Listen free for 30 days
-
The Ghost Tree
- Narrated by: Vivian Helbrun
- Length: 21 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £18.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Darkest Hour
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Sandra Duncan
- Length: 20 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the summer of 1940, most eyes are focused on the skies above the South of England. The battle for Britain has just begun. But young Evie Lucas has eyes for no-one but a dashing young pilot called Tony. Evie has a glittering career as an artist ahead of her but seems to be wasting her time sketching endless portraits of Tony. She wants his parents to have something to remember him by in case it all goes wrong in the war…
-
-
loved it.................
- By Karen on 09-07-14
-
Whispers in the Sand
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Katy Federman
- Length: 16 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Recently divorced Anna Fox decides to cheer herself up by retracing a journey her great grandmother Louisa made in the mid-19th century - a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Anna carries with her two of Louisa’s possessions: an ancient Egyptian scent bottle and an illustrated diary of the original cruise that has lain unread for over a hundred years. As she follows in Louisa’s footsteps, Anna discovers in the diary a wonderful Victorian love story - and the chilling secret of the little glass bottle.
-
-
Yet another superb book
- By crochetdiva on 08-05-21
-
Lady of Hay
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Joan Walker
- Length: 27 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In London, journalist Jo Clifford plans to debunk the belief in past lives in a hard-hitting magazine piece. But her scepticism is shaken when a hypnotist forces her to relive the experiences of Matilda, Lady of Hay, a noblewoman during the reign of King John. She learns of Matilda's unhappy marriage, her love for the handsome Richard de Clare and the brutal death threats handed out by King John, before it becomes clear that Jo’s past and present are inevitably entwined.
-
-
Excellent story but narration is off putting
- By Anonymous User on 10-04-21
-
River of Destiny
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Gina Peach
- Length: 14 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the banks of the River Deben in Suffolk lies a set of barns dating back to the Anglo Saxons. Within their walls, secrets have been buried deeply. Zoe and Ken have just moved into one of the barns, ready to start a new life away from the hustle and bustle of the city. To the outside world they seem like an ordinary couple, but underneath they are growing more distant by the day. And when Zoe becomes close to local recluse, Leo, she finds her attraction to him undeniable.
-
-
Over zealous editing.
- By katethestate on 07-05-19
-
Time’s Legacy
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Janice Mackenzie
- Length: 18 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In present-day Cambridge, Abi, a recently ordained priest of the Church of England, is appointed to a notoriously difficult parish. The priest in charge is the charismatic but fundamentalist Kier. He objects to her mysticism, her practice of healing in particular. When she sees a vision of a congregation in an old church, Kier accuses her of witchcraft, but Abi soon sees more visions; an entire Roman family history dark with betrayal and a promise of bloody revenge.
-
-
Riveting listening
- By thefrenchfiend on 02-09-10
-
Sleeper's Castle
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Charlotte Strevens
- Length: 19 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hay-on-Wye, 1400. War is brewing in the Welsh borders. Catrin is on the brink of womanhood and falling in love for the first time. Her father is a soothsayer playing a dangerous game, playing on the mixed loyalties and furious rivalries between Welsh princes and English lords. For 200 years the Welsh people have lain under the English yoke, dreaming of independence. And finally it looks as though the charismatic Owain Glyndwr may be the man legend talks of.
-
-
Storytelling at its very best.
- By TR on 23-09-16
-
The Darkest Hour
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Sandra Duncan
- Length: 20 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the summer of 1940, most eyes are focused on the skies above the South of England. The battle for Britain has just begun. But young Evie Lucas has eyes for no-one but a dashing young pilot called Tony. Evie has a glittering career as an artist ahead of her but seems to be wasting her time sketching endless portraits of Tony. She wants his parents to have something to remember him by in case it all goes wrong in the war…
-
-
loved it.................
- By Karen on 09-07-14
-
Whispers in the Sand
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Katy Federman
- Length: 16 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Recently divorced Anna Fox decides to cheer herself up by retracing a journey her great grandmother Louisa made in the mid-19th century - a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Anna carries with her two of Louisa’s possessions: an ancient Egyptian scent bottle and an illustrated diary of the original cruise that has lain unread for over a hundred years. As she follows in Louisa’s footsteps, Anna discovers in the diary a wonderful Victorian love story - and the chilling secret of the little glass bottle.
-
-
Yet another superb book
- By crochetdiva on 08-05-21
-
Lady of Hay
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Joan Walker
- Length: 27 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In London, journalist Jo Clifford plans to debunk the belief in past lives in a hard-hitting magazine piece. But her scepticism is shaken when a hypnotist forces her to relive the experiences of Matilda, Lady of Hay, a noblewoman during the reign of King John. She learns of Matilda's unhappy marriage, her love for the handsome Richard de Clare and the brutal death threats handed out by King John, before it becomes clear that Jo’s past and present are inevitably entwined.
-
-
Excellent story but narration is off putting
- By Anonymous User on 10-04-21
-
River of Destiny
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Gina Peach
- Length: 14 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the banks of the River Deben in Suffolk lies a set of barns dating back to the Anglo Saxons. Within their walls, secrets have been buried deeply. Zoe and Ken have just moved into one of the barns, ready to start a new life away from the hustle and bustle of the city. To the outside world they seem like an ordinary couple, but underneath they are growing more distant by the day. And when Zoe becomes close to local recluse, Leo, she finds her attraction to him undeniable.
-
-
Over zealous editing.
- By katethestate on 07-05-19
-
Time’s Legacy
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Janice Mackenzie
- Length: 18 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In present-day Cambridge, Abi, a recently ordained priest of the Church of England, is appointed to a notoriously difficult parish. The priest in charge is the charismatic but fundamentalist Kier. He objects to her mysticism, her practice of healing in particular. When she sees a vision of a congregation in an old church, Kier accuses her of witchcraft, but Abi soon sees more visions; an entire Roman family history dark with betrayal and a promise of bloody revenge.
-
-
Riveting listening
- By thefrenchfiend on 02-09-10
-
Sleeper's Castle
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Charlotte Strevens
- Length: 19 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hay-on-Wye, 1400. War is brewing in the Welsh borders. Catrin is on the brink of womanhood and falling in love for the first time. Her father is a soothsayer playing a dangerous game, playing on the mixed loyalties and furious rivalries between Welsh princes and English lords. For 200 years the Welsh people have lain under the English yoke, dreaming of independence. And finally it looks as though the charismatic Owain Glyndwr may be the man legend talks of.
-
-
Storytelling at its very best.
- By TR on 23-09-16
-
The Dream Weavers
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Jilly Bond
- Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mercia, 788 AD. In the grand Saxon halls of Mercia, King Offa rules with cold ambition. His youngest daughter, Eadburh, is destined for an arranged marriage, but with reckless spirit, her heart is taken by a Welsh prince, a man she can never be matched with and who is quickly and cruelly taken from her. Offa’s Dyke, 2021. In a cottage hidden amongst the misty Welsh hills of Offa’s Dyke, Bea Dalloway is called to help Simon Armstrong, who is searching for peace. Instead he finds himself disturbed by unsettling noises and visions.
-
-
The dream weaver
- By mrs sharon jenkins on 03-05-21
-
Betty Church and the Suffolk Vampire
- A Betty Church Mystery Book 1
- By: M. R. C. Kasasian
- Narrated by: Emma Gregory
- Length: 14 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Inspector Betty Church - one of the few female officers on the force - has arrived from London to fill a vacancy at Sackwater police station. But Betty isn't new here. This is the place she grew up. Time ticks slowly in Sackwater. Having solved the case of the missing buttons, Betty's called to the train station to investigate a missing bench. But though there's no bench, there is a body. A smartly dressed man, murdered in broad daylight, with two distinctive puncture wounds in his throat. While the locals gossip about the Suffolk Vampire, Betty Church readies herself to hunt a dangerous killer.
-
-
Too many deeply irritating characters
- By Jackie on 17-12-18
-
Kingdom of Shadows
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Charlie Norfolk
- Length: 30 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a childless and unhappy marriage, Clare Royland is rich and beautiful - but lonely. And fueling her feelings of isolation is a strange, growing fascination with an ancestress from the distant past. Troubled by haunting inexplicable dreams that terrify - but also powerfully compel - her, Clare is forced to look back through the centuries for answers. In 1306, Scotland is at war. Isobel, countess of Buchan, faces fear and the prospect of untimely death as the fighting surrounds her.
-
-
Excellent as ever
- By Anonymous User on 01-08-21
-
The Mangle Street Murders
- By: M. R. C. Kasasian
- Narrated by: Emma Gregory
- Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Gower Street, London, 1882: Sidney Grice, London's most famous personal detective, is expecting a visitor. He drains his fifth pot of morning tea, and glances outside, where a young, plain woman picks her way between the piles of horse-dung towards his front door. Sidney Grice shudders. For heaven's sake - she is wearing brown shoes. The Mangle Street Murders is for those who like their crime original, atmospheric, and very, very funny.
-
-
Tries too hard
- By TAG on 28-06-18
-
House of Echoes
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Isla Blair
- Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Joss, an adopted child, discovers that her real mother has left the beautiful family home, Belheddon Hall, to her, she is thrilled, until she discovers that the Hall is haunted by a presence which will not tolerate husbands or sons living in the house.
-
-
A nice enough story to pass some time
- By Jacq on 27-07-14
-
Midnight Is a Lonely Place
- By: Barbara Erskine
- Narrated by: Isla Blair
- Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A stunning novel of contemporary and historical betrayal and revenge, from the author of Lady of Hay. After a broken love affair, biographer Kate Kennedy retires to a remote cottage on the wild Essex coast to work on her new book until her landlord's daughter uncovers a Roman site nearby and long-buried passions are unleashed…In her lonely cottage, Kate is terrorized by mysterious forces. What do these ghosts want? That the truth about the violent events of long ago be exposed or remain concealed?
-
-
Note to self …. Read info more carefully!
- By db Wilts on 30-10-21
-
The Secrets of Wishtide
- By: Kate Saunders
- Narrated by: Charlotte Strevens
- Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mrs Laetitia Rodd is the impoverished widow of an Archdeacon: she is also a private detective of the utmost discretion. In winter 1850, she is asked by Sir James Calderstone to investigate the background of an 'unsuitable' woman his son intends to marry. In the guise of governess, she travels to the family seat, Wishtide, where she discovers that the Calderstones have more to hide than most. As their secrets unfold, the case takes an unpleasant turn when a man is found dead outside a tavern.
-
-
Absolutely Delightful
- By Linda on 24-03-17
-
Just One Damned Thing After Another
- The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 1
- By: Jodi Taylor
- Narrated by: Zara Ramm
- Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Madeleine Maxwell is recruited by the St Mary's Institute of Historical Research, she discovers the historians there don't just study the past - they revisit it. But one wrong move and History will fight back - to the death. And she soon discovers it's not just History she's fighting....
-
-
Oh Dear
- By Charlotte Hobbs on 30-03-19
-
Dance of the Serpents
- The Brand New Frey & McGray Mystery
- By: Oscar de Muriel
- Narrated by: Andy Secombe
- Length: 14 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There have been many bad days in Edinburgh police's secret subdivision 'The Commission for the Elucidation of Unsolved Cases Presumably Related to the Odd and Ghostly'. But today is surely the worst. Because the exiled English Inspector Ian Frey, and his Scottish boss 'Nine-Nails' McGray are summoned to a meeting in the middle of the night with the Prime Minister himself. And he tells them that Queen Victoria - the most powerful person in the world - wants them both dead.
-
-
Another fantastic tale of Nine Nails and ‘Percy’
- By TrickstersDaughter on 08-09-20
-
Oranges and Lemons
- Bryant & May, Book 17
- By: Christopher Fowler
- Narrated by: Tim Goodman
- Length: 15 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One Sunday morning, the outspoken speaker of the House of Commons steps out of his front door only to be crushed under a mountain of citrus fruit. Bizarre accident or something more sinister? The government needs to know because here's a man whose knowledge of parliament’s biggest secret could put the future of the government at stake. It should be the perfect case for Bryant and May and the Peculiar Crimes Unit, but unfortunately one detective is in hospital, the other is missing and the staff have all been dismissed.
-
-
What a treat !
- By CM on 19-12-20
-
Penhaligon's Attic
- Penhaligon Saga, Book 1
- By: Terri Nixon
- Narrated by: Penelope Freeman
- Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
1910. Anna Garvey arrives in Caernoweth, Cornwall, with her daughter and a secret. Having come from Ireland to take up an inheritance of the local pub, she and her 18-year-old daughter, Mairead, are initially viewed with suspicion by the close-knit community. Anna soon becomes acquainted with Freya Penhaligon, a vulnerable girl struggling to keep her family business afloat in the wake of her grandmother's death, and starts to gain the trust of the locals.
-
-
Engaging
- By Granny June on 23-07-18
-
Ursula's Secret
- By: Mairi Wilson
- Narrated by: Jenny Dunbar
- Length: 13 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In just a few heartbreaking days, Lexy Shaw's world has fallen apart. After her mother is killed in a tragic hit-and-run, her mother's childhood guardian, Ursula, also dies suddenly, leaving everything to Lexy. But as Lexy reads through Ursula's hidden papers, what she discovers raises doubts about her own identity and if she really is now all alone in the world.
Summary
Before you follow the path into your family’s history, beware of the secrets you may find....
The new novel from the Sunday Times best-selling author.
Ruth has returned to Edinburgh after many years of exile, left rootless by the end of her marriage and career and now the death of her father, from whom she had long been estranged. She is faced with the daunting task of clearing his house, believing he had removed all traces of her mother. Yet hidden away in a barely used top-floor room, she finds he had secretly kept a cupboard full of her possessions. Sifting through the ancient papers, Ruth discovers the diary and letters written by her ancestor from the 18th century, Thomas Erskine.
As the youngest son of a noble family now living in genteel poverty, Thomas always knew he would have to make his own way in the world. Unable to follow his brothers to university, instead he joins first the navy and then the army, rising through the ranks, travelling the world. When he is finally able to study law, his extraordinary experiences and abilities propel him to the very top, and he becomes Lord Chancellor. Yet he has made a powerful enemy on his voyages, who will hound him and his family to the death - and beyond.
Ruth becomes ever more aware of Thomas as she is gripped by his story and slowly senses that not only is his presence with her, but so is his enemy’s. Ruth will have to draw upon new friends and old in what becomes a battle for her very survival - and discover an inner power beyond anything she has imagined.
More from the same
What listeners say about The Ghost Tree
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Happy Shopper
- 03-10-18
Different and gripping
This is quite different to Erskine's normal normal but still gripping and exciting. I felt a little let down by the ending, there was so much more I wanted to know, I won't spoil it by describing what I would have liked to know however, but still a really good story that I found myself listening to at every opportunity for hours at a time when I lost track of real life! The narrator was really good and the story had so many twists and turns. Fans won't be disappointed
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Robbie the Barker
- 13-11-18
The Ghost Treee
This book is of the couldn't put down variety Most enjoyable and on par with the autheress's others I've read
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mrs P
- 16-03-19
I’m hooked
This is the first book I’ve read/listened to of Barbara Erskins and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The storyline was excellent and kept you wanting more and the narration was spot on. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend. It must have been good I’ve just downloaded 2 more.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Hollie
- 26-02-20
A perfect read for these dark wintery nights!
This has been a wonderful book to listen to during these chilly dark nights. Barbara Erskine has weaved an intoxicating, thrilling and atmospheric story that left me wanting more! A real pleasure to read even though it made me jump a few times!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mrs B
- 20-03-19
Just fabulous
I love fiction and history mixed. You almost live back in time with the story and description.
It is a long listen but absolutely worth every minute. How wonderful to be able to publish a book based on ones family history!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amanda
- 21-10-18
Brilliant
I'm a huge fan of Barbara Erskine's books and this is one of the best. Following closely the life of Thomas Erskine, the author's great great several times grandfather.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Pip
- 20-11-19
Great listening
In my opinion this is the second exceptional book I've listened to by this versatile author her weaving of the story is remarkable bringing all the characters to life. The narature brought such realism to the story with a wonderful variety of accents
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kate1
- 03-01-20
A Bit Disappointing
I've enjoyed reading Barbara Erskine books in the past, but I really struggled with this one. I found it quite heavy going, and far too long. I'm sorry to say, I became bored with it and was itching for it to end.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 30-10-19
Gripping ghost story
A brilliant and gripping ghost story, which is full of both physical and supernatural tension.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- ronnie wright
- 18-08-19
The Ghost Tree
Really struggled to finish this, not up to her usual spine chilling standard ,very disappointed .
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Lulew
- 11-03-22
Long winded
The story of Thomas was the most entertaining. It could have been done without Ruth and modern day story line and would have been much more enjoyable. The ending was anticlimactic and seemed rushed.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Dorothy
- 17-10-21
Loved it For Some Reason
I really loved this. This is my second Barbara Erskine book. I read the Lady of Hay eons ago in book form. I never really liked The Lady Of Hay, although, I think I might have liked The Lady of Hay better if it had been read aloud and available on Audible. So, I am pleasantly pleased I like this book so much. It might even be the sort I will listen to again.
I want to say unequivocally, I really LOVED this narrator. She reminds me of Eleanor Bron, one of my favorites. I don't like the younger British readers, (Imogene Church - I know I'm in the minority) there is something about the younger British readers' accent, it is different than the older British actresses who narrate books. I call it British Valley Girl. But, this is my opinion. This is a personal preference of course, but I do hope this narrator will narrate more books of this nature.
I liked the story, it kept my interest. I am fond of ghost stories that aren't completely out there with Hollywood style special effects descriptions. While it is not as good as Anne Rice's Witching Hour, it kind of put me in mind of that book (one of my favorites.) I also love the time slip quality. It is one of my favorite devices.
The characters were interesting. Ruth could be ... frustrating, but that propelled the story. I loved Finn. I also liked Thomas, even though he was also frustrating at times, but if he hadn't been - the story would not have proceeded.
Overall, I really, really enjoyed this listening experience. It was a good escape for these difficult times. I am going to try another by Ms. Erskine and hope Vivian Helbrun will possibly narrate The Lady of Hay.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jessica V.
- 17-06-21
Might be better to get the book...
The story is wonderful. I found it would have been better been read or possibly preformed by another narrator. Whilst the narrator has a lovey voice and is easy to listen to, I had a hard time distinguishing voices between the characters, as her voice was didn’t alter between them. It may have been more helpful to follow if they stated each shift of POV.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jacqui
- 10-05-19
Excellent
This was such a great book, interesting and enjoyable to listen to. It’s up there with the other great Barbara Erskine books.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Heather
- 15-12-18
Loved it!
Loved it! the character/author keeps dropping Dr Who references in asking how to get rid of a ghost that is stalking her. I’ve always enjoyed Barbara Erskine novels; now I love her just that little bit more