The Man With Two Beards | A Father Brown Story by G. K. Chesterton | A Bitesized Audiobook

Breakfast in the Bankes household is enlivened by news that a notorious jewel thief is believed to be living nearby under an assumed name, not least because Mrs. Bankes is the owner of a valuable emerald necklace. The new lodger at Smith the bee-keeper's farm seems to be an obvious suspect. As robbery develops into murder, luckily Smith's friend Father Brown is on hand to investigate...
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...
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* Donate via PayPal: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...
* 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:
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:20 The Man With Two Beards
00:54:47 Credits, thanks and further listening
Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936) was an English author, theologian, philosopher and critic, who produced a wide-ranging output of fiction, poetry and journalism. His writing covered a wide variety of subjects, ranging from crime fiction to Christianity. His most famous novel is probably the "metaphysical thriller" 'The Man Who Was Thursday' (1908), but his most famous fictional creation is surely Father Brown, the Catholic priest-detective who featured in more than 50 short stories published episodically between 1910 and 1936. A complete contrast to his (near) contemporary Sherlock Holmes, Father Brown is quiet, unassuming and solves crimes with instinct, intuition and a deep understanding of human nature.
'The Man With Two Beards' first appeared in the April 1925 edition of Cassell's Magazine, London (issue No.157), and in Harper's Magazine (in the USA) in the same month. It was subsequently published in the fourth collection of stories featuring the priest-detective, 'The Secret of Father Brown' (Cassell & Co., 1927).
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2023

[@BitesizedAudio]

Breakfast in the Bankes household is enlivened by news that a notorious jewel thief is believed to be living nearby under an assumed name, not least because Mrs. Bankes is the owner of a valuable emerald necklace. The new lodger at old Mr. Smith the bee-keeper's farm seems to be an obvious suspect. As robbery develops into murder, luckily Smith's friend Father Brown is on hand to investigate... Story begins at 00:01:20 My previous Father Brown readings are available on this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZIw86EBJVrsatQuD23rfWC- 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

[@Bambisgf77]

Pin this comment Simon! 👍🏻lots of good info in here!

[@stephaniealeman8522]

Oh Simon, thank you so much for a Father Brown!💚 A lovely example of how versatile you are as a voice actor and not just a monovox narrator - so many characters here, and your Father Brown is my absolute favorite of all the others giving him voice out there…and one can tell how well you like to read Chesterton to us💚 🐝

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for your comment Stephanie, that's very kind of you to say. And thank you too for the coffee earlier, I really appreciate your support

[@cristinagoode8509]

My walk company today! ❤

[@ginabeena6757]

A new Father Brown!! ❤️😍 Thank you! There are a lot of Father Brown audiobooks, but you bring him to life in the best way possible!

[@BitesizedAudio]

That's very kind of you to say, thank you Gina. So glad to know you enjoy them!

[@shannondore]

Oh how I love a good Father Brown mystery. This was wonderful Simon. Thank you!❤😊

[@chimera8421]

It’s weird, Simon you always pop up when I need distraction. Many thanks.

[@BitesizedAudio]

How serendipitous!

[@captain2fat]

Love Chesterton, love Father Brown. Thank you, sir!

[@YvonneWilson312]

What a treat! Your phrasing and pacing is superlative and your acting talents really bring stories to life. Thank you so much as always, Simon. I have loved the Father Brown stories ever since I was a young teenager. I had attended an RC primary school and was intrigued by the illustration on the Penguin copies in my local library!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much Yvonne. Yes, he's a brilliant character and the stories are great fun to read. Glad to know you enjoy them

[@rachels4848]

Perfect story for a beautiful and breezy Sabbath afternoon. Love from Indiana.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Rachel, appreciated

[@kristinacable]

Father Brown stories are fantastic! Cheers❤

[@mfranssens]

Thank you, once again for everything you do. You may not realise this but, it makes our lives a little better. Especially with the world and the country, the way they are now. Your channel takes us away to another place.

[@spmoran4703]

Father Brown is a affectionate character . A Christian , who sticks up for the under dog. Is logical in thinking and always asks for repentance even from the worst of characters . I just love this character .

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

I thoroughly enjoy Father Brown. What a character. Thanks so much

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know you've enjoyed them Sharon, thanks for your support

[@Oystersgetclamydia]

Brill.. Bedtime listen for me.. Been a bit unwell past week so this is a boost 😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Sorry to hear you've been under the weather - get well soon!

[@Oystersgetclamydia]

@@BitesizedAudio Thank you,Simon

[@evelanpatton]

Just started it to hear your comforting voice in the mid morning on the west coast. I’m saving the story to go with the moon…🎉❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Rather appropriate for the story of Michael Moonshine... I hope you enjoy! Thank you for your kind comments Evelan

[@CeliaZA]

Many thanks, Simon! I read many Father Brown stories as a teenager, but I don't remember this story.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Celia. Yes, this is one of the later, less well known ones - quite a memorable title though!

[@sugarfalls1]

What a beautifully written story! Thank you so much Simon! You've injected some sunshine into a very cloudy and stormy weekend in the Philadelphia suburbs! All my best from across the pond!

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you!

[@philipkennedy6006]

Just really beginning to truly appreciate this wonderful and meaningful challenge. Great CONTENT. …and well-curated, and exceptionally well-read.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you, much appreciated

[@ME.40801]

I always know that anything written by G K Chesterton is good!! Thank you mate!

[@code-52]

Oh Simon, you are the joy, the beauty in my life. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you!

[@code-52]

@@BitesizedAudio You're so deserving. I get such a joy when the notification button comes on. 🙃🙃🙃🙂

[@REFaust]

Great to hear another Father Brown story...Chesterton is a master 👍 I remember the first I read was 'The Absence Of Mr Glass' and I was hooked

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah yes, I have had 'The Absence of Mr Glass' on my possibles list for a while... quite the denouement!

[@elizabethmerriman531]

Anytime I listen to one of your stories you narrate, I am transported to another time. If I listen to them at bedtime and I drift off to sleep, when I wake up, I back up and start listening again so I do not miss anything of the story. Sometimes I replay the same story to make sure I did not miss anything. Happily listening in Texas

[@triple999fruitful]

I loved reading Father Brown, how nice to listen to it.:)

[@julielevinge266]

Many,many thanks for this Simon!! Have been down with the”lurgy” for 2 days & thought I was about to kick the bucket!! Then along comes a wonderful( always weird) Father Brown Story, thank you👍😊♥️( you saved my life!!)🤩♥️

[@YvonneWilson312]

Get well soon, Julie!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear you've been unwell. All best wishes for a speedy recovery!

[@beverlyadams7205]

Hi Julie!. I had to Google the lurgy. In my American family, we used to call it the crud!😂 I hope you feel better soon. A jolt of Simon and father Brown always make you feel better.🌹

[@snippycutwell9878]

Perfect timing! Listening while I cook...

[@NSGca]

Simon you have a fabulous voice for this medium, and many others. Thanks for the wonderful vignettes 👏

[@veronicabailey-cobbbcc491]

Thank you so much for providing these excellent audios. ❤

[@bryanllanos5843]

Thank you very much for this treasure of entertainment

[@patriciaramsey5294]

Thank you for a new story! It helps cap off my weekend. Bravo to your excellent reading. 💯

[@simoneclift3155]

Thank you Mr Stanhope. Another beautiful bedtime story. X

[@beverlyadams7205]

Great story! Thank you, Simon❤

[@ropeburnsrussell]

This was quite funny at times, poor Opal.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Quite so. Thanks Peter

[@WowUsernameAvailable]

As usual, Father Brown stories don't disappoint with their poignant commonplace wisdom. Love the ending line! Thanks for your narration!

[@user-xd7dk3oy3q]

Have always loved Father Brown stories, but you bring such a special touch to them, thank you so much.✊❤️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thanks Julie

[@mariameere5807]

Thank you so much Simon! I won’t forget this! Really and truly, you are a kind man!☮️💜☯️

[@BitesizedAudio]

So glad you got the notification Maria. Lovely to hear from you, I hope you're keeping well

[@mariameere5807]

@@BitesizedAudio Thank you SO much Simon! 🫶🌟🙏fantastic job by the way!!!

[@EMB238]

Thank you Simon. I love Father Brown stories. ❤

[@rickyl8359]

Thank you, Simon . . . I appreciate you very much. 😘❤️🌹⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🇺🇸⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@rubewaddell1704]

Just found your channel. Love your narration. Too many have good intent but lack the voice or execution. You have both. I will be listening to a lot more of your stories on my ramblings or late at night if I can't sleep. Thank you for the pleasure you give up myself and many other listeners.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for your kind comments. Welcome to the channel, I hope you enjoy listening

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Always a nice surprise, Simon, to have a story by you show up! Thanks very much.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thanks Rosie!

[@juliesheard2122]

Such a lovely voice to listen to. So nice to hear an English accent!

[@Bobo411]

I'm not very familiar with Father Brown (kinda thought he was more of a Poirot type of character), but I loved this story! What an interesting way to weave in Scripture and I love the use of redemption here.

[@paulacnote]

Joy. Love Father Brown tv series with Mr Weasley!😂 And this is great. Thanks

[@spmoran4703]

I look forward to seeing them . And although the BBC are using writers other than Chesterton , the stories remain true to the Reverend Fathers character. Mr Weasley . Yes he is good at presenting the character of Father Brown too.

[@SpuktasticAudio]

Another bravura performance, cher Simon. What a *STAR* you are! ❤

[@otto17023]

An excellent story by a very wise man whose wisdom comes through every line, read professionally and well! Bravo for the choice of story and for your wonderful , sensitive performance!

[@samgould9930]

I love Father Brown, thanks for this

[@emmaw7795]

Thank you. I had saved this to listen to on my birthday. It made perfect ending for the day.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful. Belated happy birthday, I hope you had a lovely day

[@bluegreenglue6565]

My first Father Brown story. : ) Thanks very much!!

[@saran.4001]

Thank you, Simon! What a treat, love your videos.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@mikecharles6767]

Thank you Simon!

[@mngirl5437]

Thank you Simon ❤

[@eddyflofernando]

Thank You, Simon

[@ruthhase-gutierrez9830]

Thank you so much for doing another Father Brown piece! I enjoy them very much.

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

Thank you, Simon. ♥️

[@pamelamellott532]

Thank you for your creativity. I love all forms of Father Brown and Anne Perry portrayals of William Pitt and Daniel Pitt. Thank you again.

[@psum6537]

Excellent! Thank you.

[@marisadallavalle393]

Thank you Simon! 💕

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome, thank you Marisa!

[@Bambisgf77]

Just want to say one more time how much I like the new intro with the music!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much Felene, greatly appreciated

[@jamc9459]

Great story!!! "not whitewashed but washed white" splendid. Is. 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

[@veronicabailey-cobbbcc491]

Thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly

[@malcolmcurran6248]

Wonderfully read! Thanks 👍

[@patriciajrs46]

Thither?! Ha ha! Oh the Brits use so much more of the English language in different forms. Quite delightful actually. I've always found it amusing that Brits say clark, and they are referring to a clerk's position. There are so many different pronunciations in the British vernacular. Why our American English got so harsh and clipped, I truly don't know. Thank you, Simon. Another great story.

[@wyominghome4857]

Charming story.

[@terryleetv1]

Lovely Simon ❤

[@dianelakata1308]

Ya’ know; I think I listen as much for the music as for the stories 😍😆

[@susanotway7875]

Thanks Simon. Quite a clever plot. Enjoyed very much.

[@user-zn7of3bd6o]

Thank you!

[@sacha1259]

Beautiful...Thank You ......🌹

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for listening!

[@adriancaldwell]

excellent!

[@janebrown7231]

Thank you, Simon. Lovely to hear your voice. I like the Father Brown stories, but this one stretched incredulity beyond the limit! 😂

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thank you Jane. Yes, I fear that's an accusation which could be levelled at a few of the Father Brown stories, especially the later ones (like this one), they can be a bit bonkers at times... but good fun I think.

[@janebrown7231]

@BitesizedAudio I do agree, they're often close to the line. This one was the craziest I've heard... but good fun!

[@wayneferguson3307]

Excellent

[@mrmeowmeow710]

2 mega thumbs up this one hell of a channel I love it

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly!

[@brucealbert4686]

Very good FB narrator voice😊!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@tishahouse846]

Listening from the ukwales❤

[@fiddlersthree8463]

Thanks

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much

[@saxophone.4513]

Simon, I can see you in a Gentleman's club, seated in a deep leather Queen Ann chair wearing a smoking jacket holding a pipe to your mouth between sentences 😂

[@BitesizedAudio]

That's how I record them, of course...

[@Bambisgf77]

@@BitesizedAudio this reply got a great giggle out of me ☺️ from now on this will be my vision when listening! I feel sure it’s a red velvet smoking jacket 😂

[@terranovarubacha5473]

Seems to me that there was a very clear motive. Lovely story all the same

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I had the same thought...

[@TinyStar-oz3bo]

Love these, but some of them scare me.

[@joe858noone]

Any chance you could do the Biggles stories?

[@judikingsman6132]

I don't consider myself particularly thick but I've listened twice to this story and. Still I don't see how father Brown claims it to be unique.😮

[@BitesizedAudio]

I think you make a very fair point, and some others in the comments have said something similar. As I recall he was saying that the very specific and unusual *motive* for the murder was unique, rather than the murder itself, but the point isn't very clear I agree

[@minvalara2765]

❤❤❤

[@mijiyoon5575]

🎬📽⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@triciaquinlan3664]

This sounds terrible... but you send me to sleep, Thank You! 😴

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help!

[@DonGonzalito]

20 minutes into the story, I no longer know who is who. The narrator with his up-and-down monotonous tempo and similar inflections for everyone doesn't help.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Oh dear, sorry to know that. Multiple character voices are always a challenge, both for reader and listener. I gave it my best shot, but clearly it didn't work for you. Still, there are alternative audio readings out there, so I hope you find one you enjoy

[@ggrey5990]

What a gracious reply, to an intentionally unfriendly comment. Class!

[@DonGonzalito]

@@ggrey5990 Smarmy comment to backhanded "graciousness" regarding strictly true criticism. It might be hard to understant for you, but I was helping him (improve).

[@donblosser8720]

Careful Mr. Chesterton, your flawed theology is showing. He would have us believe that the thief on the cross was the only person who was ever given assurance of heaven. Rubbish and nonsense! The crucified brigand was indeed given such assurance but so also is everyone who has trusted in Christ alone for salvation. 1 John 5:13 "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you HAVE eternal life."