of your books have all been in LIBRARY JOURNAL’s audiobook section. Perhaps some of them have reached your eyes. I hope so; they’re mostly raves. The hours I’ve spent listening to your books have helped saved me from going mad while commuting.

Something else I’d love to ask you about is how C. S. Forester influenced your writing. His Hornblower books have long been among my favorites; I’ve read them all at least eight times each and expect to read them many more times. As much as I admire his books, however, I fear that my estimation of the man has greatly diminished. Have you seen the biography that his son John recently self-published? It’s quite shocking, really. According to John, almost everything his father wrote in LONG BEFORE FORTY was a lie. I’ll be thrilled if you reply. But if you can’t, I’ll be satisfied simply to have let you know that I greatly appreciate your books. I’m almost done with LORDS OF THE NORTH right now and am looking forward to reading more of your books. Kent Rasmussen, Thousand Oaks, California