Barbara Erskine is a renowned English author, celebrated for her captivating historical fiction, supernatural, and romance novels. Born on August 10, 1944, in Nottingham, United Kingdom, Erskine's fascination with history began in her early years, sparked by an interest in her own family history. This passion led her to study Scottish History at the University of Edinburgh, a pursuit that would later significantly influence her writing career.
Before becoming a full-time author, Erskine worked for an educational publisher and then as a freelance researcher for books on history and art. It was during this period that she began writing and selling short stories. Her foray into longer fiction was gradual, starting with extensive research and the development of the idea that would become her first bestseller, "Lady of Hay."
Erskine has authored thirteen bestselling novels and three collections of short stories, all of which have been published in more than 20 different languages. Her work is characterized by its historical depth and supernatural elements, combining fact and fiction in a way that keeps readers engaged and intrigued. Despite her success, Erskine remains a humble author, living with her family at an ancient manor house in Colchester and in a cottage near Hay-on-Wye. Her significant contribution to literature was recognized by the British Fantasy Society, which nominated her for "Best Novel Nominee" in 1996 for her novel "House of Echoes."