What a treat tonight to have Barbara Ewing reading chapter one of her new novel, 'The Petticoat Men' in the Women's Bookshop, Ponsonby. Kiwi born Barbara Ewing is a UK-based actress, playwright and novelist, who graduated from Victoria University with a BA in English and Maori. She headed off to London in the mid 60s and has lived there for 50 years.

Barbara is the author of 8 novels – the latest is ‘The Petticoat Men’. Set in London, in 1870. The Petticoat Men is an entertaining historical novel, with plenty of factual detail to help create an authentic feel. Ewing has done a great deal of research surrounding this real-life trial and has created a rich and compelling story that demonstrates just how far-reaching the effects of such a case could be. The alternating points of view are convincingly portrayed and Ewing manages to quite sensitively tell a story that could have quite easily succumbed to abject sensationalism.

The television role for which she is best remembered is that of Bradley Hardacre's mistress in the 80's comedy series Brass. More recent TV appearances have included episodes of Casualty, Doctors and Holby City on the BBC, and The Bill and Peak Practice on ITV, as well as appearances in various adaptations of Ruth Rendell mysteries. www.barbaraewing.com