HarperFiction to publish two new Barbara Erskine novels
HarperFiction will publish two new Barbara Erskine novels, marking the 40th anniversary of her debut Lady of Hay. 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. Erskine announced the new novels at Hay Festival yesterday (21st May), and they will publish in 2028.
Lady of Hay was first published in 1986, and follows journalist heroine, Jo Clifford, who sets out determined to debunk the idea of past lives – only to find herself reliving the experiences of Matilda, Lady of Hay.
The sequel also follows Jo, who, when she returns to Hay-on-Wye, begins hearing the desperate cries of a young girl, echoing through the past. The synopsis continues: “As the famous Hay Festival fills the town with visitors, Jo finds herself drawn into a case that reaches back to 1876 – when a 13-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.”
Erskine is the author of 18 novels and her forthcoming novel, The Valley of Ravens, publishes on 30th July 2026.
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.”
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.”
Dixon 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.”
