A Long Day in Lychford

Witches of Lychford Series, Book 3

By: Paul Cornell

Narrated by: Robin Miles

A Long Day in Lychford is the third audiobook in Paul Cornell's increasingly popular Witches of Lychford series.

It's a period of turmoil in Britain, with the country's politicians electing to remove the UK from the European Union, despite ever-increasing evidence that the public no longer supports it. And the small town of Lychford is suffering. But what can three rural witches do to guard against the unknown? And why are unwary hikers being led over the magical borders by their smartphones' mapping software? And is the immigration question really important enough to kill for?

©2017 Paul Cornell (P)2018 Macmillan Audio

A skillful blend of magic with social commentary

4.5 stars

For me, this was the best installment yet in the Lychford series. The examination of British nationalism in the wake of the Brexit vote was thoughtfully handled without preachiness. The story explored what it's like for people of color to feel like outsiders in their own nation, never sure if they are truly accepted. Cornell also offered a unique supernatural take on how a meeting of minds can lead to better understanding.

I wrote in my Lost Child of Lychford review that the magic became so inscrutable it was too often incomprehensible. Cornell did a better job here making the witches' magic chaotic and mysterious while still leaving me able to follow the story.

This author AND narrator are a great find!

I’d never read anything written by Paul Cornell before, nor heard the extremely talented Robin Miles before either, but both have proven to be great gems. Though I wish the books were longer, they are tightly written, wonderful novellas & Ms Miles performs each character beautifully.

an excellent story marred by abysmal narrating

I have binged the Lychford series over the course of the last month, and I have greatly enjoyed its humor, creativity, and overall, its brilliant characterizations of its three main characters. The third installment is no different; the conflict between the women and the supernatural forces at large continues to escalate, the characters continue to be fleshed out further by exploring concepts of disability and racism, and the author boldly explores how real world issues such as Brexit would affect life in their tiny town of Lychford.

Unfortunately, this story is blighted by some pretty awful narrating this time around. The previous two narrators were so good, I didn't even notice they weren't the same person until I wrote this review. Book 3s narrator lacked all the finesse and charm of the previous two, and brought to the table an obnoxious accent that was a mix between Irish and Cockney. This made what was previously a super engaging series very hard to listen to for extended periods. narratively speaking this is a great book, but I really hope Audible is more selective when choosing who reads the fourth book.