Number Ninety | A Ghost Story by B. M. Croker | A Bitesized Audio Production

John Hollyoak, a vehement sceptic, makes a wager with a group of friends to pass a night in a haunted house - and the worse its reputation, the better. His friends know just the place... "I will not say in what square, street, or road number ninety may be found, nor will I divulge to any human being its precise and exact locality, but this I’m prepared to state, that it is positively in existence, is in London, and is still empty."
A new, original recording of a classic public domain text, read and performed by Simon Stanhope for Bitesized Audio.
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Bithia Mary (or May) Croker (c.1848-1920), usually credited as B. M. Croker, is best remembered for her many novels and stories set in British India, as well as for bring a noted writer of ghost stories. She was born Bithia Mary Sheppard in Kilgefin, County Roscommon, Ireland, the daughter of clergyman and author the Rev. William Sheppard. She was educated in England and France and in her youth was a noted and skilled horsewoman. She married John Stokes Croker, an army officer, in 1871, and in 1877 moved with him to Madras, and later to Bengal. They lived in India for 14 years, during which time she began writing - apparently initally as something to keep her occupied, especially during the hot weather. Her first novel, Proper Pride, was written secretly and originally shared only with women friends, but she later rewrote it and had it published in England in 1882 under the gender-neutral initials B. M. Croker. Perhaps inevitably for the time, it was assumed to be written by a man, and was hugely successful. She went on to write 42 novels and several collections of short stories, a large number of which were set in India (such as 'The Road to Mandalay') or in Ireland ('Terence'). Her ghost stories were also very popular with contemporary readers; probably her best-known contribution to the genre is 'To Let' (1893), also set in India, which has appeared in a number of anthologies including the Oxford Book of Victorian Ghost Stories. Upon her husband's retirement in 1892, the couple moved to County Wicklow in Ireland, and then later to England, where John Croker died in Kent in 1911. Bithia Croker died in London in October 1920, survived by her only child Eileen.
'Number Ninety' was first published in London, in Chapman's Magazine of Fiction, in December 1895.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2021.

[@Nasafalkas1]

"I'm not coming" and I shut the door in his face. Love it! I wish creepypasta protagonists were like that.

[@alexdavies7394]

Many thanks for reading this disturbing tale. Your voice is highly reminiscent of the way British people used to talk, say back in the 30s and 40s. That is meant as a compliment to you! 👍

[@tonyrawlinson8894]

Heroic after dental work, can't have been easy, but carried off flawlessly as usual. Standards of excellence extremely high.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Tony, really appreciate your kind feedback. Best wishes

[@DebMcDonald]

I never tire of the “ spend the night in a haunted house “ trope! 👻

[@rattyrachel4316]

Me either, Deborah! They never fail to keep me creepily entertained!😮

[@BitesizedAudio]

It's certainly a classic formula, but still works! I think Le Fanu set the benchmark for it, but stories such as this one and later tales such as Blackwood's 'The Empty House' (another one I'd like to read at some point) are great examples of its development. Thanks Deborah

[@LisaCarso]

@@BitesizedAudioI would love to hear you read any or all of the following (in the haunted house genre): "The Spook House" by Ambrose Bierce - "The Toll House" by W.W Jacobs - "Pigeons from Hell" by Robert E. Howard - "The Frontier Guards" and "Blind Man's Buff" by H. Russell Wakefield. You mentioned that some Wakefield is still not in the public domain and yet I have found readings of both those stories on KZbin. Copyright infringement perhaps?

[@BitesizedAudio]

Hi Lisa, thanks so much for your requests. I'm glad to say I already have 'The Toll House' on my list, I hope to do it later this year. I must confess I don't know Pigeons from Hell (I have heard of it, but haven't read it...); thus far I've steered away from American stories as I'm not sure my accent would be good enough... but will certainly bear it in mind! Certainly Ambrose Bierce is an author I'd like to cover. Regarding H. Russell Wakefield, it is indeed tricky, as he wrote a number of stories I'd like to read. He died in 1964, so - unless there's an exemption for him which I'm unaware of - under UK law his work won't enter the public domain until 2035. Anything he published pre-1925 will be public domain in the US already (which has different rules, i.e. 95 years after publication), but as far as I've been able to find out he only really started writing ghost stories in the late 1920s. I can't say whether the readings you've come across elsewhere are definitely copyright infringement - they may be chancing their arm, but it's also possible the producers approached the rights holders and paid a fee, or had the rights waived. I'm minded to try that myself at some point and see what reaction I get - with Wakefield and with one or two other authors too - but I haven't tried it yet mainly because I still have a substantial list of stories to keep me going for a long time yet which are definitively public domain. In the meantime I've avoided borderline cases like Wakefield (and Walter de la Mare is another, similar case, died 1956) not least as I don't want a copyright strike and/or to have the channel demonetized, as I've seen happen to others. Sorry for the lengthy reply, but hope you understand my reasoning! I really appreciate your request, and in light of what you've said about other versions I'll dig into it a bit more and see if I can find any more definite information about the copyright status of Wakefield in particular. Best wishes and thanks again

[@LisaCarso]

@@BitesizedAudio Thank you for taking the time to give such a detailed reply...no need to apologise for it! I look forward to hearing you read some Ambrose Bierce, whom I adore. As for Pigeons from Hell, I listened to it recently on HorrorBabble, and I must say it gave me such a feeling of genuine fear that I had to get up and lock my bedroom door! Never ever happened to me before except with the original film of Nosferatu! So do give it a look in. There are also some excellent BBC radio adaptations of Walter de la Mare that are now available on KZbin. Have you seen them? Well, all the best and thanks again for your continued readings of wonderful hauntings and mysteries!

[@simone222]

One thing I resolved to never ever do again is to look into a key-hole or any small space in which you can sneak a peek. The first and last time I did that one late evening in my old apartment, I had seen 'something' in which I sincerely wished my tired eyes were just playing some tricks. Anyhow, what terrific ghost story that is excellently narrated as always, Mr. Stanhope. My first BM Croker story, thank you so much as well for this introduction. This was again uploaded around midnight my time. What perfect timing. As an aside, I can't help not to think of that small commercial spot downtown which is said to be jinxed. Many business owners rented the space over the years only to be bankrupt in a jiffy. Happy Listening.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Excellent, interesting to know what time zones listeners are in. Glad to know the timing was good! Your keyhole story sounds fascinating.......

[@simone222]

@@BitesizedAudio My apartment (on the 4th floor of a newly built bldg. with modern design) is located in a historic city and in a historic part of the city bec. just a few structures away lies a haunted boarding house of a friend in which I spent an eerie night once. Also, our law alma mater which is the oldest in Asia (ca. 1611) is just a few streets away. Maybe the historicity might explain what I saw if it was indeed what I saw which I believe it was. It was not actually a key-hole in which I took a peek; rather, it was by the hinges of a door or specifically that small space made when you slightly open a door. I was eating dinner from the side-table in the kitchenette when I took a peek into my bedroom to watch late night news when a woman clad in an old-fashioned white gown suddenly passed in front of the TV.

[@gerry5134]

@@simone222 😱 did you sleep in the bedroom afterwards!?

[@simone222]

@@gerry5134 Yes, Gerry. I had no choice. There was only one room in my small apartment and I had to rest. I didn't want to sleep at the couch after a long day. At that time, I worked by day and studied law in the afternoon up to the evening. That said, I turned all the lights on and I remember putting the blanket and pillow on top of my head. I was scared and sleepy at the same time.

[@jeannemaddison2899]

These wonderfully narrated stories have become my go-to every evening whilst I cook dinner. Truly appreciated, thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

That's lovely to know, thank you!

[@Frenchblue8]

Makes me want to walk around older neighborhoods in London looking for numbers 90! Because of course I wonder if there is such a house, perhaps even the 'very' house......🤔

[@CR-dr8ok]

I get so excited when I see another classic is coming! Thank you, Simon🥰

[@PatriciaSmith-id8sg]

Excellent story so beautifully read. Being left to speculate on the fate that awaited the man and his dog made it all the more creepy for me.

[@Frenchblue8]

Yes but where did the dog come from? What did I miss?

[@Kahlessa]

@@Frenchblue8 He decided to bring his dog with him on the second night.

[@hannahreynolds7611]

*of course* one discusses cholera, in great detail, when at a recherche little dinner! 🤢 Thank you for this - another perfect little gem, perfectly paced and read.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes, I know! I must admit that list of topics made me chuckle somewhat... Thanks for your comments Hannah, glad you enjoyed it

[@esterherschkovich6499]

Ooo. Just going to make a cuppa+listen..Thank you..🌸🌸Enjoy every story...🌸🌸

[@justine_holloway]

Very effective piece: clear crisp prose, an understated yet sinister tone. Thanks for introducing me to another great new ghost story!

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome! Glad to know you enjoyed it, thanks for your comments, appreciated

[@baileyclark8483]

Poor dog, he had such a silly owner. Thank you very much for the story.

[@kimbykimbers3750]

Whoah! Great story, and, as usual, superbly read! I always so look forward to your readings, you are just amazing! THANK YOU 💐

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome, thank you for listening and for your very kind comments!

[@beluch2768]

What a gift these readings are. Thank you.

[@bartram33]

These stories are much better when listened to in a dark bedroom with ear buds in, your imagination paints the scene. Another excellent clearly read story. Many thanks.

[@melfreemans]

That's exactly what I'm doing! Except the creepy ambiance I worked hard to achieve to enjoy this story is currently being ruined by 2 miniature pinschers and a siamese cat competing to sleep on me.

[@bartram33]

@@melfreemans we occasionally cat sit for our daughter. The cat is very snobby and doesn’t like being petted, but come night time it insists on coming into our room, laying on top of you and purring😾

[@melfreemans]

@@bartram33 yep. Typical cat lol!

[@SlideRulePirate]

As soon as it turned up, I thought "Damn, the dog's gonna die".

[@kirpalani-griffin3706]

I'll give it a 100. Thank you as always!

[@appalachianamerican7171]

Thank you Sir, another excellent story. Wonderfully narrated.

[@lakegirl239]

Great story though sorry about the dog. Looking forward to the next one.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes, I was very sorry about that too. Thanks for listening, more coming soon(ish)

[@eddiemunster2196]

Simon Stonehoke did more then fantastic job narrating this adventurous horrible story. It's just a Pity it was so short. Now Simon being a pen name the reader to whatever his real name is I enjoyed it tremendously so thank you even to the gentleman that uploaded it. But the ghostly footman what was his name ? No matter I wish I was in that mansion to find that horrible party with the nightly antics of that dining room !!!

[@Rossion64]

This is a great story. I'm looking forward to this.😊

[@grahamturner1290]

Another excellent delivery of a thoroughly engrossing tale.

[@chrisnorman9980]

Well, damn. I just listened to this last week on another channel. I guess I’ll just have to listen to it tonight - done right.

[@vtbn53]

Recherche is such an interesting word, but since it has at least 3 meanings in English (being of French origin of course), I wonder what was meant in the context of this story? Great, great story made even better by such an outstanding narration. I have listed to it about 20 times now and it seems to get better every time, but boy I wish Hollyoak could have lasted the week out LOL. I was also pleased to discover this was written by a woman as the phrase "and his splendidly turned calves" otherwise had me a little disturbed LOL.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Percy, appreciated! I think the meaning of recherché in this context is sophisticated, high quality, exclusive, in terms of the dinner and the company partaking of it. Glad to know you enjoy the story... it was rather rash of Hollyoak to return, wasn't it? By the way, I'm glad that Holmes was able to recover your lost treaty!

[@CharlieOkeson]

Ahhh, a ghost story for bedtime. Thank you, Simon.

[@irenabevans3411]

Really enjoyed listening to this ghostly tale

[@folkloreofbeing]

I grew up in a 'haunted' house and the experiences never go away; they just hover like...ghosts.

[@rattyrachel4316]

Really, you have lived in haunted houses? Can you say a little more about that?

[@folkloreofbeing]

@@rattyrachel4316 Well, it's a lot to unpack. My experiences went on for about thirty years - but the house I grew up in, was over what the ancient Celts would have called a 'thin place' where the veil between the land of the living and the dead is thinner. I wish I could say the experiences were the interesting kinds, but it was a dark dark time for me. I've seen some very strange things in my time and messed with stuff I had no business poking my nose into with limited knowledge. The occult is not a toy. I learned that the hard way. Ironically, this account of mine here, was originally called 'Paranormal Dissonance' and I spoke of my experiences and tried to reconcile my occult and supernatural experiences with my scientific belief. I changed the direction of the channel to one of folklore because I was getting bullied and ripped off from both sides of the belief coin. I feel like I am one of many in an uncomfortable position of belief and unbelief - it isn't a nice place to be.

[@rattyrachel4316]

The Folklore of Being thank you for taking the time to respond to my inquiry. I’m not sure I understand much more about what you went through, and I am certainly not going to press you for details. I hope what you experienced is not still a burden to you. Peace and blessings! 🙏🏼

[@folkloreofbeing]

@@rattyrachel4316 I am doing very well, thank you. Peace and blessing to you too :)

[@bobbymarcum772]

H.P. Hovercraft wrote some of my favorite stories of hovering ghosts, and h’ainted house-boats as well.

[@raymondgerman6671]

I wonder if Hollyoak became a member of the ghostly dinner party? I wish there were a sequel describing the dinner that was planned after Hollyoaks nightly stay at 90.

[@pariscribe5245]

Often a lack of humbleness can be the demise of the brave .

[@BitesizedAudio]

Indeed...

[@rattyrachel4316]

Thank you for a delightful read, Simon! Loving all these female horror authors! 👍💝

[@BitesizedAudio]

Excellent, glad to know you enjoyed it. Yes indeed, there were some fantastic female writers in the genre at this time... actually I've just written at length on that very subject in another reply to a comment! I won't repeat it all here, but if you're interested see my reply to Maria Meere above! Thanks Rachel

[@rattyrachel4316]

Bitesized Audio Classics Appreciated, Simon. I am continually amazed at how much you know about authors and literature. How did you learn about them?

[@BitesizedAudio]

Interesting. I read English Literature at university before I went to drama school, but to be honest none of these authors featured much, if at all, there... the focus was more on the traditional canon rather than detective or ghost stories! I think I just picked them up along the way, starting by reading authors whose work I liked - Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes were probably what started me on "grown up" classics when I was about 10 or so, then I decided to read his contemporaries and rivals... and got into ghost stories.... one thing leads to another and after reading the better known names like M. R. James I decided to seek out the less well-known authors. Sometimes a single story in an anthology would make me want to seek out more from those writers. And quite quickly I realised how many of them were written by women, and fantastic stories too - yet they didn't (and still don't) get the recognition of authors like Doyle and James. But from community comments on here it's good to know that they are still read and enjoyed by many people!

[@allysonkho2017]

I love your voice! you sound just like Edward Everett Horton, one of my favorite old Hollywood character actors. And the stories are superb! Will you be reading any by Guy De Maupessant?

[@richiebassett1284]

Another wonderful story read brilliantly. Thank you so much.

[@lenoraberendt750]

One of my favorites! Thanks, Simon!!

[@anaaropot]

I adore your reading and each time I listen to a new story I feel extatique to hear it and sad because I’m worried I will run out of stories to listen 🎧:)))

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you! Not to worry, I do still have lots more on my list for the future!

[@anaaropot]

@@BitesizedAudio 🙏 thank you... can’t wait to hear them all ❤️❤️❤️

[@Phinnius23]

Really enjoyed your reading as always. Made my time doing a tedious task fly by. I’ve recommended your channel to many. Looking forward to the next one.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Jamie, appreciate your comments - and thank you so much for recommending the channel and spreading the word! Next story coming soon...

[@berfwellington2552]

Thank you I really enjoyed this one. Listening to this felt like I was watching a movie

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Jacob!

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

I've read this and heard a couple of versions here. As always, a good story read by an impeccable narrator. Thank you so much. Best regards, Simon.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you, thanks Rosie. Best wishes to you too

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

Another gripping tale from Bite-sized Audio.

[@fiftysomething7199]

Always a good read. Thank you.

[@bobbeyderbrain]

A delicious version of the Croker classic, Simon. Given your extra dimension as always. This tale always puts me in mind of the J. R. Dullard classic "Number Sixty-Nine" due to its many similarities though decidedly different end. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

I'd love to hear that one Bob, do post a link if available!

[@bobbeyderbrain]

@@BitesizedAudio It's one of six I'm putting together to add to the previous six but I'll let you know as soon as it's up. I think I can promise you a real toe-curler, Simon. 😉 ❤

[@frankmcgovern5445]

This is why I roll deep with the black 9.

[@mariameere5807]

Another one that I enjoyed so much and I had to tell you about it and thank you! After Reading your recent article, it’s nice to see somebody write as a female without pretending to be a man for better sales! I have noticed, they often write as men in the main narrative, maybe this is just a coincidence. Anyway thank you so much and blessings! Looking forward to the author that you talked about that lived in India was born in Ireland, like me but I’ve been living in London most of my life!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thank you Maria - I'm always very interested and pleased to know what listeners think about the stories. Yes indeed, I'm struck by how many brilliant female authors there were, especially in the ghost story genre, at that time. Authors such as Dickens and M. R. James tend to get the plaudits and name recognition (and they are of course excellent, I should add!) but I think the likes of Edith Nesbit, Amelia Edwards, Charlotte Riddell, Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Rhoda Broughton, L. T. Meade and B. M. Croker - to name just a few of the female writers whose work I've read for the channel to date - deserve equal recognition in the genre. I've not actually calculated this, but it seems likely to me that the majority of ghost stories at this time were written by women: there are still several female writers of the era whose work I've not got round to yet, but I hope to before too long. You're quite right too that they often write as men in the first person narrative; I'm sure this isn't coincidence. Quite a few of these authors originally published anonymously (this was common in the magazines of the time), or under gender neutral initials such as M. E. Braddon or E. Nesbit, and the readers at the time may well have assumed their stories were written by men, especially with a male narrator. So it may have been a commercial decision on their part! Of course, personally I'm quite glad about that, as it gives me such wonderful stories to give voice to.... there are some great Victorian ghost stories with female first person narratives (e.g. The Old Nurse's Story by Elizabeth Gaskell) but I've not done those as I'm not sure my voice would best serve those stories. Interestingly, although as you point out Croker uses a male narrator in this particular story, she does employ a female voice elsewhere - for example 'To Let', probably her most anthologised story, is a first person female narrative. I think it's a really interesting area of discussion anyway, so thank you for your comments!

[@mariameere5807]

@@BitesizedAudio Oh I think you would be fabulous at doing female first person narrative, a lot of male readers of stories do it Without trying to affect their voice at all, just making it clear that it is the woman speaking. No one would bat an eye lid! I for one would love it! But it’s up to you because you have to feel comfortable with what you’re doing! I’m just grateful that you have female authors! It would be nice to have more female characters though! Hint hint 😉😂💓 seriously though I am very grateful for the list of female authors from this period that you just gave me! I have heard you read some female rules like in Nutbush farm et cetera! You could do it in the same way! Anyway much appreciation for your amazing channel and many, many blessings!🌹

[@BitesizedAudio]

@Maria Meere Well, thank you! Yes, I meant to say above (sorry my essay got a bit long) that it's striking how few female characters are in some of the female-authored stories. Amelia Edwards for example rarely features any, or if she does they're quite minor. I'm sure this all relates to the societal expectations or commercial pressures of the era too, as per my earlier comments. Though there are exceptions: e.g. Charlotte Riddell's character of Miss Gostock in Nut Bush Farm is a wonderful creation, although personally I feel she doesn't give such a great character enough to do. Also, to clarify, I'm not uncomfortable with reading the female characters when they do appear, I enjoy the variety of reading lots of different voices, it's more those stories where the character narrating the story is female, I tend to think the story is best served by a female voice. But perhaps I should reconsider! Food for thought.... By the way, I'm glad to say that your recent request for a new Father Brown adventure is coming up next - barring unexpected interruptions. Hoping to have it recorded and uploaded next weekend all being well. (Though as with most Father Brown stories it's not so good on the female character representation, alas...) Thanks Maria

[@mariameere5807]

@@BitesizedAudio I am so grateful that you remembered Father Brown! You are a very kind man with a good heart and an amazing voice and I think you would make a fabulous actor! Thank you for educating me and you being kind enough to reply even though you must be very busy keeping up one of the best channels on the Internet!😇

[@paperthyme]

Enjoyed it immensly!

[@KiKiabout]

Love... Thank You!

[@chimera8421]

Sunday night with Simon. Looking forward to this.

[@yvonnehayton6753]

Love your voice and you narrate flawlessly. Love the stories too!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Yvonne, appreciated!

[@shannondore]

Oh I really loved this one. Very creepy story.👻 Thanks! Simon. Glad your feeling better.😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thanks Shannon

[@ufosrus]

These ghost stories are enthralling; so we'll written and with such imagination!

[@nancyM1313]

Just lovely🍃❤🍃tyvmuch.

[@phoenixobrien163]

So that's it? The man and the dog were found dead at the end of the stairs? Who were the dinner guests? Well dressed vampires or ghosts from the previous century?

[@lauralaladarling3775]

Bravo Simon, Marvellous. Xxx

[@FIONA21ful]

Wonderfully read . Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know you enjoyed it Fiona. Lovely to hear from you, I hope you're well

[@FIONA21ful]

Back this 3.41am to listen again. I love this channel.

[@davidbixby8682]

Excellent narration(as always) solid ghost story. I once wrote my own, similar Haunted House story(though set in the woods) for a writer's class, though it was never published!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks David. Perhaps you should revisit it and see if you can get it published!

[@SholaT39]

@@BitesizedAudio …or read by your eminence of reading😉

[@frerindurin3632]

I love the end leaving quite the heavy mystery.

[@leonaheraty3760]

Thanks so much for sharing, Simon. Happy Holidays to all! 🌲😊

[@denisevalentino8917]

I love the “Mr. Peabody” narration.

[@mechikaboombayah4960]

I was sad for the dog in the end😭

[@jorgeespinosa4695]

Beautiful! Thank you!

[@parapoliticos52]

This could have being alternately titled , ''he was asking for it''

[@TeenStoryTime]

Thanks for the upload. This is my first time reading it!

[@sonjawells4265]

Excellent. Thank you.❤

[@samfancher7116]

Merry Christmas🎄 lovely to hear your fantastic voice on a Christmas Morning. Thank you ❤

[@bobbymarcum772]

The climax to this story, the poor man's exorcism at dinner, is perhaps the best ending to a story I have heard. I wish that rather than expire mysteriously, the protagonist (having lived to fight another night) is forced to extract some sort of Christian confession from the ghouls on his econd night, and must instead bind the spectres to shackles of gloomy darkness since they have been together raisin havoc

[@judithl.morton9178]

Thank you!!

[@ribbonyobski5881]

THANK YOU FOR THIS ENJOYABLE READING

[@tkenny8527]

Hollyoak is a boss Suppressed Malicious titter that made me furious (opens door)

[@ernestweaver9720]

I feel so bad for the Dog.

[@madwitch9977]

Its been too long since I tuned in to listen to your lovely voice...I can't believe Ive listened to you since you started and wow look at your followers now! another lovely audio thank you xx

[@BitesizedAudio]

Hello Giselle, lovely to hear from you, I hope you're keeping well.

[@madwitch9977]

@@BitesizedAudio I am thank you ...congratulations on your channel ! Hope you too are well my friend xxx

[@bobnewmanknott3433]

Well up to par , as always thank you so much. I am running a week behind but this means I have something to look forward to next Sunday The pleasure I enjoy from you exquisite renditions is only enhanced by the anticipation I do hope that you are over the worst of your dental work . Regards RNK

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Bob. Yes, definitely over the worst. Actually, I think the lingering effects of the general anaesthetic took longer to recover from than the operation! But glad to have it behind me now.

[@meghanelaraby277]

Wow!! Loved this story!! 👻

[@JaneFrieman]

An excellent eerie story indeed!👻

[@dranimations7902]

I thought at first that this one was going to be a humorous ghost story - until the end part.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes I know what you mean, there are some witty turns of phrase earlier on... but then it catches you off guard

[@spacehound3355]

Good one.

[@Cello-Pam]

Oooo, I wanted to hear what happened at the banquet!

[@mijiyoon5575]

👍👍👍👍👍👻👻👻☠☠☠loved this one

[@SianWatts]

My favourite ghost story

[@andrewkoastephens210]

The oddest part of his story is the reluctance to live there. How would advert run? Free rent, free meals nightly. Dinners must only refused by prayer. Sorry, no pets.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Who could resist such an offer?

[@fiendishlybilly]

And no religious tirades at the dinner table.

[@michellepollard3591]

Superb Narration as always

[@kaf890890]

That was a scary one! ❤ thank you

[@nielsebbesen7821]

Speaking of hauntings and stories with numbers in the titles, is there a chance of you doing a reading of Number 13 by M. R. James?

[@BitesizedAudio]

There certainly is! That's actually the very first M. R. James story I ever read, and has remained one of my favourites ever since, so it's long been on my to-do list. I'm spacing out the James readings a bit as there are already a lot of versions of them available, and I'm trying to maintain a good mix of more obscure/overlooked stories and authors; next up from him (in the next month or so, all being well) is 'Mr Humpreys...', but I'd certainly like to get round to Number 13 later this year. Thanks for the suggestion Niels. Best wishes

[@kellygnow1]

Thank you

[@anthonyochocki6535]

Sadly, a rather satisfying story---up to Its ending; then, 'THUMP'. What to us in the 21st Century would be considered a cliched, 'camp fire' tale, seems to Victorian tastes--a rather 'there, did not we tell you so' ending. Love this post more so as I venture into the great selections available, and they do supply a literary education in and of themselves--but as History, being a hobby...find in far more interesting to listen to a glimpse of how people spoke and acted, in different circumstances; and that gives an armchair Historical archeologist an insight into the minds of peoples roughly 100 years ago. What apparently frightens and/or produces spasms of Terror and Horror to the Victorian Mindset; feel, would only make my 10 year old nieces or nephews blurt out to these 'ghosties' a sharp, "Bug-the-Hell-OFF' [pardons]...a reflection, perhaps on how the Worlds' events have hardened and thicken the hide.

[@lesliehatton1493]

Great story, thanks.

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

Didn't he leave I diary? I wanna know what happened!!!!!!!!!

[@creative-dedication]

great

[@jojoe4093]

Spoiler!! I guess there will be a new ghost man and dog at the table now. Will this one be in a powdered wig or in his current clothes...

[@BitesizedAudio]

An interesting idea.... does the dinner party just keep expanding as new guests are "invited" to join...?

[@janetcw9808]

Thank you for introducing another female writer to me, another one that had to hide her gender 🙄🤷🏼‍♀️, during my childhood I only heard this about the Brönte sisters. Thanks so much for your work, it's always something to look forward to and much appreciated. Good wishes to you, all you love and followers Worldwide Xxx 🙏🏼 ❤️ 🗺️ 🍀 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🍻💐💐💐

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Janet, I really appreciate your kind wishes and comments. Yes indeed, it's a striking feature of the genre and the era how many female writers there were writing anonymously or pseudonymously... and very often writing from a male perspective too. It's a topic which interests me as a reader very much. Thanks for sharing your feedback, much appreciated

[@williamhagen2792]

My opinion: Y U K.

[@hereticsaint100]

That's what happens when you get too cocky with the supernatural. Should have stopped when he was ahead.

[@tomatoangel1]

It's the dog I'm sorry for.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes I know, that got to me too

[@earthcat]

💖

[@janetcw9808]

My Black Cat happy too x

[@WadeWeigle]

Kind of a weak story. No real depth went into it honestly which is sad. I suppose that’s what you get with the short running time of the piece. Thank you for sharing all the same. Well read of course and enjoyable to listen to.

[@fatherchristmas2998]

id prefer the ghosts.to the rats

[@ВалариПетровский]

Great stuff sounds better in a upper class english accent

[@deannagilmore9559]

❤😊

[@jasonhanks8258]

The problem i have with these stories is the extreme information that seems to take up a better half or more of the story before the meat of the tale even emerges...Over detailed

[@Herr_Flick_of_ze_Gestapo]

perhaps 5 second tiktok dance vids migh be more something for you

[@robbiebunge859]

How sad

[@boxfox2945]

A bit' weak' more than survived the first night. Only found next dead. Nothing else' to it.? 😢 started very well' but whoafully cut-off' & no follow threw.

[@EleanorPeterson]

Stepping outside the story and its excellent telling for a moment, I'm struck by the fact that yet another writer whose work focused on ghosts, faith, and a belief in the supernatural, was raised in a deeply religious Christian household. Hmm... 🤔 Methinks perhaps they protest too much. 🤭

[@suerogers8788]

Ppp