Barbara Erskine’s THE VALLEY OF RAVENS has flown into the Top Ten in the UK hardback Original Fiction bestseller chart, hitting Number Six on chart after just three days on sale. HarperCollins published THE VALLEY OF RAVENS on 30th July – the tenth Barbara Erskine novel to become a Top Ten bestseller, with her previous title, THE STORY SPINNER, reaching Number One as well.
In THE VALLEY OF RAVENS, two women, centuries apart, are bound by fate… In the present, Eve, desperate for a fresh start, arrives in the Valley of Ravens to restore a long-abandoned cottage. Everyone knows the place is cursed. Why else would it be called The Witch’s House? As Eve begins her renovations it becomes clear the place has a secret waiting to be uncovered, if only she can make the connection with the past.
Meanwhile, in Wales in 1260, Alys, a healer living in the depths of the valley, discovers Llewelyn – last true Prince of Wales – lying wounded on the battlefield. She tends him and her fate is forever bound to his. Her vow to keep his final secret will echo through the centuries…
Barbara has a busy roster of events to celebrate the publication of THE VALLEY OF RAVENS, beginning with a very special launch at Hay Castle in Hay-on-Wye on publication day. Hay-on-Wye sits on the border with England along the River Wye and is of course the site of Barbara’s debut, the iconic classic LADY OF HAY. THE VALLEY OF RAVENS also features LADY OF HAY heroine Jo Clifford. Fans came from all over the UK to attend the launch, also in family groups – from Edinburgh, York, Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham and more. A lively discussion about Barbara’s research and Q&A session was followed by a long signing queue!
You can listen to Barbara talking more about the book on BBC Radio or read more in this fascinating Muddy Stilettos interview. You can see more event dates here, photos of Barbara’s location travel and research on her website here and sign up for her monthly newsletter here, for early news and extra insights.
THE VALLEY OF RAVENS has already garnered praise from early readers and reviewers:
‘Erskine masterfully connects these women across centuries, delivering an atmospheric blend of historical drama and supernatural suspense that explores how deep secrets refuse to stay buried.’ – Woman’s Own
‘Gripping and inspirational… Barbara Erskine never disappoints. She is a master storyteller with a genius for evoking lost worlds, and writes pacy and convincing time-slip novels in which magic and the supernatural abound and menace is always lurking, and this book is no exception. I was riveted, entranced by the poignant story of the last native Prince of Wales, and the brave heroine who risks her all for his sake. It’s a beautifully crafted story, a real roller-coaster ride, and utterly spellbinding.’ – Alison Weir
‘There are few things as exciting as a new Barbara Erskine novel. In fact, I’m beginning to think that she writes especially for me, because her stories, so multi-layered, gliding smoothly from present to past, with intriguing and often quite scary paranormal threads, are exactly what I crave in a book. No one does the paranormal like Barbara and I love her for it. She’s a kindred spirit and I soak up every word with unadulterated pleasure. THE VALLEY OF RAVENS is Barbara at her best – she’s been at her best for years, really, she hits that high pitch of perfection every time. She’s a master storyteller and a wise woman. Long may she continue to entertain, fascinate and give great joy to her many readers! I adored THE VALLEY OF RAVENS so much!’ – Santa Montefiore
'An intriguing time-slip story... With beautiful prose, this atmospheric story is told in dual time frames as ancient events and secrets come to the fore.' – Candis
It was recently announced that HarperCollins have acquired two new books from Barbara Erskine, one being the long-awaited sequel to Barbara’s debut, the multi-million-copy bestseller LADY OF HAY, which has been in print for 40 years. The new novel, also set in Hay-on-Wye, has Jo Clifford again as central character and will be published in 2028, with a further title to follow.
About the Author
Photo credit: Chris Norton
Historian and novelist, Barbara Erskine was the first writer to become a major bestseller with dual time period novels. Her first novel, LADY OF HAY, catapulted her to international success and has been constantly in print for 38 years. 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.
Barbara Erskine has 16 novels and 3 original short story collections to her name. Euromedia published ‘The Best of Barbara Erskine’ short story collection in the Czech Republic in October 2020.
She lives in an old police station in Hay-on-Wye, the setting of LADY OF HAY and SLEEPER’S CASTLE. The area, near Offa’s Dyke, is a key location in THE DREAM WEAVERS, THE STORY SPINNER and THE VALLEY OF RAVENS too.
Praise for Barbara Erskine
‘Fascinating, absorbing, original. But perhaps the most suitable word is hypnotic.’ – SHE
‘Erskine never disappoints.’ — Historical Novel Society
'My perfect storm of escapist bliss.' – Saga
‘The acknowledged queen of the historical time-slip novel.’ – Daily Mail
‘Whether you class her as historical or supernatural, she is certainly a first-rate storyteller.’ – The Bookseller