The Corn Bride cover art

The Corn Bride

The witchiest, ghostliest, most hilarious folk-horror wartime romance you'll read this year . . . or ever

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The Corn Bride

By: Mark Stay
Narrated by: Candida Gubbins
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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 Action & Adventure Cosy Fantasy Historical Humorous Magic Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Village Witchcraft Haunted Ghost Magic Users War

Critic reviews

Praise for The Witches of Woodville series

‘Full of magic and delight that will thrill readers of any age’ Rowan Coleman

‘Beautiful and engaging and clever and what more could you ask for in a book?’ Manda Scott, bestselling author of A Treachery of Spies

‘Warm, witty, witchy wartime fun. With Mark Stay as writer you're always guaranteed a magical read’ Julie Wassmer, author of the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries

‘Mark Stay’s brilliantly written Witches of Woodville books are somehow funny, cosy, clever and disturbingly dark all at the same time. Terry Pratchett fans will LOVE em’ Lucy Strange

‘Mark’s ingenious decision to set his magical saga not in some ancient realm of wizards and dragons but in a vividly recreated WWII-era rural England gives us the most lived-in and believable fantasy world. I wish I’d thought of it’ Mitch Benn

‘You'll love it: Doctor Who meets Worzel Gummidge’ Lorna Cook, author of The Forgotten Village

‘ACE. Smart and funny and written so warmly . . . an absolutely smashing read’ Pernille Hughes, author of Probably the Best Kiss in the World

‘A jolly romp with witches, demons, and bellringing. Pratchett fans will enjoy this, and Faye is a feisty and fun hero. Dad's Army meets Witches of Eastwick’ Ian W Sainsbury

‘A young witch to rival Tiffany Aching. Magic!’ FMA Dixon

‘Enid Blyton filmed by Hammer’ Talking Scared Podcast

‘Extremely funny, full of imagination, verve and typical English “home counties” wit’ Irish Independent
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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I love this series and The Corn Bride did not disappoint. Full of of my favourite characters on a roller coaster ride full with humour and heart. Love it.

More more more...

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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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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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