Distant Voices

In her second volume of short stories, which follows the hugely successful 'Encounters', Barbara Erskine has created a compelling world of love, betrayal, suspense and grief.

A biographer investigating a tragic death hears voices from the past drawing her towards the truth…

A nineteenth century parson’s daughter is caught up in the excitement and romance of a smuggling intrigue…

A young boy from a deprived background finds his own haven in the wastelands of the inner city…

Contemporary, historical, spooky, and humorous – there are over thirty delightful stories, each one guaranteed to capture the reader’s imagination, and all demonstrating Barbara Erskine’s unique powers as a storyteller.

Readers LOVE Barbara Erskine: ‘Atmospheric’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Enthralling’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Spellbinding’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another fabulous read from the mistress of the genre’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Immensely and deeply immersive fiction’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I loved every minute’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An exceptional writer of great books’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘You can rely on this author to keep you wanting more’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A joy to read’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Captivating and engrossing’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© 2025 HarperCollins (Audiobook): 9780008587727

Release date

Audiobook: 30 October 2025