The Missing Actress Sensation | A Max Carrados story by Ernest Bramah | A Bitesized Audiobook

A young actress making her London debut in the west end becomes an overnight star after earning rave reviews on the opening night, even though she only plays a supporting role in the piece. But a few days later, her name is in the newspapers again for a very different reason. Inquiry agent Mr. Carlyle and his friend Max Carrados 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:
* Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesize...
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:20 The Story begins
01:09:15 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 Missing Actress Sensation’ first appeared in The News of the World, on 14th December 1913. It was subsequently published in book form in 1923 as part of the second volume of collected Carrados adventures, 'The Eyes of Max Carrados'.
Some textual notes:
Mr. Enniscorthy makes reference to offering a witness a "Bradbury"; Bradburys were the nickname given to special £1 notes issued by the British Treasury at the beginning of World War I in August 1914. The notes were issued as part of the war effort in an attempt to help the Treasury preserve its stock of gold bullion; they were known as "Bradburys" after Sir John Bradbury, the then Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, whose signature appeared on the notes. Intriguingly, this story first appeared in the News of the World in December 1913, some eight months prior to the war and the introduction of Bradburys, which indicates the text of the story was revised by Bramah after the original publication. The text read here is from the 1923 volume 'The Eyes of Max Carrados', the second collection of his adventures published in book form.
There's a passing reference in the story to the Boadicea statue on the Thames Embankment. I've pronounced it as it was spelt in the published text, which was the predominant pronunciation at the time of the story, although it's now generally acknowledged that this spelling and pronunciation are incorrect due to a misreading of old manuscripts, and the name is now more commonly known (and pronounced) as Boudicca.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2023

[@BitesizedAudio]

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 Some textual notes: Mr. Enniscorthy makes reference to offering a witness a "Bradbury"; Bradburys were the nickname given to special £1 notes issued by the British Treasury at the beginning of World War I in August 1914. The notes were issued as part of the war effort in an attempt to help the Treasury preserve its stock of gold bullion; they were known as "Bradburys" after Sir John Bradbury, the then Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, whose signature appeared on the notes. Intriguingly, this story first appeared in the News of the World on 14th December 1913, some eight months prior to the war and the introduction of Bradburys, which indicates the text of the story was revised by Bramah after the original publication. The text read here is from the 1923 volume 'The Eyes of Max Carrados', the second collection of his adventures published in book form. There's a passing reference in the story to the Boadicea statue on the Thames Embankment. I've pronounced it as it was spelt in the published text, which was the predominant pronunciation at the time of the story, although it's now generally acknowledged that this spelling and pronunciation are incorrect due to a misreading of old manuscripts, and the name is now more commonly known (and pronounced) as Boudicca. 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: * 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 per month with various benefits: kzbin.infojoin

[@grannykiminalaska]

💖

[@evelanpatton]

🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤

[@tonyeden8381]

Back when newspapers contained news and now I see quality literature……..unlike today where they are blatant propaganda peppered with lies and nonsense which thankfully nowadays we’re no longer subjected to the paper versions contaminating our beloved fish and chips with their faecal content 😀😊

[@waningmooncancer9628]

I had to congratulate you on your over 44,000 subscribers!!!! I hadn't checked in a while, and it was an awesome surprise. 👏 Hope you enjoyed a glass of 🍾 bubbly to celebrate the occasion, Simon 😁😊☺️🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Nancy! 🥳

[@stephaniealeman8522]

It has been said before, but there is nothing quite like coming home to find a new story from Simon and savoring the evening moments of listening to come once tasks are done, dog walked, glass poured, fire stoked and pipe lit 😌💚

[@boosqueezy2418]

same here! only mine is cat and tea 😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful! And thank you for the coffee earlier, much appreciated

[@stephaniealeman8522]

☕️💚

[@jamc9459]

Its Winter in Hawaii, so i don a wool beanie, wool socks, sweat pants and a scarf:) Cold is relative and geography is a choice.

[@caroleastwood9386]

Simon. You are the most hardworking dedicated constant theatrical narrator by a long way! And it goes without saying. THE BEST. We adore you. Thank You

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much Carol, I'm touched!

[@skrimper]

Know any other good channels? HorrorBabble is the only other one I like

[@crystalclear6864]

More saki and similar ones? The humour with your narration is fantastic. Maybe ‘bigger bites’:) loving the victorian/ Edwardian stories and we get a back story on the author also!!!! Tks

[@crowleythedemoncat]

One of my favorites! Bless your heart, Simon. We can't thank you enough for all the fantastic stories you give us.

[@susangordon1153]

Wonderfully done Simon! I have grown quite fond of Max Carrados and his remarkable powers of deduction. Perhaps I am but a bit biased but I can't help but believe that if the author were alive today to hear your narration of his tale, he would be very impressed with the care you give to all his characters. You keep them safe and make sure they are once again heard! And we, your faithful listeners, love you for it! ❤ Much thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

That's very kind of you to say, thank you! Yes, I've become very fond of Max and his friends too

[@simoneclift3155]

Oooh the bliss. 😊 Every new story is another treasure. Thank you. 😍

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Simone!

[@annseidl208]

Love listening to your wonderful voice reading these old, intriguing stories. Thank you, Simon!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for listening Ann, so glad to know you enjoy them!

[@maryann3671]

Doggie and I are so happy to hear another Max Carrados story!

[@jenniefaust9235]

Simon!!!!! You are the absolute best!!! And every time there is a new story, I feel such a calming peace!!! Thank you for all you do and for helping me feel some relief from anxiety at night before bed. Adoring you from across the pond!! 😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for your lovely message. I'm glad to know these stories help you

[@terinn7115]

Besides all the other reasons for loving your site, your work in bringing to us the wonderful stories, your narration; you even give us textual notes. I love that. Your work is edifying. Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that you like them, thank you!

[@ginabeena6757]

Oh I'm so excited!! I was hoping you would do more Max stories! Thank you! 🤗❤️

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Thanks, Simon. I am so glad I found your channel. A gift to the listener is what you are!!!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Why, thank you Tammy, that's very kind!

[@katyvdb5993]

Splendid! A brand new story that I had never come across before! Thank you, Simon.

[@YvonneWilson312]

Absolutely wonderful - thank you so much as always, Simon. I shall be listening later tonight. I love the Max Carrados stories, he is such a superbly crafted character.

[@BitesizedAudio]

He really is, and I like Ernest Bramah's writing style in general too. I hope to do more soon

[@SpuktasticAudio]

My favourite Carrados story to date. Thoroughly engaging and intriguing. Well done you! ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

So glad to know you enjoyed it Bob

[@QuiltingPJ]

So glad I found you. It’s been my favorite entertainment while working on my quilt projects. Although I’m a Californian I love all British literature and you have a delicious voice. Thank you

[@JD-cw4qg]

a Max Carrados story to curl up with on a cold January night, could it get any better and cosier. Thank you Simon, I just love the Carrados stories so much

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Thank you so much for your work 😊

[@januzzell8631]

Just in time for dinner!!! Thank you Simon - love having theatre while I eat :D

[@kayi9236]

Thank you Simon, I enjoyed every minute of your superb performance, I was transported to another time and place!

[@BitesizedAudio]

So glad to know you enjoyed it

[@amgroves76]

Beginning to have a soft spot for this series. Thank you for another wonderful narration

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I'm very fond of this particular series, and have several more on my to-do list!

[@julielevinge266]

♥️Max Carrados stories that I only discovered through your channel.✊♥️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you like them! More to come...

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Lots of work in this one. Thank you. Always look forward to another story by you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for your support Rosie

[@somethinginnocuousindahouse]

what perfect timing, needed something relaxing

[@possumaintdead]

Although Max Carrados isn’t one of my favorite detectives, I listened with pleasure for your wonderful narration. Always so enjoyable. Thank you !

[@lizday8140]

You uploaded two minutes ago??? Woo-hoo! And here I am now...about to listen. Fun times. 😁

[@maryfeehan7896]

Really enjoyable story. Thank you Simon.

[@synesthete23]

A Max Carrados tale I haven’t heard before! Thank you dear Simon 🎩

[@annagettings4675]

Wonderful! Thank you! Have you considered reading the ghost stories of Rudyard Kipling?

[@BitesizedAudio]

I do have a couple of Rudyard Kiplings on my list, I was intending to do the Phantom Rickshaw last summer but events overtook me. Maybe this year!?

[@annagettings4675]

@@BitesizedAudio Oh yes please! They're really good and The Phantom Rickshaw is awesome! As are you!

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

I love these characters. Another outstanding well performed story. Thank you so much

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Sharon, appreciated

[@TedaR]

Tysm as always Simon! 👏👍🏼🫶

[@spiralrose]

Simon! I was wondering when you were going to put out some new material :-). Glad to see you are still here

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you! Yes, still here...

[@2476bunny]

took me a few tales to get into these,but now there good thanks and well read.will contiue listening,lot of work on youre behalve I E reshearch well done, .

[@geridayao8924]

Bless you Simon for this rare treat! Most satisfying.

[@angelaomni6919]

tricky unraveling mystery 💖

[@cawiltu]

FYI listeners: Kingstown, in Ireland became Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin in 1920

[@captain2fat]

More Max Carrados! What a treat! Love this channel, snd appreciate the hard work that goes into these productions.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you

[@snippycutwell9878]

Nobody reads me to sleep like you Simon Thank you again

[@shirleypearl2166]

Such a treat thank u Simon 💜🙏

[@donnarogers7732]

I love UK mysteries and entertainment. I am enjoying these " "Audio Bite" stories very much. Normally zi don't enjoy "audio" stories/ books. But somehow these are different. I suppose the narrator is making it abundantly interesting. Especially, Mr. Carrados stories. Reminds me of The Unique Poirot of Agatha Christie fame. Mr.Brahma has taken my fancy with his adventures. Thank you so much, your talent is extraordinary.✌️✨💖💜🇺🇲

[@crazyyoda8721]

Bravo Sir!

[@hrhqueene]

How delicious to come across a Max Carrados I’d not heard before! Thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Excellent! Yes, I'm trying to dig up some of the less anthologised ones!

[@bea3693]

Absolutely love the variety and tone of all these stories

[@elizah2093]

What an excellent production. So entertaining! Thank you!!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks Eliza

[@drwolftickets7473]

Another upload! Excellent!

[@TRHARTAmericanArtist]

Great stuff Simon. Thank you!

[@bea3693]

Thankyou for going the extra mile . The stories are presented with just the right tone. Making them all the interesting.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Bea, that's kind of you to say, much appreciated

[@zenith808]

Love Simon's voice and his flawless pronunciation - a pleasure to listen to

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@rneustel388]

That was quite clever-U never would’ve thought of that reason for her disappearance. Beautifully narrated, as always!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks @rneustel much appreciated

[@gazzathomas1423]

Love this story...thankyou

[@joehockley2610]

I have truly come to love these stories from Vic & Ed era thanks for all your great work.

[@ladyabstinencelevain8696]

Thankyou for all your hard work

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome!

[@jackalina91]

Every time I see an upload from you I get a smile on my face & the anticipation begins….! ♥️♥️♥️♥️😎🇦🇺✌️

[@mngirl5437]

A lovely reading. Thank you Simon ❣️

[@NancyDrewe]

That was a lovely little Carrados story and you read it so well. Thank you!

[@Austrian_blood]

I wish you would post on Friday aft/eve. Thank you Simon.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I do sometimes! It's just hard to keep to a regular (weekly) schedule as I'm working around other projects and other commitments. Generally I manage to upload every 7-10 days or so. Funnily enough though, I'm putting together a compilation of several stories as an anthology which I hope to release this coming Friday, all being well, so do look out for that!

[@wendyarbes9514]

Thank you again!

[@reneehernandez8214]

Your voice is amazing. There narrations ate great too. 😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@patriciabullock2793]

You seem like a nice guy--these stories are challenging, and calming. I will try to listen to all of them. Thanks, Patricia

[@irenabevans3411]

Unexpected ending, really good web of false trail's until the webs centre was reached , with all revealed, Thank You Simon most enjoyable

[@BitesizedAudio]

That's always good to hear, thank you Irena!

[@beverlyadams7205]

Hi Simon! What a great story! Had me guessing till the end. Keep those stories coming! And thanks Amillion. 😊.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Beverly. I'll do my best!

[@jjpetunia3981]

Thank you so much. Audiobooks help me get through the day and I love these stories.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help! Thanks for listening

[@emmahardesty4330]

Your reading: wonderful. Modern, complex plot that, for me, surpassed fiction because it's just as quirky as real life. Glad to know of this author. Thanks

[@peterchaloner2877]

A superbly dense plot, requiring three listens. Superbly read, as always.

[@BitesizedAudio]

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

[@billpiechocki]

Your channel is the only one I will consider supporting

[@margaretwood7135]

A truly enjoyable story with twists and turns. Superb narration.

[@grannykiminalaska]

Oooh, I'm so excited 😊

[@wendyarbes9514]

You might find No. 252 Rue M. le Prince by Ralph Adams Cram an interesting read

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@divine.damage]

Thanks Simon!

[@Sunny25611]

Simon you have made my Saturday evening’s. . You’re an exceptional narrator for the genre of books that you upload and I’m going to be happily catching up with your playlist for many months to come! Thank you and God Bless :)

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Sunny, I hope you enjoy listening!

[@rochellee.pigman6495]

This sounds intriguing.

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

This clever story was we say, "nifty'...appreciative cheers from New Orleans....

[@user-jd4hm1fo6g]

After hearing the offer of a Bradbury, I had to check the years of its circulation, but I could have saved myself the bother if I'd bothered to read through the notes. I salute you Simon, and agree that it is very intriguing...

[@kpcraftster6580]

Excellent and delightful - thank you! I like what George Bernard Shaw plays I know, but do not yet know You Never Can Tell (1897: premiere 1899).

[@kimmccabe1422]

10 x ❤ thank you! Keep those beautiful victorian mysteries coming 🙏

[@BitesizedAudio]

Much appreciated, thank you Kim!

[@grimtt]

Bramah’s categorization of a “sensation“ shows how some things haven’t changed (except in scope and scale ) in the last 100+ yrs, in terms of how society flits from one inflated happening to the next!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes indeed, I was struck by how many echoes of modern day preoccupations there were in this 110 year old story!

[@TedaR]

Love Carrados! ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Teda. So do I!

[@kirpalani-griffin3706]

Well, I have missed you, too. Lovely stuff as always. Thank you!

[@warrenharwell4145]

You are the best narrator, you need to narrate more.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you! More to come... I'd love to upload more often, but have to juggle the channel around other work too!

[@sams5963]

Thank you, Simon.

[@atsukorichards1675]

Good one! The beginning reminds me of the short suspense stories by Cornell Woolrich/William Irish, where the people disappeared as if they never existed.

[@joeharoutunian1805]

Great voices in this one. Very appropriate to the personalities

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thanks Joe

[@lyndaa7560]

Thank-you for such a marvellous reading, very enjoyable as always xx

[@maxinejacobson4006]

Love the music as well as the story.

[@hannahreynolds7611]

Thank you 😊

[@hellishsnow]

Thankyou for your work 😊

[@mjrchapin]

Quite a tangled tale! Thank you for sharing this!

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome, glad you enjoyed it

[@kimberlykasimoff1447]

I listen to a 1930s-40s game show called Information Please. On the show one evening they asked the question who was the, not sure if they said blind detective, who has the information brought to him and he solves the mystery/crime. My first thought was that it was The Old Man In the Corner, but I guessed Max Carrados. I was right. That is because I have heard some of his cases here.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Excellent, that's wonderful to know!

[@Sunny25611]

:) That’s so cool! ❤

[@smythharris2635]

Oonagh Roscastle? That reminds me; I was once in a very full car one night here in Ireland. The police stopped us for a drink driving/security check, it being Christmas. Oonagh, a school friend of ours, upon spying a handsome policeman, jumped out of the car imploring, "Search me, search me!" Good story, well read as always, sir. Enniscorthy is a rather pleasant town in Co.Wexford with a fine castle.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes I've heard of it but never had the opportunity to visit. Some day, I hope

[@marisadallavalle393]

Thank you!

[@clare79]

New subscriber Can't wait to hear these stories 🎭

[@BitesizedAudio]

Welcome to the channel! Thanks for subscribing, I hope you enjoy listening

[@Lee0nie]

Nicely read sir!

[@michaelwargo5702]

Thank you ❤❤❤❤

[@saran.4001]

Thank you, this was very enjoyable. Spoiler alert......I liked Mr. Enniscothy, and he did not make a fool of himself, he was actually very noble in looking out for Miss Roscastle. She did not owe him anything, nor did she deceive him, she was not responsible for his actions.. But it was better that he did not get to marry her, she would always have had the upper hand, he cared more than she did.

[@Marc-ke2lw]

Fantastic

[@johnnyrockabilly4962]

🎉cool

[@julieblackstock8650]

wonderful

[@kellygnow1]

Thank you

[@patriciaramsey5294]

Can you possibly do 'the last act of harry the actor"? It could be a challenge for you. There is Max, his friends Carlisle, Parkinson and Inspector Beadle, an Australian and 8 to 10 other characters near the end. It would be a challenge, but your reading would give it justice.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for the suggestion Patricia. I'm glad to say I already have that story on my to-do list! I do like a challenge sometimes. I'm hoping to do another Carrados soon, so will keep that one in mind...

[@shirleypearl2166]

Thanks

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Shirley