The Judge's House (A Gothic Horror Story)

[@jennifermcdonald5432]

Thank you Tony. Just paying my dues to the algorithm gods!

[@riikkapauliinaussa1910]

A new story! I haven't commented much, only a couple of times, but I'm listening to everything you've shared. Thank you so much, especially now as I'm in a lot of physical pain and your voice is comforting and familiar even if I wouldn't be able to take in the story 😊 and the rambles are necessary!!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks. I hope your pain eases

[@amgroves76]

Ahhh thank you! People forget that Stoker wrote more stories, this is another of my favourites! 🇬🇧💚

[@rohanquinby3188]

Indeed, I had forgotten. This is salutary!

[@sarge4455]

Ah ha-it was he who forgot

[@thurayya8905]

Yes, brand new and I can't wait to hear!

[@martywood8543]

Thanks Tony. Love these ghost stories.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks for listening

[@MaggieatPlay]

Thanks, Tony! Good story. Well narrated.

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@debra333]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your fine work, dear Tony. I'd never heard this story, and I really found it to be fascinating. Stoker's attention to detail makes it more fully realized. ❤

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you

[@Cat_festation]

Happy birthday Tony! I agree, your reading of Dracula is THE BEST NARRATION. Also loved Lady Ducayne 🙌

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you!!🤩

[@franken-pattern]

New Story! Yay!

[@thurayya8905]

Cut out the tea! Okay, but I'm keeping the opium😂.

[@ClassicGhost]

yeah the opium is fine

[@DeborahMcgee-t8c]

👍😂😂

[@carolynlewis9008]

I LOVE THE THIS STORY!!! Thank you for reading it again!!!! You’re the best Tony!!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks for listening

[@Mama-lady2277]

Another great reading! Would you consider doing "Wailing Well" by M.R. James. I am new to your channel, so if you have already done that one, then I will try to find it. I listen to a lot of these old ghost stories, and they don't really scare me. But, the "Wailing Well" still makes me quicken my pace after an evening walk, even years later.

[@rebeccawoolfolk5377]

I listened to a short story with a main character named Ivan, and it was pronounced three different ways - stress on first syllable, stress on second syllable, and twice it was pronounced "even." When I pointed that out in the comments, someone explained it was AI.

[@ClassicGhost]

So many narrations are AI these days

[@Shannon-f8w]

I love this story! Awesome to hear your version of it now, I'll be back to this more than once.

[@machinethesun9243]

Love your voice, don't let the whiners ruin your day.

[@sugarfalls1]

Malcolm Malcolmson! lol Thanks Tony! Great way to start the weekend and only uploaded one hour ago! Now that's hot off the press! :) Now who didn't know you could muti-purpose a book of logarithms?!

[@ProleCenter]

Waw, dych chi'n gynhyrchiol iawn!

[@ClassicGhost]

yntydwi?

[@AndreaDingbatt]

Thank you Tony!!❤ 🌟⭐🌟⭐🌟 I'm still in the middle of moving 🏡 house and the stress has been getting to me!! (*Definitely Not putting Anything into Storage Ever*!) However, I've been soothed by listening to you and must say a big "Thank You Tony!" for your awesome Narrations!! Namasté 🙏🕊️💞 Andréa and Jasper. ...XxX... Ps ~,Paws McThievery, aka Jasper Mutt ~has been listening very intently with me and,,, as I have mentioned, ~he's now totally convinced he is Famous!! So Thank you so very Much for this as well,,, Jasper is getting on a little now,, & He's Partially Retired from being a Support /Assist Dog, so he really Appreciates his new found Fame!😊 ❤🐕‍🦺 💞 Peace Bro! See you around the Eden sometime!!!✌️🕊️

[@johncb272]

I've heard a number of readings if this story but, may I say, this is the definitive for me. Don't know what it is you've got, but you've got it, and it's good.

[@ClassicGhost]

You made my morning 🌅

[@karensmith2204]

Really good story, I think your reading and voice acting makes every story better

[@carolynlewis9008]

This one stayed with me for a couple of days! Super creepy, love it

[@ClassicGhost]

Hi :)

[@garymcdonnell5791]

Love this one sooo much' probably about the 10 th time I have listed to it!! Cheers Bram and classic ghost stories thanks mate...

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks for listening

[@boum62]

Great reading

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you

[@crg4183]

I always did like this story ............................🦇 🌹

[@lymarie1974]

One ive never read. Wonderful 🎉❤

[@ClassicGhost]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@DenWell-SeedsOfChaos]

It's time for a midnight snack and this story... 🥞📖💖

[@susanstewart4184]

Love the stories Tony thank you😊

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you like them!

[@christineheminger7762]

Not only do I love this story (I have a book that has a really creepy illustration of the judge), but you answered the question I had about tea🙂. Thank you

[@ClassicGhost]

Who knew tea was so evil ?

[@rosemaryedwards3293]

Wonderful story, thank you!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks for listening

[@andigranchi3971]

I listened to Tony talking about AI, as an American I have read my fair share of Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov have a healthy fear of AI. As far as your haters( Tony) Haters gonna hate! You are one of my favorite podcasts, I love your stories and look forward to them in my ears.

[@meadow9]

Thank you Tony! Wow, I thought you were in your forties from your voice! Awesome KZbin channel by the way!

[@ClassicGhost]

In my heart I’m in my 40s

[@dianawitty9628]

Love your voice!!! Beautiful!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you so much!!

[@LadyRoseWinters]

Great story! I’ve never heard this one. Brilliant narration as always. Thank you!

[@keyofgames2301]

I loved this one. A bleak ending, indeed. 😬

[@johnnya867]

Wonderfully creepy. Stoker did more than just Dracula and this is a beauty

[@Zatheriia]

Haven’t been able to listen for a few days love this 😍 your channel is the best and has changed my sleep

[@ClassicGhost]

For the better I hope

[@sandy_says]

This one s my favorite..must have listened to this a 100 times on Bytesized Audio channel🤣 lovely narration there too

[@DenWell-SeedsOfChaos]

Fangtastic narration! You know fang and Bram... Nevermind. I need to drink a lot more black tea! As far as AI, no, I want the real voice with the emotions and the ever so tiny error here and there that makes me smile because it's kind of cute and makes you real to me. I wish I could word that better but my thoughts and words don't play well together...

[@AndreaDingbatt]

Absolutely 💯 Agreed with You! I'm a big Fang of Tony's Work Too!!🙂👍 I Especially agree about the AI Voice~Apps,,,,🫤 and how much better it is for Tony to Read to us!!❤😊 And,,, in my Honest and Humble Opinion, ~Tony's Voice is Absolutely 💯 Perfect for the Ghost Stories.🫣 (and Other Narrations!!) When I listen to Tony, it's as though a Friend is Reading to me, ~and This is Far Better than AI, or anyone / anything else in helping me to Really get Into, and Truly to ~"Hear the "Bones"of these Ghoulishly- Ghastly and Ghostly Tales of Terror!👀 I hope you are having a good weekend and have a wonderful week ahead of you!!🙂👍 Namasté 🙏🕊️💞 Andréa,🤠 and Best Friend~The one and Only, (Drum Roll Please!!) The Infamous ~*Jasper Mutt*🐺, (aka, Paws McThievery!) 🐾🐾😊 ...XxX....

[@martiwilliams4592]

A favorite. Just as gripping, captivating narration also this time around. Love re-listening to your interesting, informative, very necessary " ramblings". I never touch tea, am now warned and stick to coffee . You are a true artist through your vivid, expressive narration. Pour on Gothic! The more the better! Much appreciated, Tony. Again, thank you!

[@ClassicGhost]

Yes strong coffee is safer than devilish tea

[@martiwilliams4592]

;0) !@@ClassicGhost

[@paskj1]

Thanks

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you 🙏

[@allysonlewis1576]

Damn it I thought that the villagers would get there in time and save him. Those other rats worked hard to ring the bell but to no avail. A great story Tony. Thank you. I would like to become a patron but don’t know how to arrange it. I live in England . I’ve listened to loads of your work and I have had hours of brilliant tales.

[@ClassicGhost]

www.patreon.com/barcud Yes the rats worked hard

[@ZanahoriaBaila]

I don't think you can cut the innkeeper, because it serves the rule of three (three locals that do not like that he's staying at the house). Also, the dancing rats are obviously the souls of the hanged people by that judge. They are trying to help the student, and flee and stay silent when the huge rat/judge appear. Thank you very much for this narration. I did not know the story (frankly, I did not know there were short stories by Stocker, now I need a collection to fill that gap :D)

[@grizzstark]

Was he suffering from an addiction? And the rats were his demons ? And ultimately he lost with his only battle with the only choice suicide 😕 your voice is perfect for brams stocker book! Thank you thank you!

[@stardust949]

I wonder who first came up with the literary notion of paintings or portraits being a sort of portal for things to come through, and for changes in what you're viewing to be predatory or be foreshadows of danger? This story is a good example, although I don't understand why the student character didn't just leave. Ah well. Thank you Tony, never read this or heard it before.

[@cool_training_tips]

Ah yes this is a good story! That horrifying rat!

[@jeannedeshazer-ellsworth9995]

I loved this. I'm an actor and director. You sur, are an extremely talented voice actor. You could give any audible actor a run for their money. You're as good as the very best! And i love your selection. This is my second time with this one.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you for your kind words

[@nancycardenas2724]

Oh my gosh, that story freaked me out.I hate rats and mice lol

[@pumvichheka4057]

❤❤ ur voice is beautiful.

[@Katalinmason]

Great old story read by a fantastic narrator. Good job! I’m a new subscriber and love your voice and reading style. Thank you! You’re right about AI and robot voices. I can’t listen to them because the mispronunciations kick me out of the zone.

[@ClassicGhost]

Welcome 🙏

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Great story and narration! I do not like this judge. I saw the judge reference at the beginning and got it mixed up with J.S.'s story at first. I realized this was a different story a few minutes in. By the way, your narration of both stories is excellent. I like them both immensely. Fantastic job, my friend. I'm looking forward to more. I like the discussion of tea at the end. I replaced my evening "whiskey(s) during audiobook" with tea. Remember what I said about the hecklers. Tell them to go play marbles in the road. AI voices always sound off to me. Sounds like feedback on a radio in the background or a voice on the radio garbled by interference. Plus, the lack of any accent, regional dialect, or inflection drones me out and puts me to sleep.

[@boum62]

Very interesting comments by he reader.

[@Story-Voracious66]

This one I have actually read. Yes it is a bit meh, but I liked how it didn't demonise all the rats, they were playful and were the vehicles of hope in this story. I like rats. ( okay not overrunning my home but in general ). This was another reminder of why I don't paint portraits; you never know what those buggers will get up to in the future! Very pertinent and timely chat about AI, because it is a *thing* now, love it or hate it. I love that English is the natural enemy of AI narration. It can't tell minute of time from minute size, and many other vocal traps of our wonderful pantechnicon of a language. Love your work Tony. AI narration doesn't hold much truck with me. Take care. 😊

[@Rynewulf]

Tony the ai might be able to copy a voice, but your cozy ramblings are irreplaceable! Its what I like about the Old Horror Readings scene like Horror Babble you mentioned, everyone feels like a person sharing their interest and its nice

[@jonehaney8939]

I love haunted house stories, especially when they are read by you! I happened upon an audiobook of the novella "The Uninhabited House" by Charlotte Ridell ( not sure if I spelled her last name correctly), and it was very good. However, the narrator's voice bothered me! I thought your voice would be perfect... and you would enjoy doing the Scottish accent of the belligerent but hysterically funny aunt as much as we would enjoy hearing it!😄

[@susanmercurio1060]

The dead don't come back to life: they never left.

[@ClassicGhost]

I’d like to think so

[@TheTeacher1020]

I like The Judge”s House. It’s not LeFanu, but I really loved the ‘creepy old house’ buildup. Please do a Walter de La Mare. Do ‘Seaton’s Aunt.’ Your vocals would be amazing with de La Mare

[@ClassicGhost]

+@TheTeacher1020 I’ve done All Hallows and From The Deep and I think The Listeners is here somewhere . But yes I shall Seatons Aunt maybe quite soon 🔜

[@morgainebrigid]

I felt like the rats were trying to ring the bell near the end because they didn't like the judge either

[@crg4183]

The rats tried to save the guy ...............😮

[@JimBagby74]

Don't forget the real Judge Jeffries! Didn't James feature Jeffries once? Was this Jeffries and I missed it? Stoker's prose sounds more modern than one would expect. Well, maybe not modern per se, but dry compared to say Kipling or James. Stoker sounds more like a 20th Century writer than the 19th Century man that he was for the most part.

[@ClassicGhost]

No, I think you’re right. He sounds like the forerunner to modern fiction - as does Conan Doyle at times I think?

[@JimBagby74]

Yes. Very straightforward. Not quite Hemingway levels of arid, but hardly "purple".

[@MarianneOrent]

I am seriously floored that people leave nasty comments for you!

[@ClassicGhost]

lol. they leave nasty comments for everyone because they’re nasty

[@Sherrill965]

lol Good thriller

[@jonehaney8939]

Riddell

[@MarfTheUnbearable]

Just as the great rat was the judge, I imagined the multitude of the other rats who feared him were all of his victims, bound to the judge and the instrument of their demise.

[@morgainebrigid]

1.08. I want to respectfully disagree. I've been using Temu, and most of the stuff, honestly, is just fine. When I do have a problem, they refund me immediately. I'm using Temu items to upgrade my entire house, whereas before I couldn't even dream of doing this. Of course, I might have low standards compared to some.

[@ClassicGhost]

I will revisit and review my hasty conclusion:))

[@mares3841]

tea dust 🧹

[@sinaiis957]

A.I. art as a tool, is fine. Using it to specifically mimic other artists, using it to make items and charge the same price as either an original or hand drawn piece - questionable and at times illegal. Since people are using specific authors to 'make' new content within that authors universe, or flat out take content to write their own papers for studies... also not on the up-and-up. Comparing A.I. art to digital art programs is.... not really on a similar path. Key-word triggers and actually knowing how digital brushes behave, getting the settings for your tablet, mouse, or screen to have the right sensitivity, and having color concept and theory is still needed to make something from scratch - and to properly push different styles/esthetics. A.I. can't and doesn't recognize that as of yet, and doesn't care. If it's fed intentionally bad or corrupted data, it isn't going to know.

[@lunablue745]

Am I crazy in thinking that the language of this story is reminiscent of Dickens? I hate when the well meaning protagonist meets a terrible end.🐀

[@GeorgeBletchly]

Did I miss something? Why didn't he throw the Bible at him again?

[@jamiefirenze9394]

Very nice, loved the narration but, I am confused on your take of AI. You want people to support you as a narrator and other human narrators, AI sounds unnatural etc but, your in support of AI? I do not think I understood what you were trying to convey there.

[@ClassicGhost]

AI is huge and not confined to any one modality (art, music, writing) . As a little boy in the 1970s I was a futurist and loved science-fiction and so there is definitely the appeal of that for me: the excitement of the new horizons unfolding. AI will put people out of work as the Steam Mills put out the Hand loom weavers. The Luddites were right, Arthur Scargill was right that they did plan to close the coal mines. AI will put me out of work within two years. Then I’ll do something else. I never claim my thinking is coherent.

[@maxmessner8291]

NIce story teling but you tak too much on the side, nagging more.

[@ClassicGhost]

don’t listen to that bit. switch it off

[@boum62]

Actually I enjoyed the post reading narrative.

[@andromeda232]

This one of my favourite haunted house stories, the first time I heard it read it creeped me out so much. And i was fun to learn that there was more to Stoker than Dracula or the Lair of the White Worm. Would you consider reading The Coat by A E D Smith or The Underbody by Alison V Harding?

[@ClassicGhost]

i will look into them