Hunted Down | Charles Dickens | A Bitesized Audiobook

[@BitesizedAudio]

Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction and background notes, written and read by Simon Stanhope 00:02:03 The Story begins 01:05:45 Credits and thanks A short tale of mystery and suspense, involving murder, forgery and insurance fraud, from the pen of one of the greatest of all nineteenth century English novelists, Charles Dickens (1812-1870) - but very much in the vein of his friend and contemporary Wilkie Collins, author of The Moonstone and The Woman in White. Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio.

[@michelle15598]

I salute and commend you Simon. You did whatever necessary to stay on the air, and I'm so glad. I think you are, by far, the most talented narrator I've heard, thus far. I look forward to all of your stories every night before I sleep. Your voice is a lovely end to my day and you have my sincere gratitude for jumping through their stupid hoops. You did it and you won. Therefore, so did we.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for your kind comments Michelle, really appreciated

[@vickiguntergraham4712]

Well said.

[@thelastsausage635]

Me too😊❤️👍

[@skytten64]

I Don't no what You did or have to do for staying in the Air...but Lucky for me and Others we can share these Wondertul stories and you narrating so comfortly and yet hold one in suspense. Xtra plus with the info about the Writers and Photos..Make One want to know more about them..Have a Merry Christmas and ķeep us all warm and cosy.. Greetings from Sweden ☃️♥️

[@Kasarija]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@seanjustinkvalsvig1581]

Great narrator Love it And the history of the story Thanks for the hard work

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say so, thanks for listening!

[@chessdad182]

I have seen this picture of Dickens study before. But it is enjoyable to look at. It is a bit like my computer desk view where I have a large window with a large tree directly in front of it. To have a peaceful view from your work area is very pleasing.

[@TRHARTAmericanArtist]

Excellent as usual. I enjoy the background information as well, Dickens being one of my favorite authors.

[@sirbimsaranadirangaalmedaa403]

I'm highly appreciating your speaking pattern. by presenting your audio books creatively with such a good condition will actually create the Ernest of the listener towards your channel i hope you will provide me more exclusive videos like this!

[@veritas6335]

A pronounceable name might help you

[@synesthete23]

I’m not really into Dickens, but I enjoyed this one immensely - no small thanks to your superb narration! The almost liquid murderous fury of the surprise character makes for an intense ending

[@mijiyoon5575]

*The Haunted Man & the Ghost's Bargain* is another lesser known DIcken's' work I adore. I recently watched a documentary about his life ... he was something else concerning his relationship w/ his wife; some of which was sad & humorous simultaneously. Apparently he blamed her for birthing 10 children like he had nothing to do w/ the event/s. Did they not know what caused the first one?

[@christinesbetterknitting4533]

I adore that story as well!! It has tremendous psychological truth embedded in it. Makes me cry profound tears when Mrs. Williams describes her way of seeing her stillborn child in everyone around her, which makes her love them.

[@gohboy56]

You might be surprised 😯 that even hubby might not know. Might really believe in the stork🤣🤣

[@tobiasandtheangel4834]

He was brought up and lived in a debtor's jail in Victorian London...did they not mention that?!

[@mijiyoon5575]

@@tobiasandtheangel4834 Seems vaguehly familiar I would have to re~warth the docs

[@ArchibaldBagge]

Difficult to imagine Charles Dickens on the job.

[@annielakshmi]

Thank you, Simon, for reading this wonderful story. With your unique voices it feels like I'm right inside the story.

[@nbeasley2]

A favorite ❤️. Thank you!

[@karenhendrickson1424]

Thank you. This is truly my favorite story site.

[@jackiekirkham9987]

I may be biased because Dickens is my favourite author, but this forgotten gem has been a real treat to listen to. Thank you Simon for reading it so beautifully as usual..I could imagine myself in the scenes and it's a story I won't forget. Please keep up your excellent work. It brings pleasure to so many of us.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment Jackie, so glad to know you enjoyed it

[@KnottyCeltic]

CD is my all time fave author too. We read Great Expectations in high school and I was hooked. That was over 40 years ago and his novels are still my fave.

[@bobbyhumphries1058]

I think Dickens greatest author ever! Never, over wordy, but every word vital to story! I’m w/ you! Victor Hugo & John Steinbeck 👍👍👍even if he’s so American!

[@irenabevans3411]

Love Dickens, so a real pleasure to hear this unknown piece, congratulations on finding this work, as ever a joy to listen to your narration, superb as ever. Thank you

[@LadyBronwynn1400]

I love a new rendition. This is wonderful, thank you.

[@julielevinge266]

One of my favourite Dickens stories, had no idea of its existence until I heard it here,like so many other wonderful stories. What a superior collection, perfectly narrated, without doubt makes this channel one of the very best to appear on y tube. ✊♥️

[@nickybaker1338]

100% the best! 😊

[@KiKiabout]

Excellent... Thank you!

[@lauraJP76]

Wonderfully re done. Thank you very for sharing your talents with us, your loyal fans.

[@lauralaladarling3775]

Marvelous Simon. You are the maestro of narration and English accents of storytelling. Your voice is beautiful and captivating. Best narrator on KZbin. Thank you so much for this great Dicken's short story, at last the narcissistic murderer was caught and died of shock. Xxx

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for your kind comments Laura, thanks for listening!

[@nickybaker1338]

Eeeek! I'm scrolling through the comments before I listen & I think that maybe I've stumbled upon a spoiler....🤔

[@miarencrowsdaughter6434]

@@nickybaker1338 - If it's any consolation, 'died of shock' is inaccurate. Listen carefully to the description. (No spoiler! ;D )

[@nickybaker1338]

@@miarencrowsdaughter6434 thank you! 😊

[@bluegreenglue6565]

Quite dramatic! Dickens' prose was incredible, at times hard to read for its wordiness, but always delightful to listen to. Thank you so much.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Blue Greenglue, glad to know you enjoyed it

[@dominiqueshaw7359]

Great to hear your voice again. Thank you for all your hard work!

[@thomasreilly6362]

Always a pleasure 😊 to hear a well read classic story

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Thomas!

[@DreadArkive]

Thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much, greatly appreciated!

[@hannahreynolds7611]

Thank you - excellently interpreted, as always.

[@code-52]

So glad to see this tonight.

[@snippycutwell9878]

Just for once, I didn't hit skip the adds. Just let em' play.... and thank you for the nice bed time story.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Snippy, I appreciate that! Every little helps, as they say...

[@kevinb9327]

What a voice! I am reminded of Edward Everett Horton's narrations. Thank you!

[@barbaraprest783]

Thank you 😊

[@gohboy56]

I do admire the Hair Parting mentions, and of course your reading adds more humor to those " asides"...in all, a devilishly interwoven story.

[@evelanpatton]

I love seeing you back! Miss your contributions & I’m grateful you are back.

[@julielevinge266]

The name of the adversary” Slington” is just brilliant 🤩

[@sloanfrakes5918]

I thought I heard this one by you but I know It will still put a smile on my face thank you for your sharing your talent 😊

[@iluvknitting1965]

A Charles Dickens story and your narration--what a perfect combination! ❤️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@Gumblina1]

Hooray - so glad YT came to their limited senses. Will continue to support you here and on the other platform Bandcamp. Tears of joy for you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks @Gumblina1, I really appreciate your support. I'm enjoying the flexibility of Bandcamp so will certainly be keeping that going alongside the channel

[@martiwilliams4592]

Elegant, expressive narration . Thank you!

[@frankmcgovern5445]

Just RE-joined this channel. Such a gem. Simon, your videos are a bright spot in my whole action. And having one’s action brightened up is a precious thing, so, you have my thanks.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thanks Frank - welcome back! Appreciate your support

[@lyndaa7560]

Loved every minute, Many thanks xx

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that, thanks Lynda

[@peterchaloner2877]

I remember this story, from the first time you read it. Your reading (as always) is 9/10, but even lovers of Dickens will readily admit that this is one of his lesser works-- 4/10 at best. All literary geniuses-- Balzac, for instance-- produce weaker work along with stronger. You are to be thanked for making this obscure story-- which on its merits, might deserve to be lost-- available both to lovers of Dickens, and to those less familiar with his genius.

[@grittyscorpio1947]

This is my fav.revenge story❤️ Thanks for your rendition of it.

[@josephwilliams7995]

Another excellent narration. We are like little kids when it's storytime we get all excited snuggle up in bed turn out the lights and get lost in the tale.

[@MrMrsmcd]

I never thought I was a fan of Charles Dickens but this is the second one narrated by your good self I have listened to and in all honesty....I am converted 😊 Thankyou Simon for your continued excellent channel and narration

[@bobnewmanknott3433]

Again I was enthralled by you reading ,I enjoy your introductions so much , I know its additional work for you but I am sure that I am not alone in my appreciation. Thank you so much. RNK.

[@mijiyoon5575]

I liked this story but, I'm partial to this type of story. Also, luv the outro piano score w/another instrument I can't ID a stringed one I think ... *TY so much Simon* & good to have you back in stride 👍👍👍👍👍

[@ladyabstinencelevain8696]

Wonderful pictures in the intro very much appreciate your hard work

[@rosegeaber7533]

Thank you Sir. You have given me much peace listening at night as I long for stories, mysteries and the like. Love your voice and energy.

[@paulacnote]

So glad to hear new stories. Thanks

[@wmnoffaith1]

I absolutely loved your previous version, which I've listened to many times; and am now listening again! Keep up the good work.

[@nilgiridreaming]

How utterly yummy to hear this reading at 6am (Down Under) while I enjoy an early breakfast. Dickens inspires me always. He must have read these stories out loud to himself as part of his editing process. Thanks Simon!!!

[@spews1973]

Truly another praiseworthy audio entertainment. And once again, a very interesting intro. I'm looking forward to finding out more background information about my favourite authors and stories from you in the future..

[@SpuktasticAudio]

Lovely to revisit this story and always a pleasure to see your choochie-face. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

You do say the loveliest things... Thanks Bob!

[@saraharnold4028]

I cannot sleep without listening to your beautiful voice. Thank you so much for giving me peace. ❤️

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you Sarah

[@mjrchapin]

I don't recall any defect or shortcoming in the older version, but I do hear this one as flawless and captivating!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say so, thank you. There were just a few minor glitches in the audio of the original upload, nothing too serious, but given that I'd taken the old version down as a result of the recent shenanigans I thought I might as well take the opportunity to upload a remastered and re-edited version. Glad to know you enjoyed it.

[@exileinderby51]

A wonderful story wonderfully narrated. Not a great fan of Dickens but this was a good one.

[@cantonhag]

Great Players card😁Thank you, as always, for the dose of sophisticated rest for the eyes and a visit with Mr Dickens 💞🇨🇱🇺🇲

[@blixten2928]

Wonderful, thank you so much Simon!! Dickens has so much humour, and gives such wealth of detail, and so evidently enjoys what he writes so much. I hope it was extra fun to read!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks @blixten2928 Yes, I did enjoy reading this one, although the drunk scene was a technical challenge! Trying to strike a balance between sounding convincingly drunk, but also coherent enough for listeners to understand, etc. Glad to know you enjoyed it

[@beckerabstracts]

I don't even like ghost stories but I listen just to hear your voice!

[@Nicky-n4p]

What a sad but wonderful story. Thank you for bringing the characters to life and doing it justice.

[@jimmillward3505]

superb Simon thank you

[@kayi9236]

Thank you so much for your performance of this lesser known Charles Dickens story, Simon. What an author he was, his understanding of the human mind, it's fragility, it's duplicity, it's empathy and it's ability to commit evil without conscience. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that, thank you Kay

[@jenford7078]

I love your telling of this tale; I have listened to it several times and never tire of it!

[@beckerabstracts]

Well, I do like Dickens. He lived through terrible times but managed to keep his wit and humor. Thank you for this story. I will now return to Doyle's The Speckled Band. I just reread the Speckled Band because I was struck by the similarity of two sisters being misused by people charged with their protection. A fine example of how unique each story is even though the theme is identical.

[@tomcurran8470]

Excellent! Thanks Simon.

[@jonlee72]

Most excellent! I am a proud supporter through Patreon.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you John! I'm hoping to preview my next story on Patreon early next week, all being well, so do look out for that. Thanks for your support

[@auntyJanette]

Thank you so very much for the photographs of the New York Ledger and Dickens’s own, All The Year Round publication. The background you share increases my enjoyment very much. Your attention to detail in your productions is unmatched. Thank you Simon. 🌟🌟👍🏻👍🏻💛💛💐💐

[@alexsmith-gn4tp]

Simon, you are the best actor giving us the best audio ! Many thanks ❤

[@katiedotson704]

There are times when we read a piece of literature that is skillfully and brilliantly written that we let those qualities slip by us. We become so focused on finding the answer to some mystery or to know what lies waiting on whatever road the story has that put us on, that we forget or ignore the mastery of the wordsmith that first caused us to take this journey. But, thankfully, there comes along someone that can narrate or read aloud the text in such a manner that you have no choice but relish the cadence and structure the way it was intended. Thank you, sir.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome, thank you for your kind comments

[@crusaderknight4792]

Kind of a tough question Simon, but do you have a favorite author?

[@BitesizedAudio]

That is a tough question indeed, I have many favourites, both classic and more recent. Restricting myself to the classics I read for this channel, Dickens would have to be up there, for sheer breadth of imagination and the fantastic stories he crafted in his novels and stories. Amongst ghost story authors, of course the greats like James and Benson stand out, but I'm a great admirer of Amelia Edwards and Edith Nesbit and feel they've been unfairly overlooked. For mystery and detective stories, I'm a long term fan of Conan Doyle but for me Ernest Bramah has become a great favourite more recently. But it's incredibly hard to narrow down! And there are others I've not yet read for the channel but would like to ... I want to do some of Thomas Hardy's short stories, for example. I've loved Hardy's novels since I first read Far From the Madding Crowd in my early teens. It's difficult to come up with a top 10, but all the above would probably be on it... And, as I say, that's not even counting the later 20th century authors whose work I love: J. B. Priestley, Iris Murdoch, stand out for me, amongst others. Who would feature on your list?

[@deegeraghty9426]

Thank you so much for your beautiful narration and characterisation. Always pleasure to hear these Victorian gems. Dickens was a genius if flawed as a husband!! Tha k you.

[@earthcat]

Simon, you are my drug of choice.

[@wisdomoftheearlychristians2037]

This is truly an excellent story.

[@thestrategos4710]

Another excellent reading, sir. Thank you.

[@donnavorce8856]

Simon is a master story teller! Thank you for sharing your craft. We love the stories too. ; )

[@Deberie]

I do appreciate you doing these stories. My friend shared a Christmas story with me just a few days ago. It opens up a delightful avenue!

[@JasonJason210]

Your channel is quality.

[@zuzanafricova8586]

amazing narration, thank you.

[@scotchleaf]

just subscribed, based on the The Cybrarian's recommendation of your channel!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Very kind of them, thanks for subscribing and welcome!

[@patriciabullock2793]

Simon, you're an ace! Thank you...

[@bobbyhumphries1058]

Excellently done! Thought I had read all Dickens 10xs! Bravo! Dickens my personal favorite! So cool to hear this delightful story! Victor Hugo very close 2nd! 👍👍👍

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for listening

[@vcscts]

Not what I expected from Dickens. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@malice6477]

I just love these! Thank you 🤗

[@patriciaflynn3095]

Great as always but you've done this story before.....?

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Patricia. Yes, I did reference that in my introduction. I removed some of my older content as part of the KZbin appeal process I've just been through. In some cases I would like to reupload them with a new introduction, to try and avoid such a situation arising again. So yes, this is an older recording, but I've made a virtue of necessity and taken the opportunity to re-edit and remaster it to improve the audio quality. I may do something similar with a few of my personal favourites in the coming weeks and months, but my focus will still be on uploading new content as often as possible.

[@nobody8328]

Hello 👋🏻💖👍🏻

[@BitesizedAudio]

Hello 😊

[@brendadixon221]

Love your stories ❤

[@footfault]

Good grief. Melodrama and implausibility galore. Dickens wrote much, and as is seen from this story, not all of it was top quality. He had financial pressures, supporting many children, a chronically depressed wife, and mistresses over the years. Yet even in this lesser piece, he certainly could string some fine sentences together!

[@maryfeehan7896]

Thank you. Wonderful surprise!🇮🇪🙏❤️☘️☘️✝️

[@peterdavey8348]

Excellent.

[@ShirleyPearl-n9z]

Excellant. Thank u simon .❤

[@tanithday7301]

I can't belive, this a year ago. REALLY LOVE. Your Elizabeth stotys xxx😊

[@mijiyoon5575]

Oh, here you are *Simon* in living color ... really enjoyed your into here w/ the illustrations ...obv this is a re~listen for me

[@orfeoball3015]

This is the bestia youtube channel handicap down. Thank Thee Sir. Gratitude

[@martinholmes-ue9ko]

Great as always!

[@janegray1603]

Excellent

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

Always so strange to see the people I know as disembodied voices lol Cheers mate

[@FF-so3su]

Hi Simon, I like what you do👍 May I make a polite piece of critical analysis; I think your work would be even better if your delivery was a little slower, with slightly longer breaths better sentences especially when moving from one characters words/thoughts to another as at times I get a bit lost as to which character is speaking/thinking during your readings. You have a voice that is good to listen to, I just feel that the above would would make you even better. It must be noted that during this particular reading it sounds like you had taken my advice before I gave it😊 All the best 😊👍

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for you comments F F. Funnily enough, I've more often had criticism the other way, that I'm too slow and leave too many pauses... certainly I've had a few comments to that effect in the past, less politely expressed than yours in some cases! So I can get it in the neck from both sides, it's hard to please everybody. I think it's obviously personal taste to some extent, and it's quite a fine line between keeping up a brisk pace and being ponderous and slow. You may know already, but in case not, there's a facility in KZbin to either slow down or speed up the readings. Too much either way becomes unlistenable, in my opinion, anyway - but a nudge up or down on the lower settings (plus or minus 0.25 or so) usually sounds OK, so that may be worth experimenting with in the future. Generally I do strive to allow space for the text to breathe and for listeners to keep up, no doubt I don't always succeed, and it depends on the individual story/style/character of course. I'll bear your comments in mind anyway, thank you for listening and taking the time to comment.

[@wisdomoftheearlychristians2037]

I think Simon is right; it's a matter of personal taste. You can click on settings and set it to .75 and I think it will slow the speed down to what you require. I only suggest it to try to help, because I think it will be easier to slow the speed down for one person who requires it, than rerecord the stories when most feel they are at the correct speed. Just a thought. I know there are some narrators, not Simon, that I speed up because I find their drawling style too slow for my taste. Luckily, settings allows us to indulge our individual preferences, :)

[@anthealogan777]

Great story

[@crystalclear6864]

Highly recommend downloading the bandcamp link and purchasing the stories . Good value for money esp as the narrator does background info and takes pride in sending quality work and research. Then theres his wonderful narration

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for sharing, much appreciated!

[@crystalclear6864]

@@BitesizedAudio welcome. I think we all see the hard work that goes into these recordings. And we like your narration primarily:)

[@dshe8637]

Wonderful

[@philipinchina]

Good story beautifully delivered.

[@sheilakethley5351]

Thank you!

[@mijiyoon5575]

Re~listen: This reminds me of the loathsome character in the *Conan Doyle* tale: *The Master Blackmailer* in 1992 played by *Robert Hardy* in Granada BBC w/ *Jeremy Brett* as Holmes...my favorite Holmes were *Basil Rathbone & Jeremy Brett*

[@BitesizedAudio]

Mine too, I think. Rathbone looked like he'd walked straight out of the Strand Magazine illustrations. Who were your favourite Watsons? I have a great fondness for Nigel Bruce, but David Burke would get my personal vote for overall No.1

[@mijiyoon5575]

@@BitesizedAudio I to like Burke, though he was younger he had rapport w/Brett. *Edward Hardwicke* also was great in that role ... perfect as perfect could get I think. I can see Hardwicke as a former military surgeon as the original stories had as his back story.

[@saidaismail7723]

Really interesting story thanks