"Stranger at Dusk" / A Rare Weird Tale by Malcolm Murchie

"Stranger at Dusk" is a short story by the little-known author, Malcolm Kenneth Murchie. The story, which first emerged in the November 1949 edition of Weird Tales, follows the plight of a small boy who is visited by a mysterious stranger in black.
00:00 - Introduction
00:47 - Stranger at Dusk
42:29 - Further Listening
Bandcamp link: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com/alb...
Narrated by Ian Gordon for HorrorBabble
Music and production by Ian Gordon & Jennifer Gill
Image by cocoparisienne:
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[@rbtmdl]

I was rewatching a Bones episode. The dead guy's name was Warren. They said several times that "Warren is dead." I laughed my ass off. "You Fool! Warren is dead!" I screamed. My wife didn't know what the joke was.

[@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves]

Naw, I'm still here -- Warren!

[@violetfemme411]

This was lovely. From one who lost her well beloved only child, I'd like to think he's in caring hands until we are together again ❤🙏

[@hyperelliptik]

How has this story become forgotten in time? It could well be up there with the classics for how good and unique it is on so many levels. I really want to read more from Murchie now.

[@mauricedavis2160]

What a great tale, I'm interested in reading more of this authors work for sure!!!🙏👌👻❣️

[@candylickerman]

Àaaàaaaaaaaàaaaaaaàaaaaa

[@FIONA21ful]

Ahhhh Wonderful story, we do love a compassionate, patient & vengeful deity tale dont we! The glorious satisfaction on hearing the baddies receive their come-uppance and knowing it was a terrifyingly painful just desserts ... always the sweeter too when it is a divine retribution balancing the scales in favour of the righteous.

[@rneustel388]

Aww...it finally had a beautiful ending. Sometimes death gives the greater peace.

[@hellodave1168]

Highly unusual behavior from the tall stranger, can't recall ever having read anything quite like this. Beautifully written. Thank you.

[@Annapurna818]

His name is Death.

[@joz6683]

Justice at last. A dark tail with a happy ending of sorts. Well executed as always, thanks to all concerned.

[@wjr4700]

LOVE the description of the stranger too tall for this dimention.

[@BloobleBonker]

An absolute beauty of a story. A happy ending too!

[@jaceek2030]

One does so love a nice ending. After all, as my Nan used to say, "He who dances must pay the fiddler.".

[@chrisu7022]

The perfectest words for such a story. I cant think of anything better.

[@earthcat]

Rather!

[@jeremygriffin620]

By God, the only friend to a small child is that one, the "tall friend" and an old lady. I love that Murchie never spells it out, I loved it all the more. I waited through the whole thing, knowing! I was both hoping and hoping not to hear the identity of the "tall friend" and my heart was pleased he never named him.

[@Kate0603]

Yes, but we know the identity of the “tall friend” without having it spelt out, because, sooner or later, we will all encounter him. May that meeting be as peaceful and calm as the little boy’s rendezvous.

[@bidoofmania]

Right at the halfway point I already knew who the tall friend was and still listened to it all the way. The author is good at never really outright revealing his identity and I'm happy about that.

[@justicepie314]

What a bittersweet tale. Good one!

[@susanhepburn6040]

What a brilliant story! Both tragic and beautiful deeply moving. Thank you very much.

[@ericdoran24]

That was wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing .

[@joangoldsmith3999]

I absolutely loved this story. Beautifully read and wonderfully written. ❤

[@slewis9602]

A sadly wonderful story. 👍

[@afUndefined]

such incredible balance of horror heartbreak and triumph. absolutely incredible

[@bitters879]

I just made a fresh cup of coffee too! What excellent timing!

[@justicepie314]

Mentions of tea or coffee get an automatic 'like' from this group. But we strongly advise against any aniseed cafetières.

[@theangriestcatintheworld]

@@justicepie314 Ahahaa. Indeed!!

[@beautifulblackbeauty8641]

I just discovered this channel. Fabulous. The reader's vocal abilities are perfect. Wonderful collection of stories.Thank you!

[@HorrorBabble]

Welcome!

[@etinarcadiaego7424]

I listen this channel every once in a while to find out whether or not Warren is still dead.

[@matbroomfield]

My elderly mother would really appreciate that story. She loves children and feels so incredibly protective towards them that I'm certain she'd give her life in an instant to protect a child like that.

[@raphthecollector3824]

Very sad dark story. Lovely narrating as always!

[@MrsCaranAmy]

That was a brilliant story and you made it so enjoyable by an excellent narration. For me it was emotional and had a great plot. Thank you. Have a splendid day💖

[@donaldmccleary9015]

This story is fantastic! My goodness, more people need to read or listen to this one! The "Stranger" is awesome. Great plot and ending! Actions have consequences. Great job, and thanks! Masterfully written and read!

[@rattyrachel4316]

Dark and lovely. Would like more by this author, as well as the narrator. Thank you!

[@suedavenport7793]

What a lovely, totally absorbing offering this morning over my hot chocolate (it’s snowing outside, lol). Thank you SO much, Ian

[@AcornElectron]

Not dead... just hibernating until spring. He’s a creature of strange habits. Keep up the good work fella and stay safe.

[@bobdrooples]

Beautifully resolved.

[@DaleRibbons]

That was simply excellent! I had never heard of this story before, and I'm glad you brought it to my attention.

[@davidwhite7294]

This is one of the darkest stories you,ve done. The stranger is obviously death, who watches mans inhumanity to man and waits to collect all the souls at once.

[@alicecaulfield1012]

Never heard of this author, but what s wonderful story! Thank you for this!

[@anneinnes5691]

Absolutely brilliant story!

[@parkeaudio1338]

I've been listening to the spotify podcast, I much prefer it to KZbin. The only positive side to being here on youtube is the community and ability to share thoughts, and converse with everyone.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks for checking the podcast out, Corey!

[@parkeaudio1338]

@@HorrorBabble I am really enjoying it, very streamlined and organized. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@David_Tomlinson]

This Warren, Lad. Takes some hammer. Week in, week out. 😃💀

[@brianmarsden3660]

Haha you fool😉 he does but he's dead i don't think that he will mind

[@Eris123451]

And strange to tell and as far anyone knows; those were the last words ever written by Brian Marsden, for he was never heard from again.

[@clare218]

thank you so much. Very much enjoyed.

[@MSYNGWIE12]

You folks always have such appropriately creepy illustrations- very, very, captivating, most evocative- like H Fuseli's The Nightmare- no matter how old I get, no matter how often I glance at or study it, a disquieting feeling, cold fear comes over me. Very nice job by the illustration department. Namaste from Canada

[@cnkclark]

I do not fear that Warren is dead - I fear the day that he might return. 💀 What an excellent story. Not only is well-deserved vengeance delivered from beyond the grave, but so too is peace and happiness in a kind old lady's last moments. Wickedness punished and kindness repaid, it's delicious and balanced like a good breakfast.

[@jctrevi89]

Listening to this was akin to getting beat up in boxing ring for 11 rounds and pulling a W out in the 12th. Beautiful work, Ian

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks as always, my friend! Ian

[@raylauderback5126]

An excellent story, well told!

[@spiderblackwidow8747]

A wonderful sad tale 😢

[@robbabcock_]

What a wonderful tale!

[@christopherharmon2433]

Nice to know that Warren is still not with us...

[@iluvknitting1965]

A very sad, but sweet story. Great narration, too.

[@adelemarieish]

This is a beautiful story, and those who deserved it got their just desserts.

[@jeffashley5512]

I'm here!!! Ready...let's go!!!

[@theangriestcatintheworld]

Meow too! >

[@terrybeal2252]

Wow! What an awesome story. Fantastic reading as usual.Thanks for sharing this grim tale of justice. 💀

[@izzylewis3998]

Excellent story really good

[@troymclure8330]

Alas, if only the world we occupy were as just in its punishment of the wicked.

[@lonapopoki1181]

when Our sky is inky, speckle starred chance to see Hereafter's Registrar

[@hannahcarmichael]

This was wonderful! Enjoyed this one so much!

[@lordtachanka903]

Been a while since I’ve stopped by but this reading is just as good if not better than what I remembered of your previous work

[@0therun1t21]

That hit the spot, great job yet again!

[@Kikilang60]

Thank you. It's always appealing to the reader to have the dead avenge the injustice visted appund them. Still those stories leave a sour taste in one's mouth. If the dead, and other helps could gain justice, for the harm visited to them, we would live in paradise. Worst yet inhumanity is a forced spectator's sport, for those who are powerless. It's up to those who can act, to do so. It's good to know, death avenges us all.

[@SixTough]

So well written, truly masterful

[@paulbishop3418]

Great story! And perfectly narrated as always.

[@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves]

My, what a haunting & touching story -- Warren, who may be dead, but still feels!

[@askwhy2030]

Loved this!! Thanks!!

[@baruchben-david4196]

Wonderful story. Thank you.

[@jbos5107]

You made me cry.

[@micahfoley9572]

Classic.

[@CarlotaZimmerman]

Fantastic!

[@jannetteberends8730]

A wonderful story. Although everybody is dead in the end.

[@johnwesch5926]

Great. Just great.

[@dexterisabo3137]

Great story

[@Set666Abominae]

And in an alternate universe, little Harold became Prime Minister! (Non-U.K. people might be amused to learn a Mr. Harold Wilson was Labour Prime Minister for multiple terms in the 1960s and 1970s, succeeded by follow Labour Prime Minister James Callaghan, in turn succeeded by Conservative Margret Thatcher)

[@theangriestcatintheworld]

Ay yup!! Ready, steady, listen!! (Excited meows) >

[@vgclairisch]

Damn, the onion-cutting ninjas have found their way back into my house!

[@mauricedavis8261]

👏Bravo👏👍😷

[@brianmarsden3660]

Oh yeah

[@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves]

Rumors of my death have been somewhat exaggerated. Warren

[@vivanecrosis]

Have you got merch for Warren? That would be cool. I feel he has become a meme, going off the comments. Warren would be proud.

[@ImCarolB]

I'd buy Warren merch!

[@HorrorBabble]

Soon, Alex!

[@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves]

@@HorrorBabble -- If there's Warren merch, I want my cut of the action! Warren

[@feralbluee]

horrible story with very deserved retribution and peace.

[@Bbergster]

Ah, yes. Case of the killer karma Chameleon. Everyone deserves their just desserts. Cold, clammy, death by the lizard of vengeance. Then back to his deep, dark, subterranean digs.

[@nancyM1313]

🖐😙❤

[@onemoreday1550]

I would like to go with the friend

[@popevimtoripkeefhappysackXXX]

Nyarlathotep

[@Devon_maloy]

Legend, Buddha died lying on his side

[@Sailontodawn]

I would give it a thumbs up...but then it would be 667 likes. 666 is more fun for Horror!

[@Varallisuus]

voz de mmmm

[@MisterZimbabwe]

Why was calling child services never an option?

[@guy-louiscolinet8570]

You should work with your voice.. great story's probably. But your reading is not captivating, not sincere. I don't believe it. Work it I say, this is honest criticism. You can do with it what you want. Good luck! 👍

[@lisawhite-pagano3455]

He’s literally the best narrator for gothic stories on KZbin.

[@shollister3009]

I feel the exact opposite.

[@blixten2928]

Odd and vague advice. It's a question of style and taste; but also of the beauty of the voice, its cadence and intonation. Which in this case is beautiful...

[@cobrachicken07]

Naw, I disagree with you. Ian is excellent - easily the best horror narrator on KZbin.

[@Bbergster]

Get a load of this guy! What precisely is the problem..... pitch.... timbre.... tempo? Thought the trump diministration proved honesty is NOT the best policy..... Sincerely, More-Expert Thanu.

[@user-bg3tn4xv3i]

What a remarkable story! Well read, Ian.