The Three Tools of Death by G. K. Chesterton from The Innocence of Father Brown read by Greg Wagland

This is a good one to wrap up with and Chesterton clearly thought so as it's the last of his 1911 collection of Father Brown stories, called 'The Innocence of Father Brown'.
It takes place up in Hampstead quite early one morning when a train pulls up at the sound of an unusual and piercing voice. A philanthropist lies dead and the cry was 'Murder!'. There are some unusual accents on display here, some of them intentional, some originating from perhaps a parallel universe or an AI bot that's been programmed by the Clangers.
These twelve stories have literally been a journey through various microphones, recording spaces and software to try to get to a sound I'm halfway happy with. Last attempt. Thoughts?
Anyone guess what microphone this is?
In any case it's onwards and upwards and we'll have a break from Chesterton and his somewhat restrained / muted detective. A bit more Conan Doyle perhaps as a palate cleanser and then... er... I'll let you know.
Just bought a load of Agatha Christie books on eBay although not many in the public domain... yet. Not sure I'll outlive her copyright.
Best wishes to all subscribers and many thanks to commenters, fans and foes and generous financial supporters - as always!
Cheers
Greg

[@andrewbeale6072]

'People like frequent laughter,' answered Father Brown, 'but I don't think they like a permanent smile. Cheerfulness without humour is a very trying thing.'

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

There's a lot of them about.

[@joehockley2610]

Victorian term for him is giggle mug

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

​​@@joehockley2610he had the morbs, and it sadly ended in collie shangles

[@Bambisgf77]

So good to have you back dear Greg! 🎉 Absolutely love Father Brown. I have listened to your version of Holmes so many times I can quote from the text 😮😂 Thanks again your hard work is much appreciated.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Hi Felene. Good hear from you and glad you're enjoying Father Brown. I've really enjoyed doing them quite intensively. Maybe it's good for the soul in some mysterious way. All the best.

[@TheNeilo-Audiosound]

In the fitting Words of Oliver:- Please Sir Can I have Some More🙏 Another great Upload Greg Sir thanks Very Much👍

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks TheNeilo. Well, there will be more - and I can certainly see myself as Mr. Bumble doling out the thin audio gruel to the pallid paupers!

[@abarton1978]

So happy and excited for this!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Glad to hear it - many thanks Derpy S.

[@larsen8059]

Thank you! Can't wait to hear more. Would love to hear more on your Classic Breakdown podcast too! Maybe more Dracula? Or whatever is on your mind. I can use a good chuckle from your slightly ironic, sometimes sardonic take on the absurdities of life and the classics! Pretty please?

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Well it's a possibility Larsen - a bit more Dracula might be just what the doctor ordered. We'll see.

[@julielevinge266]

Now this story is even more bonkers than the average Father Brown, but still very entertaining 😉

[@andrewbeale6072]

Father Brown's observation that there are too many weapons is apt. It reads as if the Armstrong household had a Cluedo/Clue-themed party that got out of control.

[@roelienpostma2367]

Trust me. Reality is stranger than fiction......

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

It must have seemed quite surreal in 1911 but quite exciting too.

[@jtbasener8740]

I do really love this one. One thing Chesterton noted about Christian belief was that it allows us always to hold emotions ranging from mourning to glee within the same life, but always guided by an ever-present hope that outlives the life. I always think it is intriguing how so many other philosophies err too much onto a blind optimism or a despairing pessimism, the former being the present topic in this story. Overall, thank you, Greg, for gracing us with 'The Innocence of Father Brown'. I am excited to see where you go next, but if ever you find time, I would also be warmed for your voice to grace the lines of Chesterton's second Father Brown series, 'The Wisdom of Father Brown'. Nonetheless, I offer you a deep gratitude for joining us alongside this curious Catholic Priest. It has been an adventure that I shall not forget.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

It was my pleasure to read them! All the best.

[@jtbasener8740]

​@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio You always do such a flawless job and, as someone who holds Father Brown very dear to his heart, your work here has been such a warm compliment like no other. I wish you well on the exciting new content to come.

[@katyvdb5993]

Very enjoyable and ingenious. Do you suppose men were really as noble and self-sacrificing as Royston in those days? I'm not being entirely flippant when I ask that, as I have noticed similar high-minded self-sacrifice in other books of the period.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Well, the extraordinary action of Captain Oates on Scott’s ill fated South Pole expedition is worth considering in this vein. I suppose values were often reinforced through faith and education.

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

I'm ashamed to admit that I'm new to Father Brown. Enjoying these stories so much, thank you!

[@AKLHWO]

Chesterton described the male-servant Magnus : "... dull-looking man with flat black hair, a colourless face, and a faint suggestion of the East in the level slits in his eyes and mouth. His blood and name, indeed, had remained dubious, ever since Sir Aaron had “rescued” him from a waitership in a London restaurant, and (as some said) from more infamous things. But his voice was as vivid as his face was dead... exactitude in a foreign language... bland Mongolian visage... his slits of eyes almost faded from his face in one fat Chinese sneer..." I read that Chesterton faced accusations of antisemitism during his lifetime. Perhaps he was also prone to racial stereo typing?

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Yes. Thank you for your comment, Ann-Kay Lin. It's not dissimilar to one of the Sherlock Holmes stories which contains racial stereotyping. It's clear that literature of this vintage can sometimes be challenging (as well as rewarding) for a multiplicity of reasons.

[@AKLHWO]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio Yes, Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, and many vintage detective novels have examples of racial stereotyping - perhaps for dramatic effect, like adding more colour on the canvas. You read the story well. Listening to your narration/reading is relaxing and enjoyable.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thank you, Ann-Kay. Much appreciated. Kind regards.

[@silverhawkscape2677]

So? At this time Period no one batted an Eye. Heck Chesterton is favorable seen by the Jews

[@patriciaramsey5294]

I have enjoyed these Father Brown stories. I also watched the Father Brown series from the early 70s, and I've listened to the old father Brown radio shows from BBC 4 in the 80s. Your reading of these is Simply the Best.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thank you very much for your comment, Patricia. Much appreciated!

[@s.d.357]

Thank you!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Cheers, SD35

[@Dildosoup]

🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Cheers DS!

[@Dildosoup]

@Sherlock Holmes Stories Magpie Audio Listening to The Beetle part 3, for the 400th time when I received this. ❤️

[@Ade4fish]

Greg . I am really enjoying all your Father Brown work. Superb. Many thanks

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks for listening, Ade4fish. And for commenting - appreciated.

[@gabaleo2568]

❤

[@MV-gt1qu]

Father Brown is the best for work.

[@MsMtheory]

I just finished all of these...I loved them!! I hope there are more :)

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

There are.

[@ronostick9718]

Brilliant narration. Love it, love it, love it. Thank you Greg. ❤

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sus_r0]

nice

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Glad.

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@roya-19]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@dirtedirte8771]

26:46

[@frugtaylor648]

Lol! ....😂 Armstrongs daughter! 😅 "A quiver in the very shape of her, that was like the lines of a aspen" Leave it to C.K.C. to call someone awkward looking with such poetry!... poor gal'

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Exactly!!

[@SEARSJAMES]

👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍!!!! Don't believe in jebus! But like father brown! And love brother Cadfiel!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Brother C is sadly still in copyright. Not sure when Ellis Peters died. Remember enjoying a few of them in the 80s maybe? & Derek Jacobi was great in the TV adaptations.

[@SEARSJAMES]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio Sir! Derek Jacobi is on of my favorite actors!

[@jennie9]

I also love the Cadfael series. Edith Pargeter (aka Ellis Peters) died in 1995, I believe. Thanks for the wonderful narrations, Greg! I enjoy listening to you.