"An Appetite for Steam" by Ian Gordon / Van Melsen Mythos

[@HorrorBabble]

If you enjoy Van Melsen's exploits, please consider picking up the first eBook collection: UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CGXFZCH5 USA: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGXFZCH5 DE: www.amazon.de/dp/B0CGXFZCH5 CA: www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CGXFZCH5 AU: www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CGXFZCH5 The Van Melsen Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLeNNKRLWxwoO0VCrw61QeyrZk_DQYZycx

[@soulreaver1983]

Thanks Ian 😊

[@dmonvisigoth1651]

Fucking Mint I really like this Van Melsen guy. Wonder if he's ever met John Constantine? Kudos on all the dialects too.

[@goodnightvienna8511]

Hi Ian , can you please tell me what piece of music is playing in the background whilst you make the introduction, I find it extremely melancholy and interesting. You’ve used it at least once before in the story regarding the chap in his tent who finds an interesting crystal. Thank you in advance.

[@HorrorBabble]

It’s a piece called ‘Darker Dreams’ - I haven’t released it anywhere else as of yet.

[@goodnightvienna8511]

@@HorrorBabble thanks

[@4362mont]

"Blood & Custard" has to be the most UK-sounding desciption of a color scheme I've ever heard. Loved this original story!

[@1000yeardragon]

Oh man this just turned a lousy day into a significantly better one, thanks so much Ian. I guess it's Van Melsen to the rescue again...

[@user-us9cf7me6w]

just what i was thinking....

[@soulreaver1983]

Hope tomorrow is a better day for you!

[@bretrohde7300]

Same - or rather, my day has been a pretty good one, but it definitely got even better with a new Ian Gordon narration!

[@richardferguson6893]

Same. Absolute crap day but this should help a bit.

[@fiercest_calm]

I know how you guys feel! Ian's voice helps me feel so much better!

[@gwynn2528]

Me dramatically saying "You fool! Warren is dead." randomly during the day.

[@WilliamStreiff]

Not only is this gentleman an excellent narrator he is a world class horror and mystery writer 👍😁

[@WilliamStreiff]

We love you Horror Babble

[@johannageisel5390]

Very true! I like the Winter Hill stories the best. Hope we'll soon get more of those.

[@nsob8897]

Im not criticizing, but i wish these stories were longer. It always makes my day to be swept up into a good story on this channel. If you haven't hit your stride yet, you're certainly nearing it. Well done again.

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

The last Van Melson was 3hrs.😊

[@nsob8897]

@BeautifulEarthJa yeah but I already listened to that one. Haha I wish they could all be that long. Its great entertainment that always ends too soon...even when it's hours long. After sitting and reading the lord of the rings I felt the same way. I dont tire of (good) stories easily.

[@Whalewraith]

I like them in smaller chunks, even if the whole is quite long. Like the Christmas format. Has VM now got a Nemesis?

[@fisk0]

for me, I think the 40-50 minute episodes are ideal. Not because of the writing of course, it's fantastic and I certainly had no trouble getting through this or Hammer & Nails, but I really like the slighty shorter format, ideal for a listen during a walk or the commute to work, generally without having to take any breaks.

[@benjaminirwin1988]

The return of VanMelsen is always a treat.

[@bobbymarcum772]

Such a great character Ian, I think you've found your Holmes or your Conan. I care what happens in the life of Van Melsen and want to emulate his habits.

[@zednotzee7]

Ah ! Another Van Melsen story. Excellent, this is just what I needed after the not particularly good day I've just had. Time to get the kettle on, and make sure I've got plenty of smokes before settling down for a listen !

[@HorrorBabble]

I hope you've had better days since!

[@zednotzee7]

@@HorrorBabble Thank you, today has been a lot better. 🙂

[@TheHappyhorus]

It always staggers me that some of the best things in this world are not better known to all, HorrorBabble should be listened to by many more people. Your tales have become a cadence in my world and I appreciate them, thank you 🙏❤

[@davidhill4603]

I will not be able to make a pot of tea without thinking of this story. Thank You!

[@Eris123451]

"The two children clinging to their parents like stubborn parasites ?" A lovely turn of phrase, one that evokes all manner of strange and peculiar possibilities.

[@T1ddlywinks]

Wasn't expecting some Van Melsen today, what a great day, thanks Ian!

[@andreasfilis9001]

Van Melsen on board for an adventure. Very nice.

[@merlapittman5034]

I enjoy the Van Melsen stories immensely. He's a fascinating character, and the stories are great. Thanks very much for giving us another one!

[@Ni5ei]

I gotta give it to you Ian. Your own stories are the highlights on this channel!!!

[@andrewsisson6536]

I find the most memorable Van Melsen tales are those framed through the lense of his companions. Much like Doctor Who, really.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

More Van Melsen! Hoorayyyy! 👏👏👏

[@user-us9cf7me6w]

well I was a bit down with the Monday blues....not anymore...thanks mr horror babble

[@lordraider3899]

One of my first van melsens and i just have to listen to a lot more now❤❤❤

[@danielmeredith4222]

The more stories I hear the more fascinating I get Ian Gordon is a fantastic storyteller i especially love it wen theres atmospheric music in the background it really sets the scene. The shadow over innsmouth and The Shadow out of time are my favourites. This looks very interesting as it has Peter Van Melsen in it again xo

[@goodnightvienna8511]

I’d like to know the music playing during Ian’s introduction, thank you 🙏

[@scyphe]

Oh, a new surprise release (to me) of a new Van Melsen story. Great start of the week.

[@Sparklyjools99]

Absolutely brilliant! Thank you so much for another wonderful Peter V M story Ian.

[@Nanosuit37]

Excellent. Well done. You never disappoint with Van Melsen. Keep bringing him forward. Thank you Mr Gordon and Horror Babble. Until next time.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks again!

[@matthewmallan1995]

Horror and the darkest fear really cheers me up. 😍

[@0therun1t21]

How did I miss this? Happy I caught it, I love Ian's writing.

[@scoutrifle6827]

Oooh, another original-my favorites! Thanks, Ian-

[@ianmcdonald1418]

Great work and always well looked forward to. I hope you fill this literary universe with stories for many decades. Thanks!

[@joshuarogue9345]

Been waiting for another Van Melsen story, I love these ones.

[@VictorReynolds]

Another Van Melsen gem from HB!

[@johnnyd.1004]

Excellent setup you've done here. Not only is Van Melsen's slight reminiscence oddly compelling, but the description of Gabriel as one of the most dangerous people Van Melsen would meet is quite ominous given what he's been through so far, and if the card game is fair and puts the dealer at risk, I can see why you'd choose that description. I really do wonder what Gabriel's scared of.

[@FergieTheTaurus]

I'm glad I have something to keep me going for my first hour of work ❤

[@EricHonaker]

This was a fun one. I find this magician quite creepy - he was apparently happy to play a death game with a little kid.

[@joz6683]

Thanks for this wonderful upload. It's great a new Van Melsen story.

[@RedSphero]

Absolutely delightful as ever Ian, thank you 💜 Can't tell you how lovely and nostalgic this was as someone who used to take those trains a lot as kid when we'd visit Whitby

[@HorrorBabble]

Fantastic! I visited the area a lot as a kid, too.

[@craigoliver8712]

​@@HorrorBabbleExcellent cish+fhips at Whitby

[@derekdecker555]

Oh dude, Van Melsen is building a rogues gallery! So cool!!!!

[@tamlandipper29]

Beautiful opening description. Also, nice to get some of our man's back story.

[@shill9299]

First van melson story. I liked it and look forward to listening to your Playlist.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you!

[@Vsolid]

I had finished all the previous Van Melson stories and wished there were more. Perfect timing.

[@jeffashley5512]

Van Melson once again drawn to the 'wonderfully weird'. Bravo Ian!!! 💀

[@christhemagnif]

I hoping I’d find a new Van Melsen! Thanks so much! 🍻

[@tooladdict85]

I didn't expect that ending!

[@cheesburgr]

excited to see "By Ian Gordon" even moreso to see it's Van Melsen story!

[@MrsCaranAmy]

This was an excellent story today. I do love trains and adventures. Great narration as always. Thank you ❤️🤗🌟

[@beverlyamarantes9775]

I'm very excited to listen to this one! Thanks

[@jeffhaley2706]

Thank you Mr. Gordon.

[@bretrohde7300]

Wait, did Ian write ALL the Van Melsen stories? Amazing!

[@T1ddlywinks]

All original, all excellent =]

[@ToddWaid1]

Another Banger courtesy of Ian. Love Peter, where can I get some of his smokes? 😁

[@HorrorBabble]

I don't think YT would approve of that kind of merchandise!

[@thefisherking78]

I wasn't expecting this treat today! 🎉

[@beverlyamarantes9775]

Very excited to listen!

[@otempora5799]

Ah, Van Melsen and a Yorkshire steam train! Perfection!

[@otempora5799]

There’s a program on Aussie telly just now about the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and its most popular service - to Whitby - coincidence, or work of the supernatural? (Synchronicity at the very least. ) Perhaps Van Melsen was there - no doubt he’d be noticed! 😊

[@HorrorBabble]

Nice! And yes, a curious coincidence!

[@amgroves76]

Wonderful, really enjoyed this, thanks 💚

[@5tsumi13]

Ooohh is there going to be a part 2?! This was great thank you!

[@HorrorBabble]

Mr. Gabriel may indeed return.

[@Evil-Weevil186]

Wonderful stuff, lifted my evening.

[@beitodesstrafe]

What a cliffhanger!

[@alantaylor353]

Thank you very much.!! 👍 👍 👍

[@stuff6218]

You guys are spoiling us, lately. Feels like stealing. I'll get back on the Patreon as soon as I can afford it.

[@HorrorBabble]

Your support here goes a long way!

[@DarkSideBecky]

Thank you!! I appreciate the work that goes in to all these fantastic vids yall put out

[@xeanmartin6038]

New Peter Van! Yeah baby!

[@user-vw3ym3eh6t]

From Yorkshire originally, great to hear it reassert in your tales - keep on x

[@soulreaver1983]

As always many thanks Ian I appreciate all you're hard work on each story!

[@goodnightvienna8511]

Am I the only person who watches the cassette reels going round pretending I’m listening to a tape …I find it very relaxing in a Hauntological manner??

[@sarge4455]

Guess so

[@goodnightvienna8511]

@@sarge4455 ....yeah..just me then it looks like

[@fisk0]

if you watch too closely you realize they're all C-90 tapes despite the episodes varying in lenght, what eldritch horrors let them carry more than 45 minutes per side?!

[@goodnightvienna8511]

@@fisk0 this is true ....

[@studentjohn]

Love a Van Melsen!

[@jessevarney3298]

Thank you so much for this. I've been looking forward to this story since you announced it😊

[@carwashadamcooper1538]

A new VanMelsen? YES!!

[@timthetoolpool]

More PVM please! He makes me feel better about my smoking habit.

[@HorrorBabble]

He struggles like the rest of us.

[@colemarie9262]

So glad to see more original work! Always excellent.

[@Newsbro89]

It’s here! It’s here!

[@robbabcock_]

What an embarrassment of riches lately from Ian & HorrorBabble!😎👻🙌

[@thefisherking78]

Oh wow. I hope we see Gabriel again.

[@dennisthornton4434]

Wish I could work with such a man as Van Melson. Btw, I could handle a full English breakfast in one sitting. 😊

[@donaldmccleary9015]

He is awesome!

[@T1ddlywinks]

I made a full English breakfast the other day, and it was quite the chore to finish, but I did it!

[@Driven2Beers]

Whitby? How Stokeresque! Who needs a stair master when ya got them 199 steps?

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

Amazing time man 😂😂😂😂

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Fantastic story and narration! I love me some Van Melsen! His is sooo awesome. I love the adventures of Pete, Norman, and all the folks they get to tag along with them. Fantastic job of characger creation, Ian! I like how he just has to get away from all the hustle and bustle every now and then. I do the same thing. Thanks!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks, Donald!

[@AnthonyBarnwell-vt5gd]

Nice job g Man

[@charlesbixler75]

Ian, is this not the 12th Van Melsen or are two of the previous stories considered to be just one story? Another superb addition to the legend of Van Melsen.

[@HorrorBabble]

Hi Charles! It's the 11th case, due to Hammer & Nails being a standalone production.

[@shadownet3d]

Van Melsen. That pretty much says it all. 😀

[@kgreen242424]

You know, I have been wondering where my cat was. I'm always the last to know! So much happens around me that I have a hard time keeping up. I have questions for him when he gets home. Namely how he got the plane fare to Pickering. I'm not surprised that A: I didn't know B: he has an undisclosed revenue source and finally C: the story is both fantastic and true. Why Ian keeps publishing the stories of my cats escapades, I don't know but it is the only way I can find out what VM is up to. So for that, I say thank you. Apparently you see VM more than I do so when you do, please tell him to stop by the house once in a while. This bit is 85% true. My cat is named Van Melsen, he does get into publishable antics, he seems to have a job and I haven't seen him for the past day and a half. His job must be a tough cause he has some long shifts now and again. Lol. The only fictional thing is his ability to write down what he's done. I felt I needed to state that to support the credibility of my prior admissions. Ladies and Gentlemen, good day!

[@HorrorBabble]

Ha! Thanks for the update regarding our favourite feline!

[@kgreen242424]

@@HorrorBabble Well let me say thank you for passing on my message to him. He returned yesterday afternoon to the house so I appreciate you telling him. He said he left his phone here at the house so he couldn't receive calls. Plus I think his Pixel 7 pro is region locked anyway so it would have been useless for calls anyways. From what I can gather, we should expect VM to keep making appearances on this channel for this wasn't the only case that he tackled on his trip and if things keep going like they are now, you are already doing a treatment on the next episode. I wait with interest. Till the next my good man

[@keltai83]

​@@HorrorBabbleNGL, I definitely think VM is more likely to be a cat person than a dog person. Not black, though. He's not the type to play into stereotypes

[@ifabforfun]

more Van Molson lore!

[@deniswilliams2212]

You made him one of my favourite characters it’s a sure thing tonight when I am riding home tonight No rain forecast lol

[@lincolnhodge2371]

This story is so tame it sounds like a PostMan Pat movie

[@mattheweagle223]

I'm picturing the shiny faced man as Benny Hill

[@HorrorBabble]

I can't unsee that now...!

[@mattheweagle223]

@HorrorBabble I know it could almost lampoon the story for some people, but I just imagine he would be perfect- his facial acting, his innate acuity The character in the story is loathsome, which could be contrary to many folks' views of benny, but the Karens would embody it hahaha I am sure he could have played this part with all the menace of Price or Lorre

[@andreasfilis9001]

Wasn't it Whitby the place that Dracula landed after the ship carrying him sunk?

[@HorrorBabble]

It was. He also mounts the 199 steps!

[@andreasfilis9001]

@@HorrorBabble pity that I didn't visit it while I was there.

[@4ms301]

Yay!

[@kevinfogle7929]

Van Melsen!

[@EricDaMAJ]

Private investigators are hot on Warren’s trail.

[@Newsbro89]

So there is a reference to the Wizard of Wakefield. Is that a future Van Melsen case we are going to hear?

[@HorrorBabble]

Not necessarily -- just a reference for now.

[@dennisthornton4434]

Oh a cliff hanger. 😅

[@brgardner897]

Oh sweet

[@bigsarge2085]

🚂

[@AnthonyBarnwell-vt5gd]

Happy late father's day

[@dennisthornton4434]

Got a few questions..how much planning do you do for story. A deep outline or just a short one. Once you get started how long does it take to write w story?

[@HorrorBabble]

Blimey… It depends on the story really. I have no specific ‘approach’, as it were. VM stories take more planning due to the history of the character.

[@dennisthornton4434]

@@HorrorBabble a little vague but ok.

[@HorrorBabble]

Sorry Dennis - it’s too complicated a subject to address in a KZbin comment. Perhaps I’ll record a video on the subject if enough people want to hear about such things

[@dennisthornton4434]

@@HorrorBabble what about discord. Could have long conversations there.

[@HorrorBabble]

I'd be able to commit more time to the idea if there was significant interest, but as it stands I haven't really the capacity for it. It's challenging operating as a one-man band!

[@libertycowboy2495]

First rate!

[@balaam_7087]

Ah, Gabe Newell body horror here we come

[@user-ln3kh3ku4u]

I winder if Van Melson likes a cup of earl grey or he's a more of tetley t detective 😃

[@toadyuk8391]

English breakfast always

[@HorrorBabble]

I'd say Darjeeling is his favourite.

[@user-ln3kh3ku4u]

@@HorrorBabble still quiet posh then we'll he is a asentric 😄

[@fahbs]

What a punk that villain was. A steam...punk.

[@badminton5920]

Good Scots accent!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks! Not too bad in short bursts...

[@Janie-ls5pg]

I haven't read these yet. Is it a series?

[@HorrorBabble]

Yes, but the stories can be listened to individually: kzbin.info/aero/PLeNNKRLWxwoO0VCrw61QeyrZk_DQYZycx

[@Janie-ls5pg]

@@HorrorBabble great! 😊

[@willjennings7191]

"A magician with an agenda"

[@HorrorBabble]

Yes.

[@willjennings7191]

@@HorrorBabble Yeah.

[@DrinkWater713]

Not gonna lie, I'm judging Van Melsen for ruining his tea with sugar

[@HorrorBabble]

When it comes to 'train tea', VM likes to take the edge off! To be honest, he likes it with and without, depending on the tea.