The Last Exploit of Harry the Actor | A Max Carrados story by Ernest Bramah | Bitesized Audiobook

The Lucas Street Safe Deposit proudly claims itself to be impregnable, with multiple layers of security, including keys and passwords, to gain access. While accompanying his friend Mr. Carlyle on a visit to "The Safe", the blind detective Max Carrados perceives sounds and smells which lead him to suspect that an audacious theft is in preparation... The story starts at 00:01:20
Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me (and get access to exclusive content):
* Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesize...
* Monthly support on Patreon: / bitesizedaudio
* Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/
* Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on KZbin, from $1 / £1 / €1 per month:
/ bitesizedaudioclassics
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:20 The Last Exploit of Harry the Actor
01:25:37 Credits, thanks and further listening
If you'd like to hear more stories featuring Max Carrados, I have a playlist in development, available here: • Max Carrados stories b...
Or for a selection of other Victorian and Edwardian detective stories, do take a look at the "Rivals of Sherlock Holmes" playlist:
• Rivals of Sherlock Hol...
About the author: Ernest Bramah (1868-1942) was born Ernest Bramah Smith, probably in or near Manchester, where he attended grammar school. An intensely private man, very little information is known about his personal life. His early career included a stint as assistant to Jerome K. Jerome; his first success as a writer came as a contributor of humorous sketches somewhat in the manner of Jerome, to newspapers and periodicals, and he later became editor of one of Jerome's magazines. As an author he is best remembered for creating two characters: Kai Lung, a Chinese storyteller who appeared in a number of humorous stories from 1900; and Max Carrados, the blind detective, created in 1913. He also wrote science fiction, and his 1907 novel 'What Might Have Been' (also known as 'The Secret of the League') is a dystopian story which was acknowledged by George Orwell as a major influence on his own 'Nineteen Eighty-four'. Orwell was also a great admirer of the Max Carrados stories, bracketing them with Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and Freeman's Dr Thorndyke as "the only detective stories since Poe that are worth re-reading". The character of Carrados appeared in more than 25 short stories and novels between 1913 and 1934, and by the 1920s was more popular than Sherlock Holmes (whose later cases appeared alongside Carrados in The Strand Magazine). His blindness proves no obstacle to his detective skills; indeed his other senses are heightened and he regularly outwits criminals and fellow detectives alike.
Ernest Bramah Smith died in June 1942, aged 74, in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. He was survived by his wife Lucy Smith.
'The Last Exploit of Harry the Actor' first appeared under the title 'The Great Safe Deposit Coup' in The News of the World, on 5th October 1913. It was reprinted the following year - under the new title - as part of the first collection of Carrados stories to appear in book form, simply entitled 'Max Carrados (Methuen & Co., Ltd., 1914).
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2023

[@BitesizedAudio]

The story begins at: 00:01:20 This story is one of a series featuring Max Carrados, the blind detective, whose adventures first appeared in 'The News of the World' in 1913. If you'd like to hear more Max Carrados stories, I have a playlist in development, available here: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZLjwoLUZBvPAFemYFKiqB7z Or for a selection of other Victorian and Edwardian detective stories, do take a look at the "Rivals of Sherlock Holmes" playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZL5tiXECltwXUI2QDDFrDHD Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me (and get access to exclusive content): * Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesizedaudio * Monthly support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bitesizedaudio * Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/ * Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on KZbin, from $1 / £1 / €1 per month: kzbin.infojoin

[@suzannewoods260]

D

[@crystalclear6864]

I actually also like the into and the nice upbeat music😆so i dont skip:) like max carrados stories. 👍

[@mariameere5807]

This is definitely one of the best channel’s on KZbin and I adore KZbin (hence over subscribing 😬) so that really is a huge compliment! You are a born entertainer and your Aussie accent is very good but I’m not an expert like with Ireland or America, but you can tell when it’s not quite right. Great job and well chosen as per!🙏🪬✨

[@petermorhead4160]

Marvelous voice.

[@johnharling5246]

I not a prude by any sense of the imagination but it is refreshing to listen to a storyline that avoids gratuitous violence, language or sex while still being thoroughly entertaining.

[@nicolealbertson906]

I agree, Hollywood has become so pornographic I have to fast forward to the content. I guess it's an answer to ALOT of people's prayer's. For me it leaves nothing to the imagination and that's the best part of entertainment. The escape to a place and time!

[@johnharling5246]

@@nicolealbertson906 Shockingly that includes films aimed at young children with highly inappropriate subjects.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Much appreciated, thank you so much John

[@mariameere5807]

I find myself agreeing! Does this mean I am getting old I wonder?! But actually I have always felt this way even though I do like movies with ghosts I just don’t get it how Hollywood, (just off the coast of planet Earth 🌍😉🙃) has come to the conclusion that as soon as someone dies or leave’s the restriction of the human body, they suddenly become evil and dangerous! I find a ghost story with a more original plot so much more interesting! Sorry I have gone off topic slightly but it’s one of the reasons why I prefer older ghost stories and who doesn’t love a mystery and this author’s style of writing really appeals to me and I could listen forever! Blessings 🙏

[@Frenchblue8]

​@@johnharling5246what do you refer to, specifically??

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

I absolutely enjoy the blind detective. Thanks for another delightful bedtime story.

[@kayi9236]

Thank you Simon, I know we have a treat in store, much appreciated!

[@jeremypearson6852]

Great story. “I was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.” An expat listening in S Florida.

[@susangordon1153]

It's always such a joy when you share your beautiful narrations with us, dearest Simon. I shall never grow weary of that golden voice you have been gifted with. Thank you ever so much! ❤

[@LadyBronwynn1400]

Thank you so much, Simon. A new story for my evening breather. I really need it right now. My brother lost his only child from a heart attack at 51. I was delighted to see this.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Oh I'm so sorry to hear that, my condolences to your brother, and to you too. Best wishes

[@chrissy529]

I love this story. it's surprisingly unique within it's own way of presentation. Everytime I think I got It! I'll go back and listen and be hit with a vividly missed clarification that brings the uniqueness of the story to a whole nother level of Interesting!

[@NSGca]

Listening to these stories is like a pressure release valve for me, I can feel the tension leave my body as I sit back and let you work your magic! Ty ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you

[@NSGca]

@BitesizedAudio trust me the pleasure has been mine. I'm thanking you. Sometimes it's nice to let people know that they're appreciated.

[@merlapittman5034]

I do like these Max Carrados stories! Thank you for this!

[@athenaathena1307]

Many thanks Simon 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎉🎉🎉

[@caroleastwood9386]

You are wonderful Simon. Always there with marvellous stories Thank You Carol

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Thank you, Simon. Another perfect presentation. Blessings on you and yours.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Tammy

[@simoneclift3155]

Thank you Mr Stanhope. Another salve for the soul before bed. 😊

[@SuperBartles]

The best Carrados story I've heard - this was marvellous

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that, thank you. This one was fun to read

[@mariamcgee4462]

A highly enjoyable tale Simon, thank you. I had never heard the Max Carrados stories before but I'm glad I have now.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thanks Maria. I encountered a couple of Carrados stories in detective anthologies over the years, but they always seemed to include the same stories (most often The Tragedy at Brookbend Cottage); it's been a delight to delve into the series and discover some of the less well known ones

[@williamhagen2792]

Stanhope is a master of narration: an excellent audio acter with a wonderful voice.

[@ufoman4468]

Mnnyes i appreciate his narrations and ejaculations immensly ..harhar

[@jessisage4708]

Nice long story is just what I need tonight ❤ thanks Simon

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome, Jessi

[@emilymann1175]

Yay! I have to listen when I'm not too tired, because your relaxing voice sometimes causes me to drift off. It's funny, a couple of times I have started dreaming with my earbuds still in my ears. I am walking around and doing things in my dreams, and I'm wondering where this voice is coming from. Oh, it's the TV. I turn the TV off, but I still hear the voice. It must be the radio, I find a radio and turn it off. Still hear the voice. Then I realize I'm wearing a headset. I take the headset off, still hear the voice!!! I pull earbuds out of my ears, still hear the voice!!! And the strangest thing is, it is clearly Simon's voice, but his words are non-sensical gibberish, like he's speaking another language. This has happened several times. I always have a laugh at myself when I wake up!!!! Anyhow, thank you for another story!!!!

[@BitesizedAudio]

How funny! Glad to know you enjoy them anyway!

[@dawnrowlands2408]

Perfectly timed for a bedtime story. I do enjoy listening. Thank you for these uploads, Simon, they are very much appreciated.

[@judikingsman6132]

I wish there was a never ending Max Carrados ❤

[@YvonneWilson312]

Wonderful - I love the Max Carrados stories! This shall be my bedtime story tonight! Thank you so much as always, Simon.

[@TedaR]

Me too Yvonne. Big fan & longtime sub of Simon too. We do share excellent taste my dear👍🏼👏😌

[@YvonneWilson312]

@@TedaR We do indeed! 😃

[@snippycutwell9878]

Thank you Simon! For all the work you do on these videos!

[@BitesizedAudio]

My pleasure! Thanks Snippy

[@jackalina91]

This was a great story- but your portrayal of the numerous characters was truly amazing Simon! You can do SO many & SO very well! I have heard you do 2 or 3 but wow that was well over half a dozen & each 1 is fantastic. ♥️♥️♥️♥️🤷‍♀️✌️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Jackalina, appreciated. Yes, by my count there were 12 speaking characters in this one, including Max, so it was quite a challenge!

[@stevenverhaegen8729]

Simon Stanhope is Max Carrados, and Max is back 😂👍

[@taliabee8661]

I’ve had a very trying weekend with little sleep and, worse, I couldn’t listen to your wonderful storytelling to get me through 😢 Am now home, abed mid-afternoon and finally able to listen and enjoy. Frankly, if I could stay here for the next week, I would! 😀♥️

[@BitesizedAudio]

How lovely. I hope you're able to catch up on your sleep!

[@taliabee8661]

@@BitesizedAudio still working on it!! 😀♥️

[@maxgc6413]

Perfect for this rainy summer evening

[@lynncasassa7712]

Had to look up a few words, but loved it, as always. keep up the excellent work, Simon!!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Many thanks Lynn, I'll do my best!

[@eleshasmith6064]

Wonderful as always! Love Carrados. Watching through The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes (again). Always a favorite.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah yes, a good series, though it's a shame they only did one episode featuring Max

[@ginabeena6757]

Love this series so much!! Thank you so much! ❤️

[@BitesizedAudio]

So glad to know that, thanks Gina

[@annetteeggett]

My prayers have been answered ❤️

[@julielevinge266]

Another brilliant Carrados adventure, superbly narrated by yourself, very enjoyable!!✊♥️

[@patriciaramsey5294]

Thank you!!! I NEEDED THIS! Time to enjoy and relax. Edit: You did a wonderful job with all the voices. I could clearly follow the story and visualize it in my mind. Very, very well done.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You are most welcome! Glad to know you enjoyed it, thank you for your kind comments

[@patriciaramsey5294]

This is my 5th time listening to this. I will never get tired of it.

[@stephaniealeman8522]

Time to settle in with a cup of coffee spiced with saffron and enjoy another perfectly read installment by Mr. Bramah with so many voices to give your talents to Simon! 💚🙏🏽

[@roelienpostma2367]

I drink coffee with cardamom spice, delicious as well, and seems to be healthy according to the Ayurveda philosophy....

[@snussy-kp8qj]

Looks like im trying saffron spiced coffee soon. Never considered that lol

[@patriciajrs46]

It's raining!! Really hard rain. Perfect time for listening to Simon. Thank you for narrating!! Yeah, Max Carrados.

[@kaeten838]

A gem of a story beautifully read by Simon. Thank you!

[@williamhagen2792]

Stanhope creates great narrations using an excellent voice.

[@harakeke11]

You should get an Oscar for the Australian accent, it's bloody marvellous 😂😂😂 Greetings from wintery New Zealand ❄⛄❄

[@BitesizedAudio]

Very kind of you to say so, thank you. It's supposed to be summer here in the UK, but it's currently feeling rather autumnal!

[@doreekaplan2589]

California here

[@certuv]

Well read and enjoyable unlike some of present day radio plays and readings. Thank you for posting.

[@SpuktasticAudio]

Just when I needed you most! ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help, Bob! Delighted to know you enjoyed Professor Bulge...

[@hrhqueene]

You had me at Max C!

[@BitesizedAudio]

He's a firm favourite it seems!

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Thanks, Simon. I'm very late to the party. I'm currently back in the boonies where internet is still a mess. However, on this rare day of respite I bought your audible books (all three I could find) and downloaded this story. A bright spot in a life consumed by having a loved on in hospice at home. You are among the blessings I count. Thank you, most sincerely.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Lovely to hear from you Tammy. Sending you best wishes in challenging times, I'm glad if these stories can provide you with some respite. Thank you so much for letting me know about your Audible purchases, that's hugely appreciated. Oddly enough I had a new book go live on Audible just today, I don't know if that's one of the three you found - a collection of detective stories. I'll post a link on the community tab when I get a moment

[@tammyhanlon3057]

@@BitesizedAudio Got it!! Thanks.

[@MoonLitChild]

I recently picked up an entire collection of Max Carrados stories and I am in love-- if you hadn't started reading them, I'd have never learned they existed. He's surpassed Holmes by a mile.

[@kmarch6630]

Splendid!!

[@tammyb8742]

I think the detective stories are my favorite, but amongst them I don't have a favorite. They are all so cheeky!

[@jarthurpaxton9223]

Bravo, Mr. Stanhope! You are indeed a most incorrigible curator of period literature, and, (perhaps inadvertantly), the foremost of all bastions of antiquated vernacular, inspiring the common man to utter his KZbin comments with fanciful flamboyance and bravado. Cheers to you for keeping English language, ways, and arts alive!

[@code-52]

Thank you Simon, I soooo needed this.

[@AnDagdasDaughter]

I looooove your voices! The bank manager’s cracks me up! I can picture him perfectly 😂!

[@TedaR]

Hello my handsome friend. Ty as always! Most excellent work as always! ❤ Carrados

[@terigunderson5905]

My favorite of the Cerrados stories so far. Thanks. Odd that these stories should be so appealing.

[@QPRTokyo]

Thank you. Your narrations are helping me get through a bad time. Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help. Best wishes to you

[@rachels4848]

Yippee, just what I have been needing. Happy July! ❤🎉

[@katyvdb5993]

Delightful! I enjoy the Max Carrados stories very much, especially as read by yourself, Simon. I did like the unexpected ending ('Deus ex machina' in the true sense of the expression?)

[@emptyentertainments7914]

Excellent most excellent

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

Utterly delicious accompaniment - to my New Orleans lunch!!!

[@Not00]

Sat in my basket egg chair in the garden on this lazy Sunday afternoon and gently twirled myself from time to time sipping a chilled glass of bubbly while listening. Absolutely fantastic narration. So relaxing, putting you right in the middle of the story.

[@lordeden2732]

Coke is not by any means Champagne

[@happygardener28]

The finale.... unexpected

[@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves]

This story shows why you can always rely on the Sally Anne! Cheers, Pvt. Warren, Christmas Kettle Bell-Ringer!

[@spews1973]

That was pleasant listening.

[@lynncasassa7712]

GLORIOUS!

[@rupertdanbury7020]

Wonderful story and quite enchanting. Performed superbly.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Rupert, much appreciated

[@simonhawker9277]

SO WELL DONE SIR, CONSUMATE PROFESSIONALITY THROUGHOUT, We are indebted to youre talent i hope the BBC has noticed you, thanks for the excellent performances

[@carolinel7027]

Another great story read beautifully. Thank you.x

[@GBernadetteMackie-jd8is]

Thank you so much for all of these great stories.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you like them! Thanks for listening

[@davidbudge8359]

I love your stories and always try to listen but I was wondering if you are any relation to the inventor of the Stanhope miniatures?

[@BitesizedAudio]

Not that I know of... I shall have to look further into that!

[@2msvalkyrie529]

A real Tour de Force ! Stylishly written and read !!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly, so glad to know you enjoyed it!

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Could have been the perfect plot for a " heist " movie. ? In fact I'm not sure that elements of it haven't been used in films ?

[@junestanich7888]

I’m new to these stories but love them, thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you like them! Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment

[@cindymonk6994]

Excellent!

[@beverlyadams7205]

Thank you, Simon! Your Australian accent was done so well that I thought for a second it might be a different actor. Wonderful performance.❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Beverly, kind of you to say so!

[@suziq1963]

Time for slumber, and a good story.. Well, I'm certainly in the right place.. Cheers, and goodnight BSA.. 😊💤💤🥂👍🏻..

[@nicolealbertson906]

Your voice is very soothing and your accents so well done!👍

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@williamhagen2792]

Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome, thanks for your kind comments

[@a.lewisraymer7772]

You are a delight.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@judikingsman6132]

Carrados and Stanhope ❤❤

[@mijiyoon5575]

😉🙃😊I luv it *Thank You Simon*

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome, thanks Miji Yoon

[@scoutrifle6827]

Thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much for your support, Scout Rifle, truly appreciated

[@deniswilliams2212]

Chill on a 94f day That’s what you do ✌🏻

[@BitesizedAudio]

Gosh, that's hot. Glad to help!

[@cristinagoode8509]

Let's go on our walk 🎉

[@oldernu1250]

Thanks. Nicely narrated. Max Carrados is new to me.

[@neliaferreira9983]

Oh but the story doesn't end!! Did they sell their stuff and helped the poor? 😩 And then lived a lighter life? I hope they did!

[@MrsHandyRU]

Jackie Kennedy (hello ❤) was an editor for two publishing companies, one being Doubleday , a TWIN comm; my thoughts are that at least Jackie Kennedy, if not others, re-wrote the Bible so she wouldn't be embarrassed by the true events of The Garden of Eden and The Cross. You know I forgive you, and so will everyone else. Love is the answer. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mariameere5807]

Thanks! I adore Max C stories! It’s hope it’s not in-politically correct (a lot of things are at the moment when other things that should be… suddenly it’s ok to be prejudice against people that undergo surgeries to change sex, I don’t mean the whole gender fluid thing and I am not against it but it does undo all the work that people who have undergone hrt and surgeries and had the puberty of the desired/essential gender) but I call him the blind Sherlock! The blind often develop clairvoyance more easily than the rest of us and they often see with the 3rd eye quite sufficiently with the bonus of seeing other dimensions and for any skeptics our thoughts are in a different dimension which is why they aren’t visible to all of us! I believe thought forms are easily detected by Clairvoyants! Sorry… sorry boring you no doubt but I am fascinated as apparently these are all innate abilities lying dormant within most of us but with some formal meditation and a clear intention…. I know Simon, enough… you must think me totally insane sometimes! 😂Thank you earth Angel 😇 for your endless patience! ♥️✨👑✨♥️

[@mariameere5807]

Finally I found the thing I was telling you about! Will help again because I have more expense’s than usual this month, I swear I am telling you the truth!❤ can’t wait to enjoy with a clear conscience! Lol 😂🙏✨ 💙🪬🌍🪬💙

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much Maria, I really appreciate your kind support - and comments - greatly appreciated. I really enjoy Max's adventures too; certainly more to come!

[@mariameere5807]

Simon I have had some trouble with an old malady that resurfaces without warning usually at the most inopportune moments in life and I think you may have noticed that lately I haven’t been myself and I read all my recent comments and I can confirm that it is definitely the result of getting used to this bloody pain medication which makes me drowsy and impairs my judgment slightly and takes away my filter so I type every word that comes into my head! With zero censorship or barely any inhibition’s!! ☺️ I am coming off this strong medication again and now I am more myself! Forgive me please 🙏

[@simoneclift3155]

Thanks

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much for your support, and for joining as a channel member. I hope you enjoy the extra stories

[@bobnewmanknott3433]

What can one say but thank you ?

[@NSGca]

I couldn't have said it better myself!😊

[@ropeburnsrussell]

The Lord works in mysterious ways.

[@kimberlykasimoff1447]

Now would something like that actually change a person? I would think that it would make them mad enough, judging by the sound of some of them who had their valuables taken, not to consider attending a service at the Salvation Army, and I am a Christian!

[@samanthaanderson8524]

Could you please do The Ghost of Haddonl le green by Alfred I. Tooke😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

I have to confess I'm not familiar with that author! I'll look him up...

[@samanthaanderson8524]

@@BitesizedAudio I don't know anything about him either but his ghost poem is so beautiful ❤️

[@Detroitmamma]

❤love it they found salvation ĺove it

[@patriciajrs46]

Are all of your readings excerpts? If so, where can we find the full books?

[@BitesizedAudio]

Hello Patricia, no they're not excerpts, they're all single stories complete in themselves. Sometimes they're one of a series of stories, I will reference that in the video description if so, but either way they all stand alone and can be listened to in any order. I hope that helps!

[@patriciajrs46]

@@BitesizedAudio Yes, it does. Thank you.

[@marisadallavalle393]

Hey, Simon. How do I listen to Diary of a Nobody. I think I'm a member!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Hi Marisa, yes indeed, you're a member via PayPal, so I've been trying to work out a way of getting the extra content to you. Members on KZbin, Patreon, Bandcamp etc can all access the content via those platforms, but there's no similar mechanism with PayPal, so I'm in the processing of setting something up... via gift codes on Bandcamp is probably the best way I think. Keep an eye on your email (the email address you signed up with on PayPal) and I'll send you some links later today all being well

[@marisadallavalle393]

​@@BitesizedAudio Not a problem Simon, no rush, I still have many un-member stories to listen to. Simply the title "Diary of a Nobody" is tantalizing, something to look forward to!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Hmm, it sounds like you haven't received the two emails I sent you yesterday... might they have filtered into your spamfolder? Do let me know if you've got them, or I can resend to a different address

[@suziq1963]

Also, before I go to sleep.. Kudos on your Aussie accent, lol.. Yes, very convincing.. Cheers BSA.!! Goodnight.. 😆🇦🇺✌🏻..

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much for that, greatly appreciated. Glad to know it passed the Suzi Q test!

[@snipehunter4771]

Curse my crumpet!

[@nancyM1313]

💞💗 💗💞

[@patriciajrs46]

How could Max watch anything? He's blind and can't see. Why is Max wanting to commit a robbery? Kind of weird, I think.

[@babyshamblesx]

I love your reading because when I listen to it on double speed you sound like Mr. Peabody from the Rocky & Bullwinkle Show ❤

[@nshaw1567]

Please do your intro while standing by an Ewardian fireplace clutching a pipe. Theres a good chap.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I have thought about something along those lines! I just need to get a better camera/set up!

[@nshaw1567]

@@BitesizedAudio Topping. 🤣

[@jfhdragonfly]

You sound exactly like the Fractured Fairy Tales narrator from The Bullwinkle Show!

[@oscareduardoruizsalguero2359]

Sadness of the thieves when they loose what they stole from the colonized, looted and brutalized 158 countries UK invaded.

[@andralex6767]

There are so many inappropriate pauses which dismantle the sentences. That sounds unnatural.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Well, that's really a matter of personal choice: depending on your definition of "pause" and your opinion of what pauses are "inappropriate". As far as I'm concerned I only ever pause between scenes, or when there's a definite break in the action. What you call a pause, I may describe as a beat, or a breath, which is intended both to help me to keep my breath and to help the listener to follow what's being said. A pause is something else entirely (cf. Harold Pinter...) The listener needs time to breathe as much as the reader does: rushing through a sentence without giving the listener time to digest what's being said is no better, in fact probably worse, than speaking too slowly; and listeners on YT do at least have the option to speed me up if preferred. I'm interested in your suggestion that pauses are "inappropriate", though. Generally I follow the clues in the punctuation, but sometimes with very long sentences (and Ernest Bramah is one of several authors who does often write long sentences, even longer than this one) I have to make a choice which I think will help the listener. You may disagree with my choice, which is perfectly fair enough, it would be a dull world if we all had the same taste, but that's life. Actors and readers make choices about delivery, pacing, characterisation and so on; and those choices will appeal to some people but not others. I don't think an acting choice can be described as "wrong" or "right"; it's subjective. I'm sure there are alternative readings of this story available which may better suit your taste. Thank you for listening anyway, and thanks for taking the time to comment. Best wishes

[@Angela-cc1hd]

I agree, even though his speech is very precise, it does however l think, sound a little robotic😮