Basil Netherby | A Ghost Story by A. C. Benson | A Bitesized Audiobook

Leonard Ward receives a strange communication from his friend Basil, a composer who has sought isolation in a remote house in Cornwall. In a cryptic note, Basil begs Leonard to visit him at Treheale, but after Leonard makes the trip his friend seems annoyed to see him, and is behaving altogether very oddly. It soon becomes clear that a strange and malign presence is at work in the house...
A new, original recording of a classic public domain text, read and performed by Simon Stanhope for Bitesized Audio.
If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, you may like to consider supporting me on Patreon:
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Arthur Christopher Benson (1862-1925) was an author, poet, critic and academic, who served as the Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, from 1915 until his death ten years later, aged 63. He had a passion for music, and wrote the lyrics of the patriotic song 'Land of Hope and Glory' (1902, to the tune composed by Edward Elgar in 1901), perhaps his best known work today - even though the majority of people probably wouldn't be able to identify him as the author. A. C. Benson was one of M. R. James’s closest friends at Cambridge (the two were exact contemporaries) and he too composed several highly regarded ghost stories, including 'Basil Netherby', which it's believed he read aloud at the Chit Chat Club Christmas gathering in 1903 - incidentally, this was the same year that James first presented his story 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad'.
Although a prolific author of literary criticism, poetry and essays, as an author of ghost stories A. C. Benson has been overshadowed both by his friend James and by his younger brother Edward Frederic (E. F. Benson, 1867-1940), but Arthur's relatively few contributions to the genre, compared to his brother's output of more than 50 stories, are still highly regarded today.
The eldest son of E. W. Benson, later Archbishop of Canterbury, Arthur trained as a teacher and after working for some time as a housemaster at Eton, he moved to Cambridge in 1903. His love of music is reflected in 'Basil Netherby', which depicts a musician whose character and compositions are both affected by supernatural influence. The story's Cornish setting may also have been inspired by his time spent in the county as a youth, while his father was Bishop of Truro.
As noted above, it's believed that 'Basil Netherby' was read aloud to the Chit Chat Club in December 1903. Although Benson published two volumes of ghost stories, in 1903 and 1904, this piece was not included and was unpublished in his lifetime. Shortly after his death, his brother Edward Frederic discovered the manuscripts of a number of unpublished ghost stories written by Arthur, including 'Basil Netherby'. He arranged for it to be published in The Sovereign Magazine in August 1926, and subsequently in book form alongside 'The Uttermost Farthing' and other uncollected stories, in a volume entitled 'Basil Netherby' (1927), although the title of the story was apparently altered to 'The House at Treheale': it's unclear whether this was E. F.'s editorial change, or whether Arthur had ever used this title.
Some musical notes:
There are two pieces of music referred to in the story:
(1) When the narrator is invited to play the piano for Basil, he opts to play the opening of Mendelssohn's 'Hear My Prayer', an 1844 anthem (sometimes known as 'O For the Wings of a Dove') for soprano solo and chorus. There are many fine recordings of it available on KZbin; one of the most famous is the recording by boy soprano Ernest Lough from 1927 (the year this story was finally published in book form): • Mendelssohn's "Hear My...
(2) In conversation with the narrator, Basil sings a few bars from 'The Revenge', a choral work by the Irish composer Charles Villiers Stanford. If you're interested in hearing the full piece, it can be heard here: • Charles Villiers Stanf...
The title card image is a detail from 'Beethoven Composing', c.1890, by Carl Schlösser.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2022.

[@BitesizedAudio]

If you enjoyed this story, you may like to visit my Bandcamp page where you can listen for free to my narrations of many more classic stories. You can also purchase and download an mp3 (or another format of your choice) of this or any of my other recordings: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com Listener support on Bandcamp helps me to keep producing new content like this. I also have a Patreon page: www.patreon.com/bitesizedaudio Or for occasional one-off support, you can Buy Me a Coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesizedaudio Thanks for listening. Simon Stanhope (narrator)

[@crusaderknight4792]

I am absolutely shocked to have found such a professional, high quality narrator on KZbin. And not only that but narrating my favorite topic, ghost stories. Cheers to you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly! I'm glad you found your way here, I hope you enjoy listening to some of the other stories on the channel (over 50 classic ghost stories to date, and more to come....)

[@skrimper]

Been subbed for like 6 months and im still shocked at his abilities. I haven't found another narrator half as good as Simon!

[@andypammenter8528]

I know, he's really good isn't he :-)

[@annetteeggett2802]

I could not agree more. My go to narrator. What a find x

[@beverlyadams7205]

Simon is the best!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Some musical notes: A. C. Benson's passion for music is reflected in this story of a haunted composer. For those interested in listening further, there are two specific pieces of music referred to in the story: (1) When the narrator is invited to play the piano for Basil, he opts to play the opening of Mendelssohn's 'Hear My Prayer', an 1844 anthem (sometimes known as 'O For the Wings of a Dove') for soprano solo and chorus. There are many fine recordings of it available on KZbin; one of the most famous is the recording by boy soprano Ernest Lough from 1927 (the year this story was finally published in book form): kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIXFoqqrfKqEg6M (2) In conversation with the narrator, Basil sings a few bars from 'The Revenge', a choral work by the Irish composer Charles Villiers Stanford. If you're interested in hearing the full piece, it can be heard here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKvQXo2foditj68

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Thank you, Simon. I listened to them both. Now I am going to listen to the story again.

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

That’s cool!!

[@Bambisgf77]

These details really sets your content apart from most you tube posts. As always Simon, your narration is superb like listening to an old friend as I go about my day but mostly as a soothing wind down. Always a good time to tune into Bite sized Audio Classics!

[@mlsg8]

Superb that you include this musical gem of a note. Always top notch, Simon! Thank you!

[@sirbimsaranadirangaalmedaa403]

Well presented and useful!

[@JustSayin916]

The writer created a beautiful and vivid tale, but you, Simon, made it come alive! Your summary calls you "narrator and performer," and indeed you are!! It's not just your ability to speak a different voice for each character, it's also your meaningful emphases, silences, laughs, gasps, and deep breaths! Your story telling overtakes me more than any movie!!! Thank you, thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for your very kind words Barbara. Also, I think this the first opportunity I've had to say thank you for joining as a channel member, I really appreciate your support. I hope you've been able to find the members' stories playlist, I believe it's not always easy to find on some devices: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZKfY3NqI2fG8M9JWgCmzFFZ

[@nadiafritzsche1545]

Danke!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you! 🙏

[@jennbeck9611]

Your narrations have truly become my most valued surprises of the day. I see that little Blue dot. I can't wait for enough time to close my eyes and hear. Thank you so very much.

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you Jenn! Best wishes

[@lindamoser6317]

Awesome story. Surprised a movie hasn't been made of it lol!! Very well narrated and moving. I could picture every episode. Thank u

[@skeleczar]

Anyone else feel like they’ve just won something substantial whenever you log in and see there is a new video from Simon?

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you!

[@nickyfierybakerRoo]

Yep 🥰

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

I certainly do.

[@LucicPower]

There will never be a better name for a protagonist in the annals of Horror short stories than " Basil Netherby"

[@mijiyoon5575]

I luv this most scary & creepy tale. The *Benson brothers, both A.C. & E.F. scare the hair off me ... just like *M.R. James* ... luv it. Some writers today might take a few lessons form these past writers

[@michaelfearon4793]

I'm just about to listen to Simon's latest. Look at all the work he's done - all the background research etc. I appreciate that I go on about it a bit - and I understand that some may think my 'applause', is personal. It is not. Beyond the channel, I don't know him at all. Lots of stations, subscriptions, channels, call them what you will, have uploaded some great stories. But that's exactly what they've done - and fair play to them - many of them are really good. But starting from scratch, on your own!? Fair play. Listen to The Haunted & etc. Nut Bush Farm. The Sand Walker, et al. Great stories, brilliantly told. And only if you're lucky enough to happen upon him through a specific search. As I did originally. I don't love all of the stories, I hasten to add. But I DO love each rendition. I can't praise this guy enough. Ian Holm's retelling of Jekyll & Hyde has a worthy successor. I would urge all students and/or lovers of great stories, well told, to follow this young man.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I truly appreciate your support Michael, thank you so much. Alas I don't get called young man very often these days, so I'll gladly take that compliment too!!

[@Lemma01]

Effusive, doubtless. Excessive? Dubious. We share your enthusiasm, and echo the praise: in sum, a most worthy encomium.💛

[@michaelfearon4793]

@@BitesizedAudio Well said.

[@waningmooncancer9628]

@@Lemma01 Aren't you clever? Actually, no question about it.☺️

[@sueatkinson3553]

Totally agree

[@MrPhemropit]

This is one of my favorite ghost stories. It avoids the typical class divisions of Victorian literature, where 'domestics' are usually portrayed as 1 dimensional characters. Mrs Halls deep understanding of people, her compassion, particularly for the murderous ghost of Mr Heel make this a gem of a story. Thank you for your choice in stories Simon and for your wonderful narration style.

[@VickyWiemer]

Your voice is amazing. It puts me in mind of Edward Everrett Horton. I mean that to be a compliment And hope it is received as such. Thank you so much for so freely sharing your gift of narration.

[@johnryan3913]

My dog Buck is a fan of your readings as well. As soon as I begin playing a story, Buck grabs a fresh bone, puts his chin on the pillow, and relaxes as I do with my bedtime cup of coffee. 👏🐾🐕🦴🧐☕

[@MoonLitChild]

That's the most adorable image! Straight out of a Don Bluth film.

[@JustSayin916]

A fabulous story, made even more spectacular by Simon's telling of it! And tho it may be a sin, how I wish I could hear some of that "evil music."

[@francescablakeman13]

Thank you Simon for posessing such a serene and tranquil voice. Perfectly fitting for narration.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly

[@nickyfierybakerRoo]

Having read lots of the comments, I think many of us are rather in love with Simon 🥰😁

[@michaeldonahoo461]

How I love the Victorian novel and short story. With the use of such wonderful words like Languorous, agreeable, abominable, habitation, estimable, profoundly and toilette. Then there is that wonderful phrase - "My deal Ward". The Victorians could understand and acknowledge the existence of evil and write about it without fear, and even perhaps understand it!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Indubitably! Thank you Michael, glad you enjoyed it...

[@artmoss6889]

I am gaining increased appreciation for Victorian prose. As a reader I found it fussy and needlessly detailed, but thanks to quality narration such as this, I've come to enjoy the aesthetics of the genre. It's marvelous to be guided through this bygone culture by a skilled reader

[@charliesmith_]

The Victorians entirely understood narcissism and used opiates freely.. Until the ladies of the Suffragettes first held their _First Function Luncheon_ at The Holborn Resatarant in the Strand. A privately booked (one of 7 function rooms). Previous priorly of who owned the estate they marry into begot much entitled narcissism of the era. As it did in the Georgian era. Trippy victorian/edwardian/ literature is always kind of 'modern' in its "I beheld a horror/I felt my senses slipping from me." And people from the mid 60's thought they invented trippyness. No such luck. Hubristic inherited ownership at best. They, them, their, were there first in Literature xx

[@marmadukegrimwig]

That was a particularly good story!

[@cathydoyle8804]

Thank you Simon, Ince again for your wonderful storytellers voice, wonderful ghost stories and all your hard work that you put into all your videos, you bring happiness to us ghost story fans...

[@LolaLoander]

I love the ghost stories of the Benson brothers. Especially, if they are so excellently narrated. Greetings from Germany!

[@jamessavage8729]

Thank you very much. Some people have no insight as how a true story needs to be written and read.

[@tammyhanlon3057]

I had to listen twice. I lost the plot about mid way. It could have been worse, I could have been listening to my nephews garage band, lol. It was a great story well told. Thank you Simon, so much.

[@mariameere5807]

When I see a notification of a new story from you it is a sight for sore eyes! And this story and all of them on this channel our music to my ears! Fantastic work as always!✨

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly Maria, greatly appreciated! I hope you're keeping well

[@mariameere5807]

@@BitesizedAudio And you Simon! I really enjoyed listening to that story and it was nice and long! Thanks again!

[@BitesizedAudio]

I know, I'm exhausted!

[@mariameere5807]

@@BitesizedAudio Ha ha ha! Well it was a masterpiece, so it was worth it! And I love the way you do the Different characters- the housekeeper for example, I always feel as if I watched a really good period drama after listening to your stories!!! Although I prefer reading and listening to people reading than Television, and anything that was ever any good on television was usually a book originally.... in my humble opinion! Thanks again and good night!

[@EMDoe]

Gentle, hypnotic voice. I like when he narrates in a lower register bc that puts the nail in my sleep coffin. Loves it 😀Thank you, Simon. Actor, narrator and curator

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

In a world where so much is now sound bytes, shrill political braying, or text talk only in letters, how lovely to sink into (the only phrase I can think of to describe it) these delightfully atmospheric tales. I am sitting here in the New Orleans afternoon: brewing some tea. Like a rich textured but comfy old smoking jacket, I am soon wrapped in the mood and feel of these. Me and my teacup settle in - for the narrative. Which by the way provides a much needed break - an escape from the hustle-bustle of the everyday.

[@stewartlancaster6155]

sound bites

[@andrewstephens3536]

An excellent reading of a compelling story. Thrilling and horrifying. There is no other living narrator who could have done it such justice.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Why, thank you - what a very generous comment! Glad to know you enjoyed it Andrew. Best wishes

[@elizah2093]

Yay. I will listen while working. Work will be so much more pleasant! ❤️❤️❤️

[@patriciajrs46]

Substantially wonderful! An unexpected surprise to find a three hour morsel of haunted essence. Thank you, Simon. I love bitesized audio.

[@peterchaloner2877]

Would be dreadful if this reader were a politician. I would believe everything he said: timbre, elocution, intonation.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You might very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment. Thanks for your support Peter, glad to know I can count on your vote...

[@waningmooncancer9628]

You've got jokes, sir; the kind that makes one worry a little......

[@lindasue8719]

That's a wonderful observation, thanks 😃

[@boosqueezy2418]

he’s the best out there

[@VanessaDavis-ri6jy]

Thank's for sharing!!!❤❤❤

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

Dam this day can’t get any better! Bitesize is in the house!

[@BitesizedAudio]

How kind! Thanks PB

[@junestanich7888]

Wonderful acting and narration, thank you, Simon.

[@sugarfalls1]

"And there were some indistinct pieces of furniture, like crouched beasts, in the corner." Great personification! A.C. Benson's father was the Archbishop of Canterbury and his brothers and sister had really interesting lives too! Very nicely read, Simon! I love the waltz at the end. Great chord progression. I'm so glad I've been listening to this channel since the beginning! Well worth it!

[@BitesizedAudio]

@sugarfalls1 And thank you for your long-term listening! Glad to know you enjoyed this one

[@kaf890890]

Oooo, thank you! I’m jumping up and down (well, in my heart)!

[@BitesizedAudio]

😁

[@ripleypipe]

A foreboding tale containing all the elements I crave Simon, thank you for bringing this ghostly story to life.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome! So glad to know you enjoyed it, thanks for listening

[@Tekel-Upharsin]

One of your best narrations to date

[@Bambisgf77]

Yay! It’s here! 🥳 thank you Simon!

[@debjuch1747]

Just relistened after a year and appreciate the quality of the writing, thanks to your syellar narration. What a skillful actor you are--so many completely distinct characters!!

[@LadyBronwynn1400]

I so love the way you bring the story to life. Thank you.

[@johnryan3913]

Thanks for the terrific notes, too! A wonderful production all around.🐕

[@susanhepburn6040]

What a terrific story! Coupled with your (as always!) outstanding narration and the two together make for a perfect listening experience - thank you so much!

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome Susan. Thank you for your kind words!

[@ginabeena6757]

My day always gets 100% better when you release a video!! Thank you! 🥰

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to be of service! Thanks Gina

[@griffini19]

Always such a pleasure to see a new reading. You do such amazing work. THANK YOU

[@JayGideon-7]

Simon you've outdone yourself. An excellent story delivered impeccably. This story was new to me, and although I'd always rated Benson highly, I now put him with the best of the best. Thank you!

[@thelastsausage635]

Oooh! I loved this story! Fantastic Simon! 👍

[@BitesizedAudio]

@The Last Sausage Glad to know that, thank you! 🙏

[@mata6273]

Excellent voice and diction, old chap! Subscribed and will be considering joining your patreon.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly, much appreciated

[@susanotway7875]

Wonderfully told Simon! Thank you.

[@mijiyoon5575]

TS 1:04:44 *song* agree it is ... dreadful ... creepy & scary tale ... this is a re~listen for October 31st going into November 1st & *TY Simon* a truly horrific well narrated tale ...always good

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah yes, The Revenge! I'm rather fond of this story. Thanks Miji Yoon

[@sarahsamaria8283]

Your rendering of the story was so awesome. Could feel the pain, fear and anguish of the characters. Evil is so insideous that before you know it, it has engulfed your life.The appeal of evil is that it gives you the illusion of being free from any decency and constraints. Nice to hear longer stories.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for your kind words Sarah, much appreciated

[@grimtt]

Yay! These are lovely, as usual! So thankful to be able to hear stories which often would be inaccessible to most of us! Plus I do like being able to see cameo pictures of the authors. That one of the Benson bros was very interesting!

[@BitesizedAudio]

He was indeed! Yes, I like to know what the authors looked like too, so glad to share that with listeners. Lovely to hear from you @grimtt, I hope you're well. Thanks for listening!

[@grimtt]

@@BitesizedAudio Hi Simon! I’m well, had post-surgical bedrest over the holidays so have been binge-listening to your channel 😁. I hope you were able to get some rest and relaxation over the holidays! I found several more of your books on Audible which I consider my permanent “bookshelf” to be able to peruse whenever and wherever, and hopefully support the channel👍 (Also enjoyed the Ghost Hunters compilation, listening to that series back to back was helpful and enlightening.)

[@mjrchapin]

Excellent story, excellent narration! These are a delight!

[@sirbimsaranadirangaalmedaa403]

I have read so many types of ghost stories but i think this is one of the delicious also i want to thank to you and to your channel as well because you are providing audio books even in such a critical situation due to the pandemic of covid all the book shops are closed temporarily because your audio books are really useful than other times for me thank you onece again and keep providing more exclusive audio books!

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome, so glad to know they are useful!

[@sirbimsaranadirangaalmedaa403]

@@BitesizedAudio Thank you so much for your reply

[@Bambisgf77]

I came back to listen to this one again ☺️ Hello to you Simon! Hope you are doing well over there. Spring is almost here so perhaps you will see a few more days of sunshine 🌞

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Felene, I hope you're keeping well (and warm). We're currently experiencing a last blast of winter over here, but I think spring is indeed just around the corner.

[@belindasmith8790]

What a lovely narration. Finally, a ghost story with a beginning and an end explaining all the why's and therefors. I'm always looking for why of a haunting and the end of one. Lovely lovely story.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Belinda. I know what you mean, it's satisfying to be told what happened afterwards, as in this story...

[@GradKat]

Good story! This has inspired me to check out more of this author’s works.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful! Yes indeed, I'd like to record more of his stories in the future

[@whissywhassy]

Simply amazing. I could literally see all the characters come to life. 👏👏👏👏👏 Sir you are an astounding artist...my joyous thanks to you❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much 😀

[@lyndaa7560]

This gets better every time I listen, I’m not sure about ghosts but this could sway me into believing. Many thanks Simon, I’m looking forward too lots of marvellous listening in 2023, I hope it’s a much smoother year for you than parts of this one have been, much love & best wishes to you & your family xx

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Lynda. All best wishes for the New Year

[@feralbluee]

what a beautiful piece of end music and well played, of course. i’m going to look and see if you’ve listed it. thanks much as usual :)🌹 🌹🌹 i found it and i love it. it’s like Pachebel’s Canon in its feel. ~~~~,

[@exileinderby51]

Wonderful, yet another new story.

[@edwardmorford2202]

An excellent reading of another great story...had to listen 'til the end, much obliged for the work sir, I'll definitely be listening to more on this lovely channel.✌️👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Edward, glad to know you enjoyed it - thanks for taking the time to comment

[@edwardmorford2202]

@@BitesizedAudio You're more than welcome Mon Ami👌✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@cawiltu]

I like these older stories best . They start at once

[@beluch2768]

The description of the music being at once "transcendental" and "incomprehensibly sensual", "strange stuff" with an "accent of subtle evil", "hideously, devilishly clever" but without "reticence" makes me suspect that Benson was thinking of Scriabin.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Quite possibly! I can't claim to be terribly au fait with his work, but I believe it was widely shunned by the western musical establishment in the 1920s and 30s, and beyond

[@rneustel388]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story of victory over evil and the infinite mercy of God. As always your narration is beautiful!

[@RestlessHarp]

I'm so glad this channel came up in my suggestions! Your narration is absolutely brilliant. I've never heard anyone read better. It completely immerses me in the story, and these stories are new to me as well! Thank you for all the work and passion you put into creating this wonderful content!!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much! I'm very glad that the channel came up in your recommendations too. Thanks for listening!

[@appalachianamerican7171]

It is always a treat when you offer up a new story Mr. Simon. Excellent as usual.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks AA, much appreciated

[@cyboman9171]

Thanks so much, Simon Stanhope, for this masterly and thoughtful reading of this story. I couldn't shake my memory of how - at 31:17 minutes - the story relates that Mr. Heale's portrait showed a face "with an extraordinary , but indefinable - likeness to Mrs. Hall." (To me, this is a hint being dropped like a sledgehammer that Mrs. Hall is Mr. Heale's daughter.) Then, at 42:12 minutes, we hear: "He had, moreover, some old ideas, which we may call feudal, about his relations with the more attractive of his tenants." Then I remembered what used to be called "Droit du seigneur," about which there is a lengthy and very well researched Wikipedia article - dating this degenerate practice all the way back to the Epic of Gilgamesh. "Droit du seigneur" was also known, in Latin, as "ius primae noctis (Right of First Night). Shortened to "Primae noctis," this revolting and debasing "right" of a morally of depraved man to humiliate and rape a young woman featured in the storyline of the movie "Braveheart."

[@northernlights8126]

A wonderful story, excellently narrated.Thank you Simon for bringing such pleasure to your listeners.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome! Thank you for listening

[@uveepoppy]

Thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much for your support

[@gaia2uwilson]

Beautifully done, Simon! I always look forward to each new release you give us.

[@BitesizedAudio]

That's lovely to know, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@lparsons6977]

What a strange and unusual story! I could listen to stories like this every day and never get tired of them. Thanks for sharing! Have you considered producing an audiobook of your readings?

[@BitesizedAudio]

@L Parsons How lovely to hear from you, and delighted to know you enjoyed the story. I have actually already released a few audiobooks on Audible and iTunes, most recently a selection of Victorian and Edwardian Ghost Stories - available at this link: www.audible.com/pd/A-Selection-of-Victorian-and-Edwardian-Ghost-Stories-Audiobook/B09HVBB7BH (I'm not sure where you're based, this link is to the US version of Audible, so you may get redirected if you're in another jurisdiction... if so, you should be able to find my readings by searching my name as narrator (Simon Stanhope) on your local Audible platform.) Thanks so much for listening, and taking the time to comment

[@lparsons6977]

That’s wonderful, I’ll definitely look you up on Audible🤗

[@kaigottwald2195]

Man what a story! And once again masterfully read. I so enjoyed this evening, listening to you. Thank you very much Sir.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@scoutrifle6827]

Another exceptional reading, and you again managed to find a story I'd never found. Much appreciated, Simon.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know I can still surprise you! Thanks as always Scout

[@matthewadamson4687]

Thank you for what you do. I love Victorian literature - but more than that, I hear it in what I can only imagine is a good representation of a Victorian fellow’s voice. It is a wonderful channel! I don’t think my Alabama accent would have quite the same affect!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for your feedback Matthew, much appreciated! Best wishes

[@JamesMC04]

A bittersweet ending, then. And all beautifully read. Thank you very much.

[@donnavorce8856]

A truly dark tale. Thank you Simon.

[@markletts8802]

The authors history and other details you include are appreciated.🙂

[@julielevinge266]

Been waiting for this,well worth it, really good story, never heard it before,so you’ve added another gem to this excellent collection.✊♥️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Julie, appreciated!

[@Lemma01]

Listening to for the 'n'th time. It's a masterpiece. Superb job, Simon; I do hope it features in your pantheon...❤

[@virginialomas7414]

Loved that story 1:19

[@SpuktasticAudio]

"The man is a criminal in art!" What a great line and one I am surprised my KZbin critics haven't appropriated to apply to my yarns. 😉 It could never be said of you, however, cher Simon. You are the maestro. And you sing! Do you take requests? I'm quite fond of "Santa Baby" so there's an idea for my gift for Christmas - and with plenty of warning! I must say I loved this one - in fact I think I enjoyed it quite as much as 'Nut Bush Farm'. High praise indeed and I shall defo be listening on repeat. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, so glad to know you enjoyed it. Funnily enough I was reminded a little of 'Nut Bush Farm', in some of the descriptive passages, but also echoes of several other stories... including shades of 'A Warning to the Curious' at the climax, I thought. Thank you for your kind words re the singing! I'll have to see if I can channel my inner Eartha Kitt...

[@SpuktasticAudio]

@@BitesizedAudio Karaoke backing available on KZbin. I live in hope for the 25th Dec. ❤

[@sugarfalls1]

@@BitesizedAudio lol @ my inner Eartha Kitt! You're the best, Simon!

[@earthcat]

Always a treat to find a new upload. Thank you for your hard work Simon. It means a lot.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thanks Earthcat; and your kind comments mean a lot to me, too. Thanks for listening, all best wishes

[@SpuktasticAudio]

Another treat in store! The Cava is on ice. Not just any old Cava, either. M&S Premium Cava, I'll have you know. ❤

[@SueCooke]

Hoopee doopee, sounds like a great evening old bean 🥰

[@BitesizedAudio]

@Spuktastic Audio I'm honoured! Thanks Bob, I hope you enjoy

[@SpuktasticAudio]

@@BitesizedAudio I did. It was a corker! ❤

[@tonyrawlinson8894]

This is your finest reading yet for my money. You create Basil's initial menace, then his despair, magnificently. I was wondering whether Benson was aware of the term 'blackmail' as he alluded to it but didn't mention it by name. Then I found out the use of the term 'blackmail' originated in the sixteenth century! I feel that the whole story is an allegory of the dangers of serious addiction. Basil is on a high for much of the story, until the facade drops away to reveal his misery and desperation.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much, Tony, for your very generous comments as well as your thoughtful reflections on the story; I'm so glad to know you enjoyed it.

[@manuelluisnavarro7701]

Beautifully narrated. Thank you so much.

[@billyboy-59]

Wonderful as usual , thank you, what an enviable occupation to be able to give so much pleasure to people.

[@mzo707x]

This is very great.

[@jared1870]

This was an excellently creepy story. Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome. Yes, I've had this one on my list for ages and am pleased to have got round to it at last... Revisiting it has reminded me what an effective chiller it is, an atmosphere of mystery right from the beginning, slowly building into a rather terrifying climax. Thanks Jared, glad to know you enjoyed it

[@lorricat5897]

This is one of the best you’ve done. Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say so, thank you

[@mijiyoon5575]

Loved this creepy ol' story ... *THX Simon* 👍👍👍👍👍 it will be on my re~listen list

[@culturedchic]

WONDERFUL! BRAVO! Thank you for another superb ghost story. ❤️

[@barbaracurtis1413]

Thank you Simon, another great story! Love your singing 🤗

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Barbara!

[@shannondore]

Oh this was a creepy one Simon and I loved it. The use of music at the end was a nice touch. Fantastic as always.😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thanks Shannon. Yes, I thought this story in particular called out for music at the end! I'd like to do it more, but it's a bit of a minefield in terms of copyrights etc (there's a fair amount of free generic background music available, but personally I prefer to use appropriate and specific classical pieces, which is much harder to source...)

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

This was a good story! Enjoyed it very much! Thank you. 😉

[@BitesizedAudio]

So glad! Thanks Rosie

[@CR-dr8ok]

Simon is absolutely awesome. I am so happy to have found his channel. 🥰🥰 🥰🥰

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly! I'm happy you found your way here too!

[@mindbodyandsouljohnmorris]

One of the best of all time

[@AstroRex]

What a strange little gem!

[@BitesizedAudio]

A gem indeed. Thanks for your support, much appreciated

[@janislohman8125]

Your reading was excellent, bravo!

[@filmchick6389]

Thank you. Wonderful stuff - and such beautiful language. I think the phrase ‘nether darkness’ needs to be brought back to common use.

[@spacehound3355]

Good story with a dark tone, these early ere ghost stories to me are so well written.