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Sharpe #23.5
Sharpe's Ransom
Short Story Originally written for the The Daily Mail newspaper in 1995 and also published as one of two short stories in Sharpe's Christmas.
'Sharpe's Ransom', is set in France, after the wars, when old enemies take Sharpe's woman and child hostage.
'Sharpe's Ransom', is set in France, after the wars, when old enemies take Sharpe's woman and child hostage.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1995
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1389 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
537 books19.1k followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 16, 2020
can't lie was going to read this in a week after Sharpe's waterloo. so far I've read the sharpe series in chorological order. but i left my copy of waterloo at work with only 60 pages left. My print reading time is valuable so i preceded with the next installment before i finished waterloo but that did not matter because all you need to know is that Ransom is a short story that takes place after the war! Now that that's out of the way time to review this short story that's listed as the 23rd in the series.
Sharpe is at home in Normandy France. Sharpe the soldier turns into Sharpe the farmer but he doesn't really feel at home in the land of his former enemies. Then a group of vagabonds spurred by revenge take his wife and child hostage. you can bet Sharpe is not the man to let his domestic bliss ruined.
He calls on his neighbors to help him save his family. Cornwell taps into the Christmas sprit in a non corny way. my copy is the second part a novelette titled Sharpe's Christmas. both were written for a British newspaper publication. good if short installment to the series!
Sharpe is at home in Normandy France. Sharpe the soldier turns into Sharpe the farmer but he doesn't really feel at home in the land of his former enemies. Then a group of vagabonds spurred by revenge take his wife and child hostage. you can bet Sharpe is not the man to let his domestic bliss ruined.
He calls on his neighbors to help him save his family. Cornwell taps into the Christmas sprit in a non corny way. my copy is the second part a novelette titled Sharpe's Christmas. both were written for a British newspaper publication. good if short installment to the series!
August 2, 2018
Sharpe's Ransom is the third and final short story (that I'm aware of) in the Richard Sharpe chronicles. This one takes place inbetween Waterloo and the final book Sharpe's Devil. It finds Richard and Lucille living in France where the two are struggling to run a farm and a property. Richard is not a popular man in the village, and Lucille is resented for living with an Englishman instead of a French man. When some of Ducot's old crew show up to find the gold that Sharpe recovered in an earlier novel, they take Lucille hostage and Sharpe must save the day (and Christmas) in under 50 pages.
Let's start with the positives. This is a fun setting for a book, stripping away all the war drama and giving a nice slice of life of Richard and Lucille. The change is refreshing for a series that has explored every variation of early 1800's military, and we also get a little bit of Sharpe's parenting thoughts (i.e. not wanting to give his son a wooden horse because he might want to become a cavalry man. Yuck!
More than Sharpe's Christmas and Sharpe's Skirmish however, this one felt very rushed. Sharpe befriends the entire village who previously hated him in about 3 pages, he dispatches of three of the bad guys in another 3 page set, and the final confrontation is over in 2 pages. The climax in particular was a let down whereas only one of the three bad guys gets taught a lesson, and not even by Sharpe. Only one book left in the Sharpe series, I can't wait to find out how Cornwell ends it.
Let's start with the positives. This is a fun setting for a book, stripping away all the war drama and giving a nice slice of life of Richard and Lucille. The change is refreshing for a series that has explored every variation of early 1800's military, and we also get a little bit of Sharpe's parenting thoughts (i.e. not wanting to give his son a wooden horse because he might want to become a cavalry man. Yuck!
More than Sharpe's Christmas and Sharpe's Skirmish however, this one felt very rushed. Sharpe befriends the entire village who previously hated him in about 3 pages, he dispatches of three of the bad guys in another 3 page set, and the final confrontation is over in 2 pages. The climax in particular was a let down whereas only one of the three bad guys gets taught a lesson, and not even by Sharpe. Only one book left in the Sharpe series, I can't wait to find out how Cornwell ends it.
August 10, 2025
A Veteran's Welcome Return: Sharpe Faces His Most Personal Battle Yet
Sharpe's Ransom finds Bernard Cornwell's irascible rifleman in familiar yet compelling territory, delivering another solid entry in the beloved series that has entertained readers for decades. This latest installment proves that even after all these years, Richard Sharpe still has stories worth telling.
Cornwell's mastery of historical detail remains as sharp as his protagonist's sword. The author seamlessly weaves authentic period atmosphere with the kind of military action that has made the Sharpe series a benchmark for historical military fiction. The battle sequences crackle with tension and authenticity, while the historical backdrop feels lived-in rather than researched, a testament to Cornwell's deep understanding of the Napoleonic era.
What elevates this particular novel is its more personal stakes. The "ransom" of the title isn't merely monetary—it's emotional, forcing Sharpe to confront aspects of his character and past that previous adventures have only hinted at. Cornwell skillfully balances the intimate character moments with the larger military canvas, creating a story that feels both epic and surprisingly intimate.
Seán Cullen's narration deserves particular praise for audiobook listeners. His portrayal of Sharpe captures both the character's rough edges and unexpected vulnerabilities, while his handling of the supporting cast brings distinct life to each voice. Cullen has clearly studied the character deeply, delivering a performance that feels authoritative without being theatrical.
The novel does occasionally feel constrained by series expectations. Some plot beats follow familiar patterns, and longtime readers may find themselves anticipating certain developments. Additionally, while the historical research is meticulous, there are moments where the exposition feels slightly heavy-handed, temporarily slowing the narrative momentum.
Despite these minor quibbles, Sharpe's Ransom succeeds in what matters most: delivering an engaging adventure that honors the character's legacy while finding new ground to explore. It's both a satisfying standalone story and a worthy addition to the series canon.
For fans of the series, this is essential reading. For newcomers, while not the ideal starting point, it offers enough context to be enjoyable while showcasing why Sharpe has endured as one of historical fiction's most compelling protagonists. Cornwell proves once again that some characters never truly retire—they just find new battles to fight.
Sharpe's Ransom finds Bernard Cornwell's irascible rifleman in familiar yet compelling territory, delivering another solid entry in the beloved series that has entertained readers for decades. This latest installment proves that even after all these years, Richard Sharpe still has stories worth telling.
Cornwell's mastery of historical detail remains as sharp as his protagonist's sword. The author seamlessly weaves authentic period atmosphere with the kind of military action that has made the Sharpe series a benchmark for historical military fiction. The battle sequences crackle with tension and authenticity, while the historical backdrop feels lived-in rather than researched, a testament to Cornwell's deep understanding of the Napoleonic era.
What elevates this particular novel is its more personal stakes. The "ransom" of the title isn't merely monetary—it's emotional, forcing Sharpe to confront aspects of his character and past that previous adventures have only hinted at. Cornwell skillfully balances the intimate character moments with the larger military canvas, creating a story that feels both epic and surprisingly intimate.
Seán Cullen's narration deserves particular praise for audiobook listeners. His portrayal of Sharpe captures both the character's rough edges and unexpected vulnerabilities, while his handling of the supporting cast brings distinct life to each voice. Cullen has clearly studied the character deeply, delivering a performance that feels authoritative without being theatrical.
The novel does occasionally feel constrained by series expectations. Some plot beats follow familiar patterns, and longtime readers may find themselves anticipating certain developments. Additionally, while the historical research is meticulous, there are moments where the exposition feels slightly heavy-handed, temporarily slowing the narrative momentum.
Despite these minor quibbles, Sharpe's Ransom succeeds in what matters most: delivering an engaging adventure that honors the character's legacy while finding new ground to explore. It's both a satisfying standalone story and a worthy addition to the series canon.
For fans of the series, this is essential reading. For newcomers, while not the ideal starting point, it offers enough context to be enjoyable while showcasing why Sharpe has endured as one of historical fiction's most compelling protagonists. Cornwell proves once again that some characters never truly retire—they just find new battles to fight.
August 22, 2020
Sharpe's Ransom is another short story written for Christmas, and it gives an interesting insight into Sharpe's return to Normandy following Waterloo. As others have pointed out the short story format means that some of the problem resolutions are tied up pretty quickly, but the writing has all the hallmarks of vintage Cornwell.
August 16, 2022
(3.9) Sharpe short stories are good fun, although obviously resolved quickly.
This one brings back an old villain whilst exploring the tension of Sharpe living in France, the nation he has fought against for 20 years.
Good fun, no more than that.
This one brings back an old villain whilst exploring the tension of Sharpe living in France, the nation he has fought against for 20 years.
Good fun, no more than that.
June 24, 2017
Sharpe has to save his wife and son.
July 21, 2020
A lovely 15 minute read with a Christmas twist. Sharpe makes friends, defeats the enemy, and wins the girl (again).
November 4, 2021
This isn't only just a great Sharpe's tale, it's a great short-story, period. Seeing "Sharpe the farmer" at Christmastime, set in France- you can't go wrong!
February 17, 2022
Another good short Sharpe series. Living in France after the war he is taken hostage by former French soldiers and must team with unlikely allies to save his lover and son.
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May 5, 2023 One of my absolute favourite authors and a big reason why I got into english teaching
December 5, 2023
A highly entertaining short story. Great stuff!
December 24, 2025
Un relato corto sobre la vida bucólica y sus amenazas en la Francia postnapoleónica. Se acerca el final de las aventuras del soldado Sharpe.
July 21, 2016
Sharpe's Ransom is the second short story in Sharpe's Christmas.
Sharpe's Christmas is two short stories that are a great addition to the Richard Sharpe series. They are quick reads. They were written for publication in Christmastime editions of the British newspaper the Daily Guardian. One story is "Sharpe's Christmas" set near the end of Peninsular War and the other is "Sharpe's Ransom" set after his retirement to Normandy. We get to see a little action in each, but we also get to see a slightly softer side of Sharpe.
In Christmas, Sharpe is dispatched to stop the retreat from Spain of French troops on Christmas eve. He meets an old enemy who he both likes and respects. The feeling is mutual. They reach an accommodation that allows both to leave the field with honor and success.
In Ransom, also set at Christmas, Sharpe’s home is invaded and his family is placed in danger. To overcome the invaders, he must gain the friendship of the nearby French villagers who don’t trust him because he served with the enemy. All ends well.
The proceeds of this book benefit the Sharpe Appreciation Society and the Bernard and Judy Cornwell Foundation. The former promotes understanding of the soldiers who fought in the Peninsular War and France in the early 19th century and the latter supports scholarships for young people in Cape Cod. If you are a Sharpe fan, consider purchasing for the $8 paperback from Amazon.
Sharpe's Christmas is two short stories that are a great addition to the Richard Sharpe series. They are quick reads. They were written for publication in Christmastime editions of the British newspaper the Daily Guardian. One story is "Sharpe's Christmas" set near the end of Peninsular War and the other is "Sharpe's Ransom" set after his retirement to Normandy. We get to see a little action in each, but we also get to see a slightly softer side of Sharpe.
In Christmas, Sharpe is dispatched to stop the retreat from Spain of French troops on Christmas eve. He meets an old enemy who he both likes and respects. The feeling is mutual. They reach an accommodation that allows both to leave the field with honor and success.
In Ransom, also set at Christmas, Sharpe’s home is invaded and his family is placed in danger. To overcome the invaders, he must gain the friendship of the nearby French villagers who don’t trust him because he served with the enemy. All ends well.
The proceeds of this book benefit the Sharpe Appreciation Society and the Bernard and Judy Cornwell Foundation. The former promotes understanding of the soldiers who fought in the Peninsular War and France in the early 19th century and the latter supports scholarships for young people in Cape Cod. If you are a Sharpe fan, consider purchasing for the $8 paperback from Amazon.
November 16, 2016
#20.5 in the Richard Sharpe series in chronological order (#12.5b in publication order). An extended version of the story originally published in the British newspaper The Daily Mail. The penultimate piece of the Richard Sharpe saga, this story fits in the gap between the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and Sharpe's trip to Chile in 1820. This story is the first without sidekick Patrick Harper since they started fighting in the Peninsular War in 1809 - #6 Sharpe's Rifles (1988).
SS - December 1815, Normandy - Sharpe's Ransom, which takes place after Sharpe's Waterloo, is set in peacetime providing a glimpse of Sharpe's life in Normandy with Lucille. The action involves the invasion of his farmhouse by a gang of bandit veterans who hold Lucille ransom while sending Sharpe to retrieve a non-existant treasure.
SS - December 1815, Normandy - Sharpe's Ransom, which takes place after Sharpe's Waterloo, is set in peacetime providing a glimpse of Sharpe's life in Normandy with Lucille. The action involves the invasion of his farmhouse by a gang of bandit veterans who hold Lucille ransom while sending Sharpe to retrieve a non-existant treasure.
November 16, 2020
One of the two short stories Cornwell wrote for a Daily newspaper. A quick enjoyable read with all the Sharpe heroics condensed into a short story. Chronologically, this occurs a year after the battle of Waterloo. Sharpe has found himself somewhat estranged from the rest of the villagers, partly because he fought against the French at Waterloo, but also because a Sargent from Napoleon's Imperial Guard from the Village threatens anyone who so much as talks to Sharpe with severe repercussions. However Sharpe finds himself in the usual predicament, and uses their bond as soldiers to get him on side and help him take care of the 'visitors' who want Napoleon's gold, which they believe Sharpe took during Sharpe's Revenge when he and Calvet overcame Ducos.
March 13, 2012
No use denying it I've read everything I could on the Peninsular War, all of Sharpe, contemporary histories, French accounts etc.....
June 8, 2013
Fun short story.
September 21, 2014
Excellent historical novel.
December 21, 2014
good story
June 5, 2015
Ducos' gold comes back to haunt Sharpe when his wife and son are taken hostage, by former Hussairs who want nothing more to retire rich - and they believe Sharpe has the emperor's gold.
January 25, 2016
I feel this story suffers from a lack of 600-800 words, and ends too rapidly, even in its updated form. If there were 3 more pages of Falling Action, it'd be a much better Sharpe story.
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June 24, 2017It was satisfying to see Sharpe prevail not as a solo hero but a member of his new community.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews