The Spectre of Lanyon Moor is a gothic-tinged delight that plays like a lost story from the Hinchcliffe era, with its Cornish legends, shadowy manor, and mist-drenched moorland. It’s atmospheric from the outset, blending folklore and horror with classic sci-fi tropes, and the first half of the story in particular is a masterclass in building suspense. The sound design adds to the immersive feel, making Lanyon Moor feel like a real, lived-in location rather than a typical Big Finish backdrop. While the plot follows familiar beats, its confident execution and rich setting make it feel fresh and engaging.

The biggest success here is the unexpected but brilliant pairing of Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor and Nicholas Courtney’s Brigadier. On paper, it shouldn’t work—this most bombastic of Doctors facing off against the cool, collected UNIT veteran—but in practice, it’s a joy. The Brigadier tempers the Doctor’s more abrasive instincts, while Baker brings a warm energy to their scenes that suggests long-standing mutual respect. It’s a pairing that leaves you wishing it had happened on television. Add in Evelyn Smythe, already shaping up to be one of Big Finish’s best original companions, and you have a character trio with real spark. Her scenes with the Brigadier are especially charming and unexpectedly poignant.

The story stumbles slightly in its final stretch. The villain, Sancreda, is far more effective as a lurking threat than as a raving megalomaniac—and once he starts delivering overwrought speeches, the tension built up in earlier episodes deflates. There’s also a brief detour to Greece that adds little to the plot and distracts from the rich atmosphere back in Cornwall. Still, these missteps are minor in a story that gets so much right. The Spectre of Lanyon Moor is not only one of the strongest early entries in the Monthly Adventures range—it’s also a celebration of good storytelling, smart character dynamics, and the joy of a well-chosen pairing.