The Secret of Dunstan's Tower | A Max Carrados story by Ernest Bramah | A Bitesized Audiobook

Max Carrados, the blind detective, is asked by an old school friend to investigate the case of the Aynosfordes, who are apparently haunted by a strange and inexplicable manifestation on the stairs in their ancient family seat, Dunstan's Tower...
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...
* 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 per month with various benefits:
/ bitesizedaudioclassics
00:00:00 Introduction and background notes, written and read by Simon Stanhope
00:04:09 The Story begins
01:06:04 Credits and thanks
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 Secret of Dunstan’s Tower’ first appeared in two parts in The News of the World, on 2nd and 9th November 1913. It was subsequently published in book form as part of the compilation volume 'The Eyes of Max Carrados' in 1923.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2022

[@BitesizedAudio]

Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction and background notes, written and read by Simon Stanhope 00:04:09 The Story begins 01:06:04 Credits and thanks If you'd like to hear more stories featuring Max Carrados, 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: * 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

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

“I’m local demon in a GFS kind of place…”, HAH! They did all the stuff we do today, like “BFFF”, only less curse words!

[@debbiesunlight7047]

Me me 🎉xxx love Simon.

[@blindvoyager]

A classic detective who is blind?! How do I, who loves 1920s pulp and am blind myself, not know of this guy? A new favorite! Thanks!

[@mjrussell414]

Who here can’t wait for bedtime to turn off the lights and listen to this new story Simon has recorded for us?

[@GradKat]

Yes!!

[@doomathemoonman]

Who here isn’t waiting, and is instead going to bed early?

[@Frenchblue8]

ME!! Never would I ever not at least start a new reading by Simon after climbing in bed. It's the only way to have a proper beginning to it! And sometimes him being in the UK and me being in New York City time it's very early in the morning for me if I notice a new upload and I must wait many many hours.😥 As the poem goes, miles to go before I sleep ~ with Simon. Omigosh y'all know what I mean! 😊

[@Jennifer-is9np]

Me..me..me!!!

[@lparsons6977]

Holding hand up, “Meee!🤣

[@chrisnorman9980]

The ol’ ancient family curse - you’ve got to love it. I love this writer’s style - subtly and drily funny - and you Simon are just the one to do it perfect justice. As always - wonderful.

[@susangordon1153]

How wonderful! I was hanging on every word! Simon, I can't help but wonder how much time you must spend rehearsing these readings. Surely you must. The vocabulary is so different from today's language and your inflection is so perfect. Surely you don't just start and read stories written like this through perfectly the first time. I can tell you are a perfectionist and would never put anything out that did not meet your exacting standards. Your work is recognized and oh so appreciated! Thank you again for the outstanding entertainment! ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for your kind comments Susan, much appreciated. I do prepare and rehearse a little, but also sometimes I re-record sentences or paragraphs where I'm not happy with the phrasing etc, so I probably end up taking longer than I should overall!

[@susangordon1153]

@@BitesizedAudio I certainly can't hear the editing. Your ability to speak the older language literally takes me to another time. It seems so natural hearing you speak. I know you're a voice actor but still, you seem to have something I don't hear elsewhere and I can't quite name it. It's special for sure. Thanks again and I'll be listening!

[@Bambisgf77]

@@susangordon1153 well said, Simon is so natural with the cadence as well. It’s a large part of the … charm? :)

[@okesoncharlie]

I wholeheartedly agree 👍

[@waningmooncancer9628]

Thank you for stating so well the appreciation I have for this absolute treat. You are right, Simon's dedication, attention to detail, and eloquence are evident in all his work.

[@mjrchapin]

If I may be so bold: WOW! A wonderful, novel story, perfectly narrated to bring it to life, and this after a dry spell, during which I'm sure we were all parched for a new tale. Thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, glad you enjoyed it!

[@sugarfalls1]

@@BitesizedAudio I'm lost. I listened to it twice and not sure what happens at the end when he says he sees it or something to that affect. Can you help me out?

[@GingerTomMom]

I am so glad I found this channel several months ago. Hearing his pleasant voice during my recent hospital stay was very comforting. And I've learned about new authors, new stories.

[@katyvdb5993]

How delightful to have you back and recording new stories! Your delivery, as always, is so beautifully precise and nuanced, and your choice of stories introduces us to writers who really deserve to be remembered and enjoyed. Thank you.

[@code-52]

Such beautiful and forgotten writing. Thank you Simon.

[@Frenchblue8]

Ernest Bramah's lifespan saw so many changes, so many new inventions and technologies that he experienced from being brand spanking new amazing things to being just the ubiquitous stuff of every day life people were used to, telephones, airplanes, automobiles, and radio being such commonplace items by then. But when he was 10 years old none of them existed! Old enough to have been around for the Autumn of Terror, aka the reign of Jack the Ripper, Bramah saw all of the wonders of what I like to call VicEd tech, and others refer to as, I think, steampunk... and still lived to see the courageous, heart spirited, British homefront effort at Dunkirk, perhaps, even saw America enter the war. Incredible! And how l have come to love Max Carrados! Thank you, Mr Bramah and Simon, of course!

[@jared1870]

Simon my hero. Thank you once again.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome Jared!

[@carrie-ann8121]

Hi Simon , great story ,perfectly read as always with your wonderful voice . So happy to have you back on KZbin 👍👍 were you belong

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

'EYES IN THE NIGHT" 1942 - an excellent film noir featured Edward Arnold as Duncan "Mac" MacLain, the blind detective. And Allen Jenkins as his 'eyes" Marty. Mac also has a very charming guide dog, Friday, who nearly steals the film with his smarts and amazing antics. Great film. The idea of blind detectives goes back awhile, and is always fascinating. When one considers the 'other senses.." people lacking sight often have.

[@caroleastwood9386]

Oh What a lovely surprise after a stressful day! Wondrous stuff Simon..

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help! Thanks Carol

[@baruchben-david4196]

Ernest Bramah is one of my favorite authors. Thanks for this narration.

[@BitesizedAudio]

He's become one of mine too. Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment

[@wisdomoftheearlychristians2037]

This is a great story and I'm glad you recorded it; I recently read all of the Max Carrados stories, but with my vision I always pay a price for reading with migraines. Now, I can listen to it over and over.

[@okesoncharlie]

I'm now convinced that the author was sternly told by his father or mother that he absolutely could not use the word anus in a respectable published work. 🤔 "challenge accepted " or"oh yeah?!" or "just watch me".

[@missclimpson]

I’m happy to find your recordings. I love these old stories.

[@donw.7349]

Thanks for producing these great pieces. They make a wonderful way to relax and escape from the world for a little while.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that, thanks so much for your support

[@Bambisgf77]

Hello Simon, looking forward to this! The new intro is great if I have not said so before. It adds even more to your signature design with a picture of the author. Thank you!

[@stephaniestevenson6335]

Always thrilled to see a new Bitesized Audio. Thanks again Simon!

[@grannykiminalaska]

I love these stories. They are definitely on par with holmes and it's too bad they were never made into movies.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes, there hasn't been a screen adaptation to my knowledge, other than the one episode of 'The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes' in the 1970s, with Robert Stephens as Max. I'm surprised in a way that they've never been developed as a full television series. There have been a few radio series based on these stories, both in the US (in the 1940s I think) and in the UK more recently, and perhaps the aural medium really suits these stories best.

[@lauralaladarling3775]

Marvellous . Thank you to Earnest Bramah and the captivating actors voice and storytelling. I was gripped from start to finish. Xxx

[@theresahemminger1587]

I really like the distinctive voice of the reader….

[@stephaniealeman8522]

Ah Netherhempsfield with its druidical circle ! Thank you as ever Simon!💚

[@marenaallen3358]

I came across this yesterday afternoon, and found it VERY INTRIGUING, AND WAS ADDICTED IMMEDIATELY!! Excellent works !!! 😍

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly 😀

[@GradKat]

Excellent as usual. Thank you Simon!!

[@BitesizedAudio]

So glad you enjoyed it, thanks GradKat

[@feralbluee]

a new tale. Yea!! and a Real good one. i really love it. and so well edited - the outro was beautifully done. i just realized, your tone of voice fits Carados perfectly. it’s exactly how he would sound. thanks soo much, Simon. - alexa 😋🌷🌱 (really sorry, but it seems no one else has mentioned it - Ain-es -ford? every time i hear it, i have to giggle. that’s why i always pronounce the following this way - Ur’ ain-es. LOL 🌿🌼)

[@cnkclark]

Love the very informative intro contextualizing the story!

[@nancyhalstead916]

Couldn't wait til bedtime. Listened to this for dinner. Thanks for the new story.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Nancy

[@angelachouinard4581]

Thanks to your wonderful readings I am becoming much more of a Max Carrados fan. They are so much more alive to me than reading a printed page and suppose Max himself would not find that so strange.

[@barbaraprest783]

Such a good story thank you 😊

[@thewildbirds6070]

I came to Max through the BBC's delicious afternoon play dramatisation with a perfectly cast Simon Callow as Max and featuring Lionel Jeffrey's as Parkinson. It was dramatised by Bert Coutes who of course did sublime work with Holmes. Gorgeous to have these read now. I have the complete works but so nice to have Max in Yr dulcet tones.

[@juliadia007]

Thank you thank you for another story. I haven’t listened yet but am so happy to see it posted!

[@okesoncharlie]

I truly appreciate the background you give us, Simon, on the authors. I try to picture their lives and their worlds as they were when these stories were first imagined and put to paper. Your research helps to flesh out the authors, and therefore the characters. I can then easily transport myself right to the location, and with your storytelling - and the lights out - it's like being back in those times. That's as close to time travel as I care to get, sooo, Thanks for all you do, Simon. 👍 (edit) P.S. YAY ! More Max Carrados ! P.S.jr I'm so glad I never heard of Max before hearing your recordings, Simon. I have a picture of him in my head from the first story you read. 😊

[@queenflipcharts9785]

I adore Max!! Thank you for this!!

[@synesthete23]

Oh my. Max Carrados is fast becoming my favorite detective. Wouldn’t have discovered him without you. Thank you Simon! 🎩

[@oldskooldave]

Hey Simon, you dropped this: 👑

[@elizabethdavis1287]

Just what I needed tonight 😁 thank you ❤️

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Always a treat to see a new story...

[@mariameere5807]

Loved this! I haven’t had time till now to check my notifications that have been building up as a result of over subscribing- this is one of my favourite characters- the one with the coin in the title sticks out in my memory, but the one about the fake ghost was my favourite. I have chosen to listen to this first out of all 106 notifications, so please realise that this is a huge compliment! I absolutely love the way you explain the history of the writers first and I do hope you will keep this arrangement! Forgive me for being a day late…. If you had even half an idea how much I appreciate you & your channel you really would forgive me! Keep up your spectacular choices of stories and wonderful performance’s 🎭 ! Thank you so much for all your amazingly satisfying entertainment! ♥️♥️♥️

[@BitesizedAudio]

I'm honoured that you chose to listen to me first, Maria. Thank you! So glad to know you enjoyed it

[@pinstripesuitandheels]

The humour is impeccable!

[@ted-b]

What wonderful "value" you bring to the platform!

[@ladyjuliette8004]

Simon, you are simply the best sweetest buggy man on KZbin! Your voice and the way you tell the story, is so wonderful,that I almost forgetting being a little bit frightened, even though it's my bedtime stories. With all lights out. Uuuhaa.... ❤️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for your kind words Lady Juliette!

[@JD-cw4qg]

i just love the Max Carrados stories and was introduced to him through your channel Simon so this is just the icing on the cake for me, another fabulous tale, thank you so much

[@silvertiger2801]

I always listen with pleasure to your narratives. Thank you very much.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say so, thank you!

[@silvertiger2801]

@@BitesizedAudio I ment to say narrations. But you all ready knew that. Obviously. This is why I dislike autocorrect.

[@archibaldbagge1235]

The best audio book reader ever. Simon Stanhope.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Very kind of you to say, thank you Archibald!

[@martinjenkins6618]

Thank you for another Max Carrados. I love these.

[@Kit-vb5rm]

Good day Simon. I really enjoy your readings of the Max Carrados stories, though all your choices are first class and an excellent diversion after a troublesome day. Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know you enjoy them. Best wishes

[@SpuktasticAudio]

Nobody does it better. ❤

[@michelleduplooymalherbe2837]

as always.....delightful, i cannot praise you enough....excellent narrator and excellent story. Well done and thank you

[@donblosser8720]

Carrados was quite well prepared for his work, bringing necessary chemicals. Too bad he failed to bring tape or a gag for the talkative Colonel on the stairs.

[@GLinNYC]

Thank you so much! What a treasure you are.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for your support, much appreciated!

[@johnharling5246]

I'm not a prude by any stretch of the imagination but it is refreshing to listen to a story that has storyline without gratuitous violence/sex/foul language.

[@wisdomoftheearlychristians2037]

I agree; that's why I almost exclusively read/ listen to the literature of 100 years ago; not only is the language and imagery far superior, the authors knew how to advance a plot using skill rather than just sex, nudity or violence.

[@Bambisgf77]

Here! Here! I completely agree!

[@tomcurran1538]

Of course, the first part of the family's surname sounds funny, something like Monty Python might use.

[@okesoncharlie]

Yet how many times does the author make Simon say anus....🤔

[@patriciajrs46]

Absolutely, so true!

[@michaeldonahoo461]

Another fine story, wonderfully performed. Lovely to hear interesting words no longer used like "blackguard"!

[@tomcurran1538]

Here, near "Mayberry," North Carolina the native folk still use some of these antiquated words and phrases.

[@michaeldonahoo461]

@@tomcurran1538 Not antiquated my deal fellow, but educated!

[@esterherschkovich6499]

Thank you ❤

[@wyominghome4857]

I love these short gems. They would make a wonderful dramatic series for television. Thank you for posting them and for your wonderful narration.

[@joels622]

A fantastic way to end the day. Thank you.

[@Minecraft-pj4hm]

Mr Stanhope has one of the finest voices I have ever heard - Disney's loss is our gain.

[@Bambisgf77]

Also really like the music between intro & story … very soothing.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, glad to know you like it!

[@lynncasassa7712]

Love your music, everything about your programming,, especially your voice - so easy to understand.

[@jackloveshisangelo]

Thanks as always Bitesized, you're the best!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks J C! Appreciated

[@ginabeena6757]

Another Max story! Wonderful! Thank you!

[@patriciajrs46]

Oh good, I love Max! You are so wonderful, Simon. Why people bother you, possibly jealous. That's my opinion.

[@grimtt]

Thanks! Hope you’re hanging in there! I jump on bandcamp too, nice 👍! I would’ve liked to have seen those salt caves in TUG story, sounds beautiful!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for your support! Yes, hanging on... I hope you're keeping well too. Those salt mines do sound amazing. I tried to visit one of the old Cheshire mines when I was preparing the story (I grew up in that neck of the woods) but sadly they're not open to the public any longer. Perhaps I'll have an opportunity to visit one of the ones in Poland some day...

[@julielevinge266]

Really enjoyed this story,thank you so much for introducing me to Carrados,hadn’t heard of him until I heard a story on your channel,which lead to me finding many more amazing stories, so happy your now doing a list of Carrados stories,what a treat✊♥️

[@CrowSkeleton]

Archive-raiding for some longer ones whilst I embroider reflective marine wildlife on some winter work trousers (health & safety in outdoor professions needn't be ugly, I feel) - this one is definitely one of your off-the-wall precursors to Midsommer Murders, that's for sure. That said, I was expecting a secret 'Druidic' passage from under the 'altar' up into the stair wall somewhere because it's possible the author had heard of souterrains (actually Iron Age) often encompassing Neolithic passage graves, earthouses and similar structures (all lumped under the "eh whatever was here before the Romans we like" catch-all term of "Druids"), so actually a little less, heh, lunacy than anticipated. I love that Carrados and his servant/sidekick are so smoothly competent, too, and Carrados' complete confidence that he'll be fine given the advantage of darkness. Thank you for reading, as always.

[@feralbluee]

ok - listened to this 9 months ago and enjoyed as much as the first time. the only thing i remembered from one was the name. thanks again. great reading. 😋🌷🌱

[@BitesizedAudio]

Hello Alexa. This is a remarkable co-incidence... I've spent today putting together an anthology of several of the detective stories I've recorded (the ghost story anthologies have proven popular so I thought I'd do one for mystery fans too) - and this is one of the ones I've selected, so I've just been remastering the audio. Hoping to upload it later this week. I'll be including timestamps though, so you can skip past this story if you don't want to listen again so soon!

[@michelle15598]

Woo hoo! You're back! I had a great day and seeing a new story from you topped it off like cherries on cheesecake! You were missed 🤗.

[@shannondore]

Thank you Simon. Very much enjoyed this one. 😊

[@jdsteppenzyde]

Mystery and Maniacs? I am indeed in heaven….indeed!!!

[@crowleythedemoncat]

My favorite. Thank you Simon, you're a dear.😊😘

[@eleshasmith6064]

Gorgeous work as always. Love the rivals! Be well! ♥️

[@CeliaZA]

Thank you, Simon. Loved this :-)

[@maxgc6413]

Marvelous as Always sir. I hope to hear you read Sleepy Hollow one day :)

[@MaoRuiqi]

AMAZING GRACE! But you are fantastic....

[@mijiyoon5575]

Re~listen & I enjoyed it highly

[@snippycutwell9878]

Aynosforde...Thank you that made my saturday morning

[@leonaheraty3760]

Wonderful! Thank you. 😊

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I appreciate the intro *Thank You Simon*

[@Paxtonparsnip]

It’s a good one - unpredictable, and although there are funny bits and intriguing puzzle solving and supernatural elements that have all the hallmarks of healthy traditional genre entertainment there is a distinctly diseased taint to the proceedings. As always, most professionally delivered. And as always my thanks for your commitment and excellent work.

[@crystalclear6864]

Very interesting background info. Tks

[@bobbymarcum772]

As a blind detective, I care not whether the light is on or off

[@buddyduddyful]

What a magnificent voice hath the narrator.

[@beckerabstracts]

Your voice reminds me somewhat of Edward Everett Horton. I hope you take that as a compliment. Bless you and thanks a lot.

[@claire4735]

Thank you sir! 👍🏻😀

[@LadyEng]

I love Carrados!! Am I the only idiot who heard "Anus Ford"? Hee, hee. Sorry. Thank you!

[@snipehunter4771]

The worst part is, once you hear it, you can’t not hear it. 😂 100% more anuses than usual in Simon’s well-chosen stories.

[@valeriekrueger91]

Haha, I thought I was hearing Anus-ford too !!I 😅 😂

[@RosesAreForever1871]

Thank you so much, I really needed this.

[@januzzell8631]

Delicious and what a joy to find a Carrados story'd I'd not heard - thank you

[@williamhagen2792]

Stanhope performs excellent narrations

[@nickjames205]

Ooooh so excited for bed! Thank you Simon

[@johnrohde5510]

Thanks for this. One point, Carrados' original name was Max Wynn; he becomes Max Wynn Carrados upon taking an American cousins surname of Carrados as his of own, to secure a legacy.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes, you're absolutely correct, thanks for pointing it out so politely! I'm not sure how that mistake crept in, it seems I inadvertently misspoke my own script and failed to pick up on it in the edit. I'd already recorded the story where all this is described. I'm surprised no one else has picked up on it. Unfortunately YT don't enable edits post upload so I'm stuck with it... Best wishes and thanks for listening

[@johnrohde5510]

@@BitesizedAudio Even Homer nodded. Thank you, again for many hours of enjoyment.

[@KiKiabout]

Yesss..! Thank You... :)

[@LucicPower]

There are some excellent Penny Dreadful short stories

[@user-zn7of3bd6o]

Thank you 😊

[@DanaC1701A]

Thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for your support Dana

[@divine.damage]

Thanks Simon!

[@peterchaloner2877]

Bravo! Karos to the blind seer!

[@jamesross5328]

Great. Thanks

[@sarahsamaria8283]

Nicely narrated.