The Lift by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Audiobook (1922)

This is a short high octane story originally titled 'Trapped'. In 1910 Conan Doyle was thinking about constructing a play out of the story but it never came to pass. However you can feel the dramatic bones of it and it's a bit of a standalone There's something a bit Hitchcockian about it, in that it seems like a scene that Alfred might have assembled - well, that's what I thought of anyway. Lifeboat?
Anyway, rather fun, rather dark with some light relief as it progresses.
What do you think?
It's read as per by Greg Wagland for Magpie Audio in 2023.
Please click the like button and subscribe if you haven't done so already.

[@davidroskoph4392]

I daily scan for a new gem from you Greg. Each an incredible masterpiece! Thank you.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Very kind of you, David, and thank you for listening.

[@MsMtheory]

Me too!

[@garyteague4480]

I do the same

[@mawbahjat4757]

Mr Wagland your voice and narration is really marvelous... you can never imagine how much I enjoy listening to your narrations... your british accent helps me so much in learing british english ... please never stop uploading more of your fantastic work... thank you very much sir

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks for listening mawbahjat and for your kind and encouraging comments.

[@patriciaramsey5294]

This was gripping. I interrupted my housework to sit enraptured by the story. Very Hitchcockian. Maybe Doyle influcenced him? Thank you for your marvelous readings of these classics.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Yes. Who knows? Glad you've enjoyed it Patricia! And thank you for listening and commenting.

[@lindapeterson5810]

So needed to hear your calm voice - been tussling with binding a journal, and it's finally finished.....thank you!

[@clairbarnard9058]

Gosh Greg! That was a bit intense! I listened with my eyes closed and could picture the scene. Beautifully read, as ever. Thank you x

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Glad you enjoyed it CB! Yes, a bit tense towards the end. I thought I wouldn't add to the horror by singing Dolly's new musical ditty.

[@tottiemae2258]

Excellent choice, GW, though I don't recommend it as a somnolent. 😳 Quite a treat, however I could feel some acrophobia coming on. A hybrid child of Hitchcock's "Lifeboat" and "Vertigo". Hearty thanks!

[@satanlucifer6099]

Always great to see something new! Thanks, Uncle Greg!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

My pleasure, young nephew!

[@larsen8059]

Oh, my goodness! That was fantastic! Thank you, Greg! Wonderful narration, as always!

[@mariamcgee4462]

It would have definitely made a great play. Thanks for the new story Greg.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Glad you enjoyed it, Maria M McG

[@YvonneWilson312]

Yes indeed, I can well imagine Hitchcock getting his teeth into this! Enjoyed it very much - thanks Greg. I was wondering who to throw out first, in order to lighten the load! Billy would be my candidate of choice, I think... Ha!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Yes, he's probably top of the list. Although rubicund business, was he?, might be a candidate? Although sadly they all sounded much the same (note to self).

[@SophieBird07]

Wow! Just when I was beginning to feel like I’d finished everything of interest on KZbin, lol, I’ve discovered these great stories and wonderful narration. Thank you!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Welcome aboard!

[@ruthcole909]

Dear Greg Wagland, you were saying you might read some Agatha Christie, I would enjoy that very much. How about Sheridan Le Fanu? So much reading, so little time!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

I know Ruth. I reading The Chimneys, I think it's called but making rather slow progress. Not recording, just reading. Don't know much about Le Fanu. Will have a look. Is it spooky?

[@ruthcole909]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio i just started reading “in a glass darkly”, it’s very highly regarded and I am enjoying it. Maybe read that next. I don’t get paid by the Oodles application, but, that’s the one I use. It’s just books I think they took from project Gutenberg. You would be familiar with applications like that. It’s really improved but I don’t think they are adding as much more as I’d like. I hope it is not true.

[@ruthcole909]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio I’m adding more to my previous reply. I’ve just finished part one of three, it looks as if it’s a shortish book. We meet a monkey in the first segment that seems a spooky sort of monkey.

[@andrewbeale6072]

Le Fanu is a good choice. He was probably the leading supernatural author of his time, and he also dabbled in mystery and suspense. He was one of M R James's literary role models and had some influence on ACD as well. Doyle's early novel 'The Firm of Girdlestone' never mentions Le Fanu, but the villains show more than a little familiarity with his 'sensation novel' 'Uncle Silas.'

[@stewartlancaster6155]

Please god no Christie !

[@deewhite4346]

Another great read .thank you

[@stewartlancaster6155]

just looking for something to listen to and your notification popped up, another ACD, , a dizzying tale indeed ! thanks so much.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks for listening, Stewart. I did think of putting Elevator in brackets but hey, what can you do!

[@ismarwinkelman5648]

That is going to be a very well rested Tuesday morning for me! Much obliged, Greg 🙂👌

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Enjoy! Thanks Ismar W for listening!

[@hawkiowan]

Another gripping tale, beautifully presented. Thank you, Greg!

[@philipinchina]

Wonderful.

[@stevenverhaegen8729]

Not taking a lift today! 😮

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Wise. Tomorrow will be fine.

[@thomasstevens1436]

Another masterful performance. Thank you Greg!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks for listening

[@an234dfg]

Anything that Mr. Wagland reads is just the BEST! -OR - I don't care what it is; if Mr. Wagland is narrating, I'm listening

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Cheers Andrew. Very kind. Thanks for listening!!!

[@davehopkins1970]

Absolutely gripping tale. Thanks as ever Greg

[@nancyM1313]

Evening 🚣🏻‍♂️

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Evening all, Nancy M

[@lesterbrandt3203]

Mr Wagland, Thank you for the excellent work. Glad you are on Spotify as well for when KZbin is having fits. May I ask where the Artwork comes from? I love all the Art you add to the stories.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks for listening. Various public domain art sites

[@mohen2960]

Greg’s lilting voice transcends all the characters so wonderfully

[@waningmooncancer9628]

After the man said he had a presentment of danger, his lady asked to get on the lift. Immediately, I knew that was the cause of his feelings of dread. I know it's just a story, but I wish people would work on their intuition and empathy. They ease the interpretation of feelings that seem to have no foundation.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Yes. How does one develop one's intuition, wmc?

[@katyb2793]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio be female for a start 😉😂

[@waningmooncancer9628]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio Most people don't like the answer, and I honestly don't know why. Spiritual warfare is a real thing, as is the fight against evil. To me, empathy and intuition are weapons to feel out situations, read between the lines, and pick up good or bad vibes. GOD does not send anyone to fight the good fight unarmed. How do you get it? Ask GOD for it, and add to it heightened discernment. You simply pray and ask THE INTERCESSOR, CHRIST, to work on you and build you up and out of the enemy's reach.

[@annskinner8467]

Thanks Greg! Will listen tomorrow 🀄️🀄️🀄️🀄️💦💦💦

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Enjoy, Ann. If you can. As others have said it's a bit lively and a tad tense. All the best.

[@williamhagen2792]

ACD laid a rotten egg. YUK

[@philmartin9615]

Thank you Greg! Wonderful ❤

[@bentnickel7487]

Arthur Doyle lost his son in WWI, after that, he kinda went nuts.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Yes. He certainly went into a state of deep grief and mourning.

[@bentnickel7487]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio This story is my proof. Dark and meaningless.

[@andrewbeale6072]

It must have been a good kind of nuts if he could still write stories like this one.

[@aesopstortoise]

Next time I'll take the stairs ...

[@Dildosoup]

Hi Greg! Thanks, I hope all is well. 🎉

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

All good this end. How things in Sunstone valley?

[@Dildosoup]

@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio All good here too! Sunstone is no more, we've moved house and I'm now Barmekin Silver! As always, everything I make is made to the sound of your narrations.

[@glen4075]

Thank you Greg. Tense!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Welcome! Yes, I'm not the greatest fan of heights (Winston Smith style confession there!) so yes. Not my favourite.

[@ThomasJobes-rl2kz]

I listened to it during the day today. Will re-listen tonight with th wife. Thanks.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks for listening Thomas. Cheers!

[@katyb2793]

I misread that as 'with a knife' 🥴

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Should have gone to… I do the same!

[@katyb2793]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio 🤣

[@sierraseven3680]

New Magpie!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Indeed. A rare sighting!

[@alixfremgen7184]

If Sir Arthur Conan Doyle could hear you, I believe he would enjoy it too.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Ha! Maybe he can!

[@crownofcreationsmith1975]

Thank you ❤

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thank you for listening, crownocsmith

[@ravenkeefer3143]

Mahe Ohna ✌️ Favour ALL

[@briangarrett2427]

By Sir Arthur, old boy

[@happycamper4315]

Great stuff as always! Quick question if I may? Will you be returning to the Classic Breakdown podcast for either Dracula or 1984? I love those, they are a great comfort when the revellers have gone and I'm clearing down my pub! All the best! Happy C

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Eventually Happy camper - I don’t like leaving books unfinished.

[@happycamper4315]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio Thank you! Classic Breakdown is my go to podcast for sorting out the pub after the punters leave!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Ha! Glad to know this. Where is your pub btw? I’m very fond of pubs and they’re rather an endangered species these days!

[@happycamper4315]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio Sheffield! Although I'm not a Northerner they seem to have accepted me as one of their own! The Blake Hotel. We have 120 whiskies! Hopefully we'll see you if you're ever this way!

[@arborymastersllc.9368]

Please do micah Clark! You are the best narrator of all time!!! (At least of the 21st century)

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

It's very long Micah Clark. But I'll have a look.

[@arborymastersllc.9368]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio only if it looks like you'll enjoy it. Dostoyevsky would be a great next choice, though his works are long also. N. Hawthorne has a large number of short stories that are close to your vein as well. Maybe consider doing a survey and/or seeing which works would get the most funding and then crowd sourcing the financing for the longer ones. Preorder fashion. 3$ * 20,000 people is 60000$. Just a thought. Thank you so much for what you do. It saved me this year after an accident, when I was in the hospital, these works were my friends. Ethan

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks Ethan for your thoughts on this. Never thought of Hawthorne before. But have thought about Dostoevsky!! Cheers

[@bonpourvous]

I shall listen to the story later on but I must say I love the painting in the thumbnail any idea who the artist is?

[@annskinner8467]

Yhe painter’s signature is in bottom right-hand corner. . Initials E.P. but I can’t make out the surname

[@bonpourvous]

Thanks for the reply which for some reason I missed.@@annskinner8467Ah after some research and enlargement I found out that the artist was Edward Henry Potthast and the painting is called 'At the Beach' from 1918. Thanks again.

[@susanotway7875]

Excellent. Thanks.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Glad you liked it!

[@ronostick9718]

Thank you Greg.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thank you for listening, ronostick.

[@conqueroryt9639]

Wonderful ✨

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✴I liked this one

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

It's a bit different, isn't it, mijiy?

[@mijiyoon5575]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio Yes

[@ringpop6177]

First ! 😃

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Always!

[@ringpop6177]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio Thats right! Who loves ya Baby!!!? 😜

[@joehockley2610]

Friend Greg,You should win entertainer of the year your the G.O.A.T David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, don’t have shit on you I’m not blowing smoke up you’re ass it’s truly amazing the amount of characters that you can do most people can’t do three different voices you just don’t use different voices you give them personality The valley of fear a study in scarlet I mean shit they’re all awesome I think many people agree with me if they listen to you on the regular basis you need to be famous in the world of narrating because I’ve never heard anybody like you before and I haven’t watch TV for eight years so I’ve listen to a lot content when you read that last Sherlock Holmes it literally was like when your favorite show has its last episode and you’re like so torn up and sad and realize how awesome the journey was and it has come to an end that’s exactly how I felt thank you thank you thank you

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

I really, REALLY love you ACD uploads, Greg. He truly is able to put you there, wherever, that is, he chooses. And your narration realizes the rest. It’s odd, my mother was a huge Holmes fan, me? Not so much. But everything ELSE he does, I absolutely live for. I fear that it is quite impossible for me to adequately express the depth of my heartfelt thanks to you, sir, for this invaluable service you do for us all.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Well, I'm very glad to have got your comment - and I value it. Cheers Stalin.