"What Comes?" by Rebecca Lloyd | Classic horror stories | Audiobook

[@rebeccalloyd2256]

I am delighted to find so many terrific reactions to my stories here. Jasper and I came together only a couple of weeks ago; I think he's a very skilled narrator and the actual sound of his voice is spellbinding. Most of my work is published by Tartarus Press, Zagava and Egaeus, and I'm hoping that I can offer Jasper more stories of suitable creepiness.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Rebecca! Your stories have been an absolute pleasure to read.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@THEPAGEBURNER1979 There will be another of Rebecca's stories coming up in the very near future.

[@MSYNGWIE12]

Rebecca your interest in folklore and the strange - here we go I can't express myself- we had a brief exchange a few days ago when I mentioned my illnesses currently - I have to believe I'll get better. The custom in North America of tying tin cans and old shoes to the back of the newlyweds vehicle came to mind- but of course in this instance "a long, happy road, walked in love" etc isn't the vibe I get! And the stain that grows - where have we encountered that! Your stories remind me of Shirley Jackson's - behind the mundane lurks the aspects of both human nature we don't want to admit to and "things that go bump in the night" - the bunion is like the wart on the witch's nose! I could "smell" those tannins! Congrats. Oh to have your imagination. "Oh it's just one of those weird old superstitions"- ! ( I'm moving, I don't know about you!) We lovers of horror are in your debt Rebecca. I love Virginia Woolf and Shirley Jackson and when I get one of your books next to them it shall gather a reverent modicum of dust! Namaste ( oh yes! JASPER, I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DIDNT GAVE A NOD TO OUR NARRATOR'S INTERPRETATION, AS ALWAYS, YOUR WAY OF SPEAKING IN THE DIALECT OF FOLK WHO SEEM TO COME FROM ANOTHER CENTURY- they aren't just farmers vs "yuppies" or "townies" perhaps unwanted, - I can't explain, I am trying to say I love how I could be in ANY CENTURY. I no longer remember the literary term for anything...I know you, Jasper, won't call me "witless and stupid"- again THANK YOU. Like Neil Gaiman's work, yours always touches just the right places in my soul...then I recall how I felt as a child with that first ( still own it, the illustrations! an Italian edition, saved up my allowance for months) book of fairy-tales. Who knew so many years later I'd be happily revisiting, them and better days.) The ending! I had picked up a thread earlier, two threads actually and they DID lead me around the anticipated but dreadful corner- OH I WISH I COULD WRITE, EXPRESS MYSELF, ELOQUENTLY AND SUCCINCTLY! My enthusiastic teachers were very wrong- I have an imaginary book of my "friends", my teachers and professors who were sure I would indeed be up there in front of a microphone, blushing, nervous as "h" but so proud of my efforts, my hard won book of poems- I KNOW ENVY IS BAD IF YOU WATER IT, AND SADLY MY WATERING CAN IS OVER-FLOWING....suggestions on "how to be a brilliant writer! " happily accepted! Namaste 3:20am - my house just creaked, "hello Jasper and Rebecca " !

[@alsmith9853]

Excellent story! The hints about the husband's mental illness and the creeping stain, and of course, the true horror: a hostile mother in law, all of these elements are combined to great effect.

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Fantastic story. Listening to Jasper's channel introduced me to your work. You are a fantastic writer, and I love your stories. I look forward to reading and listening to more. Thank you to both of you!

[@bobbymarcum772]

I was married for three years when I was 25 (I’m 45) to a woman whose mother warned me upon my informing her of my intentions with her daughter that “she is not the easiest person to live with”. I should have known then, based on what I knew of her way of tactful frankness, that she was saying do not under any circumstances entertain the idea of marrying my daughter unless you want to be miserable. It was not a good marriage. I am just as confused about this story as I was about the constant rumor mongering, veiled insults, unspoken secrets spoken before me between those two that I despaired of distinguishing between them as separate personalities. I was ALMOST diagnosed with schizophrenia myself, as my ex wife was very good friends with a psychiatrist from school days and basically pre-ordered a diagnosis for me. Fortunately I had friends a family who saw what was happening. But to me, this story evokes an atmosphere that is so familiar to me I almost don’t notice what excellent craft it is in terms of writing (which is its objective merit). But it cast a disquieting spell on me for a bit. Nothing some MR James won’t clear up-and I’m off to listen to Jaspers “ash tree”. ;-). Excellent work btw

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Wow! I can easily see why this story would have resonated with you, as well as bringing back painful memories. Glad it's in the rearview for you, as it were.

[@mattvrabel2072]

Yikes

[@earthcat]

A waltz played in a minor key...first the Celesta, then cellos...ahhh the dulcet tones of our Jasper's voice. I am scared already!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I know a lot of you enjoyed the last story I uploaded by Rebecca Lloyd...so here's another one. If you like it, please check out her website (links in the description). Thanks!

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Rebecca Lloyd has the ability to develop an atmosphere of menace and impending doom. There has actually been a practice spanning several centuries and many countries of leaving old worn shoes in attics, basements, walls, etc. I've seen this subject addressed in several programs. One belief seems to be that the shoe will protect the building by drawing evil influences to itself. Your narration is perfect. Thanks again.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

She's good, isn't she? It prompted me to read up on the history of putting shoes in walls. Fascinating.

[@terryIKE69]

An intimate & devastating story. Has a shade of Perkins The Yellow Wallpaper. Just a great narration on top. Best of both worlds. Thanks for introducing us to her work, Jasper.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Yes, definitely see the Perkins Gilman connection. Pleasure to share this one!

[@WowUsernameAvailable]

Only that story makes much more sense, imho.

[@susanhepburn6040]

Excellent production and very, very creepy. My son and DIL found an old shoe in their first house, which was built as a Victorian labourers' terraced home in Cheltenham (and is now worth crazy money, of course). It creeped them out, needless to say. I had only heard of witches' bottles before then. Major congratulations to both you and Rebecca - a partnership made in spooky heaven!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Having read this story I think I would be freaked out too if I found a shoe in the wall...

[@vintagebrew1057]

A relative of mine bought a Victorian house. During a course of building work, an old wooden frame carved with anchors, containing a sepia tinted photograph of a young navel officer was found under the floorboards. Instead of putting it back, she threw it away! She never had a moments luck in that house and was glad to sell it on.

[@shelleymarquis2887]

Here's a comment re: "what's done in the dark". I love the image of memories being behind glass, forever untouchable, no way to recapture the feelings. Too sad to think about some days. The older I get the more the good memories fade as though they never happened. I borrow your phrasing when there is someone to listen. Thank you so much. I'm not alone. What you do is important to so many you can't know. ❤

[@johnharvey6820]

Really enjoyed this second Rebecca Lloyd story. Great pacing and attention to detail, which your reading parallels perfectly. Cheers.

[@malinbunsow9930]

As always wonderfully read. Nothing as uncanny as madness, especially if you are not sure of who is mad.🦇

[@ginabeena6757]

Mercy, this was unnerving! Thank you!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're welcome! Thanks Gina.

[@Hannahxx1971]

The last story was great and I'm tempted to listen to this one now... I'm going to be patient though and enjoy it when I go to bed. Your narration is so fluid, gripping and perfect for tales of menace and the macabre. Thanks for the work you put into all the little details that make each one so enjoyable.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Hannah.

[@projectalice8119]

The stories just keep coming! It’s like Christmas every day! 😊😂🥳

[@blixten2928]

Wonderful!! Just found this one, full of expectations!

[@martiwilliams4592]

Gripping story and narration.!!! Looking forward to more by Rebecca Lloyd. Thanks to you both! :))) L

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Rebecca is awesome. Thanks Marti 🙏

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Another great story and narration!

[@evelanpatton]

Really enjoyed the visually SURREAL ending that played in my Department of Imagination 🥳🤩🖼🎨🎭🎬 Thank you.

[@jeffreese1828]

SPOILER ALERT ! I simply loved this new tale by Rebecca Lloyd ! As in the previous offering , this one seemed to be , maybe, madness over supernatural goings on . But in this one I wasn't so sure....I mean that bizarre , changing , stain ! C'mon , that was awesome !!! The shoe , the legends , the neighbor lady with the shoes , and of course the stain made my skin creep.....BUT , maybe something even scarier is happening . You either have two mad people.....or one ! But which two ? The story tells us the husband had some sort of mental breakdown , so he is obvious candidate , right ? BUT , he and his mother acted like the picture was normal and THE WIFE was the one who saw the stain in the painting ! Here's what I think : I think the mother and son were driving the woman mad....for whatever reason...maybe . lol. I mean , they could both pretend painting was normal , knowing she was listening , he showed her the rotten shoe and told her the legend , he was an artist and could have manipulated the stain , he saw the neighbor 3 times but when she went , the woman was stand offish , as if she had been told something about her . But why wouldn't the dogs go in the kitchen ??? Lol That the story is this twisted and thought provoking is a testament to the author's ability to craft ! Whatever is truly going on , it is wonderful ! Thank you , Rebecca , very well done ! And , Jasper , you know you're The Bomb ! Nailed it....AGAIN ! 💀🎱💀

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Jeff! I forwarded your comment (and others) to the author and she said she's also trying to work out what's really happening. But, yes, I agree with you that the striking thing is that the husband and the mother-in-law act like the picture is normal. I found that to be the most disconcerting detail in the whole thing. Love this story.

[@lauraJP76]

This story and the last were brilliant 👍

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Laura! Glad you enjoyed them.

[@CarlotaZimmerman]

You get better and better! This story could have been written for your storytelling talents! Listening to you felt like taking a delicious bath in warm malevolence…🖤 great work!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Carlota. I was really taken with this story when I first read it.

[@grahamturner1290]

A sole in torment. 👞

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Heel-arious 🤣 Thanks Graham!

[@stephensinclair3771]

Loved this. Thanks. Will definitely check her stuff out. Immediately thought about witches (am listening just now). In Fife people sometimes find old bottles in the Walls of old houses. Full of bent nails...and apparently once full of urine. A sympathetic magic to ward off the witches. In a society where everyone believed in them (including the king before he got his big promotion lol when as he said "..yon old beasom Elizabeth is deed. We can move from oor cold stone bench to e soft feather bed"). Was also 'put in mind' of something I know about personally. Under a local pubs doorway (which had once been an old coaching inn) workmen discovered the shattered remains of stone crucifix. We had all been walking on the figure when we went for a pint. Our dear old calvanist ancestors. The past can get you.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

It is fascinating, isn't it? And, as we've mentioned before, these things were going on not so terribly long ago in the grand scheme of things. It would be off topic a little bit, but I once found something...weird...in our cellar. I shan't go into more detail in case I ever decide to turn it into a story, or mention it to the police...

[@stephensinclair3771]

@@EnCryptedHorror look forward to that story. There is always the question of how dead the past really is in any part of the UK?

[@rayswoop4947]

So glad that I have found ur channel!!!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Welcome aboard, Ray! 👋

[@rayswoop4947]

@@EnCryptedHorror thank you so very much😁, keep the folk horror coming too, you are awesome 😊

[@michellebastiani6470]

Absolutely brilliant. I felt close to this story in a way because of the dynamics with the mother in law. The side talking from my monster in law was the same. So many similarities between Patricia and my EX mother in law. Thank goodness for that, she made my life awful for almost 13 yrs. Enough of my horror story lol. Thank you for this excellent tale. Your talents were highlighted even more than usual with this one. Thoroughly enjoyed it. 🖤✌🥂

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Laughing at 'monster-in-law' 🤣

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Glad you enjoyed it, Michelle. I enjoyed bringing this traditionally 'difficult' dynamic to life. Glad it's all in the rearview mirror for you too 🙂

[@michellebastiani6470]

@@EnCryptedHorror Thank you. And yes definitely in the rearview but due to my son she is still able to ruin my day from time to time, but I try to keep as far away as possible. Thank goodness for the last 2 yrs that has meant in a different state lol. Thx again though you do a superb job with all your narrations but this has been one of my favorites. Also thx for always taking the time to read the comments it means alot and says alot. You seem like an awesome person ✌🖤👻🍻

[@lux.illuminaughty]

Really great story & reading! I especially liked the voice overlapping near the end. 🐞

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Lux. Glad you liked it. I think it's a great story too. Was really pleased to be able to do it.

[@mijiyoon5575]

*SPOILER ALERT* 🤔 guess Martin sees his Mother in a different light than the daughter~in~law sees her ... one man caught between two women he can never be free of who dislike each other could be reason enough to drive a man stark raving crazy...I've seen it happen. Then again maybe I've missed the entire point of this story 🤔🤔🤔 always spot on narration w/excellent & perfect sound effects THX *Rebecca Lloyd & Jasper L'Estrange* 👍👍👍👍👍👢

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Miji. I read it a couple of different ways. Either the woman has been driven mad by living with her husband's mental health problems and the overbearing mother-in-law - so the painting she sees at the end looks like the evil stain only in her mind...or (and this is may be way off the mark) the mother-in-law and son have the same condition - and the picture truly has deteriorated into a painting of the stain, but the MIL thinks it is a perfect likeness of herself!

[@mijiyoon5575]

@@EnCryptedHorror Yes, *Kath* seems insanely jealous & again it is one man between two women w/ Kath hating Patricia. This story provides a study in the psychology of male/female relationships. The story does say that Martin has a mental condition/illness so...🤔

[@susanbedingfield4661]

WOWZA!

[@earndoggy]

Reminds me of The Yellow Wallpaper.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Hadn't thought of that at the time, but yes, definite shades.

[@earthcat]

💖

[@EnCryptedHorror]

👋Hello Earthcat

[@earthcat]

@@EnCryptedHorror Hiya sweetie 😗

[@WowUsernameAvailable]

I don't know if the author meant it to be this way or if it's Jasper's take on the character, but I felt the wife sounded like a passive-aggressive bitch. I even wondered why women get depicted like this, which to me as a woman is annoying. The story started out nicely, but I feel like the author doesn't know where it was going or what it meant. If they put the shoe back, why would the stain start spreading? Why did it produce a wet spot in the first place? Had the shoe stopped working or something? Given that "what would come" is what you fear most, is the stain a symbol of the couple's failing relationship? or of the wife's resentment of the mother? The husband refers to the stain in the feminine when he says "She's gone" - does that mean he's channeled it into the painting, locked it up there, in a way? Is "she" the mother or the wife? Is that why the wife sees the stain in the painting but the other two don't? When the story leaves one with too many questions, in my opinion the writer needs to work on what the point was of what they've written. But then, I have this problem with a lot of post-modernist literature 😄 However, if you compare this story to Jasper's own about the mermaid and a couple whose relationship is also strained, you'll see how much better that story is and how well it works!

[@shelleymarquis2887]

Here's a comment re: "what's done in the dark". I love the image of memories being behind glass, forever untouchable, no way to recapture the feelings. Too sad to think about some days. The older I get the more the good memories fade as though they never happened. I borrow your phrasing when there is someone to listen. Thank you so much. I'm not alone. What you do is important to so many you can't know. ❤