I've nearly finished reading this one and I am quite impressed. This is my first Barbara Erskine book, it took me a while to get into the story and her writing style but it has been a great read. The main characters, especially the historical ones, were a great read.

I absolutely love Barbara Erskine's books too and I'm a bit behind with them at the moment, she is turning them out quite quickly.

I think my favourite is "Hiding from the Light" as it gave a very enlightening account on Matthew Hopkins.

But Lady of Hay (her first) still holds a special place for me.

I haven't read any of her books, but I have a suspicion that that will soon change!

Darn it you lot! Will you please stop recommending good authors! :lol:

Hi again Erskine fans!

I've been on a Jane Austen fest over the past week or two, so decided yesterday that it was time for a change of pace, and since this thread had caught my eye, I'd revisit "an Erskine".

Spookily enough, Sue, the one I chose is "Hiding from the Light" which I'm thoroughly enjoying, again. I even did the unusual for me, and delayed going out this morning, till I could absorb another chapter or two. I'm a big believer in past-lives myself, and it's always interesting to see which modern charactersin the novels channel the historical ones. In this case, it's interesting that the Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins, reappears through the priest (a "good" guy) in the story - choosing an "opposite" kind of life to express himself through!

I like the way the book is decorated wth occasional pencil sketches, too. A nice little touch of style.

I know what you mean, Chrissy - there's just not enough time to get to all the great stuff around, is there? Have you ever tried talking books? They're good to plug yourself into while doing boring household stuff, or running, travelling etc.,

Well, gang - back to delicious scariness! :lol:

Nici76 said:My sister's BF is taking me on a witch hunt in Manningtree in April to show me where all the things happened! Can't wait, I think I will re-read it before I go! :lol:

Sounds wonderfully scary Nici and SueK! :tong:

What about comparing "chills" here, after Nici's been, ladies? We'd al love it, I'm sure.

I must say, I'm starting to be more sympathetic about Matthew Hopkins, now. Looking at him more dispassionately, he was obviously profoundly affected by his childhood experiences, and probably wasn't even aware of many of the pressures brought to bear in "his" name. There's always someone ready to use and abuse a "figurehead" isn't there? Plus, of course, there have always been good and bad witches - it just depends on how they used their skills. Poor Lyn (the Wiccan (or White) witch) is seen as "evil" by many in the book, but she's really doing her best to help a situation fed by the greed of the local people who are using the history of the incidents for their own benefit, and keeping the energy of the spirits involved, alive.

Apart from those sticky points, though - "Hiding" is still a thumpin' good "read".

Enjoy your visit, Nici. :smile2:

I read the posts - would you say that the most important thing in a historical novel is the research and the accuracy of the historical setting?

Just starting reading 'House of Echoes' and got right into it & love it so far

anyone else read this one?

DecisionMostDeadly said:I read the posts - would you say that the most important thing in a historical novel is the research and the accuracy of the historical setting?

I'm gonna sulk if somebody else doesn't talk about my current favourite Erskine, "Time's Legacy" ... so there! :irked: