Barbara Erskine Books in Order

How to Read Barbara Erskine’s Novels

Barbara Erskine pioneered the modern modern "timeslip" novel—a genre that seamlessly weaves together a historical era with a contemporary mystery, linked by ghosts, memory regression, or ancient sites. Because almost all of her books are standalone novels, you do not have to worry about a rigid series continuity. However, there are still excellent ways to approach her work, whether you want to start with her most iconic masterpiece or explore her books by their historical settings.

The Recommended Starting Point: Lady of Hay

If you are new to Barbara Erskine, the absolute best place to begin is her debut novel, Lady of Hay (1986). It is not only her most famous book—having sold over three million copies worldwide—but it also perfectly introduces her signature style. The story follows a modern-day journalist, Jo Clifford, who undergoes past-life hypnotic regression and finds herself reliving the tragic, dramatic life of Matilda of Braose, a real 12th-century noblewoman in the Welsh borders. The boundaries between the past and present quickly blur, creating a high-stakes, eerie dual timeline that defines Erskine's best writing.

Exciting News: The Upcoming Lady of Hay Sequel (Expected 2028)

For decades, Erskine's books were strictly independent standalones. However, HarperCollins and the Blake Friedmann Literary Agency have announced that Barbara Erskine is currently writing an official sequel to Lady of Hay, scheduled for publication in 2028. The sequel will bring back the original protagonist, Jo Clifford, as she returns to the Welsh borders near Hay-on-Wye. There, Jo begins to hear the ghostly echoes of a young girl who vanished in 1876, creating a brand-new timeslip mystery. If you want to be ready for this landmark sequel, reading the original Lady of Hay is essential.

Barbara Erskine Books in Publication Order

For readers who want to watch the author's style and historical focus evolve over nearly four decades, reading in publication order is highly recommended. Below is the complete list of her standalone novels, short stories, and collections:

The Standalone Novels

• Lady of Hay (1986) – Relives the 12th-century life of Matilda of Braose through hypnotic regression in Wales.
• Kingdom of Shadows (1988) – Explores 14th-century Scotland, centering on Elizabeth de Burgh, the wife of Robert the Bruce.
• Child of the Phoenix (1992) – Set in 13th-century Wales, following the life of a princess gifted with second sight.
• Midnight Is a Lonely Place (1994) – Set on the coastal marshes of Essex, linking a modern writer with Roman ghosts and a Victorian tragedy.
• House of Echoes (1996) – A spooky tale set in an old mansion in the Scottish Highlands, where the past refuses to stay buried.
• On the Edge of Darkness (1998) – Set in the ancient kingdom of Dalriada (modern Scotland), exploring Druidic times and Roman encounters.
• Whispers in the Sand (2000) – Travels to Egypt, linking a modern woman's cruise down the Nile with her Victorian great-grandmother's diaries.
• Hiding from the Light (2002) – Explores 18th-century witch trials and religious fanaticism in a small Essex village.
• Daughters of Fire (2006) – Connects a modern-day researcher with Cartimandua, the 1st-century Celtic queen of the Brigantes.
• The Warrior's Princess (2008) – Alternates between modern-day Wales and the Roman invasion of Britain, focusing on a Celtic princess.
• Time’s Legacy (2010) – Set in Glastonbury, linking modern church politics with Roman-era Britain and druidic mysteries.
• River of Destiny (2012) – Explores Anglo-Saxon Suffolk, featuring a river-side house where the Victorian era and the dark ages collide.
• The Darkest Hour (2014) – Set during the Battle of Britain in World War II, connecting the 1940s blitz with modern-day art and memories.
• Sleeper’s Castle (2016) – Set in Wales, weaving together a modern woman escaping grief and a 15th-century bard's daughter during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr.
• The Ghost Tree (2018) – Weaves 18th-century Scotland and modern Edinburgh, based partly on the letters of Erskine's real-life ancestor, Thomas Erskine.
• The Dream Weavers (2021) – Explores 8th-century Mercia during the reign of King Offa, centering on the construction of Offa's Dyke.
• The Story Spinner (2024) – Set in ancient Wales (382 AD), following a Silurian princess married to a Roman general, and a modern writer researching the land.

Short Stories and Novellas

• Encounters (1990) – Her first collection of short stories, exploring love, loss, and the supernatural.
• Milestones (1992) – A standalone novella that offers a quick, engaging entry into her atmospheric style.
• Distant Voices (1997) – A collection of short tales focusing on lingering spirits, memories, and mysterious coincidences.
• Sands Of Time (2003) – A short story collection that features several tales inspired by her travels, including Egyptian themes.

Exploring Erskine's Works by Historical Era

Because each book features a dual-timeline narrative, a single chronological order is impossible. However, if you are drawn to a particular period in history, you can choose your next read based on the historical era Erskine explores:

Ancient Rome & Celtic Britain

• The Story Spinner (382 AD Wales & Rome)
• The Warrior's Princess (1st Century Celtic Britain)
• Daughters of Fire (1st Century Brigantes)

Anglo-Saxon & Medieval Britain

• The Dream Weavers (8th Century Saxon Mercia)
• River of Destiny (Anglo-Saxon Suffolk)
• Lady of Hay (12th Century Norman/Welsh Borders)
• Child of the Phoenix (13th Century Wales)
• Kingdom of Shadows (14th Century Scotland)
• Sleeper's Castle (15th Century Welsh Rebellion)

The 18th Century & Victorian Era

• The Ghost Tree (18th Century Scotland)
• Hiding from the Light (18th Century Essex)
• Whispers in the Sand (Victorian Egypt)
• Midnight Is a Lonely Place (Victorian Essex & Roman Britain)

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Barbara Erskine's novels, here are a few practical tips to enhance your reading experience:

• Real History and Real Ancestors: Erskine is a trained historian who studied medieval Scottish history at the University of Edinburgh. Her research is incredibly thorough. In books like The Ghost Tree, she actually incorporates her own family history, utilizing letters and diaries from her real ancestor, the 18th-century lawyer Thomas Erskine.
• Slow-Burn Gothic Atmosphere: These are not fast-paced action thrillers. Erskine excels at building slow, psychological suspense and a rich, gothic atmosphere where settings—like ancient Welsh hills, old manors, or desolate marshes—feel like characters themselves.
• No Co-Authored Work: Every book in her catalog was written solely by Erskine, preserving a highly consistent, evocative voice across her entire career.