Wicked Lady

A spellbinding and heartbreaking timeslip novel from USA Today bestselling author Judy Leigh writing as Elena Collins.

WINNER of the RNA Historical Romantic Novel Award 2025

1648 - Hertfordshire

Thirteen-year-old Katherine Ferrers is in despair at being betrothed to arch-Royalist Thomas Fanshawe whose family are hellbent on plundering her family’s fortune to champion the exiled Charles. As her unhappy marriage stretches before her, her only comfort is her beloved childhood home The Cell. But as the years pass and Kate grows restless, a new passion, a new love and a dangerous calling threaten to upend everything she’s ever known.

Present Day - Hertfordshire

Charlie Wolfe jumps at the chance to help his uncle renovate a tumbledown cottage overlooking Nomansland Common. Number One Constable’s Cottages was once the home of the man charged with ridding the common of the highwaymen who terrorised travellers. But it’s the story of The Wicked Lady, the notorious female highway robber, that captures Charlie’s imagination, and some long winters’ nights he’s sure he can the hoofbeats of her horse echoing across time.

What drove this mystery woman to risk everything for a life of crime, and why is she still restless, wandering the common in grief? It seems only Charlie can finally uncover the secret Katherine Ferrers has kept for hundreds of years; a secret of a terrible betrayal and a tragic love that was never meant to end this way…

Elena Collins brilliantly uncovers the intriguing story of another brave woman that history forgot. Perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Nicola Cornick, Diana Gabaldon and Louise Douglas.

What readers are saying about Elena Collins:

‘Amazing book, couldn''t put it down. Beautiful story, held me focused from the very start. A must read if you are a lover of history, romance and spirits. Perfect!!!''

‘Beautifully written, totally believable, an historical eye opener and love story. What more could you ask for?’

‘I adore how this author weaves the past and present. Great writing in my “book”. I tend to always enjoy the past timeline rather than the present, but get bored with historical novels?! I’d recommend Elena Collins until I’m blue in the face.’

‘This time slip novel is totally believable and beautifully crafted. The emotions from another time are strong enough to resonate in today’s world. You just want to read and read and not put it down. This author’s books are always delightful.’

‘Another beautifully written book from this author. Her writing really draws you in and you can feel the atmosphere oozing out of every page. Loved this story and can''t wait for more books by Elena Collins.’

Praise for Elena Collins:

''The emotionally powerful story of Katherine Ferrers really gripped me and the spooky sightings of her ghost were spine-tingling. Elena writes so beautifully and weaves the threads of the stories together so masterfully. Both heartbreaking and hopeful, it’s a brilliant read.'' Nicola Cornick

''A wonderful book by a fabulous author. Very highly recommended.’ Louise Douglas

''The Lady of The Loch held me spellbound from the first page to the last. With two storylines beautifully woven together to create a seamless tale of love, loss, betrayal and, above all, hope, it’s a must-read. Collins’s detailed knowledge of the period trickles through the tale wrapping the reader in a vivid shifting world as it moves between the 14th century and present day. Cleverly researched and exquisitely written, The Lady of The Loch is a timeless story of hope, family and love. I loved it.'' Alexandra Walsh