The Spectre of Rislip Abbey | A Ghost Story by J. E. Preston Muddock | A Bitesized Audio Production

Ойын-сауық

A level-headed man of science moves his family to Rislip Abbey, a neglected Tudor manor house which has lain empty for over 30 years. He is amused to hear talk of ghosts, but his determined scepticism of all things spiritual is destined to be shaken...
James Edward Preston Muddock (1843-1934) was an incredibly prolific author who published stories of horror and mystery under several pseudonyms, including as 'Dick Donovan', the name of his most popular fictional detective. Although largely forgotten today, at his peak in the 1890s his stories rivalled those of Conan Doyle in popularity, and were frequently published in The Strand Magazine (where the character of Dick Donovan was one of the most successful contemporary "rivals" of Sherlock Holmes).
The original publication history of The Spectre of Rislip Abbey is lost in the mists of time, but it almost certainly originally appeared in a periodical - most likely The Strand Magazine - at some point between 1891 and 1899. It was later published in book form as part of the collection 'Tales of Terror' in 1899.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2019.

Пікірлер: 94

  • @katrinakitty52
    @katrinakitty524 жыл бұрын

    My dear father would have loved these stories. He was one for all things ghostly and mysterious . He died on Halloween almost 50 years ago. His legacy to me is my lifelong fondness for mystery books, mummy stories and spectral tales. Thanks for sharing your talents and time ... these bring me back to more poignant nights as a child.

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Kathleen for such a lovely comment. So glad you've enjoyed the stories and to hear how they resonate with you

  • @billybatchelor2863

    @billybatchelor2863

    2 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful memory

  • @stephennicholas1590
    @stephennicholas15902 жыл бұрын

    The narrator has a marvelous voice.

  • @lauralaladarling3775
    @lauralaladarling3775 Жыл бұрын

    Hello Simon, Thank you so much for creating, as always, a frightening atmosphere for Preston Muddoock's story that I particularly love because it has a happy ending for living and the dead. The Abbey sounds a most charming house in which to reside, apart from the poor man, a Cavilier by the sounds of it, who gruesomely subjected three of its occupants to his horrifically slashed and bleeding throat. However, the ghost was benevolent appearing only to to be discovered and released, from the horror of being incarcerated behind a brick wall and door, and given a Christian burial to rest in peace at last. Xxxx🤗💓

  • @edwardlund5025
    @edwardlund50255 жыл бұрын

    A wonderful rendition of a great story. These recordings are treasures.

  • @Bambisgf77

    @Bambisgf77

    4 жыл бұрын

    Agreed 👏🏻thank you once again *Bite sized audio*

  • @Nettsinthewoods
    @Nettsinthewoods3 жыл бұрын

    That was smashing, thank you. I’m so pleased that there was a good resolution for the poor tortured spirit.

  • @gigig2492
    @gigig24924 жыл бұрын

    I've listened to all of the ghost stories on your channel and I hope you are planning to do more. They are excellent! Thank you.

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Gigi. I certainly shall, so long as I can. New one uploaded today - The Judge's House - in case you didn't get a notification. Thanks again for listening

  • @gigig2492

    @gigig2492

    4 жыл бұрын

    Bitesized Audio Classics Yes, I listened to it earlier today. You did an excellent job on it as usual. Your narration is paced and pitched perfectly. There is never over-dramatization or flat delivery. It is really a pleasure to listen. Thanks again.

  • @gerry5134

    @gerry5134

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@gigig2492 Agreed 👍🏼

  • @lyndaa7560
    @lyndaa75603 жыл бұрын

    Another great book & brilliant narration, I’m so glad I found your channel, many thanks 🙏

  • @granny13ad33
    @granny13ad334 жыл бұрын

    How wonderful to discover near 3 a.m. couldn't sleep. Thank you.

  • @karehhartig7287
    @karehhartig72874 жыл бұрын

    I am a fast fan and you are an overnight 😁 favorite of mine 💓 😉

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    4 жыл бұрын

    Kind of you to say so, thank you! Thanks for listening

  • @vincentconti3633

    @vincentconti3633

    4 жыл бұрын

    I never knew there were so many ghost stories!

  • @TheRickie41
    @TheRickie413 ай бұрын

    A touching story, written in deliciously brilliant English and presented with the perfection we appreciate so much. It reminds me, in it’s melancholical aspects, a bit of the Canterville Ghost, that I love so much.

  • @eddiemunster2196
    @eddiemunster21963 жыл бұрын

    All of these Ghost Stories are better than great. Thank you, for all that i have listened to, and all, that I will listen to !!! Well, I just wanted to stop by and leave a quick message. So,, let me get back to the story. Again, thank you

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    3 жыл бұрын

    You're most welcome, thanks Eddie

  • @jaceek2030
    @jaceek20304 жыл бұрын

    Your narrations are some of the most professional and eloquent I've ever heard. I don't know if your career entails voice acting/narrating..but I do know it absolutely should. Bravo sir, bravo!

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    4 жыл бұрын

    Very kind, thank you!

  • @jaceek2030

    @jaceek2030

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@BitesizedAudio You're quite welcome sir.

  • @johnbryant8603
    @johnbryant86035 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for these. They are wonderful. 🙏🏽❤️🇲🇽

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    5 жыл бұрын

    You're welcome, thanks for the feedback

  • @christinethornhill
    @christinethornhill3 жыл бұрын

    Came back to finish listening to the story, as I was somewhat under the weather a while ago. There is a softness to the voice in this , that I’d forgotten about . ❤️ Charming

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    3 жыл бұрын

    How lovely, thank you Christine. Funnily enough, there's a reason for that... with these early recordings when I was first setting up the channel (and had very few listeners!) I didn't have my studio set up, and was experimenting with different spaces to record, microphone placement etc. I tried all sorts of places, from the spare bedroom to the garden shed believe it or not (too cold and noisy). If I recall correctly, this story was recorded in a walk-in closet which was OK acoustically but rather cramped, so I had to sit close to the microphone and speak quietly... not ideal. The result is the softness you mention, although also a breathiness which I don't personally like. I now have a studio and can record properly, and in comfort, which is a great relief. I'd like eventually to re-record the best of these early stories, with improved sound quality and (I hope) performance; I'm doing them as and when I have time to spare... in fact I'm about to re-release The Phantom Coach. Anyway, thank you as ever for your support. I'm sorry to hear you've been under the weather, but hope you're feeling better now. Best wishes.

  • @christinethornhill

    @christinethornhill

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@BitesizedAudio Dear Simon , what a pleasure to have such an interesting reply from your good self, my imagination has been stimulated by the story of your early experience with recording these wonderful Classics. The chilly surroundings of a noisy shed can’t have been particularly comfortable, no wonder you decided to try a more peaceful place within the walk in closet ! To have a studio with the technology available to you must be a far cry from those somewhat cramped conditions to say the very least. I’m absolutely delighted that your progress has accumulated such a number of subscribers and listeners to your channel. Everything you accomplish is well deserved. I may not always leave comments, but rest assured I’m with you all the way. This past year most especially appreciated by those of us who can’t go out . Vaccination number two in a few days , then later on some Freedom with any luck. My love and blessings to you always , best wishes, Christine 👵🏼❤️

  • @janetrocha2250
    @janetrocha22504 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, once more. A new author for me.

  • @mrs.cracker4622
    @mrs.cracker46223 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much as always! Wonderful tale and absolutely perfect narration.

  • @bonniebarbee7984
    @bonniebarbee79842 жыл бұрын

    You have out done yourself again !! This has been my favorite channel to listen to . You have made my evening, God Bless

  • @babybooandherhumandeb3188
    @babybooandherhumandeb31884 жыл бұрын

    Thank you 😷

  • @iestynovich
    @iestynovich4 жыл бұрын

    Another classic - these are making my summer evenings. Thank you so much!

  • @babybooandherhumandeb3188
    @babybooandherhumandeb31884 жыл бұрын

    Thank you again

  • @johnbryant8603
    @johnbryant86035 жыл бұрын

    Thank you again. Always well received and highly appreciated. Do you use Patreon, or another resource for patronage ? ❤️🎩👀

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    5 жыл бұрын

    Not just at the moment, but I'm looking into options for it - will post details on here when sorted. Thank you!

  • @footfault
    @footfaultАй бұрын

    Many thanks for giving us another Muddock tale.

  • @deegeraghty3421
    @deegeraghty34213 жыл бұрын

    Great story beautifully narrated. Thank you.

  • @nicci.schinman3881
    @nicci.schinman38814 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this and your other stories. They keep me company during quarantine. Short, so I can get back to the kids needs!

  • @cindyrhodes
    @cindyrhodesАй бұрын

    Thank you for this rich cache of beautifully narrated stories! They are so perfect to listen to while painting! 🎉🎉🎉

  • @animationstudio5311
    @animationstudio53113 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! These stories have kept me from going mad during quarantine.

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad to know that, thanks so much for listening

  • @animationstudio5311

    @animationstudio5311

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@BitesizedAudio You're welcome.

  • @KiKiabout
    @KiKiabout2 жыл бұрын

    Excellent... Thank you!

  • @feralbluee
    @feralbluee3 жыл бұрын

    very good reading - really enjoyed this one! thanks so much :) 👻🙀

  • @jpatton2086
    @jpatton20864 жыл бұрын

    Love your stories!! You have a new subscriber!!

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    4 жыл бұрын

    Excellent - thank you!

  • @spacehound3355
    @spacehound33553 жыл бұрын

    Classic ghost story. 👻👻👻👻

  • @veran.8661
    @veran.86613 жыл бұрын

    I love your narration. Thanks for the great story. Also, the family in this sounds really nice. :)

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Vera!

  • @hollyfleur6144
    @hollyfleur61443 жыл бұрын

    ooooh, thank you so much.

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    3 жыл бұрын

    You're welcome!

  • @sankturban291
    @sankturban2913 жыл бұрын

    Great rendition, bravo.

  • @grahamturner1290
    @grahamturner12903 жыл бұрын

    Clearly one should never adopt a cavalier attitude toward ghosts. 👻

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    3 жыл бұрын

    Boom boom

  • @grahamturner1290

    @grahamturner1290

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@BitesizedAudio very Basil Brush. Excellent! 🦊

  • @thoman1458
    @thoman14582 жыл бұрын

    I notice that many of the comments on these stories are older, so just to keep things current, I wanted to lend mine that your stories are still being listened to and overwhelming enjoyed.

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    2 жыл бұрын

    Very kind of you, thank you. Yes, this is one of my earliest/oldest recordings. Appreciate your feedback

  • @elizah2093
    @elizah20932 жыл бұрын

    Such awesome stories! Thank you 🌹🌹🌹

  • @tonylennon9579
    @tonylennon95794 жыл бұрын

    Very nicely done. Thankyou. 👍🍻

  • @jerryjohnson8485
    @jerryjohnson84853 жыл бұрын

    Very well written and very well read☠️🧟👻😈

  • @mjrchapin
    @mjrchapin2 жыл бұрын

    A classic but interesting ghost tale!

  • @TheBRIZZA82
    @TheBRIZZA824 жыл бұрын

    Great channel and another great story. Thank you for posting.

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Brad Jensen, appreciate you taking the time to comment

  • @krishnasen397
    @krishnasen397 Жыл бұрын

    Splendid! The very interesting story and the flawless narration. Many thanks and regards Sir

  • @javedsultan4830
    @javedsultan48304 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely interesting ghost story.. ..

  • @ernestweaver9720
    @ernestweaver9720 Жыл бұрын

    You were the Only one that had Intellect and lack of fear sir. Simple.

  • @kpcraftster6580
    @kpcraftster65803 ай бұрын

    Have I ever heard of J.E.P. Muddock, or Dick Donovan? If so, I do not remember any details - and thank you for yet another enjoyable new author, so finely narrated!

  • @clare218
    @clare2182 жыл бұрын

    Another great story. Thank you so much for such a wonderful narration.

  • @mariameere5807
    @mariameere58072 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much 😊

  • @whousay4672
    @whousay46723 жыл бұрын

    I love a good ghost story. Thouraghly enjoyed this one.

  • @leonaheraty3760
    @leonaheraty37606 ай бұрын

    Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas! 🌲😊

  • @VickiNikolaidis
    @VickiNikolaidis2 жыл бұрын

    Super and scary!

  • @jojoquigley7741
    @jojoquigley77414 жыл бұрын

    Why did ACD remain popular but other popular authors of his time (Muddock, Nesbit, etc) are relatively unknown today ?

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    4 жыл бұрын

    Well, of course it's impossible to answer that definitively, but I'd say the answer has to be Sherlock Holmes, doesn't it? The character caught the public imagination in a way which few other authors, if any, have achieved. He established the idea of a single character running through an unrelated series of stories, which is so common today it's difficult to imagine no-one had really done it before Conan Doyle, and Holmes went on to be the most filmed fictional character in cinema and on television in the 20th century. It's worth noting that even Conan Doyle's non-Holmes short stories - of which there are several examples on this channel - are less remembered today than his Sherlock output. A shame, as a fair few of the original Holmes stories, especially the later ones, aren't his best writing, probably churned out to meet a deadline, whereas some of his other tales are really very good indeed.

  • @jojoquigley7741

    @jojoquigley7741

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@BitesizedAudio Thank you for creating readings from a wide variety of authors. I had no idea how good these authors were, and some I never heard of. You've opened up a whole new world of literature for listeners like me. I have not yet developed the "dramatic voice" inside my head to enjoy reading the printed page. When I listen to your recordings, I hear the inflection, change of accent, character, etc that brings the "script" to life. That's the way stories should be read. I wonder how the original authors heard the "script" in their head ? Isn't that the point of a good reading, to bring out what the author intended ?

  • @bonniebarbee7984
    @bonniebarbee79842 жыл бұрын

    Another Awesome story told by such a wonderful narrator!! I Love that you share the pictures of the authors . I hope you can keep the stories coming !!! God Bless you for All your hard work . Is there any way we can donate to your work ?

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    2 жыл бұрын

    Appreciate you asking, thank you Bonnie. There are a few ways depending on what suits you best. I have a "Buy Me A Coffee" account where you can make one-off, ad hoc contributions, at this link: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesizedaudio Alternatively, you can become a channel member on KZread, for a regular payment at various levels, starting at $1 per month, and in return for which you can get various benefits such as advance preview access to new stories and insider news updates. That's available via the Join button underneath any of the videos, or at this link: kzread.infojoin Finally, I also have a few readings available on Audible, if you're a member and have a credit or two to spare: any Audible purchases and reviews all help to support me and "spread the word". The easiest way to find them is by searching my name as narrator (Simon Stanhope). I hope to release more on Audible in the future. Best wishes, and thanks again for your kind comments

  • @EleanorPeterson
    @EleanorPeterson Жыл бұрын

    Another fine upload. Thank you. 🙂 I find the determinedly rational nature of this ghost story fascinating. The insistence that the supernatural is really nothing but the suitably devout Christian's 'natural' (so don't question, just flee to church and pray, oh ye scared little people!) almost smacks of desperation. Someone's selling something. At the time this was written (not necessarily published) there was a strong culture of belief in 'new spiritualism' on a par with today's 'Factual Bible', Flat Earth and conspiracy theory ravings. A lot of otherwise rational people extended their faith (which already accepted magic, miracles, gods, imps, demons and angels) to include seances, 'the other side', levitating tables, hauntings and fairy-folk. I wonder if this story is an attempt by a sympathetic fellow author to justify Arthur Conan Doyle's conversion to spiritualism. It must have been shocking to see prominent people taken in by charlatans; a modern equivalent might have been Christopher Hitchens turning to Mormonism, Catholicism or Scientology. Whatever. Those Cottingley Fairy photographs were certainly good for business.🤭

  • @BeautifulEarthJa
    @BeautifulEarthJa2 жыл бұрын

    refreshing to find a story that ends how real life often ends up....unsatisfactorily lol

  • @miarencrowsdaughter6434

    @miarencrowsdaughter6434

    6 ай бұрын

    The ghost seemed satisfied, at least. :D

  • @archibaldbagge1235
    @archibaldbagge12353 жыл бұрын

    I'd read anything written by Dick Donovan, but J.E. Preston Muddock? Never!

  • @BitesizedAudio

    @BitesizedAudio

    3 жыл бұрын

    Ha! Yes, apparently Mr. Muddock wrote under a few pseudonyms during his career, even though he had enough names of his own (James Edward Preston Muddock, but also Joyce Emmerson Preston Muddock by some accounts...). Dick Donovan was the name of a detective character he created - another of the rivals to Sherlock Holmes - and those stories were always presented as being written by Dick Donovan. At some point it seems he started using the character name as a pseudonym for other unrelated stories, rather confusingly, but it was inconsistent. So I thought it easier to credit him under his actual name!

  • @Paxtonparsnip

    @Paxtonparsnip

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@BitesizedAudio much easier!

  • @DanaLaCroixMusic
    @DanaLaCroixMusic2 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @jerrycarter7843
    @jerrycarter7843 Жыл бұрын

    "I eventually grew weary and mounted the stairs feeling terribly fagged. LOL!

  • @42NORRIS
    @42NORRIS4 жыл бұрын

    How was it going to take before this man got his family the hell out of that house???

  • @rubytrotter3766
    @rubytrotter3766 Жыл бұрын

    I always wonder why people refuse to accept what they see and disparage what others clearly see also

  • @anthonyochocki6535
    @anthonyochocki6535 Жыл бұрын

    😂😂😂😂at 20:50...."...morbid condition of the Mind', ain't medical science grand, then as now----with no moral, philosophical--meta-physical or not, or no religious moorings to anchor one's self to; anything that does not read as black and white as a book page, most be tossed out as Humbug. Better that, to them, than to re-evaluate their convictions, What a Doctor.

  • @rossrichmond856
    @rossrichmond856 Жыл бұрын

    0:33

  • @raymondscottbehnoud8986
    @raymondscottbehnoud89862 жыл бұрын

    💀👣👻

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