"Strange Bedfellows" by Jasper L'Estrange (+ bonus episode of "Postmortem") | Horror stories

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Well, despite a cold, a broken laptop, and a lack of inspiration...here's a story for Halloween! To add to the spooky fun, after the story, you can listen to EnCrypted Postmortem, my discussion show for paid members. Hope you enjoy! Happy Halloween 🎃👻🦇 Content advice: 💣 some loud noises 🎤 impromptu singing. 👍👍

[@waningmooncancer9628]

You remind me of myself with your self-evasiveness.😊 Rushed or not, again, Monsieur L'Estrange, you have done excellent work 👏 👍 👌. You are truly appreciated and admired. Thank you so, so much ❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@gillgallett4864]

I really enjoyed that story and the PM afterwards. Well done. ❤ It made me laugh that the bit that really scared me, the old woman in the lift, wasn’t supernatural! 😂

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@gillgallett4864 Haha! That was also based on a real thing. It was a dark night and I was trying to fit some groceries into my backpack before getting on my bike. Then this old woman's voice came from right behind, saying "I know what you're doing..." I whirled round and it was just this sweet old dear, smiling, and she said "You're like me, trying to do the impossible." But she about gave me a heart attack 😆

[@gillgallett4864]

@@EnCryptedHorror So many things come from real life experiences!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@waningmooncancer9628 You're very welcome. It's always a bit stressful putting one of my own out there...and a relief when everyone's so jolly nice 😄

[@shelleymarquis2887]

I love your original stories. Unlike some seemingly worshipped writers of the past who wrote the same story over and over, yours are actually original. I consider an original thought the rarest thing on Earth. The ability to express an original thought in language other people can understand is even rarer. Don't ever stop...unless you want to/have to/need to, of course. ❤

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you Shelley! 🙏

[@victoria5043]

Absolutely exceptional story. Had me gripped from start to finish. Very authentic and witty. Thank you.😊

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome! Glad you thought so 😊

[@jojohoward947]

Love this story, especially the humor, “Men in socks look so ridiculous “!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Funny, but true 😔 Glad you appreciated it! 😊

[@robloggia]

I met a woman just like Caroline once. No ghost was required to for me to run the other way.

[@fluffyfour]

True though, they do.

[@TC.Lee33]

Thank you Jasper. Not long discovered your channel but fastly becoming my favourite. This story could be many things. It has the capacity to either remain as it is or could be filled out or lengthened to any degree. Maybe your lady tv celebrity could be ,the now widow, of the toweled ghost, on her guilt-ridden annual pilgrimage to the hotel where he took his life, after finding her cheating on him with a man she picked up in the bar or maybe Dennis the hotel night porter 🤷🏼‍♂️, with the old long grey haired woman taking up residency at the hotel, waiting on the returning widow, who she blames for the death of her son and the murderous grief she's feeling... Hmmm 🤔

[@joereilly8028]

Thanks Jasper excellently written and read. A real halloween treat

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Great! Thank you Joe. Glad you liked it 👍

[@yesterdayitrained]

That was an incredible story- I have chills! The explanation for what the man saw made so much sense. That’s a rare thing- to make good sense out of odd events. You are an incredible, creative writer and narrator! TY!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you kindly 🙏

[@TheBlackDogChronicles]

I am guessing that a lot of people are going to be very happy that you are back. :) Predictably, KZbin has not notified me until now, so I am delighted that I have a few to catch up on. I am particularly happy to have originals to enjoy.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! Hey everyone! Huw's back too 👆. It's like 2022 all over again 😄. Check out his premiere at midnight: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGObg2aMd7WeY5Isi=z6hAIiF15Kjb1_nK

[@tonyeden8381]

I for one am beside myself that Jasper is back…….and back bigger and better he certainly is

[@violetfemme411]

Hi Huw!! I've missed you. Can't wait to listen to your creepy offering 🤡 It's not about clowns is it?

[@YvonneWilson312]

@@EnCryptedHorror More good news at a time when good news is desperately needed - very welcome indeed.

[@anneh4940]

It took half the story before I realized the significance of room 237. Great job, Jasper. Love the story and narration!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Anne! I was going to go more obscure and use the room number from the original book (which is 214 or 217 I think; see even I can't remember it 😄).

[@sybilmcpherson2240]

The pause and musical interlude before the final "im not Ian"...perfect!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Haha! Glad you liked it 😆

[@alwall3]

If you’re thinking about skipping the “PostMortem” after the story you will be very disappointed you missed Jasper singing “Thriller” accompanying himself on the piano I was shocked & awed It was so cool! Thank you for that little surprise ☺️

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're welcome 😊 Yes, stick around for the after-show fun, folks 🥳

[@maj0rsquish]

Yeah thriller was okay but the monster mash was superior

[@terryolsson4145]

Mr LeStrange, I thought Strange Bedfellows was an amazing story. I was transfixed. All your stories are read with such hauntingly air. Thank you. I fall asleep listening to your tales of wonderful horror.

[@kevinmortimer5681]

You're not only my favourite narrator, but you're an incredibly skilled and clever writer too. It's so good to have you back 👻👹😈🤡💀

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you Kevin. Very kind of you to say 👍

[@davidbailey4404]

I was feeling kind of blah on Hallowe'en. Trick-or-treaters never come to this neighborhood, they stick to the ones where they know they're going to get the biggest and highest- quality haul. I didn't have a party to go to, and bars on Hallowe'en are for the desperate, last time I was desperate enough to visit one. Then out of nowhere, this story. My thanks to you Jasper, you rescued my Hallowe'en! I was knocked out by the quality of the writing and the narration. You seriously undervalue your writing talents -- I'd rank your tale the highest among all the stories I heard this season. You're more than ready to "go pro". I got the closure I'd been seeking (without quite realizing that's what I was doing). Unexpectedly, it felt like Hallowe'en. (Also, I loved the piano and "not Ian" bit at the end.) at the end.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Ah, thanks David. I'm glad listening to this story helped alleviate the blah-ness 😊. We have swarms of trick or treaters where we are...lovely, greedy and often feral little monsters, some of whom are taller than me 🤔

[@Gurgamo]

I'm 41 and a half. Listened to this story in bed and COULD NOT SLEEP for another hour. Shaggy dog story?! This was existential terror sir! I loved it.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you Gurgamo! I'm glad you enjoyed, and apols for keeping you awake 😄

[@Gurgamo]

@@EnCryptedHorror Apology not accepted! I've been reading Lovecraft, Stephen King, and Christopher Pike since I was ten years old, and it's delightful to read a story that stays with you like this one. I consider you and your other guest authors to be in a genre I made up called "New Classic Horror." It's like we went pretty hard last decade with the alienation of Thomas Logotti, for example, and we're coming back to the borderlands where we're stepping one foot into the uncanny and trying not to fall all the way in.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

​@@GurgamoWhat a wonderful way to put it 👍

[@furrypurry]

A L'Estrange original! Look forward to this. Just what I need after a rubbish kinda day. Thank you Jasper ❤

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Do you know, I've had a s**t couple of days too! I share your pain 🙏 Happy Halloween 👻

[@stephaniestevenson6335]

After a neighborhood full of trick or treaters I finally get to listen to some real horror 😂. Thank you Jasper for my treat!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

We had a good few trick or treaters. There were two little kids with pretend axes in their heads. I asked if they had a splitting headache and they just said "No" 😄

[@stephaniestevenson6335]

@@EnCryptedHorror We actually got a plague doctor with the beak face mask and everything! It was awesome and imaginative for a pre-teen!

[@juliadia007]

I love your subtle social commentary. I got a big laugh at “Blood on Their Hands”-absolutely brilliant.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I've been trying to work that book title into one of my stories for ages 😄

[@juliadia007]

@@EnCryptedHorror it’s perfection! I don’t know why everyone isn’t cackling over it. I was thinking about it while driving today and was just cracking up.

[@evelanpatton]

How PERFECTLY LOVELY, a Jasper L’Estrange’s 🖤 〰️✍🏻on all Hollow’s. 🪄🕷️🕸️ GOOD & ghost-y! I READY DO SO ENJOY investing in a listen to one of your written stories. It’s fun to follow 🕷️your ink’s tail 🖤〰️➰🕸️ like Alice following the white 🌲🍄🦩🐛🐸🐽🎩🐭🫖🍰🕳️🐇rabbit down the tree well🪄🖼️🪆🪭. You are SO excellent at building such rich characters; you build their world with integrity, with a superb sense of editing your narratives. You keep the unnecessary out & just enough paint to give the environmental structure for our brains to paint in the rest. The action is direct & characterized by the story & the believable characters you create. When I think of characters that stand out, I often think of the character you created in your dinner party hostess, Xmas popper, cliff-hanger- she had elements of Virginia Wolf’s Mrs.Dalloway. 🕸️🦇🧟‍♂️ That’s one of my FAVORITE JAMs for HALLOWEEN! I used to call people & leave the Vincent Price intro to Thriller on people’s voice mails in my 20’s (GenXer, is I.) 🪭🪩🎼🎹 MONSTER MASH🧛🏼‍♂️ Thank you so much! No I’m going Easter egg hunting…that was tricky business move.📯📚📖🎉

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you Evelan. Someone reminded me about Agatha and the "Chance's Motto" story not so long ago, suggesting I should do another about her. I hadn't even thought of it til then...

[@frankedwards2784]

Thoroughly enjoyed this - a great yarn superbly read. Always enjoy Jasper's work. (P.S. keep pulling the teeth you're getting better and better at it with each story)

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Frank! Glad you liked it! Happy Halloween 💀

[@blixten2928]

I feel for you - a cold and broken laptop. But your exquisite narration, and a NEW ORIGINAL story: life is made more golden, even in dark sodden October. Quietly and sweetly spooky - and evocative. Wonderfully done. Thank you!!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you so much. I'm pleased you liked it 😊

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Great story and narration! Fantastic job writing this! I really like the story and how you put parts of your own real-life experiences into the story. That is really neat. As always, the background noise is fantastic! Good job!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you so much!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you so much!

[@brandonletzko4239]

Excellent story Mr. L' Estrange and your narration is riveting. I am...happy man.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Haha! I've running Denys's speech over in my mind for a few days. I'm glad it resonated 😆

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Well, you have come back with a vengeance! Great story. Thank you for sharing it with us. 💀👻🎃

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome! Happy Halloween, Rosie 🧛‍♂️

[@jenford7078]

Thanks!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks so much for the Super Thanks 🙏. Happy Halloween, Jen 🎃

[@dismith73]

I hope you still revisit your Biggles occasionally

[@stephaniestevenson6335]

This story is wonderful! Never saw any of it coming, totally original and one of my new favorites!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Glad you thought so! 😊

[@tonyeden8381]

Bloody good show L’Estrange……….excellently written yarn and exceedingly well told told Sir

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Tony! Glad you thought so. Happy Halloween 🎃

[@tonyeden8381]

@@EnCryptedHorror …….and to you Jasper and Co

[@springworksband7644]

Perfect ! Love your performances, especially love the ones written by the author. Outstanding !

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! Happy Halloween 🦇

[@rameyzamora1018]

& mad music too!! How can a listener be so lucky?

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Haha! Halloween is party time chez L'Estrange 😄 Happy Halloween, Ramey 🥳

[@samnelson2343]

What an halloween treat mr l'strange.... Especially your bonus material.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you Sam! Glad you enjoyed 👍

[@zettaidullahan5913]

This is incredibly funny while still being creepy, great work!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@JohnSmith-ek8rj]

I've been on a Jasper L'Strage bender this week. I've listened to every single story that you've posted on Podbay. Wonderful work. I'm a fan of old time radio and I think it's very cool that you are carrying on the tradition in a way. Just think, someone may be listening to your readings 50 or 100 years from now. My favorite episodes so far in no particular order: The Two Bottles of Relish by Lord Dunsany The Glass Eye by John Keir Cross Dear John by Rosalie Parker Brokehaven Lighthouse by M.R. Cosby One Who Saw by A.M. Burrage Revenge by Samuel Blas The Human Chair by Edogawa Ranpo The Man Who Liked Dickens by Evelyn Waugh Lost Keep by L.A. Lewis The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman The Waxwork by A.M. Burrage The Voice in the Night by William Hope Hodgson The Monkey's Paw by W.W. Jacobs The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell Beyond The Door by Paul Suter Ghost Walk by Jasper L'Estrange The Open Window by Saki, John Charrington's Wedding by E. Nesbit, and A Woman Seldom Found by William Sansom.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you John! You certainly have been busy. Nice to see some of my own favourites among your list. When I read your comment about old school radio drama, I thought "Yes! Someone gets me!" I get the odd complaint (not too many) from people who don't like the music or sound effects (or even the character voice "acting"). But there are loads of narrators out there doing the stories "straight". Me? I love all the whistles and bells 😄

[@lunaxx4119]

Nothing like horror with a bit of expertly done pathos :)

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! Happy Halloween 👻

[@leeverlander8053]

I'm really enjoying having you back and also the new post mortem videos. Musical skill on display too, a man of many skills..

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Jack of all trades... etc. 😁 Happy Halloween Lee! 🎃

[@mikefischbein3230]

Great story, perfectly narrated. Can't ask for a better Halloween treat!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Glad you think so! Happy Halloween 💀

[@kevinthomas4239]

Glad to see you back Jasper, currently listening by warm firelight with good drink in hand. Happy Halloween.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Firelight and a good drink sounds like bliss! Happy Halloween, Kevin 🎃

[@BitesizedAudio]

Hello Jasper, I very much enjoyed this, very well written and presented, and a good story. It rather reminded me of my experiences in touring theatre (I've not done a proper long tour for a few years now, but I used to enjoy it very much, each week a different town/city, arrive on Monday, leave on Saturday, just enough time to explore and get to know it), the train journeys and the ... er, variable... accommodation options. I've never been to Middlesbrough but Darlington just down the road I remember well, I had a haunted dressing room at the Civic Theatre. Anyway, I realise we must be of a similar vintage as I turn 50 later this month... and I empathise with so many of the sentiments you express here! Best wishes, Simon

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you for your kind comment, Simon! I'm glad, and not glad, that some of it resonated with you 😆. Funnily enough I'd been toying with a story about a haunted theatre a while ago. I bet you've got some great stories (ghost and otherwise) from being a touring actor! Anyway, it means a lot to get this feedback from you. And now Halloween's out of the way it's on to the proper spooky season...

[@mwmann]

Jasper, you're the best. I'm so glad you returned.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@libertycowboy2495]

Always feel like John Hurt is reading the tales. So good!❤

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Ah, always loved John Hurt... Happy Halloween 👻

[@libertycowboy2495]

​​@@EnCryptedHorrorand to you sir. Listening in Texas.

[@Gurgamo]

See, I rather think you sound like Richard Ayoade's slightly cooler older brother. In truth, I'm not entirely convinced you aren't him.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Him, or his brother? 😁

[@Gurgamo]

@@EnCryptedHorror I'll never tell!

[@hilaryeales1268]

Hello, Jasper, Happy Halloween, don't forget to brush your tegs, after all the sweeties.......looking forward to listening lata, mata x

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Someone take these Parma Violets away from me...

[@violetfemme411]

No words that others most likely have used before me. But another amazing piece of art from the genius of Jasper. Omg gotta look for that damn egg now! 💜

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I wouldn't go out of the way 😄. Happy Halloween Violet 🎃

[@violetfemme411]

@@EnCryptedHorror Happy Halloween "Jasper" 💜

[@violetfemme411]

I SAW it! And you look very handsome by candlelight 💜 btw..I love those stories, and your girls were AWESOME!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you!

[@violetfemme411]

@EnCryptedClassicHorror You are very welcome my friend 💜

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

I get you with the difficulty in moving characters from place to place in writing. I struggle with it (I am a fellow scribe, but of more modest qualities than yourself), especially writing it in alongside dialogue. I was told that if your character is getting dressed or leaving the house then that's exactly how you write it. Less is more. The reader doesn't need you to tell them what getting dressed or leaving the house is like; it's unnecessary detail. To be honest I heard no clunkiness in your story at all. Setting the story in its 'undisclosed location' helped build its almost queasy otherworldliness, although I would have still felt it had you actually said Middlesbrough (joke!) and your dialogue, especially the seduction scene, was slick AF👌 Lastly, I never thought I'd ever attend a Post Mortem, let alone enjoy it immensely. You sound such an endearing, quirky and creative soul, and including the girl looking for Ian at the end was sheer genius. ❤

[@CPWebster]

I don't often leave comments... just listen. But I have to say L'Estrange is simply superb as a narrator... thoroughly enjoyable. And what a story!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you so much! 👍

[@briangreen1781]

Your workplace sounds like it could be The Back Rooms.

[@ryanjohnson3615]

Wow that part in the elevator with the old lady was especially creepy. Awesome story, I enjoyed it a lot! Thanks Jasper.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@mijiyoon5575]

My Goodness Thank You *Jasper* did not expect this ... generous 😊

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you Miji 🙏

[@seriousoldman8997]

A splendid tale!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you kindly 🙏

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

Man its so great to have you back just was listening to the Mugwomp thats a great story with a bit of comedy

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Pageburner! Happy Halloween 🎃

[@alisonduffy6206]

Jasper! Your own stories are marvelous, even if you feel rushed and uninspired. I was quite creeped out by the hotel itself, which through the sound FX showed a fair bit of malevolence. Every appearance of the man in the towel was very suspenseful, and the old woman in the lift was the scariest of all. Perhaps she'll have her own story told one day. As for the Postmortem, I will try to find out the secret access to more... BRAVO again again. And I loved the dagger/arrow (have forgotten the exact implement) up the arras :)

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you Alison! Just catching up with replying to comments. Glad you liked the story 👍

[@JonathanGsReturn]

Mr. L'Estrange, for the life of me, I don't know why you somewhat lament your writing abilities (as you stated in the Strange Bedfellows 'Postmortem'). You're a brilliant writer. I only wish I had your literary abilities.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you for the Super Thanks! Perhaps all people write feel this way, but I often feel some of what I wanted to put across gets lost in translation, in the mechanics of writing the thing, getting from A to B etc. Luckily, I have people like you who are very kind in their feedback, to reassure me that the story has connected. It's actually the bonus of putting my work out like this: an audience response that you don't get with print.

[@denisepiekarski4159]

I loved this story. It kept me guessing. Thank you and Happy Halloween.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! Happy Halloween 🎃

[@heidimartin5070]

Thanks Jasper! Long time lurker here and this story was so awesome and enjoyable I want to commend your talents and effort. Excellent!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I love it when the lurkers finally step out of the shadows! 😄 Thank you, Heidi. Glad you liked it 😊

[@StephenSinclair-d6n]

Thanks for this Jasper. Brilliant.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Happy Halloween Stephen 🦇

[@StephenSinclair-d6n]

@@EnCryptedHorror you to.

[@MarcusMurray-k8n]

Thank you. I loved it and perfect halloween story.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks so much! Happy Halloween 👹

[@davidnoakes1434]

Another fine piece of work Jasper, don't know whether it's the cold but you seem to be channelling your inner Jack Hawkins - I keep expecting you to say "let go aft no. 1".A great story beautifully read, much appreciated.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Haha! It's the cold 🤧 but thanks for bringing up Jack Hawkins! Wonderful stuff 😊

[@bluegreenglue6565]

Thanks so much for this unique and skillfully constructed (and read) story. There is something about British prose that delivers a much more satisfying experience -- I don't know, perhaps it's that I grew up reading Tolkien and Wodehouse, then later shaped much of my own written (and verbal) style around Pratchett ...- I just prefer the soothingly grammatical, layered wit, dryness and darkness that I have only ever found with writers from across the pond. We in the States are taught that language is a chore and a bitter vegetable to be chopped up tiny and forced down in minimal bites. Anyway, thank you again for a chilling and enjoyable evening (I'm late for Halloween this year, but for good reasons).

[@EnCryptedHorror]

A bitter vegetable to be forced down in minimal chunks. I know exactly what you mean. I dislike that type of writing intensely, but I've seen it taught in some style guides.

[@csj9619]

Awesome story! I'd even go so far as to say it's the best one I've heard lately. Thank you.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome! It's always a relief when people like 'em 😊

[@barbarascott3231]

I hope you feel better soon! May the little folk visit and repair your laptop😊. Your perseverance is greatly appreciated ❤

[@EnCryptedHorror]

The little folk are taking their sweet time I must say...🥱😄

[@morticialechatnoir6884]

I loved this story! Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Room 237 the one in The Shining where Danny met the drowned woman?

[@EnCryptedHorror]

That's right. (217 in the bòok.)

[@alanjackson1691]

We need loads more to follow on from "A Meeting of Minds". A story so disturbing and strange that it deserves a follow up. Perhaps a 'prequel'? Just curious to know the extent of the horror visited on the unfortunates and where it went to from its close.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I always think of these stories as "one and done" but I've had a few requests for sequels to other stories (and now this one) so...never say never, I suppose 🤔

[@trevorthelen9231]

It took me a few days to get around to this but I'm so glad I did. I was so absorbed with the story all I could do was drink my tea and listen. Truly thought provoking Jasper!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Trevor! High praise indeed 👍

[@annetteeggett]

Am more in love than before ❤🎃👻 superb. Love your rambling at the end and your singing 😀 I’ll stop now until later xx

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Ramblers gotta ramble! I think I was a bit giddy with relief getting the story finished 😄. Happy Halloween 👻

[@PolarBear0]

You became 10x cooler when you showed off those piano skills!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Haha! I went to the Les Dawson school 😄 (especially if you heard the outtakes!)

[@rebeccalloyd6681]

I KNOW that hotel carpet of the snakes! Brilliant story, Jasper. 🎉❤

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you Rebecca! Glad you thought so 🙏❤️

[@tonyinit8488]

Tremendous Jasper thank you. Loved that story. What talents you process. 👏

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Tony! Glad you enjoyed 🙏

[@Story-Voracious66]

Okay third time's a charm... I've been trying to thank you since 12.00 pm yesterday ( Australian Summer time ), but have been hampered by several embuggerances along the way. Sketchy internet connection, old tech, and general middle aged commitments. "Le" Strange Bedfellows. Brilliant on the fly; don't sell yourself short. The charm of it is that it actually rang true in so many ways. I'm convinced that we have a 'Stone Tape'esque ghost on our stairs and the house is only 40 years old. Your story gave me with Michael Marshall Smith vibe. Fresh in a world of plum cake Victoriana. Thank you. Keep up the good work. Loved the "Monster Mash" btw.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you. I'm taking "embuggerances" btw 😆

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I've never read any M M Smith. Anything you'd recommend?

[@Story-Voracious66]

What You Make It, from 1999 was his first book. A compilation of short stories. I loved it because it was a real departure at the time from everything else on offer. Fresh. And please use embuggerance, it was a gift from Sir Pterry, and I'd love to hear it enter the English language. It fits so many situations.

[@alisonduffy6206]

What a marvellous word! I will now adopt embuggerances and use it daily, across the ditch in kiwiland :)

[@Story-Voracious66]

Sweet az. I love chillibin.

[@chudsly]

Well done

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@GRAYR189]

Jasper, that was an amazing story. The ending was poignant, and truly touching. It was a delightful story. Thank you for sharing it

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're welcome! So pleased to hear you liked it 🙏

[@jared1870]

Thank you for another L'Estrange classic. I thought it was a story out of your life but then realized you shared your real story at the end, thank you. Writing is hard, unless you choose to use AI but that shows because AI generated material lacks soul. I'll probably listen to your ghost walk and the one of the recluse who gets trick-or-treaters unexpectedly one night. And please don't give into that annoying face reveal. Every channel people beg in the comments to see the creator's face, as if that has anything to do with the content created. I have concluded that people who need a face reveal want to be reassured that their investment in cucumbers was worth it. Happy Halloween 👻👽🤡💀👿☠!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

There won't be any such reveal until we reach 100 Million Subs 💀

[@sueatkinson3553]

Loved it, especially the Paul McCartney impression 🤪

[@EnCryptedHorror]

​@@sueatkinson3553👍👍

[@spews1973]

Sorry I'm late. Wow! That was excellent! Room 237 and a garish carpet. I see what you did there! Shades of M.R. James. The matter of fact ending (sometimes an old woman is just an old woman and your delicious tuna sandwich arrives) reminded me of W. Somerset Maugham's "The Man with the Scar". And using a real Biggles book title was a nice touch. I just turned 50 at the end of August, and so far, I'm loving it. But thank you for reminding me to take my tablets.

[@allysonlewis1576]

Strange bedfellows was excellent.thank you so much great story great narration.

[@user-Tn2Dn]

I’ve listened to this multiple times and like it more every time even though I know what’s coming. It’s a perfect suspense story, perfectly edited and narrated. I love it. ❤

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@SandyBrrr]

I love the honesty of your writing. I always feel like I know the characters. ❤ Somehow even in the most poignant moments you make me laugh. And I love the Room 237..... 😂😂😂😂

[@mahoganyeclipse3909]

Yay! In time for Halloween

[@EnCryptedHorror]

It had to be done 🫡

[@YvonneWilson312]

Really enjoyed this story (and the musical interludes!). It was so full of suspense! I thought the old lady was... something other than what she was (no spoilers!) and I initially supposed that our protagonist had caught sight of himself in a mirror and did not recognise his ageing self. I remember my brother showing me some photographs he had taken at a family event and thinking that everyone looked amazing - but who was that older woman standing next to my husband? Sigh.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Yvonne. Glad you enjoyed. I try not to avoid photographs for the same reason, and if I have to be in them, to make a point of never looking at them 😆

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Scratching my brain now... Has there been a story or film like that? Where the character doesn't recognise their aged self?

[@YvonneWilson312]

@@EnCryptedHorror I have been thinking about that now that you've mentioned it and can't think of one thus far. Will keep digging...!

[@caroleastwood9386]

Marvellous Jasper. And SO amusing. Thank You

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed 😁

[@woolybullybananapeel8642]

Hope you and your family had a Happy Halloween! Love that you chose your own work for your Halloween special! Looking forward to the after party postmortem. Thank you for keeping me in my happy spooky place all year round! 🎃👻👹🤡………and cheers 🍻 to being middle aged 😁

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Yes, we ended up having a very nice Halloween, thank you 😊. And thank you so much for the Super Thanks. It's so generous 🙏 Cheers 🍻

[@quinnoshaughnessy]

speaking of careless youth, i've experienced a similar thing. when i was younger, i would step aside for older people as they passed me by. today? do i get the same courtesy? nope. kids even ride up behind me or in front of me on bicycles -- the electric ones, now, in this day and age -- and just go whizzing on by. seems to me that if you're on a bike and you see some one walking towards you, you should stop and wait until the other person passes you, then go on your way. but they don't; they just keep going along. and if some one on a bike is coming up from behind you, they may say some thing to let you know they're there, but they don't have the courtesy to slow down as they pass you. they just go on by really fast. i dunno. just how it is, i guess.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Where I live it can feel a bit like Mad Max sometimes with huge convoys of e-scooters and e-bikes coming after you 😱

[@quinnoshaughnessy]

@@EnCryptedHorror may be a Jasper L'Estrange original horror story involving e-scooters and e-bikes with discourteous kids (or young adults) riding them could be in the making? like, may be they go whizzing past the wrong person who finds a way of exacting his revenge against them, per haps through magical means? ; D

[@seanmurphy6480]

OH YES, TOP WORK JASPER CLASSIC WELL DONE SIR THANKS .HOPE YOUR WELL 🥸👍

[@EnCryptedHorror]

As well as can be expected 🤔. Happy Halloween, Sean! 👻 Glad you enjoyed.

[@Jonanny1]

Really liked the Bedfellows story, and enjoyed your post chat here thank you 😊 I was thinking, that even though Dennis allayed any dis ambiguity about the aged woman in the lift, a good end twist could be if she walked through the lobby and literally through the outside door, melting through it so to speak, but not before turning to you and giving you a solemn glare first ! :) What do you think? It is my birthday today today, and I am ill so have spent the day recuperating in bed, how apt to listen to Strange Bedfellows ! Thanks so much for all you upload, I really look forward to all of your stories :) Joanna in West Yorkshire

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Joanna! Yes, that could have worked, couldn't it? Ghost or not, she must have a story to tell. Happy Birthday for yesterday btw 🥳 Hope you feel better soon 😷

[@Jonanny1]

Yes, her story :) Thank you Jasper :) @@EnCryptedHorror

[@tonyeden8381]

Had to throw a few more bits of feedback at you my good man You look exactly as I expected but minus the fleur de lys encrusted silk smoking jacket and cheroot ensconced in an ebony cigarillo holder Growing older gets to a point where you just DGAF whether teenagers abuse you and you start pulling them behind you in the queue by their hair. I’m working away in Middlesbrough right now……..I come from a dreary ex mining town in the north west but this place really is the pits Come on……..what job gives you free reign of rooms containing pianos ? You really are a dark horse old bean………you’re really good at tickling those ivories and not a bad vocal accompaniment either……👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Haha! Thanks Tony. So I haven't misremembered Middlesbrough then? That really was a dark night of the soul for me. I did Darlington the same week 😔

[@colemarie9262]

Wonderful job!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you 👍

[@DanHunterSportsWriter]

Jasper, listening to your postmortem I had to smile when you said you'd set it in Middlesbrough. I'm from that area, and there is indeed the odd juxtaposition of one of the bleakest areas in Britain that nevertheless has some half decent four star hotels. I've actually stayed in a few - back in the days when I worked on the doors and when men actually took the art of womanising seriously - and they are exactly as you described them! Often it would feel like we were the only people in the entire hotel, while beyond the hotel was only darkness and silence! Good job we were too drunk to care!!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Dan. I never like to run anyone's town down but I'm harsh on the seaside place I grew up in and can't find many kind words about the city I dwell in now 😆. But the trip that inspired this story stuck with me for all the wrong reasons. It's reassuring (and also not reassuring) that you and others have commented to suggest my impressions were not ill-founded. From what I've read online it sounds like things haven't got better in the intervening years 😔

[@DanHunterSportsWriter]

@@EnCryptedHorror "The Boro" is a dump!! Even people who love the place would agree!

[@tomion65]

Excellent!!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you 🙏

[@mariapurves179]

Top notch ghost story - loved it - thank you!

[@mereditheve7895]

So lovely to have you back in my feed. Thank you for another wonderful original narration!!!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome! Thank you Meredith!

[@SC-jh9qp]

Wonderful stuff Jasper, the scene with MJ's ghost was terrifying! 😮❤

[@EnCryptedHorror]

😆

[@samanthabaker964]

Wonderful as always my good sir.!!

[@hindleygj]

Exxxxxxcellent....

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Happy Halloween, George 👻

[@clare218]

Thanks Jasper,

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome 🙏

[@seanmurphy6480]

THE MASH 😊LATER GAITOR👍

[@janetfountain1971]

Now I'm looking forward for your Christmas story. You are a really good writer and a wonderful story teller. You bring life to all of the players in the stories which you narrate . Thank you

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you Janet. Yes...really need to start thinking about Christmas...🤔

[@heather.k]

I love your own work ❤ it was great to hear your post mortem too, who knew that you could play the piano? You'd make a very interesting dinner party guest ❤ When your colleague came in at the end I got very strong Papa Lazarou vibes 😂

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Haha! Soon be time for my annual rewatch of the LOG Christmas special! 🎅 Actually might be the second time I've tickled the ivories on here. Had to do the ventriloquist dummy's song for "The Glass Eye" 👁

[@heather.k]

@@EnCryptedHorror I'd forgotten about The Glass Eye, I'm going to have to add it to my list to re listen. You don't half lead me down temptation alley 🤣

[@LorieM1209]

Well written, good story! Thank you Jasper ❤

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! Really glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@BertieShaul-mn4qc]

Thank you for the wonderful story Jasper ❤️ 😊

[@jentinkers1316]

What an amazingly brilliant story!! Thank you so much for such a treat! You are so very talented!!

[@hathorearthfyre]

That was SO good! Thank you!!! 😻

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome 😊

[@rebeccastanhope3989]

Loved the story. Thank you for a lovely hour.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome. Glad you enjoyed.

[@andreac5724]

Love your story

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I'm glad to hear it! Thank you Andrea 🙏