The Mirror of the Magistrate | A Father Brown Story by G. K. Chesterton | A Bitesized Audiobook

When well-known judge Sir Humphrey Gwynne is found murdered in his large and secluded back garden, several suspects are soon discovered lurking on the premises: it seems that Father Brown is the only person present who hasn't climbed over the garden wall. But the clerical sleuth directs the attention of the police to a broken mirror on the other side of the house... The story begins at 00:01:20
Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me (and get access to exclusive content):
* Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesize...
* Monthly support on Patreon: / bitesizedaudio
* Donate via PayPal: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...
* Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/
* Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on KZbin, from $1 / £1 / €1 per month:
/ bitesizedaudioclassics
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:20 The Mirror of the Magistrate
00:50:36 Credits, thanks and further listening
Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936) was an English author, theologian, philosopher and critic, who produced a wide-ranging output of fiction, poetry and journalism. His writing covered a wide variety of subjects, ranging from crime fiction to Christianity. His most famous novel is probably the "metaphysical thriller" 'The Man Who Was Thursday' (1908), but his most famous fictional creation is surely Father Brown, the Catholic priest-detective who featured in more than 50 short stories published episodically between 1910 and 1936. A complete contrast to his (near) contemporary Sherlock Holmes, Father Brown is quiet, unassuming and solves crimes with instinct, intuition and a deep understanding of human nature.
'The Mirror of the Magistrate' first appeared in the UK under the title 'The Mirror of Death' in Cassell’s Magazine of Fiction, in March 1925; in the same month it was also printed in 'Harpers' in the USA. The story was subsequently published, with its new title, in the fourth collection of stories featuring the priest-detective, 'The Secret of Father Brown' (Cassell & Co., 1927).
Textual note:
When discussing one of the suspects, the police detective Bagshaw refers to "something that De Quincey says about Mr. Williams, that ghastly criminal". This is a reference to a famous essay by Thomas De Quincey, "On Murder Considered as one of the Fine Arts", which was published in Blackwood's Magazine in 1827. The essay discusses the Ratcliff Highway murders of 1811, in which two families, the Marrs and the Williamsons, were murdered in their homes in two separate attacks several days apart. The perpetrator was believed to be a John Williams, although he was never brought to trial. De Quincey says of Williams: "His hair was of the most extraordinary and vivid colour, viz., a bright yellow, something between an orange and a yellow colour".
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2024

[@BitesizedAudio]

This story is one of a series featuring Father Brown, the priest-detective created by G. K. Chesterton. If you enjoyed this story and would like to hear more of Father Brown's cases, I have a playlist in development available here: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZIw86EBJVrsatQuD23rfWC- Or you may like to try my "Rivals of Sherlock Holmes" playlist for more Victorian and Edwardian era detective stories: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZL5tiXECltwXUI2QDDFrDHD Thanks for listening. Simon Stanhope, narrator Some notes on the text: 'The Mirror of the Magistrate' first appeared in the UK under the title 'The Mirror of Death' in Cassell’s Magazine of Fiction, in March 1925; in the same month it was also printed in 'Harpers' in the USA. The story was subsequently published, with its new title, in the fourth collection of stories featuring the priest-detective, 'The Secret of Father Brown' (Cassell & Co., 1927). When discussing one of the suspects, the police detective Bagshaw refers to "something that De Quincey says about Mr. Williams, that ghastly criminal". This is a reference to a famous essay by Thomas De Quincey, "On Murder Considered as one of the Fine Arts", which was published in Blackwood's Magazine in 1827. The essay discusses the Ratcliff Highway murders of 1811, in which two families, the Marrs and the Williamsons, were murdered in their homes in two separate attacks several days apart. The perpetrator was believed to be a John Williams, although he was never brought to trial. De Quincey says of Williams: "His hair was of the most extraordinary and vivid colour, viz., a bright yellow, something between an orange and a yellow colour".

[@binkie4940]

Oh, lovely, thank you Simon! I never "got" Father Brown when I tried reading the stories, years ago, but your performances really bring him to life for me. Come on cats, early bedtime, we have a new story to listen to! 😹

[@BitesizedAudio]

Very kind of you to say so, thank you Binkie

[@JimClelland]

Cannot go wrong with a Father Brown story. Wonderfully read as always. More from the pen of G.K. Chesterton please.

[@BitesizedAudio]

More to come!

[@marshallr.9362]

@@BitesizedAudio 🎉🥳

[@JimClelland]

@@BitesizedAudio looking forward to it.

[@bluemoyie8618]

Simon, I want to thank you for these stories. I've been isolating at home. My beautiful companion of over 14 years very recently passed, and my heart is broken. He was a mini Australian Shepherd, and the most loving and faithful friend. We were together almost 24 hours a day, and he helped me through very difficult times. Your soothing voice is calming, and the stories are captivating.

[@user-ln3kh3ku4u]

I'm so sorry to hear this .our fur friends are really special .and your simon voice and storys do give comfort .❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

@bluemoyie8618 I'm so sorry to hear that news, my condolences. I lost my beloved dog Ruby, aged 13, a couple of years ago, so I really appreciate your feelings of loss, it's like no other. Oddly enough, I found solace in another Father Brown story, 'The Oracle of the Dog', which I recorded for this channel as a tribute to her. If these stories are of some comfort to you at this time, I'm glad. I hope you can find some peace in the happy memories of your companion. Sending you all best wishes

[@user-jd4hm1fo6g]

I'm so sorry sorry for your loss. My little dog has been with me all day every day since losing my partner. He's truly a God send and has helped me so much to get through each day. Simon helps me to get through the nights. Much love to you ❤️

[@jacquelineharrod6386]

Why do we give our hearts away to beautiful and loving creatures? When they leave us, heartbreaking. I am so sorry.

[@victoriajohnston6648]

I am so sorry.

[@merlapittman5034]

I like the Father Brown mysteries a lot, but I've either missed this one or it's been so long since I read it that I'd forgotten it. Thank you for this reading of it!

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome!

[@charlottehackett6389]

Not only a new Bitesized story, but a Father Brown as well. Joy! 🤎

[@simoneclift3155]

Thank you for another dose of loveliness. X

[@nickybaker1338]

Fascinating! I just spent 50 minutes accompanying Father Brown in all his musings - I could imagine myself there because you, as always, brought each character so much to life! Thank you Simon! 😍🤩😇

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome, thanks Nicky

[@Aiko2-26-9]

I especially enjoyed the observation at the beginning of the story that the police are the only profession which is portrayed as being less competent than the amateur. An interesting point. Thanks for a wonderful story, well read.

[@NathanKelly-cc1bj]

A delightful treat

[@samkennedy5554]

I love Father Brown, thanks Simon! Have a lovely BH weekend 😊

[@annagettings4675]

Simon reads the words of the mild mannered Father Brown perfectly, and brings the whole together vividly presenting the scene and other characters, leaving you with no doubt that you could well have been there yourself. Wonderful! As always. Thank you Simon.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank for your lovely comment, Anna, much appreciated!

[@sonjawells4265]

❤❤YAY❤❤ I can't wait until it's bedtime. Thank YOU, Simon.

[@beverlymartin1414]

Thank you. Great Saturday Eve ❤

[@cantonhag]

Such a talented voice actor. Thank you for a great start to the day in soggy East Texas. May you be blessed as well as highly favored ❤

[@caroleastwood9386]

Oh Lovely Simon..Thank You

[@mngirl5437]

I do so enjoy your Father Brown tales, Simon ❤ Thank you!

[@shadownet3d]

Thank you, Simon, your narrations always brighten my day.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that, thank you

[@Cello-Pam]

So so so so happy to hear a new recording from you!!!

[@ginabeena6757]

Biggest smile all day! 😁 Thank you Simon! ❤️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thanks Gina!

[@tommiller1315]

Thank you for your pleasant and enjoyable narration of another tale. I always "like" your productions, and wish you had a million or more subscribers, to provide you with a well deserved extra income.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly! Listening, liking and commenting definitely helps to spread the word... and subscriber numbers are edging up gradually, though it might take a while to get to a million!

[@smythharris2635]

The original "The Mirour for Magistrates" was an anthology of poems treating on the lives and the sad demise of historical figures.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah yes, interesting point. This story was originally titled "The Mirror of Death" but Chesterton re-titled it for book publication; presumably he was aware of the Tudor volume but I'm not sure if that played any part in his thinking... GKC was clearly quite attached to the "X of the Y" construction in many of his titles (The Oracle of the Dog, The Mistake of the Machine, The Fad of the Fisherman, etc)

[@user-xd7dk3oy3q]

A new Father Brown story( new to me of course😊)you never disappoint, this channel is wonderful,thank you so very much✊❤️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thanks Julie

[@mrmeowmeow710]

I just got done with a 4 HR binge of your channel loved every minute of it. I always give your videos a 👍great work

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thank you for the kind comments, and thanks for the 👍

[@annetteeggett]

Oh just in time thank you. Struggling to sleep and this will lull me off x❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help

[@KaleOrton]

👍👍👍 Always love, and look forward to your voice Simon. Thank you so much, you heal my soul.

[@valrahosman6463]

Fr. BROWM IS A FAVORITE OF MINE. THANK YOU.❤

[@code-52]

My dear Simon, thank you for your perfect timing.

[@elizah2093]

Ooh Father Brown. 😎

[@SpuktasticAudio]

Mon cher Simon. 50 minutes de fabulosité. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Merci bien Bob

[@janjordal9451]

Thank you ever so much. I was like watching a film on the inside of my eyelids. You really make a text come alive

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you

[@colleencrandall5434]

I just love listening to you read the mysteries, adore Father Brown. Thank you!

[@Angelious2]

Was so happy to see another father brown story as narrated in your wonderful voice. Would love a long form video with all the father brown stories together

[@BitesizedAudio]

Noted, thank you! I have had that in mind for some time, the only reason I haven't already is that a couple of the earliest recordings, for various boring technical reasons, have audio problems which make them incompatible with the more recent ones, so I'd either need to completely overhaul them or (probably easier) re-record them. Or I could just leave them out of the compilation! Anyway, it's on my to-do list!

[@AliceJones-yc1kh]

Thank You for Father Brown Mysteries. I love watching them when the are televised on PBS broadcasting station. Keep them coming!

[@eshanroveran7850]

Had my first full English breakfast today! A British tea and comfort food sort of diner just opened up by me, seems like the owners just moved to Texas last year from Belfast! How lucky am I?! Now I get to listen to some amazing British classics while chowing down on some classic British cuisine! Amazing work as always Mr.Stanhope

[@BitesizedAudio]

Excellent. I do like a good English breakfast every now and then (can't have them too often though!)

[@qingma7663]

Dear Simon, Your narration is smooth and comfortable to listen to! I like to capture the slight change of voice for the characters when it reveals something genuine happened with the character. The best narrator for either a detective or a suspense or a ghost story.

[@harsingh6451]

Always a pleasure to hear your audiobooks. They remind me of a simpler time during my school days when we read these type of books. Thanks, have a great bank holiday.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you, you too

[@ruthhenderson5413]

I was 10 when my Pops introduced me to Father Brown in 1951. The very intro reminds me of my feelings on first perusing these mysteries. A bit "steep to read." Yes! And so satisfying. Like being confronted with a high, blank wall, then gaining entry to the garden via a more accessible section and a tree that "seemed helpful." Sherlock Holmes had already engaged my mind, but Father Brown won my heart. For Pops, it was a bus-man's holiday [he worked in Military Intelligence]. For me, it was a new door opening. Thanks for the memories, Simon! Well done.

[@mariameere5807]

Thank you so much Simon! I can listen to this when you read it, I heard someone else read father Brown and I got put off, but you chose a great story, as usual and I am glad bc I originally loved Father Brown! Thank you so much 😊 🌺💜🌺

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know you enjoyed it, Maria, as I remembered you were a particular fan of Father Brown (along with Loveday). Sorry to hear you were put off, but perhaps it wasn't one of the better stories... some of the later ones in particular are a bit variable in quality and some stretch credulity somewhat! This one, I think, we can at least follow Father Brown's reasoning, which isn't always the case in some of the lesser tales

[@mariameere5807]

Exactly what I thought! Thank you 😊

[@marypartridge5154]

I just love GK Chesterton so thanking you.

[@traceyearl9468]

Glad to have a new one hope your getting a lot of work offers Mr Stanhope you really make it enjoyable with the differing voices ❤ Australian listener Thank you ❤

[@terryleetv1]

Love your voice and readings Simon and such a treat to have Father Brown ❤

[@elleeo1495]

Thank you for another wonderful Father Brown story!

[@jaidebrooke5946]

I've not yet finished listening and am thoroughly engrossed. I especially like the description of the mirror.

[@leonaheraty3760]

Thank you, Simon. 😊

[@geoffreypiltz271]

One of the better Father Brown stories, quite clever.

[@chimerat8012]

JOY in the evening.

[@cgarby]

Thank you for these.

[@honesty3440]

Lucky us for your channel. Real escape from today's times! ❤

[@hiltrud2001]

Thanks for posting this ❣

[@sandraelder1101]

Oh goody! Another Fr. Brown! A perfect way to end my day. 📚👍🏼👍🏼

[@fryebl]

Love your selections like this to narrate

[@cruisepaige]

I can never follow this in the 80s tv version. Hope I finally get it now.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I hope so!

[@karenzak6627]

Very tricky! Thanks for another bite-sized short story!

[@faykaradoukas50]

Beautifully read. I enjoyed every word of it. Continue 😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you! I shall, for as long as I'm able to!

[@BooksForTheSoul]

This is wonderful. Thank you!! 💜🍀

[@patriciajrs46]

I always liked the Father Brown mysteries. The young nun was always so funny, and getting into everything. Ha.

[@cindyrhodes]

Thank you! Perfect brain-teaser before coffee today! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@judikingsman6132]

Father Brown 🤎 Simon Stanhope 💙

[@nickybaker1338]

I haven't listened yet-looking forward to it!! 😍

[@john-r-edge]

Excellent story.

[@Lisa-ev6lw]

Simon I'm fairly new and I LOVE your stories I'm gonna binge watch for sure!! Thank you ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Welcome to the channel, so glad to know you're enjoying the stories. Happy listening! More to come...

[@mistybeverly9638]

Awesome ❤

[@jsa-z1722]

You have a beautiful voice!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@kpcraftster6580]

Thank you for an unfamiliar Father Brown story, so finely narrated! Interesting to compare and contrast with Dorothy L. Sayers' Clouds of Witness of the following year, with its mysterious death in a garden and attention to Bolsheviks, and trial and barrister details. And, indeed, fascinating in all its subtle attention to contemporary politics and police powers, so soon after the death of Lenin and while Mussolini consolidated his power. I wonder as well (as you do in another comment) about any playful tie-in with the 16th-early-17th-c. 'Mirror for Magistrates' in it many and varied editions - maybe the (ahem) reflections on 'politicking' nudged Chesterton to his new title.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes indeed, interesting parallels with 'Clouds of Witness' - it's been years since I read it but I remember enjoying all the Lord Peter Wimsey novels. He features in a few short stories too, but unfortunately they aren't public domain so I can't post them on KZbin just yet. Anyway, yes, I enjoy (as you do) picking up on passing reference to contemporary events and attitudes in many of these stories

[@madalinanicolaescu817]

Thanks

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@minvalara2765]

❤

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

Simon how are you doing. It’s been a while I hope all is well have you been on stage at all ?

[@BitesizedAudio]

Not very recently, PB, but I've been quite busy with various projects... some of which I hope to be able to share in due course!

[@brendafriedrich8561]

Do you plan to release any more stories on Audible soon?

[@BitesizedAudio]

Hello Brenda, thanks for asking. Yes, I do, although it's a bit of a long process getting them on there so it's taking a while... I'm hoping to have a second collection of detective stories ready soon(ish), possibly another ghost story compilation. Any particular requests? One of the challenges with Audible is that I don't have any analytics (unlike KZbin) so I can't necessarily tell which stories are popular, and which aren't... the ratings aren't always a reliable guide because it seems a lot of people don't submit them (in fact it seems they're more likely to if they really dislike it!). So any feedback is useful in helping me plan future releases

[@brendafriedrich8561]

Having trouble commenting, but will come up with some titles!

[@ropeburnsrussell]

I can never solve these by myself I should join Scotland Yard.

[@nickybaker1338]

😅

[@BitesizedAudio]

I'm sure you'd teach Lestrade a thing or two Peter. Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment, much appreciated

[@ropeburnsrussell]

@@BitesizedAudio large praise, you honor me ,sir.

[@user-ln3kh3ku4u]

Very good simon farther brown didnt have his very big friend in this one fibo .

[@davehopkins1970]

I’m not a fan of father brown. Even with Simons narrations But I did enjoy this thank you Simon

[@leriava]

Another delightful narration. I've tried and tried but I can't warm up to Father Brown's stories. His logic is very convoluted and hard to follow and to me it's impossible to figure out the resolution because it's always something ludicrous and obscure that only makes sense in the contrived way it's presented to us. I guess that's the point but I can't really appreciate it.

[@kalakala10011]

💛🧡❤

[@Welther47]

I see that you have nothing of H.P. Lovecraft; how come? Is it something you would be reading in the future? I generally, while I paint, like to listen to stories from: Lovecraft, Clark Aston Smith, Arthur Machen or Robert Block. The gothic atmosphere is very pleasing to my temperament.

[@BitesizedAudio]

An interesting question, thanks for asking. There's no one single reason I've not covered his work (yet). Partly I think it's because Lovecraft, in particular, seems very well covered by quite a few other narrators and channels, not least HorrorBabble. Mainly it's because I've tended to focus on British authors from that era... The idea for the channel originally started when I was trawling through the archives of Victorian periodicals published in London, and started unearthing some forgotten authors and/or stories from those, and of course those tended to be all British or Irish authors, with occasional American writers who lived and worked in Britain at the time (like Thomas Hanshew). Of the authors you list, I only have Arthur Machen on my "to do" list for the future right now, but I'll certainly keep the others in mind. That list never seems to get any shorter! Anyway, thanks for listening and for taking the time to comment

[@Welther47]

@@BitesizedAudio It is nice to you unearth some forgotten authors. Machen is also one I like.

[@ralphgoodman8181]

y second wonde😢rful,and cast that stops me from listening to the repedative slop that AI can send.

[@kindermord]

Excellent work. Can never have enough GKC.

[@michaelgilbert3713]

AUSGEZEICHNET 👍🏼 READ WELL ➕ WELL READ 👍🏼 😊 [( )] 😊 English Major Philosophy Minor 4⃣ years Law schools ⏸ 😮 ⏸ never heard of this author ➕ the story brilliant 😊 at least on par with James Joyce The Dubliners

[@Frenchblue8]

I never got this notification again, so It's a good thing I check the channel every couple days! You know, Simon, I have enjoyed your work for so long now, without a moment's discontent, that it seems sometimes that we've really been through it! We ~ you, and us together, as both a community as well as a team, survived your fight with KZbin to re monetize the channel, to convince those powers that probably shouldn't be, that your content really is transformative~ not to mention a whole damn lot of work~and together we celebrated that hard won victory with you. A brilliant moment, to be sure! And then~without ever knowing it~ you saw me through about 14 long and rather worrying hours in the emergency room (or, A&E? casualty?) waiting, interminably, first for tests and then, for test results, on August 8th 2022, (all is well!) Those events, and of course, the now, many hundreds of nights you have seen me safely off to sleep.... For all of that, I will always do for myself what KZbin frequently fails to do~check for a new video from Bitesized Audio Classics! 💙🩵💙🩵

[@BitesizedAudio]

Interesting, thanks for letting me know. Funnily enough, I've noticed a drop-off in recent uploads and the analytics tell me that not all notifications were able to be sent... though it doesn't tell me why! Good that you checked anyway! I'm so glad to know these stories have helped you, and extremely glad to know that your emergency room visit ended all well. Best wishes, thanks thanks as ever for listening and taking the time to comment

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Thank you, Simon. 😊

[@minvalara2765]

❤

[@kristinacable]

❤