"The Visiting Hours" by Jasper L'Estrange | A Ghost Story for Christmas | Audiobook

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Here's an original story especially written for (and set on) Christmas Eve - a Christmas special, if you like. If you don't mind, I'm going to take the rest of the year off! Have a great Christmas and New Year - and stay spooky! - J LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, JOIN etc.

[@carolrios9216]

Thank you for everything, Mr. L'Estrange! Looking forward to your stories next year.

[@mariameere5807]

I just want to reiterate how beautifully written that was! You are a very talented man!

[@lux.illuminaughty]

Spooky Christmas Eve Eve Jasper! Hope you're in your cap settling down for a long winter's nap, cause there might be a ruckus on the roof and in the garden tomorrow night. 🎅☃️🎄❄️Hear you in the New Year!

[@kathyputnam84]

You’re so talented, thank you for this wonderful story and for sharing your many talents with us. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

[@michellebastiani6470]

Thank you so much for our present. I haven't listened to it yet but I know that it's gonna be good since it was a yarn spun by you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! 🎄🎁☃️✌

[@victoria5043]

Beautiful rendering of fragility. You so captured the reality of care home life.😢

[@yesterdayitrained]

Such a beautiful story. Joy from tears. Thank you. Edit: Jasper, I didn’t initially realize you wrote this! The story is incredible- you are an incredibly gifted writer and narrator. Without a doubt, one of the best stories I have read in my entire life!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you. So glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@XadrumLtd]

Dude! You write them as well as you read them. Loved the ending: transportive. 👌

[@DeloresLowndes]

You certainly know how to bring an old lady to tears.

[@ConfigurationQueen]

I listened again this year. Great for a re-listen! Thank you.

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

Here in tears again in December 2024. Fantastic. ❤💫✨🌟⭐

[@pikehead1]

I loved this story when i first listened to it i was working with my pods in and started crying , very embarrassing....it reminded me of my lovely old mum.....brilliant.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I was nearly crying when I narrated it 😄

[@SC-jh9qp]

As a care worker in a nursing home for the last 24 years, I found myself thinking, 'so true, so true'.

[@teebee9232]

There's a special place in heaven for you. Thank you for your service.

[@SusanMarie3]

Wonderful story!!! Thank you

[@evelanpatton]

Such a perfect circle.⏳ 🕰️⌛️ 🎟️🎬🎼🎭🎪🎧 This story is beautifully written, sensitive & sweet; thoughtful & filled with white pebbles that mysteriously lead us into the forrest where some old seeds bloom long after they’ve been buried- out of mind, still leftover in one’s heart. ❤️‍🩹🖤🩶 🤍💕💞💖

[@LilouViviKiani]

Wow! So good! I really related to this characters’ sense of loss.

[@shadownet3d]

Absolutely superb!

[@susannowak5544]

These tales never cease to please! In this one particularly, the many layers of ghosts haunt, shiver, and finally lead to a supremely satisfying resolution. Hurrah!🎉

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Glad you enjoyed 👍

[@amandalee215]

As I am a carer in a old people's home I loved this story thank you

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome. Thank you for your comment.

[@nbeasley2]

This. So beautiful. I loved it so much. You have a true gift❤️.

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Oh my. What a wonderful story and narration. You are both a fantastic writer and narrator!! These characters are so amazing and the story is sad and wonderful at the same time. It is a fine piece of writing. It definately sets the mood and spirit of Christmas. I am saving it to my list to come back to listen to again during that time later this year. Thanks! Have a great week!

[@jturtle5318]

The alternate timeline of the elderly along with a bit of magic!

[@juliadia007]

I'm embarrased to admit it but I cried like a baby at the end.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

*whispers* It got a little dusty in the room when I recorded it too 🥺😥 Have a great Christmas, Julia!

[@sirmintyclack]

You're not the only one crying like a baby. I'm literally sitting my car after shopping at the grocery store. 😂😂 Wow, this is a powerful story!!

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Same here. Wet corners of the eyes and a smile.

[@susanbedingfield4661]

WOWZA..This one made me cry! Great story!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Susan. It got a little dusty in the room when I was narrating it too 😭😄

[@lccsd2392]

Such a beautiful story. Really makes you think about all the times people have been triggered by things that only they would be able to know about and if they don't or can't share those memories lawd knows how it all gets reconciled, if it ever does.

[@culturedchic]

Bravo!!

[@allysonlewis1576]

This made me cry. What a brilliant story. So lovely.thank you

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

This made me cry, Jasper! Fantastic story! Love your writing.❤

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! I actually got a bit tearful narrating it.

[@margaretjohnson6259]

fabulous story!

[@TheChugg11]

This was lovely and reminded me that I need to replace the St Jude medallion that I was given bu an exasperated friend of mine, who thought I could do with the help. It sadly got lost when I moved and I've been meaning to get a new one but keep getting sidetracked...

[@johngalvin6352]

Brilliant, thanks great story fantastic narration, a real pleasure to listen to, thanks guys 😃♥️

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, John! Really glad to hear you enjoyed it.

[@stephensinclair3771]

Dear Jasper, I was very impressed with the story. It had a wonderful "immersing" quality. Unlike some tales of the supernatural (Mr lovecraft) it did the scary stuff alongside great characters that I liked. The setting in a care home was brilliantly well done 👏 ✔. Its an environment I remember and know all to well as a worked as a "carer" for many years. Not a setting that some people would 'get'. I lost count of the number of relatives who would phone up and ask for a specific "ward??" (units people units. Those few of them that cared). From a person who you know can't afford to be a patron....but who knows these type of stories very well - let me assure anyone who reads this that this is one of the best channels of its type on KZbin. In my opinion the best.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Stephen! Pleased you enjoyed it. It's always very daunting sharing something I've written, and I was conscious of having to "sketch" the characters and situation to keep within the confines of a short story. I'm glad it still resonated. Happy Christmas & New Year!

[@stephensinclair3771]

@@EnCryptedHorror you too!!

[@spetrie2325]

What a lovely story..only just found it. Not Xmas but that doesn't matter?

[@suzannemoodhe927]

Dear Jasper- this story was truly beautiful- for so many personal reasons. I cared for my father for 9 years- the final two years were 24 hour care days- I am now a live in caregiver and felt so close to the characters in your story. I never know what to write here- but I really loved your story and thought I should say why. Thank you again for ALL of your readings - this one, however, is special to me because very few people write about the elderly and the sadness and fear they experience.

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

Love this comment. I used to work in a nursing home. Although it was 30 years ago now, I clearly remember a very special and empathetic lady called Ruth who came to work there after caring for her own father until he passed. All the staff were rigorously trained and encouraged to complete nursing NVQs, but the emphasis was truly on empathy rather than experience when taken on, even myself as housekeeping staff. Your last sentence is so true. Apologies for the lengthy reply! Happy Christmas 🎄❤

[@jeremypearson6852]

Fascinating story.

[@andrewcooper162]

Another great story , narrated to perfection, which brings the characters to life 🙂

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Andrew, much appreciated.

[@terryolsson4145]

My God, if one is somewhat confind to the trappings of nastalgia and sentimentality, this story would enliced sadness. Childhood memories can be lovingly desired to be replayed, if only for a visit.

[@tonyinit8488]

I miss Jasper's voice , my own personal favourite story teller.... and an excellent author too ... one of those types that are good at everything I'd bet !

[@violetfemme411]

It took me awhile to listen to this one. I had started when you 1st posted but the subject was too painful. My beautiful mama, Judith, aka Judy, aka Jude had lost her fight with dementia and now faced her remaining years in an Alzheimers facility, in another state far from where my brothers or I currently reside. She no longer recognizes us but has moved from the anger and hostility phase of this terrifying and heinous decline to a more passive stage. And now that we understand (though who can really know as fact) that her frustration and fear has passed to one of acceptance of her current situation, I felt I was ready to listen. I'm happy to say I'm glad I did. You never disappoint J. And the stories you write are equal to the works of the masters I've cherished since childhood. I hope you realize what a gift you bring to all the listeners that have been blessed to have found you. 💜

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Violet. It is so hard watching a parent suffer, isn't it? This story helped me deal with the loss of my dad. Not from dementia, just a painfully dragged out cancer, but, even so, it was hard to see him - the man he was - disappear before our eyes. Nothing prepares you for it. Dementia feels especially cruel.

[@violetfemme411]

@@EnCryptedHorror I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I lost my Dad to Parkinson's a few years back. Growing up it seems most of us can't wait to leave home. But I think the more pain we feel when we actually lose our parents, the luckier we were to have experienced unconditional love. 💜

[@ruthhase-gutierrez9830]

This is a beautiful story. I enjoy ghost stories that are heartwarming rather than terrifying.

[@MSYNGWIE12]

I have tried all the "special sleep inducing sounds", every channel and melatonin- to no avail- YOUR voice soothes me and my persnicketty cats! My mother died 1 year ago and I must underline how comforting this story has been. It's a wonderful "yarn" anyway but for me the ghosts have a very special and personal appeal- Namaste alias, Holly Golightly

[@Rhonda-dk3zv]

Thank you I'm in nursing as well and this is a lovely story .❤ Your voice is just what I have been trying to find.❤

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you. Really glad you enjoyed 👍

[@ancientelectrons]

You read these so well! A truly outstanding story, one of the best and sweetest horror stories I have heard in years, Thank you so much for sharing your extraordinary gifts. The ending made my cry, so bittersweet and rich. Thank you!

[@Falsh125]

What a story and narration! Impressive...

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you so much 😊

[@Falsh125]

@@EnCryptedHorror No good Sir, thank you! ❤️

[@rohanquinby3188]

Good lord this is a wonderful story!

[@susanhepburn6040]

What a total tour de force! So deeply moving on so many levels. Thank you so much.🙏🏻

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Susan. Glad you liked it. I've been really pleased with the reaction to this story.

[@jenford7078]

How lovely these characters are and not only masterfully written but masterfully presented. Congratulations on a beautiful story and performance!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Jen. I'm so pleased you enjoyed them.

[@johnthorpe8341]

You wont read this jasper-Your story is so well informed n such a good story it was a pleasure listening-THANK YOU-Ps its almost xmas now n today i said yes to my moving into an independent living complex maybe just b4 Christmas

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you John! I try and read *every* comment but sometimes it takes me a while to respond 😄. Glad you liked the story. Are you looking forward to moving?

[@carolynlewis9008]

My lord! I cried my eyes out, absolutely beautiful story

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you.

[@andyfield7397]

Quite a beautiful little tale - superb sound effects and characterization too. Thank you.

[@ocsananox]

That was beautiful!!! Great Christmas ghost story.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@ocsananox Thank you so much 🙏

[@rebeccalangsdorf2072]

so beautiful . . . keep writing.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you 🙏

[@bburns2478]

Excellent work, Jasper.

[@susanbedingfield4661]

That was simply fabulous! What a great story! Thank you so much for sharing. I came back to hear it again.

[@kblake6841]

Genuinely one of the best short stories I've ever heard. Thank you sincerely.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Thank you very. Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year 😊

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Jacky! You too!

[@normaemanuel4975]

Most Excellent!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Norma! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@johnguillory7759]

Simply lovely.

[@jez6208]

Brilliant as ever!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you kindly 🙏

[@susanjohn6506]

Marvellous, loved it.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

That's great to hear. Thank you, Susan.

[@gillianshimwell4984]

Thank you, this was so good. Braided themes, thoughtful.

[@ruth_southernstar]

What a fantastic story, original, and had my full attention. Thank you and merry Christmas x

[@warrenharwell4145]

Very good 🙂☺️

[@mythdemeanor5268]

wow! i almost cried!

[@Kojoanna]

A good story, Jasper 😊

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Kojoanna!

[@thurayya8905]

That's a lovely story. (Tony sent me)

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! Glad you liked it 😊

[@terryIKE69]

A brillant story! Feels like a Christmas classic! Envokes deep feeling & with such endearing characters. I felt a sorrow that the story had to end. Would love to meet Christopher, Judy, & Nat again some time. You're quite the talent, Jasper

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Terry! Very kind of you. I enjoyed telling the story of those three characters too. Happy Christmas!

[@evelanpatton]

Oh yes, please, another worded vignette with Christopher, Nat, & “Judy”[¥ aka’s, otherZ]- delightful characters! Also, deceptive/intriguing: is “Judy”: intouch with psychic energies (from her awful neighbor), has multiple personalities (one being a Saint?), and/or a body as a vessel for the recycling of old memories that need resolution, a dementia mind works as a psychic sub-conscious cleanser; we could wander along this story line further if you wanted to keep penning this world, you’d definitely have a readily attentive audience! 🎁🎊Thank you🎊🎁❣️ 🙏🏻✍🏽😘📖🗝🚪🕳🐇 🎅🏼🤶🏼👨🏼‍⚕️🎄👩🏻‍⚕️🧓🏽🕊👼🏻 Happy Boxing Day 🌍✨from our side of the ✨🌎🎉

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@evelanpatton Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed the story as much as I enjoyed creating it! Seasons greetings!

[@marisaera2353]

Loved this stiry. Thank you so much

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@kevinthomas4239]

Top notch story Jasper. Just the right amounts of nostalgia, mystery, all packaged with a happy ending.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Kevin, glad you enjoyed. Have a great Christmas!

[@kevinthomas4239]

@@EnCryptedHorror My only question is what was the inspiration for "the visitors" themselves? Obviously they exist to revisit vengeance, but being a fan of James and others, I kept wondering where the link (so to speak) was between them and Judy. Merry Christmas to you and yours as well! Enjoy your break!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@kevinthomas4239 I was trying to suggest that maybe Judy doesn't actually have dementia. She is a sort of conduit for ghosts and there are lots at the lodge. I had originally included a scene in which there was a bench in the garden under the tree dedicated to Peggy (a former resident) but I excised it. The visitors at Christmas Eve is a bit of a literary conceit however, based on the early Christian idea that evil spirits came out the night before the holiest night.

[@kevinthomas4239]

@@EnCryptedHorror Ah, that does make sense now. I initially listened while wrapping gifts, so I may have missed the connection. Thanks for the enlightenment!

[@MarianneOrent]

This is my favorite!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! I'm glad you like it 👍

[@hilaryeales1268]

Bravo, Jasper, beautiful empathetic story, I was completely immersed. The sadness and loss were tangible. Clever boy. Have a good one and don't get too messy 😉 love Hil 💜💛💚💙

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Hilary! I'll try not too 🥳🥳 Have a wonderful Christmas!

[@jaceek2030]

I don't know how I missed this gem of a story until now. You have a true gift for not only narrating, but as an author. Bravo!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you Jacee!

[@colemarie9262]

Oh my goodness....You got tears from me with this one. A Christmas story (and a ghost story) with characters who have their own lives and pasts and pains. Excellent!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Cole. I set out to make it as Christmassy as possible! Glad you liked it. Happy Christmas! 😊

[@stephaniestevenson6335]

This is such a lovely story.

[@chrisnicholl6078]

A beautiful piece of writing, and of reading. Thank you for sharing.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Chris! Happy NY!

[@sleethmitchell]

thanks for a very good story.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks sleethmichell!

[@veradennis7502]

Wow - fantastic!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you 🙏

[@GeorgiaPeachHolly]

You're amazing

[@PortmanRd]

It's seems I have found a narrator on a equal par with Mr Walker. Great stories (I've only just finished the first of your many tales. 'The Breakdown').

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! Welcome to the channel 👋

[@juded2997]

Just listened to this and it’s quite magical. Thank you so much 🦋

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're welcome! So glad you enjoyed.

[@aarondutil3077]

Great ghost story for Christmas. Merry Christmas Jasper.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Aaron! Have a great Christmas!

[@nadiaminerva]

So good!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Nadia, glad you enjoyed.

[@jamesobarr2130]

Exceptional writing.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you for saying so 🙏

[@michelle15598]

That was an excellent story! ❤️

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@gwenowens6727]

Poor elf control (sorry) meant that I unwrapped this story before Christmas Eve. A many layered tale and your narration was spot on for each of the characters. Christopher’s sense of loss for the happy family Christmasas of his childhood was so poignant. I no longer have parents and that sense of longing and loss made me cry. Thank you for your wonderful channel and the great stories. Happy Christmas Jasper 🎄

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Glad you enjoyed it, Gwen. Have a great Christmas!

[@bluegreenglue6565]

Fantastic story! : o

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Blue.

[@UrsulaConaway]

Wonderful 😊

[@rhobot75]

sweet. . Nice! More of this character! And his new girlfriend. : )

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Rho. I hadn't been thinking of a sequel, but never say never, eh? 😁

[@andreac5724]

Morning coffee with my husband, dogs by our side, and your story!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I love this time of year! Merry Christmas, Andrea!

[@mariameere5807]

It was Excellent! I absolutely love the story. It really is one of my favourites on the channel! And I love the character of Peggy! And the fascination that Christopher had with her.... Thank you! Enjoy your break!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Maria! Have a great Christmas!

[@mariameere5807]

@@EnCryptedHorror And you Jasper!😇🙏🕊

[@jamesobarr2130]

Bravo.

[@johnrichards2616]

What a brilliant imagination you have,a great story and so well read.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, John. Glad you enjoyed it! Merry Christmas.

[@ironsnowflake1076]

_Merry Christmas_ Mr. L'Estrange 🔔🎄 This one brought a tear to my eye, I was remembering a tiny framed painting, one of only a few items I had from my grandmother (emphasis on mother) she died when I was ten....... somehow I lost it during a very turbulent & careless year after graduating...I still think of it hanging in her little kitchen as she cooked, cleaned and cared for me ❤️ I hope it still hangs on some stranger's wall (it was so pretty, I can't imagine it being thrown out) they could never imagine how much it would mean to me to have it back. _sigh_ Enjoy your well-deserved break 🍃✍️📖☕

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you for sharing your story, Iron Snowflake. It is such a shame when we misplace things like that. It's out there somewhere... Merry Christmas!

[@gerry5134]

Maybe it will turn up someday

[@MSYNGWIE12]

My very, very old mom died on Dec. 28th/22, I only last night found this incredibly poignant tale...I am sorting, "sifting" , donating, throwing out, stroking, "exclaiming" like a little kid, " oh hon you have NO idea how long she had that" , going down memory lanes, a kleenex in hand- I inherited many pastels down by her mom, my gran and I know how much that picture means to you and life being what it is, I believe the picture may very well be hanging in a home with a woman like yourself who cherishes it. Maybe it will come into your hands again. Stranger things have happened. I wish you and the two "replies" A Belated Very Good, Healthy, Prosperous, HAPPY, New Year. Don't catch Lord Omicron- it is still raging in my city in Canada.Namaste

[@ironsnowflake1076]

@@MSYNGWIE12 oh my heart, what a beautiful comment to share with me ❤️ I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mother, it's amazing how their possessions bring the memories rushing back into our hearts.....I have a beautiful opal & ruby ring that my grandmother would wear to church & special occasions, I remember holding her hand & running my little kid fingers over the ring & admiring it =) these precious things & memories weave a tapestry that we can wrap ourselves inside, what a comfort. Stay healthy & safe ❤️

[@ricardosajor2817]

Love your site. Thank you particularly for the 'Ghost Stories for Christmas' playlist! Enjoy the holidays and look forward to what you post in the new year!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Ricardo! Glad you enjoyed the playlist. Merry Christmas.

[@liznik.999]

I know this is meant for Christmas but I've just heard it now. It's a very fine story and I have enjoyed hearing it very much. I work in a care home so the setting is very familiar to me. It makes me wonder if you have worked in one as well, somewhere along the line, Jasper L'Estrange. This is the first ghost story I've heard which has a care home for a setting. It works very well! Thanks so much for sharing your reading and writing talents with us. I so appreciate it!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Lisabeth. When I wrote this I was deeply concerned about the authenticity of the care home setting as I have only ever been a visitor. I was really worried there would be a lot of comments about how I'd got it wrong 😬 so I'm happy to hear it resonates with you. I thought it was the perfect setting for a ghost story because it would be filled with so many ghosts and memories. I'm glad you appreciated it, Lisabeth.

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

A very thoughtful and thought provoking story. Thank you for this and all the others. Merry Christmas, if I haven't all ready sent you wishes. Happy New Year. Enjoy your time off.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're welcome! Merry Christmas, Rosie!

[@stephensinclair3771]

Will keep this for Christmas eve.

[@csj9619]

Absolutely fantastic story. Many thanks

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, c s j! Happy Christmas!

[@frankmcgovern5445]

Loving it!!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Frank!

[@spews1973]

I built my Christmas Eve evening around listening to this. I put aside some popcorn, beer and a big bar of chocolate especially to enjoy while I listened to t. And a very enjoyable evening it was too. Happy New Year!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Nice one, Simon! We've got a new TV version of The Mezzotint to look forward to later. And I'm planning to open a bottle of port after a few advocaat snowballs! 😆 Have a great Christmas/NY!

[@alisonduffy6206]

Thanks so much for posting early enough for Xmas Eve in NZ. Wonderful as always, Jasper.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I knew it must be Christmas Eve somewhere! Have a good one, Alison! 😀

[@jeffreese1828]

A very touching story , Jasper . Thank you . And , Merry Christmas , you bloody Englishman !! Merry Christmas to the Encryted fans , too !🎄🎱🎄

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Haha! Thanks Jeff! Merry Christmas to you too 😄

[@mijiyoon5575]

Just Desserts & dessert is fine at Christmas time 🎄🎁👍👍👍👍👍

[@EnCryptedHorror]

It is indeed! Thanks Miji! 😃

[@mijiyoon5575]

@@EnCryptedHorror You have created some poignant & sympathetic characters 👍👍👍👍👍

[@lparsons6977]

Merry Christmas Jasper! Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories. You are one of my absolute favs... I especially love your rendition of Sweeney Todd and can’t wait for part 3🤗🤗🤗

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Sweeney Todd is some of my least watched content 🤣 but I enjoy doing them and I know people are keen for more, so look out for the next part in January! Happy Christmas!