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.

I think I might have been a little distracted while listening to the first half of this story, but I found it pretty middling. Usually, folklore-inspired contemporary Doctor Who stories are my bread and butter, so it's odd that this didn't really capture me like they usually do.

The story itself is nothing special. All the twists were incredibly predictable, which isn't always a bad thing but also doesn't really do this story any favours.

The side characters were likeable enough, if quite flat; I liked Phillip and the professor, and it's a shame they met such grizzly ends.

Sixie's first meeting with the Brig was a highlight; I appreciate the Brig recognising him instantly. Evelyn is even more enjoyable than in her first outing.

There's nothing particularly bad about this story, but no standouts either. As middle-of-the-road as they come.

This is just a perfectly by-the-numbers story with fairly generic plot elements, a hammy cliche villain and a standard doomsday scenario. Colin Baker and Nicholas Courtney are working together and the chemistry is sublime. Another great part of this story is Evelyn. She's a lot of fun and also gets some really great moments by herself, investigating without the Doctor. However the story is overly long, especially in parts two and three and it's very difficult to take the alien threat seriously with it's utterly ridiculous performance.

Folk horror blending aliens and local mythology is always a plus for me - I love these themes and ideas presented here, and it builds to a fantastically atmospheric, creepy and unnerving audio.

The Sixth Doctor works fantastically here, continuing well with Evelyne, but also, he works so well with the Brigadier - and I am glad that Big Finish decided to show this new dynamic for a Brigadier introduction to Big Finish, opposed to seeing him with familiar Doctor's.

A lot to enjoy in this story, again a stronger entry in early Big Finish.