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The Corn Bride

The Witches of Woodville, Book 5

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About this listen

 ‘A rural Ben Aaronovitch!’ C. K. McDonnell

‘Fast-paced, entertainingly creepy, laugh-out-loud funny, and genuinely moving’ Michelle Paver

Dear reader, you are cordially invited to the strangest wedding of the year . . .

It’s May 1941, and the war is in full swing. Yet in the quiet village of Woodville in rural Kent a happy event is on the horizon, as Faye Bright interrupts her training with the British Secret Service to return home and marry her true love, Bertie.

But as preparations get underway, a ghostly premonition throws a spanner in the works. Who is the Corn Bride, and is her burning visage a warning, or a threat to the happiest day of Faye’s life?

As Faye and the witches investigate, it’s soon apparent that there’s much more on the line than dress fittings, cake and Bertie’s stag do. For an old enemy is stirring in the shadows, bent on vengeance. And he’s not above crashing a wedding to get it.

Will the happy couple make it to the church on time? Or, after all she’s survived, could it be getting hitched that finally spells Faye’s doom?

Embark upon an adventure that weaves together romance, undead Nazis, pensioner spies, spectral schoolchildren and a talking budgerigar, and still somehow manages to prove that love is the most powerful magic of all.

For fans of Lev Grossman and Terry Pratchett comes the fifth novel in this delightful series of war, mystery and a little bit of magic . . .

Don’t miss the other magical books in the WITCHES OF WOODVILLE series!
#1 The Crow Folk
#2 Babes in the Wood
#3 The Ghost of Ivy Barn
#4 The Holly King©2025 Mark Stay (P)2025 Simon & Schuster UK Clean & Wholesome Fantasy Historical Horror Humorous Literature & Fiction Magic Mystery Village Witchcraft Haunted Ghost Magic Users War
All stars
Most relevant
Loved the storyline, humour, the characters and mythology. Uplifting and interesting. Can’t wait for more!

Another wonderful story!

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I Loved Everything about this story and narration. It would be great if it was made into either a series or a film, all of the books would be amazing to watch.
I really hope that there is going to be another book .✨️🪄😊

Absolutely brilliant,

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Great story, characters and pace. Wonderfully read by Candida Gubbins (which has to be one of the best names ever).

A great listen

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This series is getting better and better and I hope there’ll be more to come. However, could someone please ask Candida to tone down the high pitched voices a bit…and definitely no more singing thanks!

Really enjoying this series.

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It is always lovely returning to a beloved series. The joy of finishing the book and thinking, blimey that was great, but then that dreaded consideration, do I think it was a 5 star story or am I just caught up in the afterglow? A few hours later and yes I still have scenes in my mind, so another 5 stars from me. Mark continues to build up the flying success of The Holly King, with Faye and chums continuing their lives during WW2, as well as the eerie Woodville. A series that is crammed with charm, comedy, cuteness, and characters with charisma. Plus, another wonderfully evocative performance by Candida Gubbins.

More superb Woodville tales

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