The run up to publication of The Darkest Hour has been busy and exciting. I think that of all my books this has been the most personal. From the first time we started to discuss the possibility of a novel set during the time of the Battle of Britain my dad and I have been to a greater or lesser extent obsessed with how I would do it and how it would work when I did!
My father flew a Spitfire during the Battle. That was something I had grown up knowing about. When I was a child several of his friends had, after the war, stayed on in the RAF, and I can remember going with my parents to visit them from time to time in the married quarters of one or another airbase in southern England. The daughter of one of his former squadron colleagues taught me how to ride a bicycle. But the one thing that didn’t happen was any discussion of how it had been in the war. None of them talked about it.
I didn’t start to hear the stories until two things happened. My father’s former CO in the battle moved to live near us and we all began to meet up regularly. He loved ‘opening the hangar doors’ as he called it and encouraged my dad to talk about what happened. He had a fund of good stories – most of them hilariously funny which piqued my interest. At the same time the RAF began to celebrate the anniversaries of the Battle and the veterans, getting older and older as each anniversary came along, learned the art of being interviewed by the press and TV. I like to think that being interviewed by his daughter was a doddle after that!
I had other strings to my bow. The book follows the time line of his log books and letters; there was a strong family connection as well. Although his squadron was based in Scotland he must have felt some connection with Sussex when stationed there in August 1940, as his grandfather had been a vicar in a small country parish there long before, and almost as soon as he arrived he met the girl whom he was to marry only a few months later and I can still remember my grandparents house on the south coast and spending wonderful holidays on the Downs – the setting of much of The Darkest Hour.
Putting all that background together to make the historical elements of the book, and winding them into modern Sussex has been a trip down memory lane. I had largely forgotten the Downs and Chichester and those West Sussex villages. Revisiting with my researcher’s hat on was incredibly exciting and at the same time very moving. Interestingly, it was my Sussex-based grandfather who passed on to me not only his collection of ghost books but also his fascination with ghosts. I was in more ways than one driving up haunted lanes and standing staring from sun drenched hilltops back into the past.
I hope you enjoy reading the book as much as I enjoyed writing it – and I hope that ghostly tingle doesn’t keep you awake at night. No, on second thoughts perhaps I hope it does . . .
Sue Ould on 24/04/18
I have recently read "Sleeper's Castle", and found it every bit as enjoyable and "un-put-downable" as all your other books. However, I must confess to my disappointment that Rhona escaped justice by killing herself, and so didn't get the come-uppance she so richly deserved! I really was so looking forward to reading of her arrest, trial and imprisonment! What a truly awful person!
I'm going on a short holiday to Suffolk in July, where you set "River of Destiny", and the River Deben is on our itinerary. I can't wait! Nor can I wait for "The Ghost Tree"! Please keep up the brilliant work!
Sue
megan on 04/07/16
really loved 'darkest hour' was disappointed when I finished it. Gave the book to a friend to try as she had never read your books, now she's hooked as well and is borrowing all of my copies!. Really like the mixture of history, slightly creepy, Looking forward to your latest books. Thankyou for the pleasure of reading them.
Louisa on 02/10/15
I have every one of your books and have just finished Darkest Hour as usual absolutely enthralling. Can't wait for your next one. Keep them coming, best author ever xs
Louisa on 02/10/15
I have every one of your books and have just finished Darkest Hour as usual absolutely enthralling. Can't wait for your next one. Keep them coming, best author ever xs
shirley horne on 03/05/15
Ihave just finished The Darkest Hour and couldnt put it down.I thought it particularly appropriate with the current 2nd World War commemorations. I grew up in the war years and my father was in the RAF .
I have read/have all your books. I was hooked as soon as I read Lady of Hay and enjoyed them all particularly Time's Legacy and the latest. Thank you for many hours of pleasure and I look forward to the next one.
susan wild on 16/01/15
Just finished the book couldn't put it down brilliant as are all your books. Keep them coming.
Jill Wright on 03/01/15
I have loved all your books and couldn't wait to get my hands on The Darkest Hour. Fascinating as my brother-in-law was also a Spitfire pilot and his son still has his flying jacket. I am intrigued to know what the next book will be about ; I wonder this every time and look forward to the combination of history, the supernatural and the wonderful descriptions.
caroline Wallbank on 03/01/15
Thank you Barbara for the wonderful book! I can't remember when or if I have ever read a book of this size in 3 days! It completely took me over! I was reminded of a book that was written about my Uncle, who we then discovered had been decorated for his successful night fighter sorties. More recently, the conversations with my Dad about his experiences of when he played his part in the D Day landings. What a lot these men went through for our peace!
Jill Wright on 02/01/15
I have loved all your books and couldn't wait to get my hands on The Darkest Hour. Fascinating as my brother-in-law was also a Spitfire pilot and his son still has his flying jacket. I am intrigued to know what the next book will be about ; I wonder this every time and look forward to the combination of history, the supernatural and the wonderful descriptions.
ann de vere spencer on 04/12/14
i have really enjoyed your stories over the years. I was just wondering if there are any stories about my family the de veres as we seemed to have a great influence on many of the royal families over several centuries
Ian Cruttenden on 24/11/14
Very good story. However, I only wish Lucy had turned to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website (cwgc.org). This would have answered all her questions as to had died or not died in the war.
I became somewhat excited when Tony was posted to the Air Gunner School at El Ballah in 1944.
My father was at 13 Air Gunner School from July 1944 as a pupil Instructor and then as an Instructor till June 1945.
Alas in my research in the Operations Record Books I did not record your father's name.
June Whitham on 22/11/14
Just finished "The Darkest Hour" fantastic, one of her best, leaves you begging for more. They take so long to write but such a quick read.
LYN OSBORNE on 12/11/14
Thank you Thank you Barbara for such a wonderful book, I was deeply touched by the story. I come from Sussex and my father was a Doctor during the war but not in Sussex. He used to say they counted the planes out and the planes in...such horrific burns etc. God bless those valiant men. I couldn't put your book down cant wait for the next one!
I have read ALL your books and so has my daughter. We love your writing.
Areej on 11/11/14
As always,putting down each one of your books after reading the last page is quite saddening.The Darkest Hour is amazing.
Can't wait for your next book.
Thank you Barbara.
Felicity Watts on 05/11/14
What an exc ellent book! During the war, I lived in Selsey Bill, 8 miles south of Chichester and attended Chi High as we called Chichester High School. Pilots from Tangmere and Westhampnet used to come down to our local pubs when they had a decent break from their duties.
Clare Trend on 21/10/14
I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down. My Great Uncle flew Wellington Bombers during the Second World War and sadly he and his crew lost their lives, but even though he didnt take part in the Battle of Britain I found it really interesting and it gave me some idea of what he may have experienced. Thanks Barbara. Looking forward to the next one.
Maureen cullimore on 19/09/14
Have just finished The Darkest Hour. One of those books you can't bear to put down 'cos it's so exciting and yet you don't want it to come to an end and know it has to! Well my nose has been in it every available moment and now I am at a loss. Have read all Barbara's other books so please write another soon! It was a super tale!!!
Maureen cullimore on 19/09/14
Have just finished The Darkest Hour. One of those books you can't bear to put down 'cos it's so exciting and yet you don't want it to come to an end and know it has to! Well my nose has been in it every available moment and now I am at a loss. Have read all Barbara's other books so please write another soon! It was a super tale!!!
Tony Windle-Millard on 19/09/14
I'm reading the final few pages of your amazing,evocative book. Having lived in Southampton all my life I grew up with my family's memories of the Battle of Britain and the blitz. Your book together with my memories have taken me on a wonderful journey which I'm reluctant to end. I've read and enjoyed all your novels but this with the near past coming vividly to life in such an extraordinary way is the best yet (for me). Thank you.
Linda Vowell on 02/09/14
Just wanted to say thank you Barbara for The Darkest Hour another wonderful book which has been very hard to put down. I live in a cottage, down a lane, in countryside that was once inhabited by the Romans a very long time ago and the atmosphe created in your books just sometimes makes the creaking of the building at night a bit louder. Can't wait for the next book.
Adele on 29/08/14
Have just finished the brilliant The Darkest Hour. I drive past Tangmere and up and over Goodwood Hill every day on my way to work in Midhurst and it is the most beautiful place with fantastic views of the surrounding South Downs and beyond. It was wonderful to read about places I could picture in my mind...including The Spread Eagle in Midhurst! Thanks for another thrilling book Barbara.
Kathleen Barr on 24/08/14
I have a Kindle which I love to take with me when I travel. I already have a shelf of Barbara's books that I read and thoroughly enjoyed. I started downloading her ebooks with River of Destiny and will look forward to the day when I can do the same with this latest book. However, since I live in Ireland and not Britain, we are not able to use the UK Kindle Library and must wait until it is available on Kindle.com. Does anyone know how long that takes?
Eileen Dunleavy on 21/08/14
I'm just into the third chapter of your wonderful new book. Yet again you have produced all the escenses and atmospheres. I'm sinking into it so much I can't read it fast enough. If, however I don't make it last, and finish it soon what am I to do?
You are wonderful and so talented,clever lady. Love you lots.x
sandra Chalmers on 18/08/14
I first read Lady Of Hay the week before my wedding....27 years ago and I was hooked. I have every one of your books and at present I am almost to the end of yet another wonderful book. The Darkest Hour has got me as hooked as all of the other books. Cant wait for the next book.
xxxxx
Kerry Sexton on 09/08/14
I have to admit I was not that excited about this book as it is set not that long ago, but how wrong was I !! It was amazing. Up there with your greatest books. If there is anyone out there who like me had reservations I urge you to buy it, read it, love it!.
vincent smith on 30/07/14
ive just finished darkest hour and ive put it back on the shelf with all youre other briliant books ive always enjoyed all youre books and look forword to the next god bless and keep up the good work many thanks from vince smiht
Tracey on 15/07/14
Just finished the book - I loved it. It's very hard to put down - family have been most put out at the number of late dinners! I have enormous respect for the pilots, and finding out your father was one was amazing. I don't know Sussex at all but having read this - I really must go visit. Thank you for all your hard work and yet another amazing book
Emma on 04/07/14
Last night, when I finally returned home from a long day at work and my obligatory Thursday night swimming session, my pristine copy of The Darkest Hour was there waiting for me. How very consoling! Can't wait to get started on it! Thank goodness for Barbara! x
