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Barbara Erskine was our Guest Editor in July 2012 - click here - to see the books that inspired her writing.
An historian by training, Barbara Erskine is the author of thirteen novels, at once demonstrating her interest in history and the supernatural, plus four collections of short stories. Her books have appeared in at least twenty-six languages. Barbara’s first novel, Lady of Hay, has sold over three million copies worldwide to date. She lives in Hay-on-Wye.
Author photo © Karolina Webb
A feverishly seductive story, it whispers, cajoles, beckons from history until the past forcefully assaults the present. When Ruth’s estranged father dies she returns to Edinburgh and discovers the hidden diary of her ancestor Thomas Erskine. Fascinated by his story Ruth finds herself in extraordinary danger when she starts to delve into the past. The prologue offers a warning, while the first chapter thoroughly sets the scene in 1760 as 10 year old Thomas witnesses a murder and sees the shadow of the dead man as it leaves the body. Barbara Erskine has based the story on her own family history, she paints a picture with a beautiful delicate balance and inner strength as the drama starts to unfold. Ruth’s story stands resolute in this time, and with a delicious shiver of fear I let the story take me where it willed. I always knew where I was, even as the past pushed ever closer. Spellbinding and gorgeously readable, as all becomes clear The Ghost Tree really is the most perfect title - highly recommended. Take a look at our Ambassador Book Buzz for The Ghost Tree.
A feverishly seductive story, it whispers, cajoles, beckons from history until the past forcefully assaults the present. When Ruth’s estranged father dies she returns to Edinburgh and discovers the hidden diary of her ancestor Thomas Erskine. Fascinated by his story Ruth finds herself in extraordinary danger when she starts to delve into the past. The prologue offers a warning, while the first chapter thoroughly sets the scene in 1760 as 10 year old Thomas witnesses a murder and sees the shadow of the dead man as it leaves the body. Barbara Erskine has based the story on her own family history, she paints a picture with a beautiful delicate balance and inner strength as the drama starts to unfold. Ruth’s story stands resolute in this time, and with a delicious shiver of fear I let the story take me where it willed. I always knew where I was, even as the past pushed ever closer. Spellbinding and gorgeously readable, as all becomes clear The Ghost Tree really is the most perfect title - highly recommended.
A sweeping saga of a tale, linking the past and the present through two women’s dreams and a house that straddles time. This is the first Barbara Erskine novel I’ve read, for those that have been with her since the beginning, this has been written 30 years after the bestselling ‘Lady of Hay’ was published. In the present Andy moves to Sleeper’s Castle as an escape from the nightmare her life has become, while in the past Catrin is trapped between the English and the Welsh as her father plays a dangerous game. This could almost be read as two separate novels, yet as we float between the stories, the house of Sleeper’s Castle controls the strings and begins to tighten the links between the two women. With two unsettling, oppressive characters haunting Andy and Catrin, there were times when, particularly in Andy’s case, I wanted to step into the pages and lend a helping hand. With dream walking and ghostly presences stalking menacingly through the tale, ‘Sleeper’s Castle’ is an intriguing foray into the story of a house that remains outside of time.
She learns of Matilda's unhappy marriage, her love for the handsome Richard de Clare, and the brutal death threats handed out by King John, before it becomes clear that Jo's past and present are inevitably entwined. She realises that eight hundred years on, Matilda's story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to repeat itself...
One of our Books of the Year 2016. A sweeping saga of a tale, linking the past and the present through two women’s dreams and a house that straddles time. This is the first Barbara Erskine novel I’ve read, for those that have been with her since the beginning, this has been written 30 years after the best selling ‘Lady of Hay’ was published. In the present Andy moves to Sleeper’s Castle as an escape from the nightmare her life has become, while in the past Catrin is trapped between the English and the Welsh as her father plays a dangerous game. This could almost be read as two separate novels, yet as we float between the stories, the house of Sleeper’s Castle controls the strings and begins to tighten the links between the two women. With two unsettling, oppressive characters haunting Andy and Catrin, there were times when, particularly in Andy’s case, I wanted to step into the pages and lend a helping hand. With dream walking and ghostly presences stalking menacingly through the tale, ‘Sleeper’s Castle’ is an intriguing foray into the story of a house that remains outside of time. July 2016 Book of the Month.
March 2015 Book of the Month. What can I say about this fabulous book? That it is classic Erskine time-slip drama of passion and incident; that it covers the war years and today and that it is big and glorious in every sense. I see that her father was a spitfire pilot and she has obviously used his memory in her research. That adds a nice personal touch. The story is of a young author researching a war artist and portraitist so we get her story and that of the said artist, integrated into each other. A lovely, lovely book to get totally lost in.
July 2014 eBook of the Month. What can I say about this fabulous book? That it is classic Erskine time-slip drama of passion and incident; that it covers the war years and today and that it is big and glorious in every sense. I see that her father was a spitfire pilot and she has obviously used his memory in her research. That adds a nice personal touch. The story is of a young author researching a war artist and portraitist so we get her story and that of the said artist, integrated into each other. A lovely, lovely book to get totally lost in.
March 2013 Book of the Month. Travelling across three time periods, Anglo Saxon, Victorian and today, and linked by bodies and buildings, this is as much a murder mystery as it is an historical epic. Erskine has a gift of creating twists of fate each time period that affect the lives of people in subsequent periods. A terrific read. In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for River of Destiny a small number of Lovereading members were lucky enough to be invited to review this title - 'I am in awe of her skill as a writer to hook the reader in and keep them turning the pages.' - Lisa Redmond. Scroll down to read more reviews.
July 2012 Book of the Month. History and the supernatural combine in this epic and atmospheric read from the bestselling author of Time's Legacy and Lady of Hay, Barbara Erskine. Set in Suffolk and spanning Anglo Saxon Britain, to the present day this absorbing story is perfect for a Summer read.
February 2011 Book of the Month. This skilfully crafted and beautifully structured book deals with a series of complex issues - religion, witchcraft, atheism, feminism and individual human complexities – within a narrative thread that is easy to follow and hard to put down. It is a book by a woman and, primarily, about a woman, but it is by no means ‘a woman’s book’. The themes are historic, universal and perhaps fundamental. A brilliant read.
Jess, a young teacher in London, is attacked by someone she fears knows her well. Fleeing to her sister's house in the Welsh borders to recuperate, she is disturbed by the cries of a mysterious child. Two thousand years before, the same valley is the site of a great battle between Caratacus, king of the Brtitish tribes, and the invading Romans. The proud king is captured and taken as a prisoner to Rome with his wife and daughter, the princess Eigon. Jess is inexorably drawn to investigate Eigon's story, and as the Welsh cottage is no longer a peaceful sanctuary she determines to visit Rome. There lie the connections that will reveal Eigon's astonishing life - and which threaten to reawaken Jess's own tormentor. Barbara Erskine's ability to weave together the past and the present, shedding light on a real but little-known figure, makes this a tremendous novel of Roman and Celtic history, passion and intrigue.
Joss Grant is eager to begin a new life when she inherits Belheddon Hall. She brings her husband, Luke, and their small son, Tom, to the dilapidated house, and sets about discovering her family roots which lie in the village. But not long after they move in, Tom wakes screaming at night. Joss hears echoing voices and senses an invisible presence, watching her from the shadows. Are they spirits from the past? Or is she imagining them? As she learns, with mounting horror, of Belheddon's tragic and dramatic history, her fear grows very real, for she realises that both her family and her own sanity are at the mercy of a violent and powerful energy which seems beyond anyone's control.
Recently divorced, Anna decides to cheer herself up by retracing a journey her great grandmother made in the nineteenth century: a Nile cruise from Luxor to the Valley of the Kings. Anna carries with her on the voyage two mementoes of her great-grandmother Louisa: an ancient Egyptian scent bottle, and the diary of that original Nile cruise, which has lain unread for a hundred years. As she follows in Louisa's footsteps, Anna discovers in the diary the chilling secret of the scent bottle and is pursued by the same terrifying spectres as her great grandmother.
Another intriguing piece of historical writing. Three women from the modern day get drawn in to the history of a Celtic queen and on travelling to the site of where she lived find themselves haunted by her very real presence.
Including a BRAND NEW exclusive sequel short story to celebrate the 25th anniversary of a 3 million copy bestseller, this new edition of Lady of Hay brings Barbara Erskine's eerie, atmospheric and utterly compelling story to a new generation. In London, high-flying journalist Jo Clifford is planning to debunk past-life regression in a hard-hitting magazine piece. But her scepticism is shaken when she undergoes hypnosis and finds herself reliving the experiences of Matilda, Lady of Hay, a noblewoman during the reign of King John. As she learns of Matilda's unhappy marriage, her love for the handsome Richard de Clare and the brutal threats of death at the hands of King John, it becomes clear that Jo's past and present are hopelessly entwined and that, eight hundred years on, a story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to begin again...
March 2015 Book of the Month. What can I say about this fabulous book? That it is classic Erskine time-slip drama of passion and incident; that it covers the war years and today and that it is big and glorious in every sense. I see that her father was a spitfire pilot and she has obviously used his memory in her research. That adds a nice personal touch. The story is of a young author researching a war artist and portraitist so we get her story and that of the said artist, integrated into each other. A lovely, lovely book to get totally lost in.
From the Sunday Times bestselling author comes an epic tale of love, passion and heartbreak.In the summer of 1940, eyes are focussed on the skies above the South of England: the Battle for Britain has just begun. But Evie Lucas has eyes for no-one but a dashing young pilot called Tony. Evie has a glittering career as an artist ahead of her but seems only to be fascinated in sketching portraits of him...Seventy years later, recently widowed art historian Lucy is putting the pieces of her life back together, and to do that she needs to uncover the mystery surrounding a painting in her home. As Lucy ties up the loose ends of one lifetime, she stirs up a hornet's nest of history in another. Suddenly, Lucy finds herself in danger from people past and present who have no intention of letting an untold truth ever surface.Some stories are buried in the darkness forever. Some are just waiting to be told...
A story spanning centuries. A long awaited revenge. In London, journalist Jo Clifford plans to debunk the belief in past-lives in a hard-hitting magazine piece. But her scepticism is shaken when a hypnotist forces her to relive the experiences of Matilda, Lady of Hay, a noblewoman during the reign of King John. She learns of Matilda's unhappy marriage, her love for the handsome Richard de Clare, and the brutal death threats handed out by King John, before it becomes clear that Jo's past and present are inevitably entwined. She realises that eight hundred years on, Matilda's story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to repeat itself... Barbara Erskine's iconic debut novel still delights generations of readers thirty years after its first publication.
When Joss, an adopted child, discovers that her real mother has left the beautiful family home, Belheddon Hall, to her, she is thrilled, until she discovers that the Hall is haunted by a presence which will not tolerate husbands or sons living in the house. Joss Grant is eager to begin a new life when she inherits Belheddon Hall. She brings her husband, Luke, and their small son, Tom, to the dilapidated house, and sets about discovering her family roots. But not long after they move in, Tom wakes screaming at night. Joss hears echoing voices and senses an invisible presence watching her from the shadows. Are they spirits from the past? As she learns, with mounting horror, of Belheddon's tragic history, she realises that both her family and her own sanity are at the mercy of a violent and powerful energy that seems beyond anyone's control.
A stunning novel of contemporary and historical betrayal and revenge, from the author of LADY OF HAY. After a broken love affair, biographer Kate Kennedy retires to a remote cottage on the wild Essex coast to work on her new book, until her landlord's daughter uncovers a Roman site nearby and long-buried passions are unleashed... In her lonely cottage, Kate is terrorized by mysterious forces. What do these ghosts want? Should the truth about the violent events of long ago be exposed or remain concealed? Kate must struggle for her life against earthbound spirits and ancient curses as hate, jealousy, revenge and passion do battle across the centuries...
March 2013 Book of the Month. Travelling across three time periods, Anglo Saxon, Victorian and today, and linked by bodies and buildings, this is as much a murder mystery as it is an historical epic. Erskine has a gift of creating twists of fate each time period that affect the lives of people in subsequent periods. A terrific read. In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for River of Destiny a small number of Lovereading members were lucky enough to be invited to review this title - 'I am in awe of her skill as a writer to hook the reader in and keep them turning the pages.' - Lisa Redmond. Scroll down to read more reviews.
A story spanning centuries. A long awaited revenge.In London, journalist Jo Clifford plans to debunk the belief in past-lives in a hard-hitting magazine piece. But her scepticism is shaken when a hypnotist forces her to relive the experiences of Matilda, Lady of Hay, a noblewoman during the reign of King John.She learns of Matilda's unhappy marriage, her love for the handsome Richard de Clare, and the brutal death threats handed out by King John, before it becomes clear that Jo's past and present are inevitably entwined. She realises that eight hundred years on, Matilda's story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to repeat itself...Barbara Erskine's iconic debut novel still delights generations of readers thirty years after its first publication.
From the bestselling author of Time's Legacy and Lady of Hay comes a thrilling new novel, River of Destiny, an epic story that spans Anglo Saxon Britain, Victorian Suffolk and the present day.Perfect for fans of Kate Mosse's Labyrinth.On the banks of the River Deben in Suffolk are ancient barns dating back to Anglo Saxon times - within these walls lie secrets that have been buried for centuries.New arrivals Zoe and Ken move into one of the converted barns, ready to start a life away from the hustle and bustle of the city. To the outside world they seem happy, but they are growing further apart by the day. Meanwhile the strange presence Zoe feels within their home and the ghostly shapes she sees through the cloying mists on the river are getting harder to ignore.Nearby, farmers are ploughing the land beside the river and human bones are found. Are they linked to the Victorian tragedy the locals whisper about? The secret of the grassy mound has remained untouched through history, but now that it's been disturbed, will there be devastating consequences?
February 2011 Book of the Month. This skilfully crafted and beautifully structured book deals with a series of complex issues - religion, witchcraft, atheism, feminism and individual human complexities – within a narrative thread that is easy to follow and hard to put down. It is a book by a woman and, primarily, about a woman, but it is by no means ‘a woman’s book’. The themes are historic, universal and perhaps fundamental. A brilliant read.
Barbara Erskine returns with this beautiful and haunting tale of dark forces and mystical powersCambridge, present day: Following the death of her mother, Abi Rutherford receives a mysterious bequest - a misshapen crystal sphere known as the Serpent's Stone, which gives her glimpses into mysteries long concealed by the church.Western England, 25 AD: A stranger has come to the chilly Somerset wetlands, with a story of hope and reconciliation. But he is being followed by powerful forces, determined that he will not undermine Roman rule in Britain.Abi questions what connects these ancient events and her gift. Why do so many people seem desperate to hide the truth?A dark shadow has fallen across the centuries, and a woman is in fear for her life. But is it danger that awaits her, or the final truth so long whispered across the echoes of time?
Gorgeous repackage of Barbara Erskine's first novel, blending history, family legacy and contemporary passion In a childless and unhappy marriage, Clare Royland is rich and beautiful - but lonely. And fueling her feelings of isolation is a strange, growing fascination with an ancestress from the distant past. Troubled by haunting inexplicable dreams that terrify - but also powerfully compel - her, Clare is forced to look back through the centuries for answers. In 1306, Scotland is at war. Isobel, Countess of Buchan, faces fear and the prospect of untimely death as the fighting surrounds her. But passionate and headstrong, her trials escalate when she is persecuted for her part in crowning Robert the Bruce, her lover. Duncairn, Isobel's home and Clare's beloved heritage, becomes a battleground for passions that span the centuries. As husband Paul's recklessness threatens their security, Clare must fight to save Duncairn, and to save herself from the powers of Isobel...
Beautifully repacked edition of this stunning novel of contemporary and historical betrayal and revenge, from the author of LADY OF HAY After a broken love affair, biographer Kate Kennedy retires to a remote cottage on the wild Essex coast to work on her new book, until her landlord's daughter uncovers a Roman site nearby and long-buried passions are unleashed... In her lonely cottage, Kate is terrorized by mysterious forces. What do these ghosts want? Should the truth about the violent events of long ago be exposed or remain concealed? Kate must struggle for her life against earthbound spirits and ancient curses as hate, jealousy, revenge and passion do battle across the centuries...
Beautiful repackage of this Barbara Erskine classic, the story of a remarkable mediaeval noblewoman whose life shaped the history of three crowns The child whose hands would hold three crowns is born in fire. In 1218 an extraordinary princess is born. Her mystical powers and unquenchable spirit will alter the course of history. Raised by her fiercely Welsh nurse to support the Celtic cause against the predatory English king, Princess Eleyne is taught to worship the old gods and to look into the future and the past. However, unable to identify time and place in her terrifying visions, she is powerless to avert forthcoming tragedy... Despite impassioned resistance, Eleyne's world is shaped by powerful men - but her tempestuous life and loves tie her to the destinies of England, Scotland and Wales...
Jess, a young teacher in London, is attacked by someone she fears knows her well. Fleeing to her sister's house in the Welsh borders to recuperate, she is disturbed by the cries of a mysterious child. Two thousand years before, the same valley is the site of a great battle between Caratacus, king of the Brtitish tribes, and the invading Romans. The proud king is captured and taken as a prisoner to Rome with his wife and daughter, the princess Eigon. Jess is inexorably drawn to investigate Eigon's story, and as the Welsh cottage is no longer a peaceful sanctuary she determines to visit Rome. There lie the connections that will reveal Eigon's astonishing life - and which threaten to reawaken Jess's own tormentor. Barbara Erskine's ability to weave together the past and the present, shedding light on a real but little-known figure, makes this a tremendous novel of Roman and Celtic history, passion and intrigue.
Stunning repackage of the story of a woman trapped in the wrong time. Abandoned by her twentieth century lover, she plots a terrible revenge on him and his family. Adam Craig is fourteen when he meets Brid near an isolated Celtic stone in the wild Scottish Highlands - he is fascinated by her exotic, gypsy-like dress and strange attitudes. They become friends, and, in time, passionate lovers. She leads him, unsuspecting, into the sixth century, where she has mastered the ancient mysteries and dangerous magic of the Druids. In her obsession with Adam, Brid is seen as a traitor by her people, only escaping death by following Adam to Edinburgh, when he leaves home to study medicine. As the years pass he makes new friends and finds new love. But Brid is consumed by jealousy and haunts him like an evil shadow, until, fifty years on, Adam's granddaughter helps him discover the secret that will free them from the terror of Brid's curse.
Recently divorced, Anna decides to cheer herself up by retracing a journey her great grandmother made in the nineteenth century: a Nile cruise from Luxor to the Valley of the Kings. Anna carries with her on the voyage two mementoes of her great-grandmother Louisa: an ancient Egyptian scent bottle, and the diary of that original Nile cruise, which has lain unread for a hundred years. As she follows in Louisa's footsteps, Anna discovers in the diary the chilling secret of the scent bottle and is pursued by the same terrifying spectres as her great grandmother.