The Open Door by Charlotte Riddell

A tale set in Victorian England. A young man who needs a job, offers to stay in a haunted house. No one else has been brave enough to stay there and solve the mystery of "the open door".
Intro music is Bad Encounter by Myuu.
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[@georgesfeydeaufeydeau6235]

Wonderful. Riddell is a storyteller of remarkable charm.

[@arworld15]

❤❤#mp4books

[@martiwilliams4592]

Comfort food for the ears-like meeting an old friend-much appreciated. Thank you again, Tony.

[@luceatlux7087]

I always feel nauseated when i imagine harsh realities, such as described; the lack of money and rough tretment of those struggling... The feeling of welcoming ANY mortal challenge in order to merely survive and earn a bit of money is always emotionally familiar. working hard is rarely an issue. it's the quality of treatment and low regard; being perpetually lorded over by egos hubristically utterly disrespecting your positon that's the worst...

[@glorydey5008glowlight]

Greetings from India! I am a total book lover, enjoy all genres of stories, including radio dramas. I loved this story. Excellent narration! Your animated reading makes the whole story come alive. Keep it up! Best Luck and Good Wishes! Regards! 🥰👍

[@ClassicGhost]

I have done an Indian ghost story on the podcast. I'd like to do more!

[@nobelknightnell]

Your voice has such charm and charter makes all these stories come alive and gives great pleasure to the listener.Thank you

[@marianserra8371]

I love reading all comments on stories. It seems to bring us all together, no matter where we are from. That brings me such joy as we locked ourselves away from neighbors and geo-political pressure abound. We come together through a story,like children being read to at bedtime. This is incredible. 💘 🇺🇲

[@teddydog6229]

@@marianserra8371 And your post was a much needed jolt of positivity and optimism. Thank you !

[@debbie6036]

@@marianserra8371 Agree 💯👍

[@lloydrobert6182]

The protagonist was brilliantly defined! Self-deprecatory, yet single minded in proving his worth. And the narrative style kept me enthralled. Thank you for a marvelous reading!

[@nicayres3210]

Love these. I used to be an avid reader but since suffering with mental health issues I find it incredibly difficult to concentrate on reading. I found this channel about a month ago and am working my way through the play list. Such a soothing voice and the readings are performed beautifully. Thank you for helping me find books again.

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad to be helpful

[@katiedotson704]

@nicayres3210, I, too, can no longer effectively read even material that is of great interest to me. I so miss being able to sink into a book and becoming lost to all but the pages within the covers of a book. I thought for awhile that if I forced myself to read each paragraph or sentence over and over til I could grasp the meaning, the nuance the author intended, that I would regain this skill. Years later, I am no better. Written words were the source of knowledge and pleasure, and a window into the world beyond my own tiny sphere. I hope your journey is more successful than mine. There are days when I look into the mirror and think of how much I miss me. But all this makes me very grateful for Tony those like him that orate the written words so beautifully and precise.

[@martinholmes-ue9ko]

Hope you get better soon.😊

[@KellyJacob-qb8ji]

Nice!❤ Glad u can enjoy books again

[@martinholmes-ue9ko]

Although we have never met, I am glad you are feeling better and hope your further recovery is speedy.

[@katyvdb5993]

I enjoy traditional ghost stories, and not only is this story new to me, but I'm afraid I had not heard of Charlotte Riddell until I listened to your podcast. Thank you.

[@lorrainefranchi9105]

Always a fan of the classic haunted house, when you have a nice scary house it almost becomes another character in the story.

[@robylove9190]

You are a good narrator. I just subscribed and look forward to more of your content.

[@ClassicGhost]

Welcome aboard!

[@borneoorchid]

wow what a great story with a most satisfactory ending. And yes, Tony's voice is very nice and he narrates so well, thank you

[@trishbirchard1270]

What is more terrifying than an olde house !! When we were kids ( in the fifties ) we'd come across them sometimes - tilted and wide open - dark and scary , unlocked !! Many ghosts !!

[@mr.peevyshow1914]

What a wonderful voice to listen to just before you drift off...

[@zenamorgan1754]

I can’t tell you how much I loved the story. I am a huge lover of Gothic horror. It just keeps you on the edge of your seat. I work from home and has been a lot of time alone on my sewing machine. It’s always keeps me the best company. And you have the best reading voice

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you Zena :)

[@citycrusher9308]

This is a horror story, but not in the way you think. The ghost is the least frightening part. This guys working life is the nightmare

[@dmx5439]

Lololol i know ...True story

[@shellchenonceau6987]

Today many people live an equally horrible life in drab or miserable careers, & as victims instead of victors. I hope all people are helped to seek to do what they love instead of merely doing something to make a dollar.

[@dannyclarke1074]

Mmnnnmmmmmmmmnmmmnmnnnnmmnnnnnknm nnnm8i 16:01 do that

[@cousinsister69]

This quote is no spoiler. At 38:10 "Courage, that is your enemy. Try and conquer it". I believed cowardice was the enemy, not courage. If courage becomes difficult to master. Elusive. Then perhaps it can be seen as an enemy. Cowardice on the other hand seems to find us easily, like a friend. I'm trying to comprehend the idea intended!🤔This was a terrific book. I enjoyed it very much. Thanks to Tony once again for his pleasing + melodious narration. From an Ossie fan. 👇💜🙃

[@downsphile]

Great story, very well read. Cannot help thinking that Susan Hill's brilliant The Woman in Black owes something to this tale. Anyway, thank you for your reading and sharing it.

[@ClassicGhost]

I've done The Woman In Black, you know... Glad you liked this one.

[@lisahastings2927]

The narrator is just superb thank u for such a great story

[@joycemckeown789]

Love your stories, what a lovely voice, keep up the good work.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you so much!

[@karljunge]

So glad u used Scooby Doo as the contemporary archetype

[@ClassicGhost]

If it hadn't been for those pesky kids, I would have got away with it

[@stephanielynn608]

My gosh, your voice and these stories are absolutely delicious!! Thank you!

[@dmx5439]

Brilliant... THANK YOU ....are you reading this story ....if you are .....GREAT JOB !

[@ClassicGhost]

Yes I am! It doesn't please everyone, but I'm glad you liked it.

[@dmx5439]

@@ClassicGhost ....its just brilliant..... Keep going ....you have a lovely voice ...well done very much appreciated by many ;+)

[@dianal.clausen8118]

@@ClassicGhost You sound too close too close to being a spoiler. Pls don't ruin it for others.

[@dmx5439]

@@dianal.clausen8118 . ???...

[@natashaguttman8616]

Listened to this whilst cooking dinner in Pennsylvania USA. Loved it. Thank you.

[@lilfiery0ne]

Are you familiar with Mary Elizabeth Hawker (1848-1908) was a Scottish-born writer of short fiction. From 1890, she wrote under the pseudonym Lanoe Falconer. She wrote , 1890 and, 1891 and some other things, I'm not familiar with all her works ... but the two I mentioned are haunting and atmospheric, like many of the books you have here. They speak of paranormal happenings and spiritual hauntings that are unique and unusual ... they would fit it in very well with your collection .. if you take a liking to them. Just thought I'd mention them to you. They have been done before .. Librivox recordings... but even so they are still very obscure and not well known of ... and I think you would bring much more to the readings

[@ClassicGhost]

That's a great suggestion, I will look her up. Found her on Gutenberg

[@lilfiery0ne]

@@ClassicGhost I'm glad you liked the idea :) I enjoy your podcast and youtube channel very much.

[@jaceek2030]

What a terrific story, I love Charlotte Riddell's writings. You are an excellent narrator, bringing the tale to life. Looking forward to hearing more..and can imagine your channel growing exponentially.

[@ClassicGhost]

It is very weird but yes. I have no idea why after being a year plus when nobody listened suddenly it has started to grow . Anyway it’s nice of you to say such kind things

[@jaceek2030]

@@ClassicGhost I just stumbled upon your channel when researching Victorian era ghost stories. I've searched before, but this is the 1st time I found you. At any rate, glad I did. Hopefully others will as well. Thanks again for sharing your time and talent.

[@jaceek2030]

@Sit back, relax Lol! I sometimes wonder how I go from listening to Korn to a vid about vintage sewing machines..🤷

[@ClassicGhost]

KZbin knows. We don’t.

[@teddydog6229]

@@ClassicGhost The Almighty Algorithm holds the Key. So did King Solomon but that book's a bit of a slog.

[@tootsieb11]

The Ninja maid 🤣 Who was she? How would she have benefitted from finding the will? Was she the widow of the murdered man? Was she indeed the murderer? Who knows..I don't but his ghostly figure appeared whilst she was there, so maybe confirmation that she was indeed the culprit. I liked the idea of the ghost solving mystery, I think I would have accepted the offer of the dog as a companion but only because I'm a big soft dog lover. I'm non the wiser as to why the door kept opening but it's a ghost story so it doesn't matter. Maybe just remove it from its hinges and hang a door curtain...I've recently subscribed and find your storytelling draws the listener in... good accents by the way 👌

[@jaquelineturner6119]

another classic story. enjoyed it so much. keep them comming, i really do enjoy thhem. im an old lady now but a good book is lovely. thankyou xxx

[@JarmaraFalconer]

You read it brilliantLy. I loved it ❤️

[@nunyabinnus]

thanks for reading - stay well

[@earthcat]

Very well done, Sir! Many thanks for all your hard work 💖

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

What a wonderful story

[@morecm3322]

A great story and voice . You have the perfect pitch in voice. Thank you

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you too!

[@vickywaxlady1101]

What an excellent narrator. Definite new sub and will no doubt be binging your channel.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks Vicky

[@TheRetro60s]

Thank you for an unusual and interesting story, and so very well read too. I look forward to hearing more.

[@susanmercurio1060]

They say, "You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy."

[@tcup9258]

Loved it , thank you .

[@deborahmeyers7839]

Wonderful reading thank you so much

[@johnhindes9020]

Superb excellent story wonderful narrator well done

[@dew2912]

Great story. Wonderful narration. Really brought all the characters to life.

[@davidclarke8000]

Great story and very well read with a superb voice. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@lccsd2392]

came to this later on in this year. It is a lovely story and not a stretch as everything comes to rights very quickly which is lovely every now and then. Thanks Tony.

[@Deimos5224]

I truly enjoyed your narration of this tale. Thank you and I truly wish you the best.

[@esterherschkovich6499]

Something new to listen too...thank you.

[@timothyhopkins6960]

Love this story . Thank you.

[@williamfield5386]

Exellent story, excellent narration.

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Valerie-oc3kw]

Your voice is satisfying, like soft butter. I confess I feel asleep and so I'll have to give it another listen at bedtime. Thank you

[@ClassicGhost]

soft butter is very satisfying, I agree. Yum ! 🧈

[@Austrian_blood]

Excellent,; I knew the wife was the murderer, when the owner explained the murder. ❤ Good storyline..

[@northernlights6459]

Wonderful narration, just perfect for the story.I really enjoyed this.Really pleased to find your channel.Keep doing what you are doing, it gives so much pleasure to people to hear these wonderful stories ‘brought to life’ as it were.

[@ClassicGhost]

Welcome aboard!

[@northernlights6459]

@Classic Ghost Stories Podcast, Thanks Tony, I will buy some coffees for you next week! Your voice is extraordinarily good, perfect for narrating these wonderful ghost stories.What great writers they were. The stories seem timeless to me and full of atmosphere.Have you considered doing The Celestial Omnibus by EM Forster? It’s one of my personal favourites and, to my great surprise, the house written about is in a row of houses ( about 6 in the row) where I lived for nearly 5 years.The location and description matches it perfectly. It’s a terrific supernatural story.

[@ClassicGhost]

@@northernlights6459 I will put it on my list!

[@northernlights6459]

Thanks Tony, much appreciated!

[@deniseroper9030]

Brilliant as usual 👏☺️

[@feralbluee]

a story to last in your mind. i love this tale. and your reading only enhanced the feel of it. i do believe tis a woman’s tale as the characters are so heartfelt and even the struggle is very muted. it’s so well written, too. also always love your ramblings. nice to know about the author. thanks so much 🙂✒️📃🌷🌱

[@alison155]

Thank you so much. I think this is the best so far though i have only listened to maybe 3/4 looking forward to walking my dog as that is when i can listen with out stopped.. ❤ yes its just a lovely, warm storyb

[@DFermain]

This was a great story.

[@blixten2928]

Hey, that was a wonderful surprise - your telling what you thought and felt about the story in the end. Really fun to share your thoughts about the story afterwards. I am looing so much forward to hearing more of your stuff!!

[@leonehumeniuk3347]

Really enjoyed your reading thankypo

[@ceegee5993]

Very well read 📚....thanks for taking the time to do so!

[@mijiyoon5575]

I call this a savory & delicious story...TY

[@tigerbunny6778]

I'm really loving her work. Thank you!

[@martiwilliams4592]

Ditto this time around!!!! You are a true master , Tony. Thank you

[@murtazaarif6507]

I love the silent ghost theme. The silence is beutiful and peaceful. Kind of melancholic. I also noticed the creepy gothic aspect in the creepy property, particularly its vintage furnishings empowered by moonlight shadows. I could imagine there being windows with pointy beams. A classic gothic feature.

[@bernardmarsh4133]

G'day from Australia. Mate well done. Great narration. Thoroughly enjoyed. Now I am a subscriber

[@ClassicGhost]

Welcome aboard! I actually do a story in an Australian accent (2 come to think of it). I'm keeping those secret. It's nearly as bad as my American accent :)

[@rahawa774]

@@ClassicGhost I disagree - you did very well!

[@anaderol5408]

@@ClassicGhost Please don't..... the British accent is so much easier to listen....I'm an Australian by the way so just being truthful rather than un-pc!!

[@cousinsister69]

It's generally Ossies criticising an Australian accent portrayed by a non Australian actor! Non Australians find difficulties portraying our accents. Our lilting, laconic + lazy styles of speech! Australia has several different sounding dialects depending on the region born into, making it even more challenging! Hi from down under! 👇💜🙃

[@anaderol5408]

@@cousinsister69 I'm impressed - it's not the first time I've heard it said that Australians have different accents depending on region of origin - I don't doubt it but I'm afraid I can't hear it and I've lived in Oz most of my life. Strangely I can pick up accents from different regions in other countries.

[@rebeccawoolfolk5377]

Very enjoyable. Thanks.

[@anniemalloy8208]

I really enjoy your readings, as well as the tidbits at the end about each author and story - thank you :)

[@susandombrowski7711]

not bad!

[@ireneanderson7699]

I really enjoyed your reading and the story, thank you!

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@undeadondine1977]

Wonderful narration, and interesting trivia at the end. New subscriber👍

[@Jonanny1]

Thank you Tony, I really enjoyed listening to this, I listened to the Bewcastle Fairies prior to this, and also very much enjoyed that one also, Jo :)

[@ClassicGhost]

Great. Very pleased.

[@bellablogg6097]

Really good story, actually never heard it before. Very well read.

[@NH4Ukraine2]

All houses are haunted.

[@brinklebros7136]

this is the one thing I consistently find entertaining. love your voice and professionalism.

[@jakethedude100]

Loved it and so did my dog! Thankyou.

[@ClassicGhost]

Ha ha! I like dogs

[@Earnshawfully]

This is the second story I have listened to, where you compare it to Scooby Doo! Heh.

[@ClassicGhost]

I only have two or three ideas

[@lindacantu9885]

Great one, thanks for sharing. Excellent narration.

[@Tinyflydeposit]

What a charming story. Read with excellence, as usual. Thanks Tony.

[@thelastsausage635]

Really loved this one😃📚☕️

[@Bambisgf77]

Thank you Tony! 👏🏻👏🏻 I am new to your channel and now I cannot get enough! Excellent narration, soothing & engaging at the same time. These old stories are the absolute best.

[@ClassicGhost]

Really pleased you enjoy them

[@frederickbowdler1509]

Enjoyed Mr Jones by Edith Wharton the perfect story to read before the purchase of a house with staff included what a snob i have become!!

[@ClassicGhost]

It sounds amazing. Let us know if you have any ghosts :)

[@maryjones6722]

Fabulous dramatic voice

[@psum6537]

Thank you! I really enjoyed this one.

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sreed8066]

1:07:55 beautifully read, and liking the background at the end thank you.

[@missdaisysunshine8633]

Not in the mood for my daily constitutional, but the dogs are so here we go. At least I have Tony Walker for company. Ha! Walker for my walk. 🎉

[@julielevinge266]

Just ♥️ Charlotte Riddell, NutBush Farm is my favourite, landlady in that is brilliant✊♥️

[@TheBogsOfficial]

Very nicely done, adding to the list.

[@FarmersAreDummies]

A very talented reader.

[@martiwilliams4592]

Ditto this time around. Thank you, Tony!

[@ClassicGhost]

Always great for me that you are enjoying

[@martiwilliams4592]

@@ClassicGhost Thank you.

[@teresawoods7476]

Like the way you tell stories

[@tomleaf5790]

A classic tale, extremely well narrated. Thank you for the time you’ve quite obviously spent on this - very enjoyable.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you Tom. They do take a bit of time to make

[@St.Linguini_of_Pesto]

Lol, I just read the description. Nothing beats a mental image of Shaggy & Scooby running around, in street urchin rags, and Fred, Daphne & Velma rolling around Victorian London in a strangely painted gig. This is a thoroughly enjoyable tale! Very frightening & tense. I'd never read or listened to this author's work before.. I definitely plan to seek out more by her. Thank you for an excellent Reading. Stay safe. -New sub from California.

[@PinkyPuff69]

Hello from San Francisco! After seeing the comment from India, I thought I would add my home town and country, too. I love this story and listening to it once again. Thank you, I am now a dedicated subscriber.

[@ClassicGhost]

Welcome aboard. I’m glad you’re here !

[@martiwilliams4592]

Fantastic, Tony! Just saw this!!!!! You are a master, in your story selection, presentation and interesting commentary!Lots of thumbs up

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you Marti !

[@martiwilliams4592]

@@ClassicGhost We all thank you!

[@kmarch6630]

While there are several loose ends in this story it is, nevertheless a good one. Very enjoyable.

[@gailjones7044]

As well as there are loose ends in your home and every other aspect of life.

[@tinarodriguez9120]

Thank you!

[@todddickinson3262]

Fantastic!!I can’t get enough of this channel, and have shared it on my social media and with my friends.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you very much!

[@Rosemarysummers2]

A good story

[@1970sthrowback]

Great story telling, thank you. Your voice sounds very familiar ....🤔

[@jcristi321]

Loved it! I thought maybe the ghost at the end was the old Dowager. But maybe not. Thanks! Jan

[@susankeyssecker8195]

I love your narration, Tony. Thank you.

[@craigwarner6156]

I have to subscribe to a channel called classic ghost stories and i really enjoyed this one. Thanks

[@doodybird5766]

LOVED listening to this one! Thank you. 😊

[@jessicajackson8064]

Really nice story. Thanks for reading it for us.

[@heidialexander7959]

Excellent thank you

[@CrowSkeleton]

Thank you for reading this to me as I knit tentacles, it's very well done. I do consider the mystery of the door to remain unsolved, however - was it the ghost, or the perpetrator, in either case why, and the latter case how...or was it slight subsidence all along? Not that it matters at all, and I'm rather charmed by Riddell's little details and the ending, Victorian life goal of marrying one's cousin and all.