To Prove An Alibi | L. T. Meade and Robert Eustace | A Bitesized Audiobook

Arthur Cressley returns from making his fortune in Australia to take possession of his historic family seat, Cressley Hall in Derbyshire. He confides his fears about the sinister legend surrounding the Cressley heirs to John Bell, the "ghost exposer" - are supernatural forces at work, or could Cressley be the victim of a more material plot? Story begins at 00:01:20
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 (and get access to exclusive content):
* 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 / £1 / €1 per month:
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:20 To Prove An Alibi
01:01:40 Credits and thanks
L. T. Meade (Elizabeth Thomasina Meade Smith, 1844-1914) was born in County Cork, Ireland. She began writing fiction at the age of 17, and had a highly prolific career, publishing almost 300 books in her lifetime. She married Alfred Toulmin Smith in London, in 1879, when she was in her mid-30s. She was an advocate of feminist causes, and as a solo writer became most associated with adventure stories for girls and young people, of which the most famous was ‘A World of Girls’, published in 1886.
However, she was also well known for her many mystery and suspense stories, and her name appeared frequently in the periodicals of the 1890s and early 1900s. Interestingly, in this genre she often wrote in collaboration with medical practitioners; first with Dr. Clifford Halifax, with whom she produced a series entitled ‘Stories from the Diaries of a Doctor’ in 1893, and later with Robert Eustace, who collaborated with her on several successful series from the mid-1890s onwards. It’s not fully known how the collaborations worked, but it seems likely that she did the majority of the actual writing while the doctors supplied the ideas and scientific details which underpin many of the plots.
Robert Eustace is something of a shadowy figure. It's obviously a pen name, but the identity of the person behind the name is very uncertain. The most often cited candidate is Dr. Eustace Robert Barton, although there’s no certainty or consensus about that, not least because his given birth date varies wildly between sources (1854, 1869 or 1871, depending on the source), and he’s recorded as having died in both 1932 and 1943, and also as still living (but retired) in 1947. This confusion suggests to me that two different people may have used the same pseudonym. Whoever he was, aside from his work with L. T. Meade, the pen name of Robert Eustace is probably best remembered today for a much later work of crime fiction, collaborating with Dorothy L. Sayers on her 1930 novel 'The Documents of the Case'.
Together Meade and Eustace created a number of recurring characters, including John Bell, who describes himself in the introduction to his collected stories as "a professional exposer of ghosts, and one who can clear away the mysteries of most haunted houses" - making him in effect a more sceptical counterpart to William Hope Hodgson's Carnacki, the Ghost Finder (who first appeared in print a decade or so later). Bell featured in a series of stories in Cassell’s Magazine in 1897, which were later published in book form under the title 'A Master of Mysteries' in 1898.
'To Prove An Alibi' was the sixth and last story in the series, and originally appeared in the November 1897 issue of Cassell's Magazine. Other stories from this series are available to listen via this playlist:
• A Master of Mysteries ...
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2023

[@BitesizedAudio]

Story begins at 00:01:20. Arthur Cressley returns from making his fortune in Australia to take possession of his historic family seat, Cressley Hall in Derbyshire. He confides his fears about the sinister legend surrounding the Cressley heirs to John Bell, the "ghost exposer" - are supernatural forces at work, or could Cressley be the victim of a more material plot? *Warning* Some comments below may reference the plot and suggest spoilers.... read with caution. 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 (and get access to exclusive content): * 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 / £1 / €1 per month: kzbin.infojoin

[@rachels4848]

❤

[@Clara-xj1vy]

😅😅

[@lisakillz1853]

that was EXCITING! thankyou❤

[@SpuktasticAudio]

What a marvellous job you made of conveying the desperate urgency to reach Cressley Hall timeously. I was having palpitations! But then, cher Simon, your artistry always gives me palpitations! ❤

[@christabedwin]

So much suspense in this one, I’m nervous the whole way through about what’s going to happen and if the hero will save the day. I often fall back asleep during many of the stories but this one actually put a pit of nervousness in my tummy!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Sorry to keep you up! I hope you managed to get some sleep in the end after all the drama...

[@dianesleeman5940]

Yes. A real cliffhanger but it ended rather lamely alas. The result of two authors perhaps?

[@rebeccawoolfolk5377]

That was a good story! Well done. I could feel the urgency as he was getting closer and closer to the time the train was leaving.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know you enjoyed it! Thanks Rebecca

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

Listen! I couldn't listen to anything that was happening cause I'm thinking 'he's gonna miss the train!' Lol

[@anthonysokolsky6210]

Never read this classic before but it was beautifully narrated!

[@rosemaryclarke2348]

More lovely stories from you, how wonderful!

[@Frenchblue8]

I couldn't ask for more~ although I love ALL of your detectives, Simon, these are the authors of what I still feel is my very favorite story, the Eight Mile Lock, following Dr. Bell on yet another guaranteed wonderfully arcane, yet truly suspenseful tale of mystery and adventure is hard to beat. Thank you thank you!💙

[@BitesizedAudio]

So glad to know that, @Frenchblue8. Sadly this is the last in the series, but now I've finished the whole cycle I'm going to put them all together as a complete video, to come in the next week or two, all being well. In fact I've had to re-record a couple of the older ones because the audio wasn't compatible for the compilation (for various boring technical reasons), so I had to do a new version of 'The Eight-Mile Lock'. The old one is still available, but if you'd like to try the new one it's available here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emKVoKN_lqhqrJI

[@Frenchblue8]

@@BitesizedAudio Really!?!? Unbelievably, I am actually in the perfect moment to enjoy it right now, LOL what are the odds! Unfettered joy, and many thanks! 💙

[@CrowSkeleton]

Gosh, this story was exciting! I'm very glad to have it read to me with your dramatic flair and acting skills, I don't think I'd have got half as much immersion from it in print...when an ancestral tryst with the Devil and secret passages in the pannelling are just by-the-ways, a story can easily wobble over into silliness.

[@ginabeena6757]

Another wonderful Bell story🥳 Thank you so very much!❤️

[@MrMrsmcd]

Thankyou so much Simon, i am struggling with sleep due to a long and lingering cold so this is just the tonic i need. 😊

[@Frenchblue8]

I had TWO long and lingering colds in the last 13 months. They call them covid-19. Assume you done a test? Anyway my sympathies, for I have been there, and yes the stories are the only thing that guarantee my rapid falling out, each and every night without fail. Hope you find it so as well and that you feel more yourself soon. Simon is a treasure, thoroughly beyond compare!

[@BitesizedAudio]

@MrMrsmcd Glad to help! Get well soon...

[@MrMrsmcd]

@Frenchblue8 yes, tested several times, all negative. I am good now, hope you are also.

[@JustSayin916]

Oooo! All the necessary factors for suspense: an ancient family hall, a curse, gold from Australia! Perfect!

[@willamsandell1082]

Wow! What a story! I was on pins and needles all through the story !

[@stephaniealeman8522]

Such a good story and so well narrated with the various voice choices for the characters- so smoothly transitioned ! Always a pleasure Simon to hear you work your craft so well! 🙏🏽

[@laurenfreiley1584]

I’m playing on llevel o

[@SusanMarie3]

Curled up warm in bed with cold rain outside - ready for a story ❤

[@snipehunter4771]

Your narration perfectly brings out the atmospheric charms of this clumsily structured genre effort. I’m fascinated by its resemblance to “A Terribly Strange Bed” by Wilkie Collins, which of course you know and have read. That seems to have been published much earlier and Collins is much craftier, in my opinion. Funny that both stories give the game away in their titles. Thanks for reading both!

[@seamusheinousproductions]

Thanks - was wondering which came first

[@simoneclift3155]

Absolute perfection in time for bed. Thank Mr Stanhope. 😊

[@patriciajrs46]

I need some calm, British, cheeky phrases. They make me feel better. Thank you and blress you, Simon.

[@sueforgan7713]

Thank you Simon for a great story and your superb narration 😊

[@hossenfeffer8383]

Thank you so much for another perfect performance. Superb.🇨🇦

[@suitov]

Sweetest love story I've heard this week! What a trio of villains - and their unseen accomplice, and their strange music-box!

[@namrathaprasad2954]

Yes love❤❤❤that's what came to my mind, when I sensed the desperation to save a good looking -innocent not damsel 😂😂😂

[@ArchibaldBagge]

Simon, you remain the master. Beautiful reading.

[@mariameere5807]

Wow I am so grateful for these Simon‼️ Enjoy the rest of your weekend… you deserve the very best❗️ ♥️✨👑✨♥️

[@lisathompson1477]

Just wonderful, you have eased my mind on many occasions. I thank you.

[@Melody-cp9pq]

I very much enjoyed this story. O my goodness, you had me bitting my lip. Hoping he would make it in time. I like listening to your voice. When I have a hard time sleeping I find you and you make me relax and l am out. I wish the people around could do that. Thank you.

[@irenabevans3411]

Superb tale, gripping right until the end, brilliantly narrated as ever, Thank You Simon

[@markmiller7761]

What a wonderful story and narration!

[@PrimoLife2]

Thank you again for your perfect productions of the vintage stories!

[@Gumblina1]

Thank you ❤ You truly bring these stories to life. A true talent.

[@smythharris2635]

Excellent tale, thank you Mr S.

[@patriciaramsey5294]

Thank you. Just the thing to wrap up a great day.

[@beverlyadams7205]

Thank you so much Simon! Wonderful story!💕💕💕

[@okesoncharlie]

Oooh, I love your new intro graphics, Simon 😊😂. Thanks so much for the new story, with Arthur Cressley. ✌️

[@rex-up9ln]

Loved this over! More of Meade & Eustace, please!

[@TheNerdygirl91]

I was on the edge of my seat the entire story!

[@crystalclear6864]

Yea another bitesized! Thanks. Sanity restored

[@lauralaladarling3775]

Excellent Simon as always! Bravo. ❤❤

[@vickif.4645]

What a wonderful surprise to see this new one! Beautifully narrated, as always. Thanks, Simon!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Vicki, appreciated

[@kpcraftster6580]

Amazing - thank you! I agree with the other commenters - the ominous suspense was so powerful, and you brought it home so finely! Interesting to compare the backstory, with "Barrington Cressley, one of the most abandoned libertines of that time", and that of The Hound of the Baskervilles published four years later! (Also interesting to see the advertisements for Guy Boothby's Dr. Nikola books in the back of the Master of Mysteries book publication, given the Australian connections in the plots of various stories you have recorded.)

[@susanotway7875]

A wonderful listen! Thanks Simon.

[@ImCarolB]

I am a devoted fan of L.T. Meade and other female mystery writers!

[@northernlights8126]

What a thrilling story, excellent narration.

[@dominiqueshaw7359]

Yea another one. I check every day. Hope you are doing well as you ready yourself for the theater.

[@kathleenellenford4816]

Marvelous listening! Thank you!

[@lyndaa7560]

Brilliant as usual Simon, Many thanks xx

[@emilymann1175]

You are so good to us, thank you!

[@maxgc6413]

Excellent mood in this one, both atmospheric and wonderfully paced. The tale once again brought to life by your natural talents, Simon; well done! Looking forward to the Runes next! :)

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Max. Not had chance to start editing that one yet, but am aiming to do it before the end of the month....

[@williamhagen2792]

Stanhope delivers another fine story.

[@YvonneWilson312]

Another story and an L.T. Meade one at that - just perfect! Thank you so much, Simon.

[@rstephens9834]

What a treat! Another wonderful narration.

[@athenaathena1307]

Great work. Many Thanks Simon 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎉🎉🎉

[@barbarascott3231]

Nothing better to relax to on a chilly Northeastern night❤

[@taliabee8661]

Worth waiting for on this grotty evening! ❤❤

[@stephaniestevenson6335]

Thank you for the excellent tale!

[@gordonandtamarakirkham543]

What a great story! Thank you, Mr. Simon, for a superb presentation!

[@caroleastwood9386]

Marvellous stuff Simon. Thank You

[@cuthbert2546]

Another superb story made even better by your narration, Simon. Your passion for the era shows itself through the excellent selection of stories and authors. And you've introduced me to authors I'm not familiar with : you have broadened my horizons! Thank you.

[@janicetaylor9026]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one Simon thank you 😊

[@clairegreenaway9653]

Really enjoyed this one!Thanks so much Simon 😍

[@julielevinge266]

Really enjoyed this story so much, was desperate for Bell to get there in time to save Cresley as obviously some dastardly plot was afoot! Wonderfully narrated as usual.✊♥️

[@mrmeowmeow710]

1 hell of a story loved it👍👍

[@sonjawells4265]

Thank you so very much. You are extremely talented!❤

[@sugarfalls1]

When you do your recordings in a sound proof studio, you can really tell the difference! Well done, Simon! 💖💖💖💖 Oh, the plot to this ending is really good! Great pick!

[@PippaAT]

You have the best voice in the country. I am still waiting for Diary of a Nobody, as you could capture the petty entitlement perfectly. Having said that, I could listen to you reading out the phone book. (Do phone books still exist?)

[@BitesizedAudio]

Very kind of you to say, Pippa, thank you! I do have 'Diary of a Nobody' on my list, in fact it's pretty much top of my list for if and when I have time to do something a bit longer (the short stories are just easier to fit in around other work commitments). I'm quite booked up for the next few months, but after that... well, rest assured I'll keep it in mind!

[@PippaAT]

​@@BitesizedAudioOh, such happy news!

[@jaidebrooke5946]

What brilliance. ❤

[@tammyb8742]

Excellent story!

[@mijiyoon5575]

I like these *Meade / Eustace* stories Thank You *Simon* much appreciated

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you like them! Sadly this is the last in the series. I'm aiming to post the whole sequence in the next week or two

[@michelstrogoff99]

Superb reading as always

[@januzzell8631]

Such a treat :) thank you

[@alanhughs461]

Excellent as always

[@oriana5623]

Yay! Thank you. ❤

[@marisadallavalle393]

Thank you, Love you!

[@graciaschlafly7183]

Please more regular mysteries for KZbin. I think I’ve heard all that you’ve recorded so far.

[@cassandraseven3478]

A rousing good tale.

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

Love this pair

[@sandrapeach4990]

Really good thank you.

[@cindymonk6994]

Thanks you so much!

[@lisakillz1853]

that was exciting! thankyou

[@katiekoo8149]

Wonderful narration 👏👏👏👏

[@TedaR]

Hello handsome, sorry it's been awhile. Hope all is well with you & yours. Do take extra care in these dark days. Tysm as always! Prayers & blessings my friend! ♥🙏✌ your sister in Christ, near Nashville

[@BitesizedAudio]

Lovely to hear from you Teda, I hope you're keeping well? I thought I'd missed seeing your comments recently. Anyway, a good few stories for you to catch up on, welcome back!

[@elizabethstewart12]

Thanks, yet again!

[@MikeBlair-ce1er]

Thanks for a new one Simon.

[@rhondaroberts9581]

Oh boy, i liked this one very much!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that, thanks for listening Rhonda

[@leriava]

Another good one ❤

[@john-r-edge]

I think they all are. Cannot recall any duds.

[@jimmillward3505]

loved this story

[@kathleenellenford4816]

Thank you !!

[@shainakhan7162]

Fantastic 👍

[@evelanpatton]

On the edge of my seat.📚📖 A thought: might this be the ruffian’s precursor plans before setting about a specialized but similar plan, though the new one fleecing quite a few gambling men? Kind of like a Wilkie Collins or…(?)

[@stutzbearcat5624]

Oh this is great!!! 👍

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you think so! Thanks for listening

[@chrissy529]

😮What a story.

[@doctordashiell]

I love your British voice.

[@earthcat]

Perfect.

[@Rg-hc6or]

Thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for the super thanks, much appreciated 🙏

[@blixten2928]

Hey! This is fun. Check out, on the same theme, "A terribly strange bed" (I think it's called). The Parisian version!

[@januzzell8631]

I wonder which came first :)

[@blixten2928]

@@januzzell8631 It was Wilkie Collins wrote the first. So I agree, one wonders!

[@dianestevens3150]

Wonderful,wonderful,wonderful! I am 82 years old, having a glass of wine and listening to this great story. Your voice is very lovely. Thank you so much

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly, best wishes and thanks for listening

[@betweenprojects]

Thanks

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for the super thanks! 🙏

[@eddieharris6004]

Didnt fool me.....i knew it wos Wicken from the off 😉

[@chrisnorman9980]

Reminiscent of A Terribly Strange Bed by Wilkie Collins?

[@juliam7056]

Isn't there another story about a bed doing that ?

[@skiapod6427]

So who unlocked the door?

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐