The Whitehaven Body Snatcher

Happy Halloween! A disturbing and scary tale that will be performed live in Whitehaven this Halloween as part of our Eerie Cumbria programme.
I hope you will be suitably disturbed by it, even it you don't live in Whitehaven.
You can listen to my version of Dracula free on Bandcamp (you get to play each chapter 3 x before you have to pay a cent) if you need more Halloween vibes.
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[@kerrieross9327]

Wow! That's very powerful. Great story Unfortunately, it spoke very deeply to me. Amazing insight, wonderfully written and read. I need to buy you several coffees for the mental health jolt you have given me. Thank you. You are an amazing person with a precious skill.🙏🏻

[@susanvictoriaroot5708]

I loved the story. It was very disturbing and I could see it may have a double meaning. My lights will be staying on nice and bright tonight

[@jennifermcdonald5432]

Yeah, it is absolutely true! All the helpers, come out of the woodwork, offering to help, but they overwhelm you. And in the end, they can’t or just don’t do anything to really help. You just feel so much “ less than “ everyone else

[@The.Original.Mr.X]

"A pain they know they don't understand."😢

[@PhilipLawsonArt]

“I prefer my poverty plain …not covered over with cheap scent . That way people know how things stand.. “ Awesome. You are a great writer Tony Walker. That was a chilling story.

[@St.Linguini_of_Pesto]

That is an intense description. I have known sad people such as that.

[@meese9140]

This is the STUFF! I love stories like this where you sort of know what’s happening but that makes the build up to the inevitable all the more dreadful! This is a new favorite! On a deeper level, it’s so frightening to think that even when these services are available to people (they aren’t where I’m from) so often it’s not enough 😢

[@greeneschickenfarm]

Tony, Wow… you have a way of blowing the dust off an old story, and waking it up. It seems “alive” if that’s not too overused and a bit trite . And conversely, this new story has the charm and beauty of an older story. There’s a feeling I’ve had in an old house full of its antiquities , and you’ve given that same sort of feeling to this modern story. The author knows just how each word is meant and how it should be presented . Not all narrators achieve that. You do. Your narration of this work is masterful…and you’ve written it! The feeling of Stendhal comes to mind. Many narrators use a sort of rhythm when they speak. You use conversation. As I said before; Wow. Thanks, Rick

[@SKELTER.]

Well written, with a good understanding of mental health. Some of the people who try to help are trauma vampires, especially those who bang on about "lived experience" and other buzzterms. It's like talking to an NPC who gets off on tragedy. Wish they'd just get their jollies from true crime, like normal people. Thing is a lot of "sevice users" (especially neurotics) spot them right away and "don't engage" or become "hostile". We're not either, we just know we're the sanest one in the room. Which is worrying, and infuriating, when you're looking for help with mental health issues. Very much enjoyed the story, captured the despair of mental ill-health and, the false hope offered by trauma vampires, perfectly.

[@Josephinejefferies]

Good story. You don’t need an annalist. It’s human nature to think about the variety of outcomes to situations we are experiencing. If you are a storyteller it’s a given.

[@sirmintyclack]

This story was very good. I remember the exact point in the story when I realized what was happening. Bravo Mr. Walker!!! Damn good story telling. 23:37 Regarding mental health workers being 'parasitic''. I think some MH workers can be parasitic if the worker isn't in a healthy state. For example of a MH worker is still dealing with a similar issue to what their client(s) are dealing with. In this specific case, who is treating who?! I think MH workers who are burned out (aka suffering from compassion fatigue) may not be the most helpful but still bring the technical skills to the interactions to some degree. I did social work in the community and office-based with populations of all ages. It was challenging work to hear the suffering of so many and I can say that secondary trauma can be a real thing if the MH worker doesn't try to protect themselves by having a professional separation of the clients' stories and challenges. Too much separation stops being "professional" and healthy in nature. This type of separation turns into compassion fatigue.

[@ClassicGhost]

An excellent description. Supervision is very important

[@gillrippingale1173]

Aah..a sad and unsettling tale, but very good! I only reaized what was above to happen just before the end! The reference to Nag champa slightly dismayed me - I love the stuff!! I listened to the Screaming Skull of St Bedes a few weeks ago, and thought it was genuine folklore, so well done with that!

[@ClassicGhost]

I’m a bit of a fan of nag champa too

[@silkeeberle8484]

I appreciate you writing about our lost souls. It's a hard life for everyone involved. I wish our world would have more creative ways to find solutions. Having worked in the Field, our options are sadly very limited.

[@ClassicGhost]

I know. If we didn’t care it would be easier

[@silkeeberle8484]

@@ClassicGhost Yes. Somehow that's impossible. ❤

[@LucicPower]

No disrespect to the other big 3 audible horror channels but T. W. Seems like he works the hardest, I'm torn on who I like most but the Sardonicus narration by Tony decided it for me.

[@dougjamesberwick2625]

Recently introduced to your work and devouring all of it. I'm a big fan of E.F. Benson's ghost stories and in my opinion you're certainly up with him and the best of them.

[@susanmercurio1060]

Isn't it true? He has great talent. I wish I had the money to pay Tony what he really deserves.

[@Bbergster]

Tony! Patient therapist confidentiality is a sacred bond. 😂 She’s probably a posh smoking jacket now 🧥 ❤️‍🔥

[@ClassicGhost]

Or not so posh

[@reginaalvarez9228]

Excellent story! A mix of raising awareness and horror. Great work!

[@annabellreads]

I love the creepy old Victorian yarns, the straightforward Regency realists, and the Weimar weird tales, but my favorite stories you narrate are the ones you've written. Starting to think the whole "I'm not a body snatcher" thing is the gentleman doth protesting too much, though. Hmm.

[@ClassicGhost]

+Anna Bell Reads Anna. I am definitely NOT a body snatcher. Have you ever seen my hands though?

[@annabellreads]

@@ClassicGhost Your "I am not a body snatcher" disclaimer has people asking a lot of questions already answered by your disclaimer.

[@applewagon253]

This one was top notch for me! I work in a pediatric psychiatric hospital. I wouldn’t say I feel like a parasite but I do often feel that the ultimate solutions we come up with for our patients generally just serve to make US feel better while the patient’s reality remains grim. It is not an easy job.

[@SKELTER.]

That's the way we often feel as well. There are good people that genuinely help though. Just wish there were more, then people might make genuine progress. I've found those that are genuinly good at helping find the job a lot harder, because they're mired and hampered by those that aren't. As you recognise the issue of parasitic care you're probably one of the good ones. Too much focus on paper models these days, most of which have no empirical evidence that they even work. Makes people feel like they're nothing more than an RPG character sheet, and care givers end up trating us like characters not people. It can be very dehumanising. Thing is, often neither care giver nor patient realise it's happening. It's a subtle undermining of individuality and truly tailored care.

[@nadiaminerva]

Youre very talented Tony. I've been a fan for awhile now. Really loved your Cumbrian series, you truly have the Bardic blood running through your veins. Keep on channelling these creepy tales! Cheers

[@ClassicGhost]

Do you know I think I probably have :)

[@monicacall7532]

PLEASE do some New Orleans ghost stories! I love visiting there whenever I get an opportunity to do. Most people automatically think of voodoo (voudon) stuff when they think of scary NO, but there’s just a spooky vibe there at night period.

[@ClassicGhost]

Do you know any (apart from Anne Rice)

[@glosteiger2517]

Really good. Your telling gives so much to it. I’m trying to enlarge your Detroit MIchigan US audience. People are loving these stories.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you Glo. I know Terry of the Detroit Holiday Rockestra?

[@anneh4940]

Holy smokes. That's a story to get under one's skin, sorry for the pun. Very vivid. It's very gritty.

[@lindam9018]

I guess part of his enjoyment is hearing about each person's drama.

[@susanmercurio1060]

You are an incredibly good writer! Moreover, you describe the unwanted poor of the world so very well. I am homeless and I was in a car accident on June 5th, in which my leg was run over by a car. I had to have surgery. When I was released from the hospital, I was placed in a rehabilitation facility (nursing home), since I wasn't in any shape to go back to living in my van! The management in this place treat me exactly the way you describe. (They haven't opened my skin and climbed inside yet!) I have Depression and PTSD, but I am very much more active and capable than the rest of the patients here, and the management is trying to rein me in to the level of the others. I have run into all of the helping professionals whom you describe. And I've run into the hapless people whom you describe, too. It's so hard to be a decent person and yet feel so hated by society. I follow a group of economists who teach Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and they think that the poverty and income inequality we see now is caused by neoliberal austerity. In the UK, yours was started by Margaret Thatcher, and in the US, ours was begun by Ronald Reagan. The real wages of the working class have stagnated at best, and have lost ground in some cases, in the last 50 years. This is a class war which the wealthy are winning. The recommendation of the MMT economists is that the government needs to take better care of their citizens, but politicians would much rather enrich their donors in the military supplies industries and give them billions of dollars to send weapons to Ukraine - known as the most corrupt country in Europe - in order for 70% of the military weaponry never to get to the soldiers in the front lines. It's being sold on the black market. Which is where other troublemakers, for example in Sub-Saharan countries like Ethiopia and Eritrea, get their arms to start other wars. Our countries are in the hands of people who just don't want to do the right thing.

[@St.Linguini_of_Pesto]

The current situation, all around the globe, is what lead up to the French revolution. The poor dying and powerless, the wealthy getting richer and increasingly powerful. The rich are feeding off of us. I hope your leg is healing. Stay safe. ☮peace ☯️harmony 💝hope ♾ forevermore.

[@possumintheblossom]

You put a good amount of detail in this story. As you were reading it I pictured it as an old 1960's movie with a very mousy Rita Tushingham.

[@whateverchannel22]

This has terrified me since I heard it some year ago. I've recalled it often, shivering in fear. Finally jinned up the nerve to give it another listen. Stunning.

[@profsalam524]

As soon as it started, I was excited to see how you would draw from your professional experiences. And this story is definitely part of that tradition of ghost/horror stories as social commentary. On a different topic, Bengali (my heritage language) has a tradition of ghost stories, often with similar tropes i.e.haunted house, woods, etc. I believe you have read at least one story from a Bengali author. My hometown of NYC has its share of spooky tales but I think most people are attracted to stories about isolated or unfamiliar places with dark histories. Happy Halloween!🎃

[@ClassicGhost]

+ProfSalam I did do a Bengali story. There were a few short stories put together . I enjoyed them

[@BigDog366]

That was superb. I love the tiny details that only make sense as the horror reveals itself, like not touching the doorknob. Great stuff.

[@traceythomas3027]

Ohhhh myyyy goooshhhhh!!!!! LOVE a twist at the end!!! I love it....I love it....I LOVE it!!!!!

[@thurayya8905]

You could say that psychiatric workers do dig into people, get them relaxed and opened up. Before they know it, the people are spilling their guts. Those nails sound dreadfully unsanitary, though. Wearing their skin? You want to become them? Or maybe just hide? Sit down and tell me about it. I'll just close the blinds.

[@waltercook4868]

Good story. Thanks for sharing. During the course of the story, it occurred to me, which may seem obvious to you, mentally ill people are unhappy (a psychopath or something similar may be an exception). The mentally ill are, in a sense, punished. What I am leading up to is this: What would a story look like if a happy person were punished for being happy? The unhappy people in Whitehaven were, in a sense, being punished for being unhappy.

[@MSYNGWIE12]

Food for thought, Walter...I know - won't say more. It does feel like a punishment I imagine- and unfair. Tony's story was excellent too, very perfectly captured the scene, the behavior, the conversation etc. His stories are getting better and better...namaste from Canada

[@susanmercurio1060]

@@MSYNGWIE12 : It *does* feel very much like a punishment, speaking as one who knows, and it can very well be a punishment. The attitude towards the poor in America goes back to the colonists, who brought their attitudes over with them from England, and the attitudes in England were best summed up by the Elizabethan Poor Laws: basically, that the poor should be punished for being poor. Poor people are simply hated in the US - even by people who are themselves poor! I don't know how much you have heard of the "sweeps" that the police do to homeless people here in the US, where they take everything that the homeless people own - including RVs and other vehicles - and throw them away. Everything in the US is esteemed only by its dollar value, including people. You can read The Theory of the Leisure Class by Thorstein Veblen for an analysis of this kind of society.

[@MSYNGWIE12]

@@susanmercurio1060 HI Susan, I did read Veblen long ago in college, I was fortunate to have a "pinko"- Marxist type economics lecturer who turned me on to many books, including The Theory of The Leisure Class- my memory is currently not so hot, I probably have a copy upstairs in my attic/library- I'm sure I can find good chunks of it for free on the net- thanks. Take care. I really wasn't happy with Tony's protagonist! Eating up off! Isn't he terrific both at narrating and writing and he's SO interesting, I tease him and call him The Renaissance Man of the Macabre- he always seems to be traveling, learning, meeting interesting people- very cool cat...Namaste from Canada ( I try to think of ways of keeping my huge in need of repairs house if something should happen to my guy- take in a lodger- of course, that can be risky- right Tony?!)

[@susanmercurio1060]

@@MSYNGWIE12 I'm homeless and I would love to be a lodger, if Canada would have me. Also I don't have a passport. P.S. You can't read Veblen in chunks. He builds up his argument very carefully, brick by brick, like Marx. You have to read him first to last.

[@Tinyflypie]

I worked in social welfare for a while and I agree so many of the helping professionals do function like parasites on the suffering of others. I preferred working as a nurse where black and white situations can be 'fixed'. I admire anyone who sticks in the mental health or child care areas though. Just couldn't keep doing it myself and keep my sanity. Bless those who do, the parasite thing just happens I guess, you need a heart like a lion to withstand it.

[@captainjennifer]

Great story. Ya, didn't see that coming at all. I did shriek in the car. Your request for regional ghost stories is brilliant.

[@lesleykaygosson315]

Thank You For Sharing Your Imagination With Us. Your a brilliant and gifted storyteller and narrator. ❤

[@ClassicGhost]

Very kind Lesley

[@MsMounen]

It was horrific. I felt that the 'helper' was unpleasant almost from the beginning, the tone of voice you used and the condescension. My aunt lives in a place like this, but she's not vulnerable like Molly, and is fairly street savvy. She has neighbours like Molly though.

[@SKELTER.]

The voice was spot-on, a lot of care providers actually sound like that. And they wonder why we don't "engage".

[@cfurry2]

Excellent story. You are very good at setting the place. I felt I was there and sadly could smell it.

[@elaineparker6171]

Great story. I have a friend who comes to me for Reflexology. She has self harmed in the past..on her stomach..where it can't be seen. She tells me that she feels better when I just hold her feet. It's very sad..the whole explosion and increase of all ages experiencing mental health problems.

[@ClassicGhost]

I think touch is a great healing therapy. Sheila does reflexology

[@elaineparker6171]

@@ClassicGhost I've held feet whilst their owners have laughed or cried. Its a privilege

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Great story and narration! I can tell you work in the industry. Great job, and thanks for all you do. It was truly scary! It is a good and scary yarn! "He looks like you!"

[@davidnoakes1434]

Great story Tony. Reminded me of the one bed HA flat I lived in til a couple of years ago, it was in one of those blocks.

[@cass1409]

That was so wonderfully grim! Thank you

[@chris-mp2py]

good LORD what a twisted tale--just what we're here for. thanks, yet again. now in that halloween mood!

[@maj0rsquish]

So i guess it's an international deal to divide up victorian's into apartments? Happens in SF and LA too. Those poor old grand dames made into 4 or 5 rental units. Sad really isn't it. I'd love to be able to speak to a house and have it tell what it's seen and feels about it

[@scottbubb2946]

When you said the story could have been from anywhere, you were right. For some reason I thought it was set in America until one of the characters mentioned Council housing.

[@garybernstein3527]

I like that story quite a bit, but I saw where it was going pretty early I like a surprise twist but somehow when I guess in advance it does not spoil the story for me but somehow adds a touch

[@scoutrifle6827]

Good god, this was disturbing. Tony, you have a genuine gift.

[@marionkidder1128]

Oooo! Brilliant story. Thank you!

[@tonyeden8381]

Very clever Tony ………bravo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@lynda48]

I think I know the house. I used to live at 1 Hamilton Terrace looking onto Foxhouses. I love listening to all your stories Tony. Thank you.

[@SJ-ss5bf]

The circumstances of Molly hit home hard, I've been in that situation the exception of the abusive mother and self harm. In a far superior situation now.

[@ClassicGhost]

I am so pleased to hear that.

[@susanmercurio1060]

I've been in that situation with the abusive mother and without the self-harm.

[@toadyuk8391]

Aw tony I’m too cynical a listener I think. I intuited the direction from the moment you said “I had done my homework”. Sad story and I’m sure based on a lot of experience. It saddens me to reflect on all the lost people who never did anything to deserve what they end up with.

[@ClassicGhost]

+Toady UK I always say with a twist It’s a win win. Some listeners don’t foresee it and enjoy the revelation. Others do and enjoy being clever 😉

[@nancynickerson4341]

"At least she didn't have cats." Oh dear, Tony has offended all the cat lovers lol.

[@ClassicGhost]

I do think people believe that everything a character says is something I believe. But they are not me. As you know. They say and do things to create the story. It’s fiction

[@brandyjean7015]

@@ClassicGhost and smart fiction at that: a cat wouldn't have been fooled by the monster's social worker act!

[@ClassicGhost]

@@evelanpatton a little bit

[@joannemorris4451]

I have several of Tony 's books, and he has a very sly sense of humor.

[@johnguillory7759]

Nice twist. Just caught it at the right moment. Well done.

[@jeanetteshaw4573]

Amazing!!! That was so creepy and awesome! Such talent!

[@michellebastiani6470]

Awesome yarn Tony!!! I loved it 🖤✌️🍂👻

[@maryeckel9682]

I don't know why the algorithm never showed this to me before. Damn, Tony! I kind of saw it coming, but still....

[@mijiyoon5575]

*'at least she didn't have cats'* HA! I have 7 w/ me right NOW listening to this & lovin' it😻😻😻😻😻😻😻

[@scottbubb2946]

Seven cats, huh? That's pretty good, but do you know what you need? *Eight cats!*

[@SKELTER.]

One cat short of insanity 😺

[@bethpemberton7980]

That was sinister, Tony. And good.

[@martiwilliams4592]

You write very, very well, Tony, You know and understand your subject though and through, The pain. Thank you.

[@Elder-Witch299]

Interesting how when the bodies were opened, they were hollow. Makes sense really in my experience. Hair-raisingly good, Tony.

[@AnnyMacToo]

Loved the story! You can really spook me out!!

[@ClassicGhost]

+Anny Mac Sad to say but I am pleased

[@AnnyMacToo]

@@ClassicGhost I'm pleased as well! I'm hard to spook. Bravo Mr Walker! Bravo!

[@angelaroberts2803]

Went to Whitehaven with my late parents many years ago.Good story

[@joannemorris4451]

Nasty story. I like it. Didn't see it coming until the end.

[@mijiyoon5575]

*Thanks Tony* very generous of you ...excellent choice for October🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🕸🕸🕷🕷💀💀☠☠👻👻🕸🕸🕷🕷I luv your opening location description grabs the attention instantly & sets the mood ... spot on

[@kirtknierim3687]

Fantastic story Tony!

[@simonkeys17]

Great story. First time I've ever heard CAMHS on You Tube. 😁

[@ClassicGhost]

Lol. They are pretty rare these days.

[@msamelienp]

Creepy! Really good. Thanks!

[@doorbasher77unwellnews52]

Great story Tony

[@whateverchannel22]

Outstanding!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you kindly!

[@Thomas-wn7cl]

Well done

[@samanthabaker964]

This was FABULOUS !!!

[@mythdemeanor5268]

Excellent!

[@phatchick820]

THAT WAS EXCELLENT ❤️

[@kerrieross9327]

I feel don't think your parasitic, people want to share, I think it could be a burden on health professionals and those who spend the last moments, minutes with someone at the end of their life. They could be sharing their last secrets with you, releasing themselves. You serve a very necessary service, and hopefully helping that person who has you there, with them, at a crucial time. Thank you, and everyone who offers these services to those who feel they need them. Your not a parasite whatsoever!

[@dwh751]

Very good!

[@missdaisysunshine8633]

Scariest part for me is how there but for the Grace of God am I Molly!

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad to hear you are not.

[@missdaisysunshine8633]

@@ClassicGhost only on the inside lol

[@susanbedingfield4661]

Excellent.

[@veradennis7502]

Excellent

[@DarkestStarASMR]

Awesome!

[@ClassicGhost]

:) but dark

[@DarkestStarASMR]

@@ClassicGhost darkness can be beutiful :P

[@NeverBelieveALie]

Honestly I found this story dreadfully hideous. Hideous. There is still resilience in Molly but I can honestly understand why this is especially gross when considering the real tales coming out about the police and those in power taking advantage etc. Hideous Tony this actually made me what to cry over the chillingness 😢 I pray for the real Molly 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@joanieann6179]

Oh my...😳 frightening...

[@shirleypearl2166]

Excellant 💜🙏

[@LadyRoseWinters]

Dude, thought it but chilling!!😱

[@St.Linguini_of_Pesto]

Now I remember that documentary's title: Woodlands Dark & Days Bewitched. It's interesting af. Where did the description move to?

[@JimBagby74]

You don't often hear stories told from the perspective of the fiend.

[@ClassicGhost]

+@JimBagby74 spoiler alert!

[@matthewnisbett4058]

haha yes very close to home. I lived off an on the streets and a place called poets corner in sydney once upon a time. No body snatching tho. I'm well now tho, 3 years sober of everything 😊

[@code-52]

Great ending!

[@70schild420]

No Molly don’t turn the light down!!!!💀

[@ClassicGhost]

+marilynbiondi poor Molly

[@strangetrip837]

Great story, worst social worker ever!!

[@linnmatthews8615]

Liked the story, but to be honest, it was obvious where the story was going, very early on. Still, well told.

[@shahabhussain5120]

Tony this is brilliant and resonated with me. In another point York would be an awesome place for some ghost stories. If you are ever coming this way let me know and I’ll shout you lunch. How can I get my email to you securely?

[@ClassicGhost]

Funnily enough i had an email from an old friend in york and I said I hoped to be down I. The new year. You are right of course. Inhave done a story based in york in my Halloween book. Email me at [e-mail]

[@shahabhussain5120]

Great. Have emailed you……

[@MSYNGWIE12]

Hi Tony, great tale, very atmospheric- tell me why Nag Champa is awful- what brand do you buy, very pricey Japanese coils? Tibetan which gave me a mini trip once- curious as I love incense. You captured the delusional way of thinking perfectly - your stories get better and better...Namaste

[@ClassicGhost]

I am an incense snob now. I got some stuff from a shop in Glastonbury and have never looked back :)

[@DS-fk7ed]

16;45 into the story. I think I know there is going to be a twist and I'm pretty sure I know what that twist is going to be.

[@missdaisysunshine8633]

Whaaaat is this music???? Ooh. I guess I just hadn't heard the while thing.

[@MAllen-ng8pl]

You could see the ending coming from minute #2.

[@ClassicGhost]

Aw shucks. But then maybe not. Maybe that's what I wanted... It actually was to be fair

[@missdaisysunshine8633]

Oooooo creeepy

[@moonspath1598]

Sneaky creepy!😳

[@Franklin22sas]

Nicket and Peter Howlett whitehaven 👻

[@mariongillon6208]

So Tony, what is the good of mental health workers if they can never really reach people?

[@ClassicGhost]

that is a big question. They can help some people. I suppose it’s like the fire brigade.

[@ajcbng8289]

Grandmother, what big teeth you have... ❤

[@clockworku-boat1692]

Was watching an old film about motorcycles and beryl reid qS on it.

[@seriousoldman8997]

This is really horrible. This is because it's 2022 England as I know it personally. Brrr.