A Master of Mysteries | L. T. Meade & Robert Eustace | The Complete Series | A Bitesized Audiobook

[@BitesizedAudio]

This is the complete series of six stories featuring Victorian adventurer and "ghost exposer" John Bell, as serialised in Cassell's Family Magazine in 1897. I recorded these stories episodically and they're all available to listen individually on the channel, but I've now collected them here as a single video for listeners who'd like to hear the whole cycle straight through, without mid-roll ads. Also includes John Bell's original introduction to the stories (previously unrecorded). Timestamps below. 00:00:00 Narrator's introduction 00:01:00 John Bell's introduction 00:03:05 The Mystery of the Circular Chamber 00:57:03 The Warder of the Door 01:44:24 The Mystery of the Felwyn Tunnel 02:34:50 The Eight-Mile Lock 03:25:16 How Śiva Spoke 04:18:44 To Prove An Alibi 05:19:06 Credits, thanks and further listening (More information and story teasers are available in the video description)

[@bea3693]

I have said many times how good you are at drawing us into a story with your excellent tone and diction. In the nicest possible way I always fall asleep before the end and it can take 2/3 attempts before I finally finish the story. 😅 Thanks again Simon.

[@angelachouinard4581]

Simon to the rescue! A long day of house renovation leaves me with a desire for a quiet evening curled up with the cats and a warm beverage. This will get me through the evening and your soothing voice will lure me into good dreams. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@patriciajrs46]

You said that right.

[@Frenchblue8]

Lovely! 🎃

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful! I need to do some renovation on my house, or at least some decorating - I just need to find the time! Thanks Angela

[@angelachouinard4581]

@@BitesizedAudio Ah yes finding the time! By the way I slept beautifully, got completely relaxed. Thanks again.

[@H2x2x2]

Thank you Mr Stanhope for continuing to make incredible content that helps me relax and get away from the chaos of these times.

[@H2x2x2]

You ease my anxieties far better than chemical alternatives.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help! Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment

[@lilitheden748]

I have been suffering from a chronic illness for some time now. Because fatigues and chronic pain prevent me often from going outside and keep me mostly bedridden I am so grateful that you keep up doing your excellent voice acting work. Your soothing voice makes listening to you a real joy. The classic stories are even more brought to life due to your British English. Thanks again for letting me dream away to the England of the 19th century on those gloomy days when it seems that clouds keep hanging above my head.

[@donnavorce8856]

Sorry to read this. Like you, I get great comfort from these stories. ❤❤ I wish for you, good days ahead

[@beckerabstracts]

Stuck in bed after a bad fall. Thanks for the stories, Simon!😊

[@stephaniealeman8522]

It’s when you make these compilations that your consistent voicing shines through. Bell sounds like Bell through each story, showing how you thoughtfully give each character a distinct persona and can recreate it from story to story 💚and Elizabeth Thomasina is such a gem! Thanks for collecting these for us.

[@mariameere5807]

Why can’t I leave a clever comment like that?! Lol 😂 please answer that!! Ask a stupid question!? lol seriously though it was a rhetorical question! So there! (I Argue with myself!) 🙃😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

@stephaniealeman8522 Thank you for that lovely comment, Stephanie! And I see you've also just joined as a channel member, thanks so much for your kind support, I truly appreciate it

[@stephaniealeman8522]

Actually I’ve signed up for a “bigger bite” than my previous membership 😂 💚🙏🏽

[@BitesizedAudio]

Oh gosh, thank you! Strange, that would normally show as an upgrade at my end, but in your case you're showing up as a new member. Perhaps a glitch in the system. Anyway, thanks again for your support

[@LadyBronwynn1400]

This is just fantastic, Simon. I do love a good mystery read by someone of great eloquence.

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

The Warder of the door what a great story only a Master like Simon can deliver so perfectly. Thanks Simon.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thanks PB. I agree The Warder of the Door is one of the highlights in this collection

[@patriciajrs46]

I've had a stressful day and I've got a slight headache. Simon is just the cure.. Lovely Edwardian tales.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Patricia, hope you feel better soon

[@davehopkins1970]

Wonderful tales brought to life by Simon The Authors could never have imagined how much enjoyment their works are giving all these years later Thank you

[@kjaaroe196]

Fabulous voice and acting. Thank you.

[@simoneclift3155]

Bravo Sir. The king of narration stikes again. Many thanks for your beautiful work Mr Stanhope. X

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're very welcome, thanks Simone

[@binkie4940]

POV I'm getting into bed accompanied by three cats, and thinking hmm, what shall we listen to tonight, let's have a little scroll... purrfect timing, Simon! Many many thanks 👌😺

[@patriciaramsey5294]

Thank you Simon. Brilliantly done.

[@annagettings4675]

Wonderful! I love detective stories. I think it might be hereditary! There's nothing so wonderful as finding new authors. Generally one's I can't believe were ever forgotten! I've adored discovering L.T.Meade and the men who wrote with her so much with you reading them so perfectly. Any stress melts away (I'm epileptic), and my cat finds your voice soothing too. Very handy when she gets a case of the zoomies! Thank you so much for these gems. I wondered if you would be reading anymore Father Brown? I've read them all, and it occured to me that 'The Flying Stars' would be a good choice around Christmas. Whatever it will be, I can't wait! Thank you again Simon ♥

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome. I see you recently joined as a channel member, thanks so much for your support. I certainly do hope to do some more Father Brown, although it will probably be next year now as I'm a bit flat out between now and Christmas. I've recorded a few stories for November/December and just need to find time to edit them in between other work. Funnily enough, I had pencilled 'The Dagger with Wings' as a possible Christmas story because of the snow-bound setting, but I ran out of time and wasn't able to get it recorded. Soon, I hope. Will also keep 'The Flying Stars' in mind. Thanks Anna

[@lindapayne1595]

Brilliant. Stories told beautifully, the language described the atmosphere so well, love it. Much more interesting than many stories written today.

[@AssyrianGirl-cd9vj]

Loved this series of old mystery stories. Charming is the only word I can apply to the readings! Absolutely recommend it.

[@mariameere5807]

🙌 Yay 😅Thank you Simon! We love you! Love these authors SO much‼️ ♥️✨👑✨♥️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that Maria! More from this team to come next year...

[@jilldwilliams9208]

I love your content ,Simon. I can't imagine a lovely night without your readings!!! Thank you!!!

[@caroleastwood9386]

What can I say Simon? Both exciting and comforting. And ALOT more. I refer both to the Stories and your performance of them

[@LadyBronwynn1400]

Wonderful, absolutely wonderful. Thank you, Simon.

[@HermioneGranger-gu7rk]

Thank you for your narration. Thank you for taking time to bring the joy to us, the listeners

[@tammyhanlon3057]

I try to act as if I have some sense of decorum. Really I do. But WOOOOHOOOOO. Thank you, Simon.

[@crystalclear6864]

Oh wow! Was not expecting this! Thanks so much!!!

[@anjaknatz7157]

Just one week till Christmas - and tonight my cats and me are very happy to receive our Christmas present from Simon! All of us thank him very much! Tobermory sends you best wishes and asks wether you remember him as good as he remembers you. He wants me to tell you, he survived Tom. Only had an NDE and since then changed his charakter, well I mean, he improved.. He is more humbel now.

[@RockyRacoon123]

5 hrs! Wow! This awesome! Thank you so much Simon! Hope you’re having fun with your acting! ❤️👍

[@merlapittman5034]

VERY much enjoyed hearing these stories all together! Thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

My pleasure, thanks Merla

[@donnavorce8856]

Another masterwork by you. Thanks for sharing these great stories and rendered in your masterful style! Fully enjoy every one. Cheers

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know you enjoyed them, thanks Donna

[@nanphx2038]

This is such a gift. Thanks so much

[@athenaathena1307]

Great performance. Thanks Simon.

[@faithepicault993]

I just can't get enough of your voice! Thank you 😊

[@cloefauna]

I rely on these mysteries! Delightful escapes which take me abroad and aloft to the days of wit and whim!!!! I embark on these vividly narrated adventures with deepening gratitude, nearly every day. Ta from a “spinster”! Just as that’s how I would be described, with kindly, tolerant tsking pity in the bygone days. I enjoy being transported to bygone days and carry the victory that we single ladies have, it must be said, gained popularity and admiration in the fullness of time ;) 🥂 💐 🥰

[@ginabeena6757]

Oh an early Halloween treat!! ❤️🎃👻 Thank you Simon!! 🥰

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome, Gina. I'm hoping to get another M. R. James out in time for Hallowe'en, all being well!

[@paulacnote]

And relax...thanks as always Simon 😊

[@MrMrsmcd]

Thankyou Simon 😊

[@gregoneill990]

This looks a treat for the Christmas run up! Great!

[@crystalclear6864]

You get the music just right too:)

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you, glad to know you like it!

[@taliabee8661]

A marvellous mix…thank you! And, we have the extra hour tonight so it doesn’t matter I’m up til 1.30’am listening to them 🤣🤣 (sadly, the days of getting an extra hour of clubbing are long gone 🤣)

[@malaydhar917]

Nice story and reading. 💚🌺🌺💚-bmd

[@annetteeggett]

What a treat dear Simon ❤🎃

[@YvonneWilson312]

Simon, thank you so much for this most welcome compilation! I love the John Bell stories as I have mentioned before and to have them available in one collection like this is perfect! I have of course made a dash to Bandcamp and there it was, waiting for me... 😄 Thank you again.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thank you so much Yvonne, I really appreciate your support on Bandcamp as well as here! I'm rather sad that this is the end of the John Bell series... although, I do have a little something up my sleeve for the New Year. Watch this space!

[@Xxx-k4q]

Love to fall asleep to the sound of your comforting voice...zzz

[@jessisage4708]

😊 thanks for sharing your talents, Simon!

[@auntyJanette]

Feast or famine with me Simon🙄 LOL. Thank you for everything but especially for the detailed information you give us about the authors.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Pleasure, thanks Aunty Janette!

[@mariadelcarmenruiz4117]

Thank you for posting. I enjoy the stories very much

[@BitesizedAudio]

My pleasure, glad to know you like them

[@leriava]

Lovely ❤ Thank you so much ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome 😊

[@dlyn.2]

I think I have found just the stories i was looking for 😃🎆🎇🎆🎇🌹🌹🌹

[@chimknee]

Thank you.

[@l.a.f.4421]

Thank You Very Much. = Portland, Oregon.

[@petercalderwood2876]

"Ghost Exposer." Wonderful! Like an "Alienist."

[@jilldwilliams9208]

PS: LOVE TO SEE A VIDEO OF YOUR PLAY!!!! PLEASE!!!

[@BitesizedAudio]

I have asked the theatre, not sure whether they will allow it but will share what I can!

[@johnnyrockabilly4962]

🎉🎉 cool stories

[@jdsteppenzyde]

I know I have seen the Warder of the Door….was it a tv show? Part of a horror anthology? Or… was it just a vivid dream…..

[@mijiyoon5575]

Thank You kind Sir named *Simon Stanhope* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@hilaryeales1268]

Oh, what an absolute treat !!! You're coming to bed with me, right now lol.......😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

😁

[@maximilianmatthews842]

Mr Stanhope - have you ever considered posting any short stories by the prolific incomparable Edward Oppenheim?

[@BitesizedAudio]

I do have E. Phillips Oppenheim on my list of authors to cover, as it happens. I can't recall the particular story I had shortlisted, but will dig it out... I've a feeling it was an above average length one, which makes it trickier to fit in. They're all quite ripe tales, as I recall, ripping yarns. Anyway, it'll be next year now due to other commitments, but I'll bear him in mind for 2024!

[@johnburns2940]

Its funny to me, that while I listen, I am cleaning my own room for rent. An AirBnb, in Quebec. But don't stay here, cuz we don't want you. Yes, we are a legitimate Airbnb, but, "Don't Stay Here, cause we don't want you!"

[@BitesizedAudio]

How funny. But I assume you don't take it to the same extremes as the antagonists of 'The Circular Chamber'...?

[@johnburns2940]

@@BitesizedAudio Hahaha 😂+😂+😂

[@edithpiaf9250]

I could listen to this guy read a grocery list. 🙂

[@maryeckel9682]

"And we would have gotten away with it, if it weren't for that pesky Bell!"

[@RealMusicHype]

00:44 Good stuff..

[@cloefauna]

Simon Stanhope : ❤ 💐🌟💝🥂

[@Frenchblue8]

Ahh,🌜thank you,👻 Simon. 🎃So, no tricks,🧙🏾‍♀️ only🦇 the best🌚 treat🍬 I could🧹 have ever🕸️ asked 🩻for, for Halloween, 🦇🧙🏾‍♀️🎃👻especially!!🌛

[@BitesizedAudio]

There are a few tricks in these stories, so I'm glad I was able to finish it in time for Hallowe'en...

[@Frenchblue8]

@@BitesizedAudio Goodness, yes, me too! I just love Halloween, always have, don't know why, really. I even liked it better than Christmas as a kid~ crazy, I know.👻 The spooky, the suspenseful, the ghostly and ghoully, the macabre and the mysterious~what's not to love? "It was a dark and stormy night....🍿 Thanks again, Simon. Just incredibly well done.💜 🖤🧡

[@ashby4211]

The first story, The Circular Chamber seems very much like A Terribly Strange Bed by Wilkie Collins. An early case of plagiarism maybe.

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

Yea its Sunday so that means it's Ghost stories allll day😂

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

Sir Simon saves lubetube

[@snippycutwell9878]

Yay simon

[@JensLarsson-vi5py]

Comment the submarine "dream" of the author

[@y0da._.]

wth is a gay party💀💀💀💀

[@cantonhag]

Thanks, Simon S., you make all the migraines and morons vanish like the magician you are. 🎃🎃🪄😇😇

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help!