I just wanted to say how enormously I am enjoying your writings. Living just a few miles south of Bebbanburg I think of it in a new light having read all of Uthred’s adventures so far. At the war memorial at the castle there is an inscription of a soldier called Nicholas Hinson who died in WW1 – perhaps that means I also have some old Uthred blood coursing around in a left toe or something – I can always dream! By the way, I also love the humour you inject – it is exactly the type that appeals to me. In The Burning Land,p35, there is a classic piece of your wit as a painting is described which features a young girl being treated by a lascivious looking priest who is trying to restore her virginity – you said he had a look on his face as if the spell might need repeating – I thought that was brilliant! Even my wife chuckled.
I started off with the first three Sharpe books which fascinated me. You are to be revered for creating the lamentably despicable Obadiah Hakeswill who always had a grim ending only to reappear in the next novel! I also loved the Fort and I love the fact that ‘usually’ the British/English win in your books – it always makes for a better ending! Great characters, great stories, great writer!
Sharpe’s Trafalgar has just arrived through my door from Amazon so I will resume with Sharpie but alas, must also put some proper work in as well – it says so in the Scriptures! Anyway, thanks again for filling my life with great entertainment and please don’t stop!
John Hinson