Barbara Erskine took to the stage on the opening night of this year’s Hay Festival to mark the 40th anniversary of her iconic debut novel, LADY OF HAY.

First published in 1986 and never out of print, LADY OF HAY is a multi-million-copy bestseller and remains one of the most beloved of Erskine’s works, blending fantasy and history in a novel that was well ahead of its time. Its journalist heroine, Jo Clifford, sets out determined to debunk the idea of past lives – only to find herself reliving the experiences of Matilda, Lady of Hay.

On stage yesterday evening, Erskine revealed that Jo’s story will continue in a new sequel, due to publish in 2028.

Belinda Toor, Editorial Director at HarperFiction, has acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to two new historical fiction novels from Isobel Dixon at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency, with the LADY OF HAY sequel as the first book in the deal.

In it, readers will return to Hay-on-Wye, where journalist Jo Clifford begins hearing the desperate cries of a young girl, echoing through the past. As the famous Hay Festival fills the town with visitors, Jo finds herself drawn into a case that reaches back to 1876 – when a thirteen-year-old girl vanished without trace. Combining Erskine’s signature dual timelines and haunting atmosphere with a gripping contemporary suspense, the novel is set to enthral longtime fans and new readers alike.

Belinda Toor said: ‘Barbara’s stories are always rooted in real history and real lives, and that is precisely what has made her one of the most beloved storytellers in the genre. She has enchanted readers for decades with her extraordinary ability to weave the past and present together, and I couldn’t be more excited that she is stepping back into the story where it all began. The new novel has all the hallmarks of classic Erskine, but with a contemporary suspense that feels truly electric. We cannot wait to share it with readers.’

Barbara Erskine said: ‘I am enormously pleased and excited to be continuing my long and very special relationship with HarperCollins with two more books, made even more special by a return to Hay where the whole adventure started.’

Isobel Dixon at Blake Friedmann said: ‘Our inimitable Blake Friedmann co-founder, Carole Blake, was absolutely passionate about LADY OF HAY – one of the first agency titles she told me about. It’s such a privilege to continue working with Barbara, along with Belinda Toor and the HarperCollins team. What a thrill to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Barbara’s groundbreaking bestseller at the Hay Festival – and to anticipate sharing the suspenseful historical-and-contemporary sequel with legions of fans and new readers. What a legacy and what a joy! I imagine how Carole would be rejoicing too.’

Barbara Erskine is the author of 18 novels, nine of which have reached the Sunday Times top 10, alongside three short story collections.

Her forthcoming novel, THE VALLEY OF RAVENS, publishes on 30th July 2026.

About Barbara Erskine

Historian and novelist Barbara Erskine was the first writer to become a major bestseller with dual-time-period novels. Her debut, LADY OF HAY, catapulted her to international success in June 1986 – and has been constantly in print ever since. Often imitated, never equalled, Barbara’s work is published all around the world in English and in 26 other languages. Her books are regular Sunday Times bestsellers in both hardback and paperback, with millions of copies sold.

Her twentieth book, THE STORY SPINNER (set in Wales in the contemporary era and during the 4th Century Roman occupation), shot straight to No. 1 on the UK Sunday Times hardback charts in its first week of sale in August 2024.

Barbara lives in an old police station in Hay-on-Wye, the setting of LADY OF HAY and SLEEPER’S CASTLE and near Offa’s Dyke, a key location in THE DREAM WEAVERS.

Praise for Barbara Erskine

‘Fascinating, absorbing, original. But perhaps the most suitable word is hypnotic.’ – SHE

‘Erskine never disappoints.’ – Historical Novel Society

‘Will thrill, enchant and intrigue those who love history and the supernatural. Barbara Erskine’s grasp of time, place and atmosphere is second to none, the storytelling a masterpiece.’ – Alison Weir

‘The acknowledged queen of the historical time-slip novel.’ – Daily Mail

Praise for LADY OF HAY

'The author's storytelling talent is undeniable. Barbara Erskine can make us feel the cold, smell the filth and experience some of the fear of the power of evil men.' – The Times

‘A record breaker whichever way you look at it… A rattling good romance-cum-thriller.’ – MS London

‘Barbara Erskine’s first full-length novel is destined to be a best-seller… A fast-paced passionate historical romance with the tension of a modern thriller… Crisp characters, credible situations and the upbeat way Mrs Erskine alternates between the 12th and 20th century make the book fascinating and memorable.’ – Fay Bradley, Ealing Gazette

‘A fast-paced page turner combining all the best elements of hot-blooded historical romance with the tension of a modern thriller.’ – Hereford Times

‘A masterpiece of fiction.’ – Shropshire Star

‘So gripping is this one and so difficult to put down that, seizing every moment, I completed it in one weekend… A truly remarkable book.’ – The Ross Gazette

‘A remarkable first novel… Anyone who loves to sit down with a good story won’t be disappointed!’ – Woman and World

‘A most intriguing novel… Very cleverly handled, and gripping. I couldn’t put it down.’ – Maidenhead Advertiser

‘Packed with historical interest.’ – North Norfolk News

‘Mesmerising. From cover to cover.’ – Eastern Daily News

‘Passionate and exciting.’ – Herald Express