"Notebook Found in a Deserted House" by Robert Bloch / A Cthulhu Mythos Story

[@HorrorBabble]

How about some Lovecraftian artifacts? shop.vermilion.cc/collections/cthulhu?ref=HorrorBabble Pocket Watches, Playing Cards, Enamel Pins ... even an Umbrella! (The link above is an affiliate link)

[@joannewatts9892]

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[@CaptainSpork7]

This is a pretty heart-breaking story. Imagining how scared this child must have been through out all of this, the bravery and wherewithal it must have taken to try to save his own life. It reminds me of stories of victims who survived being kidnapped and tortured.

[@CountingHouse]

Yeah, I wonder if had shot the imposter it may have made a difference.

[@ORLY911]

And he got so close to getting out of there, too, Cap believed him, but it was true the woods themselves, were hostile, and that was that for Cap. I actually came back to listen to this story again, one of my favorites. This would make a great adaptation someday, if any were willing.

[@terryjaenke238]

Oh yeah.. terrifying....lol

[@Xbalanque84]

I prefer my alternate version: their breaking down the door is interrupted by the roar of a motor car, followed by gunshots. The car drives up to the farmhouse, the driver shooting through the window and killing or driving off the cultists surrounding the house. Out of the car steps a grizzled, barrel-chested] man with a revolver and a star stone of Mnar on a chord about his neck. It's the _real_ Cousin Osborne, delayed by his real business as an agent of some anti-Mythos secret society working out of Miskatonic University. What follows is Willy retelling his story as they fortify and lay traps around the farmhouse, followed by a siege by the local cult and the monsters they summoned that night. Thankfully, the real Osborne came prepared, with a rifle, extra ammunition, a crate full of dynamite, and more star stones for use against any spells or monsters. There's a protracted exchange between Osborne and the man (if he _was_ a man...) impersonating him, as the two of them have a long history. That standoff ultimately devolves into lead flying. Eventually one or more Dark Young of Shub Niggurath join the fight, destroying the car and caving in one side of the farmhouse. Lots of action, magic, and eldritch madness. And when the dust finally settles, the cultists are dead, the fake cousin Osborne is dead or has fled, the monsters are dead or banished, and Osborne and Willy limp down the road to the nearest town, forgetting Willy's journal in the attic of the smoking ruin of the farmhouse. And Willy asks cousin Osborne to train him to fight like that so he can prevent what happened to him happening to other folks. The End

[@CaptainSpork7]

@@Xbalanque84 THAT sounds like a kick-ass story! I would read it.

[@tomsenick2033p]

I don't understand how Block's books are mostly out of print. One of the best and most influential writer of the 20th century.

[@Master_Blackthorne]

That is the fate every writer fears: when your works are no longer published, you're dead.

[@willhuey4891]

yes but the story that was adapted into psycho is the only that is still in print.

[@nannabannanna3958]

You should find out what publishing cmpny last published, nd/or held the rights to, his work. Sign up as many requests for hard cpy &/or digital cpy as you can, and approach them abt pblshng a short run of his works.

[@jasontodd8071]

Bloch was an inherenter of Lovecraft. He should be better known for his work other than Psycho...

[@Xbalanque84]

Thankfully, Chaosium at least has published anthologies of his Mythos/Mythos adjacent stories.

[@niriop]

Definitely the best Bloch story you’ve done so far. Bloch was certainly an author who started off a fairly mild pasticher, but who came into his own as a writer as time went on. What’s interesting is to contrast how Lovecraft and Bloch approach both the Cthulhu Mythos and horror in general: Lovecraft takes New England literally as an extension of “Old” England, but appeals to a sense of universal cosmic dread, whereas Bloch has much more of a sense of the local, the backwoods, the feel of a rustic America where the real horror occurs (such as he later used in his novel Psycho).

[@jasontodd8071]

He and Lovecraft were penpals

[@fjklfdasdf]

Bloch was a much better writer, you can see it in this story... no unnecessary adjective repetition like Lovecraft

[@MichaelLaneMonkeywrench]

A classic little story that's rarely encountered - thumbs up for Ian!

[@ZrinNZ]

This is the kind of story I use as inspiration for my D&D campaign.

[@zacetto]

I must admit, I first became aware of the works of HP Lovecraft, after reading D&D’s ‘Deities and Demigods.’

[@danieldonnelly5778]

Always wanted to play that!

[@larsbundgaard5462]

Did they win?

[@lloydrobert6182]

That race through the woods with the rain and lightning was one of the most thrilling pieces of writing I've witnessed in a long time! I thought I was lying in bed, then realized I was bolt upright!!! Thank you for the marvelous reading!

[@nielsebbesen7821]

"Mister, you're talking to the United States Mail, and you don't tell the government nothing." As a former postman, I really wish I had seen the times, when the postman was an actual respected civil servant.

[@JeffreySmith84]

Same here! I was a letter carrier and Branch 9 member in Minneapolis for a few years before switching professions

[@ichbifeuertrunk]

Excellent! More Robert Bloch Cthulhu Mythos stories, please!

[@thefinnishbolshevik2404]

I absolutely fell in love with Bloch when I read this a few years back in Chaosium's collection of his stories.

[@TheJolle]

isn't it funny how Lovecraft kind of pioneered the concept of fanfiction? He created the basic building blocks of Chuthulu mythos and then other writers added their own stories and "OC's"

[@nobbynoris]

So whAT'S YOUR POINT?

[@turtleanton6539]

Yuup

[@smilerat8070]

Not only that, but Lovecraft encouraged it.

[@turtleanton6539]

@@smilerat8070 he surely did

[@justincase9282]

@Raging S Right, he didn't write rites well. I enjoy his writing and his ability to spell.

[@davidbailey4404]

A fine tale, and one I'd never read or heard read. Beautifully narrated as well. My thanks, Ian, for another treat. And the HorrorBabble archive just gets more impressive...

[@captainbluegill3357]

Bloch was an absolute master. great story

[@joshuazane3210]

I quite enjoyed this one. That feeling of slowly enveloping doom really strikes a chord with me. Great reading, Ian.

[@leojablonski2309]

Imagine being 12 ?

[@malachi9821]

@@leojablonski2309 how about no

[@RCWaffleHaus]

This is one of the spookiest stories yet! When I heard the door, I nearly jumped out of my skin. Excellent work, Horrorbabble. I recommend this channel to anyone that will listen.

[@babalon7778]

I hope I finish this before I drift off again! But that means I was totally immersed. I think he nailed the ending, and it came across just right.

[@gerry5134]

That bit at the end made me jump ... I almost shoggothed in my PJ's ! 😊😊😋

[@victoriasnead1662]

Lol you made my day

[@Master_Blackthorne]

Don't worry, there'll be other times for those special moments.

[@risingson7773]

😂

[@arta1924]

Wonderfully told Ian, this wouldn't have been as chilling as it was without your talent.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks Arta - great profile pic by the way! Ian

[@bjornsvartalfson613]

Fantastic rendition of one my favorite underrated classics. Well done!

[@randystone4903]

I grew up in a lonely house surrounded by trees and still do today. I no longer get scared as I did as a child going out into the woods on stormy nights to check on our farm animals. Those experiences attracted me to this well written story and got me to reminisce about Grandma's scary stories that were completely bogus. I will say with Grandad we did find tracks in the pasture not made by anything we knew and heard noises from animals we didn't recognize. Thankfully no one disappeared or was hurt. This was in the late 60s when seeing UFOs was fairly common and preachers would declare any such experiences talked about as devil inspired.

[@doofuslaw]

Another great reading! This channel deserves more popularity!

[@joshsmiley4127]

Man, that door sound affect right at the end, wasn't expecting it and it totally got me lol haha. Yet again, another amazing tale told well sir, thank you horrorbabble! You guys are the best!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks again Josh! Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@joshsmiley4127]

I feel like every time I find a story that involves some aspect of a creepy old house, and a haunted old forest, everything really meshes and comes together, love those kinds, do you have any recommendations for my next listen, Ian?

[@HorrorBabble]

I think you must have missed my response to your previous question regarding haunted house stories. Forgive the copy and paste: I'd recommend the Carnacki collection - each story has that classic vibe: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn_EZXmehNp8Y6M There's also The Empty House by Algernon Blackwood: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aofYcoCrnKqaodk

[@Stratollac]

This is one of my favorite mythos stories. Very well performed, Ian! Bravo!

[@dennisthornton4434]

Good reading of a classic horror. Your voice inflection as the boy in his fear is wonderful.

[@RolandWieffering1]

What a treat, a Cthulhu story I hadn't read or heard before. Thanks a million guys. And do keep 'm coming ... I am sure you make a lot of people (and me of course) very happy !!!

[@HorrorBabble]

I'm thrilled we managed to introduce you to something new Roland! Thanks as always. Ian

[@EmpyrionBlackthorn]

I read this around 1985 when I was about 12 years old. Terrifying story, always remembered it as my favorite horror short. Had no idea who Lovecraft was when I read it but quickly made the connection later when I finally did read his work. Shoggoths are pretty damn scary critters.

[@rodrigodemeneses1928]

I never can get enough of this story, definetly one of my favorites. Love your readings!

[@badraven_indieauthor]

I'll be honest, the beginning was not that interesting to me, but slowly and surely, the story started to get better and better. I was so used to Mr. Bloch using American suburbia. I'm fortunate to listen to this great story. This was a great addition to my collection. And of course, Ian's voice and narrative are second to none!

[@kazzya3872]

Awesome story, wonderfully told! Thanks for the treat!

[@vargr]

Excellent short story, one of my favorite Bloch.

[@howardlovecraft750]

Same

[@ZachRose88]

This channel keeps getting better somehow, and it was already great!

[@leojablonski2309]

Great fiction

[@smegcity]

Cracking Job Once Again Ian 👍🏻 Thoroughly Enjoyed It!! Great Story!!

[@auail5594]

That moment when your party's druid wants to multi-class warlock

[@StarboyXL9]

DnD jokes. Ofc lol

[@yer_old_pal_Jerky]

A brilliant short story addition to the Cthulhu Mythos cannon.

[@12201185234]

Spectacular story and narration.

[@patrickmcpherson97]

One of my favorite Robert Bloch stories. Thank you, very well done.

[@JeffreySmith84]

Great story! A nice companion piece to "Whisperer In Darkness."

[@johnoliva5153]

This was great.I can imagine hearing this on Suspence or Light's Out.Ian you are the best,thank you.

[@dajierena]

Thank you and Happy Monday! 🤗

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you Deja (it'll have to be a Happy Tuesday from me)!

[@brianweaver327]

"I'm about to be murdered, good thing I have time to write down my life's story in exquisite detail."

[@jprp999]

Link?

[@Master_Blackthorne]

Snarky.

[@andrewryndin4812]

Plot hole.

[@davidrajaruzicka5546]

Depending on how much time you have. You'll be amazed with how much you can write in a short time under stress. Not to mention, the kid didn't specify how close they were when he first was writing, saying they were trying to find a way and were digging. A few ambiguous details to dig through, but not entirely impossible.

[@ryansporleder6610]

😂😂😂

[@mikestanmore2614]

A great choice, Ian. Once again, you've turned a classic into a gem. Well done.

[@Soulstrung87]

Ian, this was brilliant. I really enjoyed this one. It scratched an itch for a story I’ve wanted for a while. Hats off to all the work you do. More than happy to have your readings in my nightly routine.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks Brandon - glad it delivered! Ian

[@howardlovecraft750]

Same

[@okapibibi]

Beautifully narrated! You put the good amount of emotion in your voice as you narrate - not overly dramatic, not terribly boring -, and you really made me feel for this 12 year old kid! Keep up the great work, everyone at HorrorBabble! I love the works you guys put here for us!

[@lparsons6977]

Ian, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. As far as I know, it was the first time I've heard of Robert Bloch. You did a wonderful job narrating the first hand experience of the twelve year old Willie. With your expressive narration, I could feel his curiosity, confusion, dread, fear and finally anguished terror as the story unfolded. This story has everything I love about a suspenseful supernatural/monster tale. Thank you !

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed this one. Robert Bloch was the author of PSYCHO. Ian

[@lparsons6977]

wow, I didn't know he was the author of Psycho, (one of my all time favorite movies) as well! What a pleasant discovery....I'll have to research more of his works. Thanks again! ;)

[@HorrorBabble]

Here's a link to our RB playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLeNNKRLWxwoO-3p9IIVhTxvtazpWcBk5I Can't recommend Bloch enough.

[@lparsons6977]

Oh Thanks! I'll be binge listening!

[@H0RR0R_HANG0VERZ]

One of my favorite stories in the Mythos!! Excellent narration (as always) 🥰

[@teddydog6229]

Definitely one of the creepiest Bloch stories I've heard. Especially disturbing when I think how I live about an hour from the wilderness described in it. It's dotted with 7-11s now but the woods are still thick and dark and quiet. The roads are still narrow and twisty.

[@erikmchatton]

This is my favorite Mythos story. It encapsulates everything.

[@CJ-uf6xl]

What a fantastic story! Thanks. ☺

[@michaelkottler]

Epic work by Bloch. One of his better Lovecraft mythos-based stories, and one of the greatest of the Old Ones based tales, IMO. Thanks for posting this! 'You're talking to the U.S. Mail!" lol

[@idiotpolice1165]

My life could not get better seeing this

[@MrsCaranAmy]

Oh my. This was so so suspenseful and scary. It held my full attention throughout. You did a marvelous job at the reading.

[@russhurst6730]

Wow..... Talk about a hell of a story! Absolutely frightening.

[@Lily-ot7yk]

First ever video of yours I've seen, safe to say I've liked & subscribed. This was incredible

[@jamiecameron7615]

Wow, this was awesome. Thanks a lot!!! Perfection as always Ian!!

[@andresydnor6995]

Essentially like the ending, a la "War of the Worlds!! For a minute, I fully expected that "Cousin Osborne really would help, and that "Capt." would turn out to be, one of "Them Things!!". What an ironic twist that would've been!!! Great reading!!!

[@kevinericsnell4092]

When Cap drew a pistol and said "You're dealing with the U.S. mail," I instantly envisioned him as Wayne Knight

[@casey5990]

Awesome story & great narration. Ur voice is old fashioned & suits this literature & love crafts exactly how I think he’d read it allowed... (to himself) . This channel I barely found a week ago & it’s easily one of the best I know of

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks for stopping by, Casey!

[@shinobi-no-bueno]

Supposedly Lovecraft sounded like Peter Griffin

[@johnbryant8603]

Not a stretch to imply a Lovcraftian provenance , but the record of Bloch, speaks for itself. There are examples in your collection. He amazes me as a Johnny come Lately. Good Sho ! Thank you, as always; passionate and productive. PS i think that Block is of both gothic and vic, genres 💐⚡️🌙💫

[@marktownsend2198]

Best Cthulhu Mythos story I've listened to on here. Thank you for doing such a great job portraying it.

[@SvonJunzt]

Love the channel! When hearing Ian's voice I can't help imagining a very bemused Hugh Dennis!

[@karenmcdonald7801]

Jaysus C! that was horrific! Thanks for the mid morning trauma, I was hoping for a happy ending, like a fool.

[@Nanosuit37]

Very good. Thank you Mr. Gordon and Horror Babble.

[@rhondadills8275]

Wonderfully done! Thanks Ian!:-)

[@daggerdan12]

I wasn't expecting this to be quite so brilliant a tale! A fantastic blend of Lovecraftian elements into a more conventionally horror setting. I need to listen to some more Bloch. Thanks as always for the excellent narration.

[@phatchick820]

THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!...I WAS TERRIFIED!!

[@HorrorBabble]

Glad you enjoyed this one Kenyetta!

[@zacetto]

I near crapped my pants when I read it aged 11....

[@Nopetothat]

Awsome! Great story.

[@bittybitty8233]

How exciting! Another new one to me. TY! !!!.💞 Love it .

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks KB!

[@bittybitty8233]

@@HorrorBabble the emotions you put in this one put me right into the whole scary scene !! 😵 😱 Great job, Ian !!!👍p.s. I really enjoyed this !!💜🙋

[@HorrorBabble]

It was a tough one, to be fair. But I enjoyed it recording it. Thanks again KB! :)

[@danbreeden1801]

I love the cthulhu mythos and robert bloch is one of the masters in his contribution to the legendary cthulhu. Stories and mythos

[@markletts2000]

Another cracking tale,well read..cheers🇬🇧👏👍

[@nicoleewing5976]

Amazing simply amazing. well done my dear friend keep it up for as long as you can

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks Nicole!

[@shadowface14]

This was a wonderful narration as usual. Thanks :)

[@1blessedbrotha]

Love it!!!!!!!! I used to imagine what I would do in that boy,s situation.

[@leojablonski2309]

It's his age and orphan status. Who can he confide in ?

[@tonicastel5933]

Wow! Amazing story & excellent production!

[@rayswoop4947]

classic is the best, my very favorite types☺ thanks Ian, now if only for the man Whom the trees loved☺ 😉

[@zacetto]

Thanks so much. I think this is one of my most favourite Bloch Cthulhu mythos tales. I have read it several times and have to thank Helen Hoke for including it in her Terrors Terrors Terrors compilation. I became aware of Lovecraft, by way of a D & D manual ‘Deities and Demigods’ when I was 11 and was able to recognise the references when reading the Hoke book, the same year. Superb retelling, I knew I would not be disappointed.

[@cthuludreams1]

Awesome reading! Also, KZbin is up to their usual shady stuff... I had to re-subscribe to you. And I didn't un-sub...

[@mikestanmore2614]

Yes, I've had to do the same!

[@HorrorBabble]

Damn - not sure what that's all about. I'll have to keep an eye on the stats. Thanks for the heads-up! Ian

[@mikestanmore2614]

@Carey Hunt Carey Hunt Depending on the country of origin, copyright usually extends 50 or 75 years past the death of the author. Bloch died in 1994, 24 years ago, so you may have a point there. Let's hope his estate's stakeholders aren't like Tolkien's.

[@HorrorBabble]

Hey Carey - it is among the 15 or so Bloch stories that aren't under copyright.

[@leojablonski2309]

Very shady....greed

[@LikeALeadZeppelin]

Excellent stuff. I haven't read much Bloch but I seem to like his work.

[@HorrorBabble]

We're slowing working through his public domain works - there are some real gems.

[@philippel.9086]

Damn... that was a scary one... That 12 years old must have been so terrified. He has a pretty good voice for narration... Good reading as always Ian. Keep up the good work!!

[@HorrorBabble]

Yeah, it would have been interesting to hear more from him! Poor kid... Ian

[@gresach]

totally gratuitous spoiler here, pls delete that bit, or the whole comment

[@leebrockbank5813]

Noooooo I didn’t know the ending but was stupidly reading the comments 10 mins from the end. Erase brain lol

[@philippel.9086]

@@leebrockbank5813 Sorry for the spoiler, I edited the comment so others won't feel your pain!!

[@Possible_Cultist]

I always imagine Osborne as Kent Mansley. Great story and a great reading of it.

[@terryolsson4145]

WOW, WOW, WOW......THAT WAS REALLY SCARY!!!

[@xxkingkittyxx2663]

Now this one is terrifying, when listening and putting your self is the perspective of a 12 yearold going threw the same ordeal

[@jasoncookman3158]

Man... So damn good. You are an EXCELLENT audiobook reader Ian.

[@DeimosDread]

I like how the ending is left ope-

[@adarshkrishnan7941]

Night time bliss with twist of horror. I really enjoy these stories

[@nicholassudov2299]

Bloch is famous mostly for his repeatedly cinema-adapted "Psycho". He was much younger than Lovecraft. A pity. Lovecraftian horror stories occupy a rather small part in his bibliography. Never read this story, so thank you very much. You do a great job.

[@jacobjohnston3983]

I thought the monster was a spawn of shun niggurath. It was weird to see it was a shoggoth instead. I feel like Shub doesn't get enough "screen time" if you will, in the Cthulhu mythos, despite being always called out in incantations, she doesn't do much.

[@Echosinfireify]

Thanks for this and all you do

[@sankturban291]

Great story & great production

[@colleenahoutz]

I love this story so much I liked the video before even listening to it.

[@baruchben-david4196]

I always like the videos when I see them.

[@typhues]

I started listening to these story's when I would go for walks at night. I now walk in the morning 😅

[@TheCthulhu1]

Good story -- the ending made me jump! 😉

[@JessiD618]

I think it’s cool how this is basically “The Whisperer in Darkness,” but from a different perspective. All the same elements, yet it’s its own story as well.

[@LyonsArcade]

32:38 - "Mista, you're talking to the UNITED STATES MAIL... and you don't tell the Gubmen't NOTHING, understand? Now Git Down, before I Mess your BRAINS all over this Road" 'going postal' apparently has been around quite awhile!

[@BADALICE]

3/4 through and pausing to say, ... What a great story.

[@audrey3688]

Wonderful story and telling.

[@alexandravladmets8206]

Oh, the effect of the squeeking door really got me.

[@geoffreyraleigh1674]

Thankyou thankyou thankyou.

[@matosz23]

I enjoyed this one a lot. Thanks for the reading.

[@abirbnamedBasil]

Nicely done!

[@danbreeden5481]

Robert Bloch the second greatest writer to Lovecraft himself when it comes to the Cthulhu mythos

[@PMEL96]

Cap is my favorite person. Im 30 min in and I love this dude 10/10 mail service