Return of the Morrigan

by Corinna Edwards-Colledge

Return of the Morrigan is a contemporary psychological thriller that draws on the themes of family, grief and myth. It is set in a fictional Hampshire Village called Burdon and told over 20 days from the perspective of six main characters, all of whose lives are turned upside-down by the arrival of an enigmatic newcomer.

Baking in the heat of the hottest summer in living memory, Burdon is a village that has lost its soul. No longer rural and not yet urban - it exists in limbo, with only memories of its proud agricultural past to sustain it. 18 year old Niall Costello is deeply frustrated and disaffected with life in the village, and desperate to escape, even if it means breaking the heart of his devoted girlfriend, Margot. His family is haunted by the tragic death of his little sister, Louise, and is falling apart. His mother, Pam, feels unloved and lonely; her husband, Emmett, is bored with his life and having an affair.

One night a beautiful and mysterious woman, Mary, arrives in the village on a powerful motorbike. Before long Niall becomes obsessed with her, and she encourages and teases him, creating a time-bomb of sexual tension and desire. It seems nobody's life escapes change after Mary's appearance; Pam's impulsive decision to join a local yoga class leads to an unexpected romance with another woman, and Emmett's affair becomes dangerously close to being exposed.

As Mary's disruptive power continues to spread over the village, the discovery of some old photos uncovers an extraordinary truth: Mary has been visiting Burdon at regular intervals for hundreds of years and causing havoc and tragedy every time. As her grip on Niall tightens, Pam and Emmett can no longer ignore the evidence that Mary may not be human. When Margot becomes pregnant, Mary manipulates Niall into coercing her to have an abortion and it looks like he is set to abandon his girlfriend and his family.

With Sally's help, Pam and Emmett discover that Mary is the Morrigan; an ancient Goddess who has fed off the power of sex and death for centuries. As the Morrigan's influence reaches crisis point, Niall finally sees the truth of his lover's nature, and the shape-shifting Morrigan reveals a new deadly form.

In a terrifying climax, Pam and Emmett set out for a life and death battle to save their remaining child, and the whole family must unite if they are to defeat the demon that has invaded their village; as well as the demons within themselves.

380 pages, Paperback

First published April 22, 2016

About the author

I was born and brought up in Chorlton-cum-Hardy in Manchester. We lived close to wonderful rugged countryside and regularly went on long family hikes exploring forests and moors. Kitted out with my own little rucksack and walking boots, I would go on ahead with my Kendal Mint-Cake for sustenance, and seek out secret little places. The feeling of magic and mystery that surrounded areas like Alderley Edge and Stile Woods are still with me.

I was an only child for the first ten years of my life and found comfort and company in books. I loved fantasy and adventure best, but would devour anything that had a good story and engaging characters. Imagination was, and always has been an integral part of my sense of self.

I studied English and Media at the University of Sussex and have lived in Brighton for over 30 years. I've had a varied career encompassing acting, campaigning, TV journalism, work in local government, and now, leading the UNISON branch at Brighton & Hove City Council. I write across literary genres, including novels, short stories and increasing recently, poetry .

In the last couple of years I have been commissioned by The Royal Literary Society with a piece called Secrets, Relics and Lost Lives, featured on Radio 4’s hugely popular Saturday Live talking about a family history project called The Findings, and had a poem adapted into a song by renowned musician, Ted Barnes.

Most recently I brought my campaigning and writing together with a short film of a poem about the importance of local government, which has now had thousands of views. I play an active part in the Brighton & Hove cultural scene, regularly reading live, performing in festivals, and collaborating with artists, historians and schools through my writing.

I call myself a ‘Mancunian Brightonian’ having made my home in the city-by-the-sea 25 years ago. I live with my husband in a loving if sometimes hectic, patchwork family including two kids each, a dog, two cats and a semi-domesticated Seagull called Gerald!

Reviews

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

return of the morrigan by Corinna edwards-colledge is a dark and thrilling read.
Absolutely fantastic read.
devoured in less than 24 hours.
Can't wait to read more from Corinna.
highly recommended.
Definitely worth more than 5*.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review

I was completely immersed in this thrilling magical tale. It was unusual and different to any others I’ve read or listened to
The Morrigan was a haunting character, she def was a black cloud over the story.
The family involved were full & real & I didn’t want anything to happen to them. No comments or spoilers here....
The narrator was very good, a warm voice, easy to listen to.
Overall well worth a listen or read.

[Mrs Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a fan of fantasy books, I was quick to accept a copy of this. I delighted in reading the story about the morrigan arriving in town and highlighting weaknesses in people's relationships, ultimately for her gain. This story was easy to read and as the story gained momentum, compelled you to read to find out what happens . I would myself have not minded if the morrigan had a bit more evil and grit, perhaps giving Emmett a hard time in the field, however, the foreboding carries you along quite nicely. I am happy to recommend this story on to others who also we enjoy this genre. Thank you Corinna Edwards-Colledge.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary storms into the sleepy town of Burdon on a Ducati. Gorgeous, provocative...deadly? There is something about her that makes people feel uncomfortable. There is something about her that makes Niall in particular, feel lustful and reckless. Only trouble follows Mary as we discover she may not be such a new visitor to town and there are secrets to be discovered and wars to be won.
I enjoyed this book which I received in return for an honest review from The Book Club on Facebook. Would definitely read more from this author.

[Gemma Whittington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, though did take a little while to get into it as not my normal genre, but wanted to try something new.
Finished in less than 48 hours, looking forward to reading more by this brilliant author x

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Return of the Morrigan by Corinna Edwards - Colledge


I was blessed to receive this as an ARC in return for an honest review.

Mary roars into Town on a beast of a bike to heap havoc on the sleepy village of Burdon.

Only one poor deranged man knows her true identity.

A chilling tale of an ancient and primal being juxtaposed with the general malaise and stasis in the lives of all the main protagonists. Two teens drawn together by loss . Their parents in limbo in their interminable village existence. Each are caught in a prison of grief or dissatisfaction and the the village and it’s limited social and cultural offerings becomes a symbol of those boundaries.

It is into this melting pot of miserable people treading of water that Mary comes with a dark and frightening agenda of her own.

I found all of the characters sympathetic, Mary was drawn well and I enjoyed the development that occurs in all the others. There are no particular tropes at play here which was a refreshing change. I liked the female characters most. The unlikely heroic trio of the piece was handled with a sensitivity that would not have been present in the work of many others writing this kind of work.

Whilst there are sexual scenes, they are not overly gratuitous and fitting for the situation. The horror is not overblown, in fact what is most chilling is more the sense of wasted opportunity. Mary is a nasty piece of work and she is most frightening when she is using the selfish acts or guilty secrets of her quarry against them rather than the supernatural powers she has access too but her presence is ultimately a catalyst for change and growth.

It was also really lovely to meet another Morrigan after a joyous childhood introduction in the seminal children's Classic "The Weirdstone of Brisingamen."

The Return of the Morrigan' s pacing was very good and the ending was immensely satisfying. Overall a good read, possible in three moderate sittings.

The cover artwork conveys the overall spirit of the book nicely too. Overall a very good read, possible in three moderate sittings.

I would definitely seek out more by this author.

[Nils Visser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Corinna Edwards-Colledge’s RETURN OF THE MORRIGAN in one sitting, unable to tear myself away from this fast-paced gem of magical realism in which contemporary life is craftily fused with ancient lore to create a tale which left me spellbound.

In one short first chapter Edwards-Colledge manages to convey the tedium of contemporary village life where everyone knows just about everyone and the days blend into one another in predictable banality, in short, a mundane suburban nightmare. The inevitability of being trapped in routines is emphasised by the introduction of a failing long-term relationship which can no longer hide the wear and the tear of the years. Although this is contrasted by youthful optimistic hopes for a new relationship that too, the reader quickly discovers, seems doomed to fail because of very different expectations. Young Niall sees it as a bit of fun before he finally manages to escape the village of Burdon forever and longer, while his girlfriend Margot is torn between accepting this reality and the fervent hope that there might be more than just the cliché of a short-term dalliance. What a perfect moment then, to introduce a newcomer, in the form of a mysterious woman, Mary, who roars into Burdon on a motorbike, promising to bring excitement into lives of drab dreariness.

The staggered build-up of revelations concerning this newcomer work well, the reader experiences much of the dissent quickly sown by Mary so that by the time the first warnings are issued about the danger she might pose, the reader can nod knowledgably; Mary is bad news. Nonetheless, despite being forewarned we share Niall’s fascination with her beguiling appearance and seductive behaviour, understand how someone who feels suffocated by living in Burdon is drawn to the exotic excitement seemingly offered by Mary, much as a moth is drawn ever closer to an open flame.

Edwards-Colledge rather cleverly arranges expositions about Mary, letting different villagers glimpse bits and pieces meaning none have as much overview as the reader, although the author also keeps the reader guessing as to the exact nature of Mary’s real identity and background, luring the reader deeper and deeper into the story.

By the time the revelations begin to suggest an element of the supernatural the reader is willing to accept this without question, partially due to the skilled build-up and partially because the story is reminiscent of a method employed by Stephen King, namely grounding the fantastic elements so solidly in reality that this sense of realism is transferred to the weird and wondrous. Like King, Edwards-Colledge also ensures that ‘normal’ human horrors rival the imaginary ones. Some of King’s most harrowing passages concern every-day horrors such as car accidents, cancer and domestic violence, rather than dark beings with sharp, pointy teeth. Edwards-Colledge employs the seeds of destruction sown in a family after the loss of a child, as well as the fear brought on by the recognition that life has stalled in a rut, devoid of hope, development or passion.

This means that the various central characters not only have to gear up to battle the darkness which has come to Burdon, but also have to come to terms with their own lives, their interactions with others and personal demons which burden them.

It’s for this reason that the reader can identify with characters like Pam, Niall’s mother, and feel both Pam’s pain, doubts, newly found happiness and rekindled passion. Pam’s character development is mirrored by Niall’s fascination with Mary and even Margot’s hopes which are fuelled by cruel pretences engineered by Mary. I much admire Edwards-Colledge for presenting us with a number of key characters all of whom she manages to invest with character development with a minimum of fuss and certainly without long internal soliloquys which would have slowed the narrative pace the author sets and maintains throughout the story.

If you have read any of my other reviews, or my own books for that matter, you’ll understand that I was delighted by Edwards-Colledge’s fusion of the nitty-gritty of realtime life and the extra-ordinary lurking beneath its surface. Even more so because the uncanny menace in the story is firmly grounded in the history of Burdon and its immediate environment. The Battle of Winnett, especially, left me with haunting archetypal images to contemplate. Equally touching was the examination of old black & white photographs of village life from the days of yore. Although they have a clear primary function they also serve to contrast the past, when life seemed far more simple, and the present in which the sense of the coherent community suggested in the photographs is something beyond the grasp of modern society – although that latter notion is belied by later events when some characters do draw together to present a united front.

One more aspect which drew my attention was the article concerning John and Sydney Winnett, uncovered by one of the characters searching old editions of The Burdon Herald. Perhaps I am overly optimistic but I sincerely hope the author will consider a Victorian prequel to RETURN OF THE MORRIGAN as I for one, would be scrambling to lay my hands on it. To conclude, I can certainly recommend that you add RETURN OF THE MORRIGAN to your To-Read list. I also hope you’ll keep an eye on my reviews because I cannot wait to read Corinna Edwards-Colledge’s other book, THE SOUL ROOM, and will, in due time, share my findings with you in another review.

[Mickey Clements · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend this story especially to those who love fantasy literature. I would have preferred it if Mary had been more evil but I still enjoyed the way she rolled into town and sussed everyone out. A real page turner that kept me gripped. Thank-you TBC for allowing me to review this book.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burdon is a small village without much to offer a young man and Niall Costello can't wait to get out of town. When a beautiful and mysterious woman named Mary arrives on a powerful motorbike, Niall thinks maybe things are changing for the better. Little does he know that her arrival could mean the end of life as he knows it. His infatuation with the older woman begins to worry his parents as well as some others in the village.

This book is full of intriguing characters, each of which is going through emotional upheaval in their lives. Niall just wants to explore the world outside Burdon and his girlfriend Margot wants to have a HEA with Niall. Niall's parents are still grieving the death of their young daughter, Louise, and have grown further and further apart since her death. Everyone in the village seems to have something to hide and it seems that Mary's presence is the driving force behind the events that occur.

Mary's arrival brings a disruptive force to the village and when Niall's mother, Pam, sees an old photo, she begins to wonder who Mary might really be.

Without giving away more of the story, I will say that this book started off slow, but quickly built into a wild ride. All of the characters were well-written and believable, the plot grew at just the right pace, and the mythology was wonderful. There were a few sex scenes, but nothing too graphic and they were integral to the plot.

The author did a great job in building up the suspense while exploring the evil in the village as well as the demons within the characters. For me, the ending was undecided up until the very last minute, which is just as it should be in a book like this.

Another positive in my mind is that the author gave just enough of the mythology behind the story to make me want to learn more. I will definitely be looking to learn more about the Morrigan in the future.

The narrator did a wonderful job and added a lot to my enjoyment of the book. I was given the opportunity to listen to the Audible version of this book by the author and chose to review it.

[Nina Milne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return of the Morrigan is perfectly paced and suspenseful until the end. I particularly enjoyed how Edwards-Colledge skilfully weaves together reality and mythology to build a story that completely grips you. The characters are very well written and developed.
When Mary first arrives in the village of Burden no-one could have predicted just how destructive and disruptive she would be. As the book continues we see how she manipulates and feeds off the emotions of the villagers (Niall who is fascinated by her to the detriment of his relationship with Margot, Niall's parents who have grief and troubles of their own) until it becomes apparent that Mary is more than she seems. 
The build up continues in such a way that it is impossible to put the book down until the very end. The finale is well worth it. 

[Geoff-rey Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife wasn't happy with me while I was reading this. My assigned household chores were neglected.

[Misfits farm]

This is the story of a group of people –Pam, Emmett. Niall, Margot and Sally who become involved one way or another with Mary. Some become obsessed with her, some loathe her and only one person in the village of Burdon knows her true identity.
Mary is a little different from other people in a way that they can’t quite say but then she is seen in some very old photographs of the village from 50-100 years before looking almost the same as she does today. Having arrived on a motorbike and made an entrance, she weaves her personality around the village. A story of relationships, some new and strange, of trust between different groups of people and how one person can maybe make them look at themselves in a different light. You sympathise with all of the characters in this well described tale.
My only criticism is that a long time is taken with the characters. I felt by the end that more should have happened with the Morrigan before the final showdown as it was all in one go so to speak hence the rating. An excellent premise but to me needed more action early and middle to keep the suspense.
That said the descriptions leave you wanting to find out more. Has history continued from Winnett’s field? Is history repeating itself? Man vs Myth? You’ll have to read to find out!
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review

[Shani Struthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of beta-reading this book and, although it's been through edits since, I'd have given it 5 stars even back then. Set during the heat of summer, it's a brilliant tale of a sleepy village and what happens when a young, beautiful and mysterious woman comes riding in one night - Mary. Straightaway she divides the locals, some of whom become obsessed with her, others who detest her. Who is she, why is she causing such upheaval, what does she want with everyone? An ancient curse woven through the story lends it a satisfying paranormal bent, racing to a breathtaking conclusion. Loved it! Very different, so original. I have read The Soul Room by this author and that too was unique - this is an author to look out for that rises about so much that is bestselling but bland. Get out of your comfort zone and give it a go!

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a confession: my all-time favourite book is about the Morrigan*. So I started reading Return of the Morrigan with excitement and – I have to admit – some trepidation, in case it didn’t live up to my expectations.

I need not have been so cautious, as I thoroughly enjoyed this mystical tale of witchcraft, beguilement and the eternal fight between good and evil.

The characters were well rounded and believable, plot moved at a suitable pace and the writing was flowing and easy to read without being simplistic. The story is set in the current time in a small town and the author clearly understands the challenges of life in a close-knit community.

If you enjoy magical books, give Return if the Morrigan a go – it is a very enjoyable read.



(*The Hounds of the Morrigan by Pat O’Shea)

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing novel.
Beautifully written with characters you can both empathise with or despise, sometimes both at the same time.
I am familiar with the legend of the Morrigan and this writer brings it bang up to date.
Looking forward to more novels from this fantasy author.