The Charm of Magpies series has a specific order. Do not skip around.
Then three “extra” stories (shorter, not all on audio):
And a new novel The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal (related universe but not same characters).
Tip: The main trilogy forms one complete arc. Book 1 ends with a resolution but also a hook for book 2.
| Aspect | Audiobook | Ebook/Print | |--------|-----------|--------------| | Access to accents | Excellent (Cornell Collins adds texture) | Imagined by reader | | Pacing of suspense | Forced by narrator’s timing | Self-paced | | Sex scenes | More immersive (some find more intense) | Can skim or linger | | Victorian slang/magic terms | Pronounced for you (helps comprehension) | May need glossary (in ebook) |
Verdict: The audiobook is widely considered the definitive way to experience the book due to Collins’ performance.
A common question among new listeners is whether the audiobooks must be listened to in order. The answer is unequivocally yes.
Do not skip ahead to A Case of Possession (Book 2) or Flight of Magpies (Book 3). While each book has a self-contained mystery, the romantic arc between Crane and Stephen, as well as the over-arching conspiracy of the "justiciar" system, unfolds sequentially. Jumping in mid-way will rob you of the slow-burn tension that makes the first listen so addictive.
Here is the correct listening order for the main trilogy: the magpie lord audiobook
Additionally, there are several novellas and short stories (e.g., A Queer Trade, Rag and Bone) set in the same universe. It is recommended to listen to the main trilogy first, as the novellas feature side characters whose backstories are lightly spoiled by later books.
The audiobook is narrated by Cornell Collins, whose performance has been widely praised by listeners. Collins doesn’t just read the text; he acts it. His voice captures the grit and exhaustion of Stephen Day, as well as the sardonic, almost dangerous charm of Lucien Vaudrey. Accents are handled with care—Lucien’s speech carries traces of his time abroad, while Stephen’s working-class London roots ground the story in gritty reality.
Collins also excels at pacing. The novel’s tension—both magical and romantic—relies on moments of quiet dread followed by bursts of action or intimacy. He lingers just long enough on a whispered threat or a charged silence, making the listener lean in. For those who struggle with Victorian prose or dense magical systems, the audiobook transforms the text into an accessible, thrilling performance.
Just finished the audiobook for The Magpie Lord and I am unwell. 🐦⬛✨
If you need a Victorian fantasy with: ▪️ A grumpy, cursed aristocrat ▪️ A prickly, powerful justice ▪️ Forced proximity & enemies-to-lovers ▪️ Narration that will make you swoon
Run, don't walk. Cornell Collins' voice should be considered a controlled substance. The banter is top-tier, the magic system is fascinating, and the romance is chef's kiss. 10/10 will listen again.
#TheMagpieLord #KJCharles #MMRomance #Audiobooks #FantasyRomance #BookRecs
The The Magpie Lord audiobook, written by KJ Charles and narrated by Cornell Collins, is a highly-rated historical paranormal romance that kicks off the A Charm of Magpies series. This 6-hour and 25-minute listen blends Victorian atmosphere, gritty mystery, and explicit M/M romance. Story Overview The Charm of Magpies series has a specific order
The plot follows Lucien Vaudrey (Lord Crane), who returns to England after 20 years of exile in China only to find himself under a deadly supernatural curse. He enlists the help of Stephen Day, a powerful but impoverished magic practitioner who has every reason to hate the Vaudrey family. Despite their hostile start, the two must collaborate to uncover a web of dark plots tied to Lucien's ancestry. Audiobook Performance
Narrator Cornell Collins is widely praised for his performance, often credited with bringing the characters to life through distinct accents and emotional depth. The Magpie Lord - KJ Charles - Goodreads
Unlocking the Charm of The Magpie Lord For fans of paranormal romance and historical fiction, the audiobook of KJ Charles's The Magpie Lord is widely considered a modern classic of the genre . Narrated by Cornell Collins
, the production brings a rich, atmospheric layer to the dark magic and sharp wit of Victorian England The Story: Tattoos, Magic, and Murder The story follows Lucien Vaudrey
, the new Lord Crane, who returns to England from exile in China after the suspicious deaths of his father and brother
. Finding himself the target of a deadly family curse, he seeks the help of Stephen Day
, a powerful but impoverished magician with a deep-seated grudge against the Vaudrey family The narrative is a blend of: Enemies-to-Lovers Romance
: The tension between the tattooed, irreverent Lucien and the tightly wound, principled Stephen Dark Victorian Magic Then three “extra” stories (shorter, not all on audio):
: A world where magic is dangerous, visceral, and often involves grim consequences Witty Banter
: High-society sophistication mixed with raw, "gut-punching" emotional stakes Why the Audiobook Stands Out The audiobook version is frequently praised for Cornell Collins's
narration, which listeners describe as having the perfect "clipped tones" for the regency setting . Reviewers on platforms like often highlight: Character Distinction
: Collins provides unique, consistent voices for the main duo and memorable side characters like Lucien’s valet, Merrick Emotional Depth
: The performance captures both the humorous repartee and the "tender" moments between the protagonists Immersive Atmosphere
: The narration heightens the "dark kind" of magic imagery that stays with the listener long after the story ends Series Information The Magpie Lord is the first book in the A Charm of Magpies
. While the series was originally published by Samhain Publishing, it has remained a staple for listeners of M/M romance and supernatural mysteries series or similar narrator recommendations Historical Fiction Scholar Romance Book Critic The Magpie Lord Audiobook by KJ Charles - Audible
Narrated by Cornell Collins, K.J. Charles' The Magpie Lord is a 6-hour and 25-minute supernatural Victorian romance novel, which is the first installment in the A Charm of Magpies series, often featuring a bonus short story. The story follows Lucien Vaudrey, who returns to England to face a deadly curse, and Stephen Day, a reluctant magician who helps him investigate the dark magic surrounding his family's estate. The Magpie Lord audiobook is available for purchase and streaming on platforms like Audible and Amazon. The Magpie Lord Audiobook by KJ Charles - Audible
The success or failure of The Magpie Lord audiobook rests squarely on the shoulders of narrator Cornell Collins. Fortunately, Collins delivers a masterclass in character differentiation.
Critic’s Note: Some listeners on platforms like Audible and Spotify have noted that Collins’s voice for the villain is almost too slimy, inducing a visceral cringe. Whether this is a flaw or a feature depends on your tolerance for theatrical villainy.