The Naseby Horses by Dominic Brownlow (audio book)

The Naseby Horses by Dominic Brownlow (Audio Book). Narrated by Robin Morrissey.

Released 20th August 2020 by Louise Walters Ltd.

From the cover:

Seventeen-year-old Simon’s sister Charlotte is missing. The lonely Fenland village the family recently moved to from London is odd, silent, and mysterious. Simon is epileptic and his seizures are increasing in severity, but when he is told of the local curse of the Naseby Horses, he is convinced it has something to do with Charlotte’s disappearance. Despite resistance from the villagers, the police, and his own family, Simon is determined to uncover the truth, and save his sister.

Under the oppressive Fenland skies and in the heat of a relentless June, Simon’s bond with Charlotte is fierce, all-consuming, and unbreakable; but can he find her? And does she even want to be found?

Drawing on philosophy, science, and the natural world, The Naseby Horses is a moving exploration of the bond between a brother and his sister; of love; and of the meaning of life itself.

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It was my absolute pleasure to be able to read the hardback version of this stunning book recently, and you can read what I have to say about it in my review here.

This is a book that bowled me over with its mesmerising and eerie story, loaded with supernatural undertones and lashings of folklore, so when I had the chance to listen to this one in audio format I was thrilled.

I am a big fan of audio books, even ones of books that I have read in print format, as they can allow you to experience a story in a whole new way, especially when the voice of the narrator is a perfect fit - as in the case of the dulcet tones of Robin Morrissey, whose voice is completely magical when reading Dominic Brownlow's lyrical prose. 

There is a mystical, dreamlike feeling to this book and Robin's vocal talents manage to bring this out beautifully. I found myself enrapt and stopping what I was doing to sit and listen, even though I already knew what was going to happen next - it was spellbinding and the mark of an excellent audio book. I was particularly struck by the way Robin highlights Dominic's use of light and sound throughout the novel to heighten the sense of otherness that Simon experiences. This comes across so much more in the audio version, which I found surprising.

As audio books go, this one is rather special. It is a credit to the care and attention taken by both the author, Dominic Brownlow, and the publisher, the stellar Louise Walters, to produce something of this outstanding quality for both readers and listeners.

This is beautiful, moving and true to the incredible novel from which it is springs, and highly recommended by me!

The Naseby Horses (audio format) is available to buy from your favourite audio retailer now.

It is also available in hardcover, paperback and ebook formats from Louise Walters Books here, or from your favourite book retailer.

Thank you to Louise Walters for providing me with a copy of this audio book in return for an honest review.

About the author:

Dominic Brownlow lives near Peterborough with his two children.

He lived in London and worked in the music industry as a manager before setting up his own independent label.

He now enjoys life in the Fens and has an office that looks out over water.

The Naseby Horses is his first novel. It was long listed for the Bath Novel Award 2016.

Find out more about Louise Walters Books, and their fantastic range of books, here.