The Housekeeper by Marjorie Bowen

Marjorie Bowen was a well-known writer of macabre stories in her day. The Housekeeper, in my opinion is an excellent story. Bowen injects some deeper meaning and subtlety into her stories so they are about more than scaring you. This story portrays a toxic relationship between two people in Regency England.
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[@matronista]

I save radio plays in a playlist so I can listen to them as I fall asleep. I have learned to get excited when I see one that you have written and/or narrated next in the queue. (Even if it isn’t next, I make sure it IS next. Lol). I feel fortunate that I have two lined up for tonight. Thank you, Tony.

[@susanmercurio1060]

I wrote a similar comment a few days ago. Somehow, I get to sleep listening to Mr Walker's voice, even if the topic is a ghost story!

[@cynthiawolf2467]

I love this program so very much. You have such a charming voice, the stories are wonderful, and all the rambling commentary after is possibly the best of all. Thank you!

[@deegeraghty9426]

Brilliant! Thank you so much. I love 'Carmilla' the original vampire story ..

[@morticialechatnoir541]

I am so glad i found your channel, Mr. Walker! What n awesome voice you have, perfect for these stories. Thank you so much.

[@Sunshine74444]

Folks, please don’t give away the ending in your comments. Before I could cover them I glimpsed the first one and it’s ruined. My fault, but it’s hard to avoid sometimes when starting the video.

[@Kojoanna]

A good story, more from this author please

[@TheRickie41]

You have a perfect voice for narrating these stories... I very much appreciate your choices, too. Thank you very much from France.

[@ClassicGhost]

I have a few French stories on the podcast which I will post here too

[@Earnshawfully]

@@ClassicGhost I like your voice a lot, too. You don't overdo the Vincent Price, like Mr Horror Babble does.

[@bittybitty8233]

Enjoyed this one very much. And your voice is very smooth & soothing , I listen to these stories while I rest , so TY . SEE you in the next one....

[@lizpride9960]

I do listen to your fine narrations while ironing, but I am currently listening to them, flat on my back in a trauma ward of a hospital, with my back broken in two places, and your stories are helping me through. Thank you.

[@TheRickie41]

@@lizpride9960 I send you prayers for your health. Get well!

[@vickinoeske1154]

I enjoy how descriptive the writing of this story. Thanks for the notes about the author.

[@thresagraham8181]

Also love the info you give at the end, really interesting👍🌺☘️✌️

[@carmenpohl6061]

Thanks for the story. I'm in my sewing room and enjoy your spooky stories while being busy with my projects.

[@leahwalker7852]

Loved the reader of this story , he brought it so alive thank u

[@ClassicGhost]

Good name too

[@jeremypearson6852]

Thanks for providing a background on the author. I’m an expat living a long time in the US, but being English I completely understand the class aspect. Both characters in this story were quite despicable. Reminds me a bit of several of Dickens characters.

[@scoutrifle6827]

Excellent, as always, Tony. Enjoying "Cumbrian Ghost Stories", as well!

[@ClassicGhost]

Great!

[@trudi1962]

Oh my.... your voice ❤️❤️

[@TedaR]

IKR?! As I've commented before...Idk how he manages to sound creepy & sexy at the same time. 😊😍

[@betsygosnell3847]

I enjoyed this story tremendously! You have a beautiful gift of reading, expression, voice and of course, your accent. This combination, all melt into a each other delicously, giving the story a perfect ambiance. Stormy, dark, rainy day.. perfect for ghost stories!

[@karannina1]

Amazing pleasant yo hear your voice tell the stories..I can't have enough of listening to you

[@juliemayes2027]

A very well told story thank you

[@rattyrachel4316]

Listened to this story twice, savoring each delectable morsel. One tidbit I noticed was the mention of “goblin head scones.” I had to wonder if they were similar to “cathead biscuits” or “bastard biscuits” my grandmother used to make. Anyway, it’s an absolutely tantalizing story and I really enjoyed your comments.

[@hectorbrown656]

Thank you.

[@thresagraham8181]

Brilliantly done, thank you👍🌸🌺✌️

[@darlenefarmer5921]

Great reading! Thank you!

[@martiwilliams4592]

Disturbing, also this time. Fear with "new eyes". Thank you, Tony.

[@rameyzamora1018]

One of the best hauntings I've ever heard! Many joys.

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Thanks for the great story and narration, and for tweeking the volume.

[@thurayya8905]

She certainly sets a mood. I could see all three characters, locked in together; his second wife the only one to escape, but probably not for long.

[@magicbulletdancers]

Oh this was delicious thank you ❤🇨🇦

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nancyworsley5057]

I love this author!! Thank you for sharing about her life.

[@earthcat]

You have a natural talent for this Tony!

[@MsDormy]

Brilliant! I love the biography of the writer - fascinating, thank you!

[@neilairwin4342]

Thank you, excellent reading as always of a good story. Great choice. Marjorie Bowen wrote some very good short stories, novels and even very early examples of 'flash fiction' I have read. She wrote two excellent examples of 'flash fiction' ghost stories called 'A Persistent Woman' and 'The Accident' , both under 150 words but very effective. They are worth checking out. Her Gothic horror novel 'Black Magic' set in the Middle Ages is good with surprising plot twists, great atmosphere, interesting characters and even 'gender bending'. Her short ghost/horror stories are good, such as 'The Crown Plate Derby', 'The Intruder' and' The Prescription'. I intend reading more of her works as I like her style and descriptive powers.

[@martiwilliams4592]

You also help the dirty dishes disappear. Scary the second time around...third..fourth... . Thank you, Tony. Please continue.

[@jochaffey9659]

Hello! I am so pleased to find someone who can read properly! And you're English; what a bonus, I am English and I live in Somerset. I am happy to subscribe. best wishes to you.

[@natashaguttman8616]

Loved the story and really loved all the insights and commentary about the author. Thank you!

[@barbarat5729]

How funny. I'm working from home, not ironing. But I love to iron! Odd, I know. Thank you for these wonderful stories.

[@bobbeyderbrain]

Enjoyed that one, Tony. But what a pair of creeps they are. 😂

[@ClassicGhost]

Oh yes. Horrible people

[@lloydrobert6182]

The exchanges between the couple were simply enthralling! Listened twice over just for the brutality! Lol! Thank you for the marvelous reading.

[@vintagebrew1057]

Many Thanks for this. Would love to hear you read Oke of Okehurst by Vernon Lee. Read it as a teenager and it always stayed with me.

[@ClassicGhost]

I'll check it out! It will go on my list!

[@cynthiawolf2467]

Ouija board interviews! Definitely up for that...lol

[@annaperkins6513]

Excellent story and commentary. Thanks for the pleasure.

[@deloreslowndes762]

It seems to me that if he was a complete reprobate he would have let his dead wife continue to care for him...I mean, why not.

[@bronte6364]

Very atmospheric. Could picture the scenes..♥️

[@trishbirchard1270]

So much fun to listen to on an overcast morning under the covers pinned down by a cat or two; THANK YOU !! My favorite book is THE HOUSE ON THE STRAND ; kindly consider !! ❤️❤️🐾🐾🐾☃️☃️🍀🍀

[@janislohman8125]

Enjoyed your storytelling, voice is perfect! Ty

[@jayrothermel9384]

#HBD Marjorie Bowen (1885-1952) 🎂

[@rhondabuhler2984]

Thank you for sharing this story. It is indeed special. I do understand what you said about class, even as a Canadian, because I’ve read so much British literature; for instance, I’ve read all of Agatha Christie and class is very evident in her writing as well. I remember one character specifying she would do only the light housekeeping, “never the rough,” or something to that effect. Also, in A Murder is Announced, there is a moment where the Colonel asks Philippa Haymes how the farm work is going, but in such a tone that he understood she was not “really” a farm worker. Many other British authors convey that sense of class, and how impoverished gentility is still gentility. I loved the unflinching descriptions of the utter ruin of the house, the people, their clothes, even the food, yet the characters could not stoop to actually work to earn money because of their position. Very well done and a memorable story indeed!

[@frankmcgovern5445]

I’m American, but my grandfather was an Irish immigrant to Scotland too. He also lived in Edinburgh. The other was an Irish immigrant to the US. Eventually they both were.

[@toniyoung8474]

A wonderful story and you narrated it perfectly. Thank you. I have subscribed.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you :)

[@stephenrose1343]

Great characterisation, narrated with subtlety.

[@deeharrison3036]

Just subscribed! I am so happy to have found you! Your voice in wonderful and I love listening to the stories while I paint. It is very relaxing, an escape from all the insanity here in the usa. Thank you!

[@ClassicGhost]

Great to have you here !

[@undeadondine1977]

A good story, and very interesting information too. I was pretty sure what the male had done, but just not the way it was done, so I definitely wasn't surprised about that.

[@mariameere5807]

I was just lead here after hearing your newest story by the same author! Love her! Another great job and I do hope you eventually perform her other story that you spoke about! Very grateful for these though!❤️‍🔥🌟❤️‍🔥

[@ClassicGhost]

I have done it. Editing it now.

[@debralaprade1]

So good to be up to listening again. Just recovering from Covid. Just love the stories you've picked out but I love your stories too! Thank you!

[@ClassicGhost]

Welcome back! I am hoping to write more soon

[@minzygreen1167]

What a beautifull voice for storytelling. Perfect English. So rare nowadays.

[@shadetreader]

There is no such thing as "perfect English", as language is perpetually evolving and variety is part of its marvel.

[@minzygreen1167]

@@shadetreader eh no. proper pronunciation of the English language exists. If ur talking about slang or accents that's a different thing altogether. but language in its purest form does not evolve.

[@hindleygj]

Thank you very much, I don't iron clothes much, but enjoy this in my shop while hammering iron, please keep them coming !!!

[@dannyprice9340]

I love these stories - it has helped awaken a child obsession with traditional ghost stories. Also love old films of a similar nature - can someone help me where the “you tried to get into the locked..” comes from please? Thank you

[@ClassicGhost]

It comes from the film Psychomania

[@KarensOpinionsMayDiffer]

That was excellent! Thank you.

[@missdaisysunshine8633]

I listen while I Groom my dogs !

[@starrynight1329]

Thanks for reminding me that I still need to do my ironing 😉. I've been listening to your podcasts for 2 days now. What a lucky find for me and what a lovely job you do. Your voice is perfect for these kinds of readings. 😊 I'm just as curious to hear what you have to say after the story as I am about listening to the story.

[@ClassicGhost]

I appreciate your comments

[@renzo6490]

I am am atheist and have no horror of death.

[@tanniamahamati2943]

She is an amazing writer...

[@michaeldean1445]

Thanks for the great story. Very much enjoyed! I also enjoyed the bio about the author. Keep up the great work, and know that it is very much appreciated!

[@martiwilliams4592]

Very captivating, vivid narration,enjoyable commentary, also now 2 yrs later. Masterful. Much needed and appreciated. As always. Thank you, Tony

[@katebutler2554]

I ❤ Tony's voice

[@toadyuk8391]

Tony - slight disagreement with you in this story. By the way i think it’s wonderfully written and created, really get a sense of these two dreadful humans. However I think there’s s very clear hint he killed his wife, because he says when he first is getting suspicious to his new wife “i did it for you” and its hinted even earlier on that he thought wooing this wife would bring him the money he needs. So we have: terrible old card sharp and con-man He is desperate We know he HAD a first wife We also know he looked on her as standing in his way, as a shrew and that she was honest We also hear him say that “i did it for you” to the new wife and we can assume what he did was indeed murder Then of course we dont know the method of murder used, but it become reasonably obvious I think as he is scared by her return that he did away with her. Hope this makes sense - we may not have known he used poison but murder is i think implied obviously.

[@banterj]

Oh just ironing?…I listen to this while I clean the house,make dresses,run errands,sleep…I have KZbin premium so I listen in podcast format and it allows the phone able to sleep without disconnecting

[@Bebecat477]

Great story!

[@CleCleHavez]

Idk about anyone else but the married couple fighting made me laugh. A lot. Great story. Thanks for all you do😊

[@Jackielocks]

I really enjoyed that one! Maybe it’s a girl thing but I cheered for the good housekeeper ghosty-she knew who her husband was lol

[@kittima3218]

Bravo!

[@jcristi321]

I don’t iron much, but I do listen while cooking and cleaning the kitchen. I also liked the tone of this one. With a very solid ghost interacting with the real world, but not at all scary. At least not to me. And did he kill her to marry for money that wasn’t there? Tsk, tsk, tsk.

[@falgalhutkinsmarzcal3962]

Bowen is a delight. Another good story written by her, and my favorite, is "Twilight". It is an excellent supernatural story about the Medicis.

[@elizabethslater3913]

Can you read The Other

[@ClassicGhost]

I will put it on my list

[@dismith73]

You hit the perfect tone for this one. Excellent reading thank you

[@kathleenellenford4816]

👏🏻and, as always splendid narration. Thank you!

[@violetfemme411]

I LOVE this story. I had no idea she also wrote "The Crown Derby Plate", another brilliant and complex story. Both have details that build gradually and we learn what is happening along with the Protagonist. I believe Ms Julia aka Morgan Scorpion narrated "Crown Derby" and it's on her channel if anyone is interested.

[@ClassicGhost]

I’d like to do it one day

[@thelastsausage635]

I loved this story it was so elegant and descriptive, I work my way back over the stories searching for any I have missed and always check for new ones! I listen to your channel while I am cooking, drawing, painting and walking the dog! It’s inspiring!👍☺️🇦🇺

[@ClassicGhost]

Very pleased :)

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

What a wonderful ghost story with morals

[@tzaph67]

Another wonderful story, thank you!

[@amysays3980]

What a wonderful voice! I can listen to you all day and the information about the author at the end is awesome. Thank you! I'm subscribed and looking forward to more.

[@ClassicGhost]

+Amy Says thanks Amy!

[@Story-Voracious66]

Thanks as always Tony, it always a treat to hear your narration. I find all to often many modern narrators don't understand context or syntax, let alone pronunciation. Thanks especially for alerting me to M. Bowen's writing. She must have lead an interesting life to paint such solid characters. These are real people (even if despicable), whom anyone with an ounce of malice or a pinch of bitter disappointment can relate too. It reminds me of Emily Bronte's tense and torchoned world. Oh and I do listen while I iron, paint windowsills, hang washing... 🙏🏼👍🏼

[@ClassicGhost]

Indeed. I don't know enough about her personal life

[@urban_rambler]

Fabulous series. Love the podcast. A perfect companion as I recover from a broken foot.

[@ClassicGhost]

Speedy recovery with the foot. Sounds painful

[@Gwing7061]

I have just found your channel . Love a spooky story so I am now hooked! A wonderful storyteller with an amazing voice. Many thanks 😊

[@ClassicGhost]

Welcome aboard!

[@sus8e462]

Enjoyed your reading voice & you're notes about the author! Looking forward to more! Wasn't ironing, but working on leather guitar straps!

[@ClassicGhost]

Oh yeah?

[@markferguson3745]

Absolutely brutal.Working in the service industry, reminds me of every neu money grifter, including many miserable couples, I had the misfortune of entertaining in the NYC/ Connecticut metro area at the heights of several recent eras of boom and bust. "Gentrification" is what finally forced me away from the places I called home.

[@ClassicGhost]

Sounds horrible but I think there’s a novel in that for you . Even a modern day version of this story

[@markferguson3745]

@@ClassicGhost Yes, - well, I used to fancy myself a writer, and that was a goal for decades.But I've lost the focus, especially after I quit smoking.You've helped reinvigorate my interest, an immediate outlet and reason to push through.

[@drengskap]

This is an excellent story - thank you for covering it. I discovered it in a Folio Society anthology, and it prompted me to search out more of Marjorie Bowen's ghost stories - the Arkham House collection Kecksies gets a massive recommendation from me!

[@ClassicGhost]

I may have got this from the Folio Soc version to be honest. Thanks for the recommendation too

[@drengskap]

@@ClassicGhost Thanks for the reply, Tony - I've really been enjoying your channel over the last few weeks. That Folio Society anthology is great - I discovered Vernon Lee there as well. Any chance you might perform 'Amour Dure' some time? That's my favourite Vernon Lee story.

[@Josephinejefferies]

Enjoyed this.

[@alboreham388]

Great characters in this one!

[@darkmoon8400]

Love it, but waaay to short 😊

[@roxanavasilakis9435]

Thank you again 🥀🥀🌳

[@veronicapink4896]

I so appreciate your channel. 🩵

[@ClassicGhost]

thank you very much

[@DonnaGisellaTranchel]

💙💙💙

[@michaeldugan3589]

Excellent narrator. However, this story is set during the reign of George I : not the Regency.

[@rheinhartsilvento2576]

Was just coming to say the same thing 🤗. Just a minor quibble though...

[@susanmercurio1060]

This is terrible writing. I've been spoiled by the books of Georgette Heyer.

[@Dawghome]

????

[@susanmercurio1060]

@@Dawghome : If you have never heard of Georgette Heyer, and you like Jane Austen, you have a treat in front of you! Ms Heyer wrote probably 50 books, and she actually started the Regency romance genre, although her followers weren't as good as she was. She did a lot of research for her books, and she has the foibles and habits of the late 18th century and the Regency era down perfectly. She was also a far better writer than this author.

[@snowyskylar8821]

@@susanmercurio1060 I remember my mother loved Georgette heyer

[@susanmercurio1060]

@@snowyskylar8821 : You know, I got my daughter interested in Georgette Heyer. She moved to a small town in Indiana and - lucky her - the local thrift store often had Georgette Heyer books for sale. She probably has the complete collection.

[@markferguson3745]

Terrible writing? Marjorie Bowen? You're joking, right? By what possible standard? Her insights are brilliant.

[@possumaintdead]

Bowen’s ghost stories are so creepy! Excellent reading of this very unsettling story. I would love to hear you read The Crown Derby Plate.

[@blixten2928]

Yes, that is absolutely one of my favourites too. Thanks for reminding me! The main character is so much fun there. Would be interesting to hear Tony's rendition.