The Blue Cross | A Father Brown story by G. K. Chesterton | A Bitesized Audio Production

[@ClipperHorizon]

"How in blazes do you know all these horrors?" cried Flambeau. The shadow of a smile crossed the round, simple face of his clerical opponent. "Oh, by being a celibate simpleton, I suppose," he said. "Has it never struck you that a man who does next to nothing but hear men's real sins is not likely to be wholly unaware of human evil?" Pure gold. I love Chesterton's writing so much!

[@deloreslowndes762]

I have read and/or listened to this story many times and I will many times again...dear old Father Brown.

[@nickybaker1338]

Fantastic! Second time listening - even better this time. I can't contain the giggles at the indignant Valentine's exclamations & irritation; I wear ear buds & my family look askance at me snorting with unrestrained laughter, shoulders shaking. Thank you!!!! 😂☺️

[@borneoorchid]

there are other people reading audio books on KZbin but this is my favorite voice amongst them all!

[@joehockley2610]

This guys really good but you I guess you haven't listened to Greg wagland he's the G.O.A.T magpie audio check him out if you haven't get back to me in about a week and tell me who you think is better honestly, they're both really good but just check him out you won't regret it I can't listen to anyone else read Sherlock Holmes he's killing Cumberbatchs reading of SH

[@binkybunnysway943]

Mine too this is perfect!

[@kirpalani-griffin3706]

I am neither blue nor cross for spending an hour of my Christmas enjoying this great writing and great reading. Thank you!

[@yo9979]

😂

[@pauliewogmastercertifiedli535]

Thank you! Thank you! I really enjoyed my "dumpling faced" Father Brown. The way your voice inhabits each character always amazes me. Each character is unique and well defined through the transformation of your voice. Looking forward to listening to the rest of these. I hope you continue to add more Father Browns.

[@scathatch]

A delightful story delightfully rendered. Thankyou.

[@susangordon1157]

Father Brown is such a delightful character and I tend to believe, so is our wonderful narrator! Thank you Simon! ❤

[@NannyOggins]

This story was new to me though I had believed I had heard or read all the Father Brown tales. Thank you very much indeed.

[@PHUSriRanjit]

Pls do this series completely. It's a request

[@MajorDan1138]

Brilliant narrative performance! BRAVO! Thank you!

[@WadeWeigle]

Hahahaha! That’s the best story I’ve heard thus far! Very enjoyable. I’m still smiling while writing this. It’s a dogged shame Father Brown never became famous. Thank you kindly for sharing this. It was most enjoyable.

[@rachelstubbs1293]

I love the way you read Father Brown stories!! Thank you so much.

[@lindachristianson196]

I really appreciate that your videos do not have ads. 🌹

[@jonshepherd2550]

I tried reading some father brown books years ago but found it dull but you have really brought it to life for me... I'm truly grateful

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Jon, that's great to know. Thanks for listening, glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonshepherd2550]

@@BitesizedAudio no thank you for enlightening me

[@wrcnkk]

That's great! I really really thank you so much! He's my favourite one!

[@123justbeingme123]

Pure enjoyment. Thanks for uploading.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome. Thanks Bill

[@KimmieSunshine]

I absolutely love these stories and your narration!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thanks Kim!

[@jaceek2030]

You have the best reading voice. I almost feel as if I'll be hearing the Town Crier and, "Hear ye, hear ye.." outside my home whilst listening to your narrations. Thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you, very kind!

[@marilynhaverly570]

I love hearing you read Father Brown stories! And all the other stories, too.

[@bluemoyie8618]

Another excellent narration by Simon Stanhope. Thank you, sir.

[@martiwilliams4592]

Just what I needed to cheer me up! Thank you! Love your narration and dialects!

[@sheilahay3370]

Enjoyed this story, loved listening to this voice behind the storyline making it more realistic to me whilst doing light household duties. Keep it up this is better than some tv programmes and love listening whilst out walking the dog on a dismay day it keeps the spring in my step

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Sheila, will do my best to keep it up! Appreciate your comments and feedback

[@vanessamay3689]

Similar listener here from New Zealand.🇳🇿

[@KiKiabout]

Excellent... Thank you!

[@marvinlittman1096]

Thank you so much for reading these stories. Your performance is excellent and I really appreciate it. I am very grateful to you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Marvin, appreciate your kind comments!

[@nickybaker1338]

Magnifique! Thank you Simon! 😊

[@lizday8140]

I enjoyed this so much a few months ago that I had to return and listen a second time. (Hope you are enjoying your Holiday!) Funny that the author reversed the most logical order of the animals @ 5:20. I thought it should have been, "...any more than a giraffe could be disguised as a cat", given that it would surely have been even more difficult to make a large thing appear small - and that Flambeau, himself, was so tall.

[@feralbluee]

one of my very favorite stories i’ve listened to - more than twice. especially the way you read it. thank you much :) 🌷✨

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, good to know that - and I'm glad to say I'm working on another Father Brown story for the next upload (at the weekend, all being well...). Thanks for your kind words Alexa

[@42NORRIS]

Sir,can we have some more please!

[@BitesizedAudio]

More very nearly on the way.... currently working on the next Father Brown story, 'The Secret Garden', and hoping to upload it by the weekend... Thanks for your support!

[@heenanyou]

Would you like another bowl of gruel"

[@Bambisgf77]

So good to hear your voice again! 🥳 Bedtime story!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Lovely to hear from you Felene, I hope you're keeping well.

[@jctrevi89]

“Disappeared like a fairy” I’ll be using this as a prime insult from now on

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful. I wonder what reaction you'll get....

[@kirpalani-griffin3706]

It seems unlikely you will have any good reason to use the term, however.

[@jonshepherd2550]

I hope you are capable of defending yourself lol

[@bobbeyderbrain]

It's 2021 not 1821. 😉

[@bonniebarbee7984]

I am ever so delighted to have found your site. It has and will give hours of escaping the difficult process I’m going through with cancer . Thank You 🙏 so much and Please add more, or let me know where I can get more episodes other than You Tube . God Bless .

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for your kind words Bonnie. I'm really glad if the stories are of some help to you in difficult times. I shall certainly keep adding more as often as I can. At the moment, they're mostly all on KZbin - I do have one collection of short stories on Audible (Round the Fire Stories, by Arthur Conan Doyle), about half of which are also on this channel, but there are a few exclusive to Audible in that collection. I hope to add more to Audible in the months ahead. All best wishes to you, take care

[@rodneyhatch56]

Simon breathes life into words scratched on clay.

[@nataliegouge1534]

Thank you for this! SO helpful for school!

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome! How wonderful to be reading Chesterton / Father Brown at school ... I wish I had!

[@andygaines9686]

An excellent reading, thank you,

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Andy, appreciated

[@daygoncornhole2395]

Simon you truly are a magician with words!!!!

[@BitesizedAudio]

@Daygon Cornhole Thank you kindly!

[@fiftysomething7199]

Well done and thank you again. 2nd one of yours today.

[@eddiemunster2196]

5/9/21 No. # 2 Of Father Brown And, thank you once again !

[@junestanich7888]

You are the best narrator!

[@babybooandherhumandeb3188]

Thank you

[@ddw9415]

"[It was one of those journeys in which..] ..must have come to the end of the universe, and then finds he has only come to the beginning of Tufnell Park..". Thanks.

[@BitesizedAudio]

That's a lovely line, isn't it - quintessential Chesterton, wonderful writing. Thanks DDW

[@CharlieOkeson]

You mentioned last week that this is the first Father Brown story. which one is second? and will you do all of them? and say which one is which? as it turns out, I've been waiting for them in order, and it's because of your post last week that I am starting with the first and not the middle. Thank you so much for all the work you put into your channel. It's my bedtime treat: I'm an insomniac who looks forward to bedtime, thanks to you and a very few other similar story tellers. It truly is an art, and you, sir, are an artist.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Very kind of you to say so Charlie, thank you! The second and third Father Brown stories to be published were 'The Secret Garden' and 'The Queer Feet', which I've not recorded yet but hope to soon. I recorded 'The Invisible Man' (the fifth story I think) earlier this year as a stand-alone as it was one of the ones which stayed with me many years after first reading it, and it has turned out to be one of the most listened-to stories on the channel which has prompted me to go back and do more. I chose 'The Blue Cross' as it is a great introduction to the character but also introduces Flambeau (who appears in many subsequent stories as a reformed thief who assists Father Brown) as well as Valentin, who re-appears in 'The Secret Garden'. In terms of the best order to read / hear them in... I'd say that after the first three or so, the order doesn't especially matter (much as the Sherlock Holmes stories can really be read in any order you like). I certainly hope to record several more of them, however after 'The Queer Feet' I don't want to commit to doing them strictly in order - not least because, as is often the case with a series like this, some stories are stronger than others and there are several gems from later in the series which I'd love to do. Also, of course, I want to keep reading a variety of authors and styles within the "mystery and suspense" genre - I have quite a long list of requests building up now - including potentially some of Chesterton's non-Father Brown stories. So many wonderful stories, too little time at the moment! But I'll do my best. Thanks so much for listening, and for your very kind feedback

[@CharlieOkeson]

@@BitesizedAudio Excellent! Thank you for your concise and informative reply. I see your point about the latter stories of a certain character, even author; thanks for taking the time to explain your reasons why, as well. I agree, and basically just wanted to be properly introduced to characters and authors. I can tell that I am in good hands with Bitesized Audio Classics. Thank you so much, and take good care of yourself, Charlie Brown Okeson

[@catharine1877]

I love Chesterton and I love to hear you read these books! Thank you so much. ♥️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Catharine. Yes, I enjoy reading Chesterton too, such wonderful writing

[@crystalclear6864]

Just found this collection👌👌👌been listening to his mystery/ ghostvstories series👌👌👌

[@mariameere5807]

1000 thank yous And blessings! love it love it love it!🦋💎🦋

[@alhilford2345]

Thank you. Very well done. I hope you will give us more Chesterton.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes, I certainly hope to. Thanks for listening

[@ChristopherStump]

Another classic. You put such an amazing amount of life into these stories, Simon. Have you ever considered doing anything from M. R. James or H. Russell Wakefield? I think you would perform them beautifully.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Christopher. I have done a couple of M. R. James stories recently - A Warning to the Curious and The Tractate Middoth kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4mtk559hrt4i7s kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYC0c5iEd7Wan7s I'd like to do H. Russell Wakefield but unfortunately his work isn't in the public domain as he only died in 1964 (under UK law copyright remains until 70 years after the author's death)... But I've several more James stories on the list for future recordings, so do stay tuned! Thanks so much for listening and for your kind support and feedback.

[@danielwage5595]

Wow, what a wholesome ending.

[@marvfj6451]

This was the first story in which Father Brown encounters Flambeau, the beginning of a long friendship!

[@nannybibb-fee8232]

I am SO fond of Father Brown and am in LOVE with -just about- anything you narrate, that I am ready for this and MORE! MORE! blessings on you, Simon❗❤🐾🌵💚🌵❗

[@BitesizedAudio]

That's wonderful to know Nanny, thank you for your kind words. More Chesterton to come...

[@cherylbrooks7005]

Nice narration. ❤

[@bobnewmanknott3433]

Thank you so much for making my Sunday evening perfect yet again, What a pleasure to listen to your wonderful narration, its a joy RNK

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Bob, much appreciated

[@meorthejob]

This was great!

[@robertwalker6584]

I don't know what would be worse just going to jail or getting the lecture and going to jail? This was a good one thank you

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Robert

[@maryrichards8086]

Thank you Simon:) 👍👍👍

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for listening Mary

[@audiogasmicxo]

thank you! loved it! 💕

[@montiemehsling2992]

Most enjoyable.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Montie. Lovely to hear from you, I hope you're well

[@dolphins3291]

"Awesome!! Really good storytelling..." -- My Dad's review after listening. 😄

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of him to say so! Thanks to you and your dad for the feedback

[@dolphins3291]

@@BitesizedAudio 😄😊😊

[@kkjhn41]

Of course Father Brown leaves out of his explanation that he was purposely setting a trap for Flambeau when Valentin first saw him letting all and sundry know he had a valuable object on him. How he knew Flambeau was in England and set out to capture him and also knew who Valentin was and enticed him along because only Valentin could or would follow the clues he left as a trail. Valentin must have realized this because there was no surprise on his part when Father Brown announced the presence of two policeman and the greatest detective in Europe behind the tree. He would for some reason like to give the impression that he only realized that Flambeau was a thief when he met him and tested his theory but still didn't know the thief was Flambeau which he obviously knew all along.

[@PhilowenAster]

Actually, Father Brown wasn't intentionally starting out to set a trap for Flambeau. He probably had no doubt, after seeing Valentin there, that Flambeau was probably somewhere in England, too...and started it by telling folk about the silver cross. (In a counter-intuitive way, that was taking care of it: he could see who suddenly looked too interested, and could know who to look out for.) Flambeau clearly met him after he got off the train, while Valentin was getting things in order with the police after arrival--plenty of time for the two to meet, Father Brown to get suspicious, and for him to start everything at the shop. Afterwards...yes, he was pretty much setting a trap with everything that happened afterward. But in a real way, he was trapping them both with their own prejudices: they both assumed he was an innocent fool, completely oblivious to to the wicked ways of the world...and he used that to catch them both.

[@cwbrooks5329]

Ah great. Perfect for this lovely, sunny afternoon. Thank you so much, as always.

[@HerrCrankzy]

Very first Father Brown I ever read (it may be that it was the first ever written) and as always you render/narrate/read/perform it impeccably. Later on I gave up GKC for other reasonsl(religious&political) but that didn't stop me from reading and appreciate how absolutely enjoyable he was for instance in"The Napoleon of Notting Hill"s 'Most amused by it yet aware of the long gone or still pertinent points about it in how to go about&try to govern a place as London (not the city of, that always finds a way). Not sure the multiple boroughs single mayor is better but it's more depressing than in GKS's book. I know this isn't the right place to ask but have you lined up /planned any more E. F. Benson ghost or even on-ghost short stories? I keep dropping his name because short of his novels(complicated copyright issues at least hereabouts) I'm still hoping for the day you will regale and delight us with "The Face". "Horror Horn" and "Caterpillars". Did I mention how thankful I am that you exit and so does a youtube channel of yours and how much you've thrilled me (pre-pandemic) and now thrilled and helped me? Thank you.

[@HerrCrankzy]

And having had my rant is "the hammer of god" on the (near) horizon? Because that is so perfect and (I'm already imagining it) so suitable to your talent.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for your kind comments HerrCrankzy. I have just seen that you have upgraded your membership - thank you so much for your very generous support, I hugely appreciate it. There are some additional membership benefits for that level, one of which is priority in submitting story requests / suggestions.... I'm glad to say that I have 'The Face' on my list already, and will certainly add the other two you mention. With regard to Father Brown, the next one on my list is 'The Secret Garden', but 'The Hammer of God' is also on the list so will aim to do that one very shortly too. Another benefit should you wish to take it up - if you would like an MP3 file to keep of any favourite stories, please do let me know (email [e-mail]). Thanks as ever for listening, all best wishes to you.

[@keshaheffron4425]

I love this one! Well read! Thank you!

[@irenabevans3411]

So gratifying to hear a story being read, without the story being laced with profanity as is so common with modern literature, love this older form of literature

[@baliksupper6043]

I love a good bit of swearing!! Anglo Saxon at it’s best.

[@KrimiKruseDasOriginal]

Douglas Adams must have read this story as Valentin has decidedly the same holistic detection method as Dirk Gently in „The Long Dark Teatime of the Soul“ 😊

[@bobbeyderbrain]

What a lovely inflection on basin, you have, cher Simon. And do you know the difference between a buffalo and a basin? Boom-boom! Gawjuss as always. A treat that had somehow passed me by. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Very kind, thank you Bob! Glad to know you're enjoying my back catalogue, as it were

[@chrissythornhill]

I'm presently so much looking forward to hearing this . Not quite my time to position myself into a comfortable position, but I shall most happily contain my emotions until I hear your most certainly wonderful vocal presentation . 😊 ❤️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Christine, hope you enjoy it

[@chrissythornhill]

Bitesized Audio Classics Thank You , I certainly did ! ❤️

[@alcamus1973]

I was crying with laughter. no one told me Father Brown was so entertaining, i previously only knew of him from Lady Marchmain reading his story as well as Diary of a Nobody (which i also know nothing about) in Brideshead Revisited and so assumed they were humourless moral tales

[@BitesizedAudio]

That's lovely to know. I've read a few Father Brown stories for the channel, if you'd like to sample any more: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZIw86EBJVrsatQuD23rfWC- Also, funny that you should mention 'Diary of a Nobody'... I'm currently reading it in instalments for my channel members/supporters on Patreon; when I've finished it I'll put it up here on the channel for everyone to hear.

[@alcamus1973]

@@BitesizedAudio Wonderful, thank-you, I look forward to it.

[@gruntpalm]

Great to hear you again !

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for listening!

[@sidra884]

12:24,best method!!!.

[@feralbluee]

a third time! 😊🌷🌱

[@barbaraprest783]

Another good one !!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Barbara

[@sittnknittnwatchn3980]

💙🎙📚💙

[@williamfawkes8379]

Very satisfying.

[@aiferapple1246]

The policeman looked down at Valentin, now crawling through the bushes of Hamspsted Heath Common. 'Now then', said the constable, 'What are you up to my lad?' Valentin looked up at the policeman and replied 'It's alright officer, I'm merely looking for priests'. His trial comes up next week :D

[@lilie459]

26:28

[@marvfj6451]

Got the code. Eagle is flying...

[@habshasuryana1295]

There is only one person in the internetwork that can honestly berate me or more who knows, the rest are just hoo haars crowds, screaming along for thier team

[@catherinelau5239]

❤

[@johnjackson4167]

Sorry..dry as dust!

[@vickyhenstridge]

I am hoping/presuming that the Simon referred to is a certain Mr Jones? I ask because I love his/your voice so much I forgot to listen to thr first few pages of the book itself and had to rewind. If another, please take it as the compliment it is. I grew up with SJ and think he and Martin Jarvis two of England's best narrators

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you, I'm extremely flattered by the confusion/comparison - Simon Jones is indeed a wonderful narrator (and actor). My name is Simon Stanhope, I'm an English actor with a background mainly in UK theatre, and have only relatively recently taken up audiobook narration. Thanks for listening, and for your very kind feedback!

[@vickyhenstridge]

Mr Stanhope, pleased to make your acquaintance. Sadly I live in Aotearoa/NZ, so am unlikely to be able to see you perform in person, but please do carry on the wonderful work. Narration is an art few can carry off well, and you are magnificent. Best wishes Vicky

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Vicky, best wishes to you

[@Cercandoilveroo]

0:57

[@marvfj6451]

We're breaking the code....

[@alanhill5337]

👍

[@Bar-Hillel]

Not more EXTRAordinatry? Really! It is ex-trord-inary, as in 'outside the ordinary', not 'exceptionally ordinary'.

[@junestanich7888]

Tried listening to another channel/narrator but it just didn’t have the same interest that you give the story, even by this same author, didn’t keep my attention the same way.

[@DebMcDonald]

Oh joy! I LOVE Father Brown. Please, please, please do my favourite story The Blast of the Book 📚. Second favourite The Oracle of the Dog 🐕.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Deborah, always happy to take suggestions. The next Father Brown on my list is The Secret Garden, but I'd certainly like to do several more as there are so many wonderful ones, so I'll bear those ones in mind

[@DebMcDonald]

I was over excited about Father Brown :) I will be happy with any story you read!

[@renzo6490]

" an angular, elderly, young woman..." ??? 30 min 45 sec

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes indeed, that's what he wrote - Chesterton was the "prince of paradox"

[@escapefelicity2913]

boring

[@BitesizedAudio]

Sorry if it's not to your taste, but there's lots more out there, I hope you find something you enjoy