The Stranger's Latchkey | R. Austin Freeman | A Bitesized Audiobook
Ойын-сауық
Another case for the Edwardian detective Dr. John Thorndyke. In this episode, Thorndyke's colleague Dr. Jervis is taking a break from medical jurisprudence to work as a locum country physician. It's not long though before he becomes embroiled in a mystery, which requires Thorndyke's forensic skills to interpret the clues provided by footprints and a lost latchkey... The 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:
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:20 The Stranger's Latchkey
00:57:15 Credits, thanks and further listening
Richard Austin Freeman (1862-1943) was born in London and trained in medicine at the Middlesex Hospital. After a spell as a house surgeon, he joined the Colonial Service and spent some years working in Africa. He was invalided home with blackwater fever in 1891. Returning to London he worked as an ear, nose and throat specialist, as well as in general practice and, for a time, as Medical Officer at Holloway Prison. He began writing fiction in the early 1900s, initially under the pseudonym "Clifford Ashdown", including the Romney Pringle stories which were serialised in Cassell's Magazine in 1902. Five years later, under his own name, he wrote 'The Red Thumb Mark', the novel which introduced the character of Dr. John Thorndyke.
Thorndyke is a self-described "medical jurispractitioner", having given up practice as a medical doctor to train in the law, and established himself as what is now known as a forensic scientist. He is accompanied in his investigations by his friend and colleague Dr. Christopher Jervis, who narrates the adventures. Of all the many "rivals" to Sherlock Holmes who appeared in fiction at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Thorndyke and Jervis partnership is perhaps the closest parallel to the world of Holmes and Watson. The similarities are underscored both by the original illustrators who depicted Thorndyke very much in the mould of Holmes and also by the casting of John Neville as Thorndyke in a 1971 television adaptation of one of his adventures (Neville played Holmes in the 1965 film 'A Study in Terror', as well as on stage in William Gillette's play). Making his first appearance four years after Holmes's 1903 retirement to Sussex to keep bees, Thorndyke takes on the mantle of Holmes for the next generation, and with his medico-legal training is well equipped for the modern scientific advances of the new century. He appeared in 21 novels and 40 short stories between 1907 and 1942.
Freeman continued writing throughout his career, despite suffering the onset of Parkinson's disease in later life. He briefly paused his output at the start of the second world war in 1939 - before resuming writing in an air raid shelter in his garden. He died aged 81 at his home in Gravesend, Kent, in September 1943.
'The Stranger's Latchkey' is one of the earliest Dr. Thorndyke adventures; it first appeared in Pearson’s Magazine in January 1909. Later in the same year, it appeared in book form as part of the first collection of Thorndyke stories, 'Dr Thorndyke's Cases' (September 1909).
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2024.
Пікірлер: 178
Story begins at: 00:01:20 This story is one of a series featuring Dr. John Thorndyke and his colleague Dr. Jervis, created by R. Austin Freeman in 1907. It's read by me, Simon Stanhope. If you'd like to hear more Thorndyke stories, I have a playlist in development, available here: kzread.info/head/PLi95qAoufCZIRK13YVxILlbLjmxEM6Oci Or for a selection of other Victorian and Edwardian detective stories, do take a look at the "Rivals of Sherlock Holmes" playlist: kzread.info/head/PLi95qAoufCZL5tiXECltwXUI2QDDFrDHD More information about the author, the characters and the publication history of the story can be found in the video description. Thanks for listening.
@nickybaker1338
4 ай бұрын
Hooray! Brilliant! The only problem with the stories & your narration is that they come to an end. I can't tell you how much I look forward to your latest offering. Thank you muchly Simon 😍🥰😊
@evelanpatton
2 ай бұрын
You are ALWAYS my go to when needing a comfort feeling as I try to rest through some rougher days! Your collections are always a blessing! Thank you Simon! Brilliant, just brilliant narration.
That feeling of elation when you're settling into bed, cat fast asleep beside you, and think, what shall I listen to...thank you Simon!!! Looking forward to this one, new to me 👌
@Frenchblue8
4 ай бұрын
Nice 👍
@chrissy1088
4 ай бұрын
I agree & I think my cat seems to enjoy Simon's voice too.
@audreyellis3223
4 ай бұрын
Mmmx,😊😢😊😊
@TheseGoToEleven.
4 ай бұрын
You mean cats.
@ViccyJ
3 ай бұрын
I can concur wholeheartedly! It’s five cats with me!! But I don’t know what I would do without this channel 😺
"And I have not yet recovered from the disappointment." 😂 Perfect.
You Sir are a hero! Sleep escapes me tonight and I was desperately bored. Cup of tea, shortbread and bitesized bliss. Thank you. 😊
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Tea and shortbread, a favourite combination!
The 'tests of humanity' exchange made me literally laugh out loud.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Ah yes, Dr. Jervis gets quite mischievous with Mrs H at that point!
Yayyyyy, I was at a lost end wondering what to do. Problem solved. A cup of coffee and Simon 😊
@patriciajrs46
4 ай бұрын
For sure.
@crowleythedemoncat
4 ай бұрын
I'm so pleased to have a new Thorndyke. Now with a big mug of Yorkshire Red and lots of laundry to fold... I have a story, in Simon's wonderous voice, to carry me away. Thank you again, dear Simon.
@patriciajrs46
4 ай бұрын
@@crowleythedemoncat Is tha a British version of Calgon? Ha.
@judikingsman6132
4 ай бұрын
When I'm at a loose end I listen to Simon as well ❤
Yea...another Bitesized story. 😁
@ursamajor7468
4 ай бұрын
A tasty one, too.
Oh my Gosh! A new *Thorndyke* story ... my favorite Detective other than *Sherlock.* Perhaps you could consider doing *The Nailed Shoes* one of these days *Simon.* Thank You ...Thank You & Thank You so much for this gift to the world *Simon* it means more than you will ever know
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
I'll keep that one in mind, thanks Miji Yoon, lovely to hear from you as always
@mijiyoon5575
4 ай бұрын
@@BitesizedAudio Well, Thank You
Hello Simon! Thank you!!!
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
You're most welcome!
Oh, I love Thorndyke! Thank you yet again, Simon, for bringing a sparkle into a dull February day.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Glad to know that, thank you for your lovely comment
@christabedwin
4 ай бұрын
I would love more by this author too! Ah I see he does have a few more already but this is my favourite so far. 😊found a few other readers on KZread but none are a candle on Simon. Better to wait for Sir Stanhope to get time to read more.
Simon I think we would like anything you would narrate!
Thank you so much Simon! So happy to see more of your great work! An amazing collection of the best stories all in one wonderful channel! Gratefully received ❤
Just what I needed. Thank you for all your hard work, Simon.
You are the best at reading these stories. Brilliant
Simon! The detective was easily as good as Sherlock Holmes, but he didn’t explain at the end the motivation of the kidnapper! Ah well, anything you read is well worth listening to. Thank you from a grateful fan! ❤
@skiapod6427
4 ай бұрын
Percy nets half his brother's fortune if he bumps off the child, the same motive Lucy was supposed to have.
@possumaintdead
4 ай бұрын
@@skiapod6427Ah! I thought I probably missed something. Thanks!
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
@possumaintdead Ah yes, as Skiapod says he does actually explain it, in a sense, when he tells Jervis about the will; but it's much earlier in the story which I can appreciate might be a bit confusing and easy to miss, especially as we haven't met the character at that point!
Your stories always seem to come when needed!!! Thank you so much God Bless You....
What an exciting story! I thoroughly enjoyed it and your reading it even more! Nicely done, Simon!! 👏👏👏👍👍👍
Hello, there! Love me some Dr Thorndyke
What better than when you've finished reading your current book for the evening, to then get to listen to Simon. Reading a short story to lull you to sleep 🫠
He's a class act, Simon. I'd urge any subscribers to make a contribution, or 'buy him a coffee'. He took us through COVID and he's going strong. Fair play to him. For all the ABSOLUTE rubbish that you find online, this man puts the hours in. He researches, and he delivers. If you think it's easy, give it a go! He's delivered time and time again. Ultimately, I can only say that Simon has given SO much pleasure to so many people. Why wouldn't we support him! And if he's making a living from it - which I sincerely hope he is, good luck to the chap.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Thanks so much for your comment, Michael, I really appreciate your support
Excellent story! You always pick the best ones! ❤️
What I like most of the Thorndike stories. Is the start of the Crime Scene Investigation of nowadays.
Hurrah! Another stirring narration by Simon. Hope your holidays were wonderful.
Thank you so much as always! ❤❤❤
Thankyou Simon. 😊
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Thanks so much for your support 🙏
Awesome! Just looking for a bedtime story & this popped up! 👏👏👍
Thank you as always for the great video Simon!
Thank you, Simon. Your readings are truly a mitzvah. May you live and be well, my friend.❤
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Thank you so much! Best wishes to you too
Yayyy seconded! Thank you Simon 🙏🙏🙏
Aloha & mahalo from the other side of the world.
excellent story and narration, thank you.
Yes! Thank you, Simon.
Oleaginous!!💚 plus a botanist in the Lavender cottage! 🌱
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Yes indeed. The lady isn't exactly buttering him up with that compliment!
@smythharris2635
4 ай бұрын
@@BitesizedAudiooleaginous, buttering; I see what you did there, the coefficient of friction is decidedly low, in both cases, well played! 😅
Simon's my favorite voice actor.👍
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Thank you kindly!
How glorious! Another Midnight feast!! ❤
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Thanks Bob. I've been trying to avoid snacking too much late at night, but it's so tempting sometimes!
More Saki. I love him & you!! Thanks
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
I'll certainly be returning to Saki before too long, so do stay tuned!
Thank you for another great story.
Another great read... thank you Simon ❤
More ghost stories please. You do them so well.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
I'm glad to say I have another ghost story in the pipeline, 'The Crown Derby Plate' by Marjorie Bowen will be up next, hopefully in the next couple of weeks
Great reading Simon!
At last .. settles comfortably to a new story ..... thank you Simon, Always a treat
Such fun! I love this story.
Thanks. Excellent story!
I love Freeman's stories. Thank you, Simon!
Great great story!
I enjoyed this story. Thank you..
Yay Simon!!
This is a fun one! So many twists and turns. Just delicious with the setting and characters and bicycles. Thank you very much for the extended bio of the author too. Love your work!
What a wonderful story! The sort that makes me want to immediately start over and listen to it again! Thank you, Simon.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it Linda. And I see you've just joined as a channel member, thanks so much for your support. Do check out the membership tab for updates and bonus stories
Thank you. I have fully enjoyed this moment you offer us, for, I test my understanding of the English language. Happily it is English language, !!!! which I have been taught! Sheer pleasure. The mystery is tense but pleasing, the voice of Mr Stanhope helping greatly. I have, thus, become a faithful follower. Regards.
I love Dr. Thorndyke! Having you read it Simon, just makes it beyond perfection❤
Another wonderful reading of another wonderful story. As always, thank you for bringing this story to life. Keep up the great work.
Love Dr. Thorndyke! My favourite detective. Thanks so much for another Freeman story.
Always a delight when I get a notification that you have a new story up- something to look forward to after my Ovaltine Light!!! Your mellifluous tones are the perfect end to a hectic day👍🇦🇺
Oh yes!! Simon!! Are your narrations listed on your website? Thank you for great stories. I wanted to hear him make sure thatucy got her apology! Darn it.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Ah yes, I would've liked to have heard that too! Ah well. I don't have a website for Bitesized Audio, only my website as an actor, but I have thought a few times I should set one up. It's on my to-do list! But in the meantime the easiest way to see them "all at a glance" is probably via the videos tab here: www.youtube.com/@BitesizedAudio/videos, or on the playlists tab where I've organised them into categories
Revisiting, as I often do with your narrations. Enjoy them every single time. You really are a gift that keeps on giving.
@BitesizedAudio
4 күн бұрын
Thanks for re-listening!
I love these stories so much and your voice is so soothing that it relaxes me enough so I can fall sleep, it works so well that I have to listen to the stories in 3 or more attempts as I'm always asleep before the story ends.
Very enjoyable and soothing a voice when working in my study workshop
Great story... 😂
Nice👍
Please keep them coming, Simon.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Thank you Marv, I certainly hope to
I so like the detective's element in these old fashion storys thank u simon .❤
I love Thorndyke) thank you so much for this story!)
gREAT VIDEO.
Fun afternoon with this one. Thank you, Simon!
Very enjoyable. Thanks Simon. Don't miss!
Thank you Simon first class entertainment!
Excellent! Thank you 🙏
What an excellent performance - and always delightful to hear more Thorndyke: thank you!
@BitesizedAudio
3 ай бұрын
You're most welcome, thanks @KpCraftster
Perfect. Thank you so much
Good evening Simon!
Wonderfully read as usual. Thank you Simon
Fabulous performance as always, Simon!
I have enjoyed all of your stories so far, but this one was the best
Wonderful reading (and story) Simon🙏🌈 Thank you✨️
Very enjoyable Simon, many thanks xx
Enjoyed this THOROUGHLY!! The first Thorndyke one I think I recall you reading, was something to do with a murder in a lab of some kind, maybe it was a locked door deal? Anyway, I didn't find that one really engaged me. But this one was a shiner, and I'm hoping for more, if any more exist. EDIT: having read the information in the description you very kindly provided, I see that there are many many more! I do like the Holmesian flavor of it all, have loved Sherlock Holmes stories and movies since I was a kid. As ever, thank you, Simon!💙👍
I really enjoyed this story, Simon, and your narration. I love the Thorndyke stories and read a lot of them but hadn't heard this one before, what a treat! Thanks so much for uploading. 😊😊
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it, thank you Anne
Thanks for Austin Freeman!
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
You're welcome, Miss Climpson! (Lord Peter Wimsey aficionado...?)
Thank you, Simon 🥰😍🤩
I loved the last few lines of this story 😂
Excellent in every way, narration and sound quality
I enjoy every story. Thank you for your time and talent.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
My pleasure - thanks for listening!
Entertaining and very well presented!
Hi, Simon. Glad to see you. Hope you are well. Thanks for the story and the info
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Thanks Tammy. All good here, I hope you're keeping well too
Listened in two sittings and not an ounce of enjoyment was lost ❤
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Glad to know that! I was slightly perturbed when the last two words of your comment were initially cut off on my screen, but I was reassured when I scrolled down!
@jaidebrooke5946
4 ай бұрын
@@BitesizedAudio I've enjoyed every post so far. I'm working my way along your older posts but am always thrilled when you post something new.
Hip replacement operation next week, everything lined up for my daily fix during convalescence. Keep up the good work, love the readings.
@BitesizedAudio
24 күн бұрын
Thank you. Another story uploading this weekend. All the best for the operation and for a swift recovery!
Wow what a good one! Thank you.
What a delight! How refreshing t ĺisten to a professional narrator. So many audios are spoilt by incompetent narrators.
Thank you sir! Just what I needed for my frayed nerves today.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Glad to help
Thank you Thank you 🎉❤!
Excellent narration of an enjoyable story. Thank you so much.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love you xo much. Thanks bunches ❤
Thank you!
Fifty a month for life? What is that equivalent in today's money?
@skiapod6427
4 ай бұрын
It was £50 a year, say £5,000 or so.
@patriciajrs46
4 ай бұрын
@@skiapod6427 Wow! I suppose in Edwardian times that would be a lot. Thanks by the way.
@rondamay8274
4 ай бұрын
Your voice is Perfect for unraveling these strange stories! Love this channel!❤
@rondamay8274
4 ай бұрын
😊
@nickybaker1338
2 ай бұрын
I was wondering the same £? 🙂
Thanks!
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Thank you for the super thanks 🙏
Best reader ever
Always great to be one of the first to hear 😈
I've been hoping for another Thorndyke story and this was absolutely wonderful. Can I make another plea for one of the inverted stories when you get round to doing another one? Percival Blands Proxy would be my choice..it's a great story and no longer than this one. Until then, looking forward to more of these brilliant Edwardian detective tales..
great