Tony i could listen to your voice all day, pace, depth of voice, and clear pronunciation all lead to a listener satisfied and wanting more. Well done Tony!😊💖
Such a joy (and actually relief) to be able to listen to your excellent and nuanced narrations when You Tube is being overwhelmed by a nightmare tsunami of execrable AI narrations. Thank you for staying human!
I'm liking the new introductions. When I was young my grandmother found a radio station that played the old programs like Inner Sanctum and The Shadow. While she cooked and baked we would listen together. You brought back those wonderful memories. You get better and better with each story.
Your rendering of the character of the unctuous brother-in-law was so accurate that I was repulsed by every word ‘he’ uttered. Your best work I’ve heard so far. Mad respect.
@@ClassicGhost- I agree. You're portrayal of the Brother-in-law sound totally slimey and uncomfortable. Very different to your portrayal of the Father who's sincere, kind but strong and firm. Excellent acting.
I love how you switch seamlessly between accents and personalities. Every character speaks distinctly. You're not just reading it, you're acting it. It's perfect! 🥰
Love it! One of the best narrators i have come across, and your "ramblings" as some have described it are helpful and validating in a way I am pleasantly surprised by ❤
SO GOOD! I loved the landlady character. Excellent voice! I value Tony's analysis at the end of each tale and his warmth and generousity in sharing moments from his own life. Thank you Tony, please keep doing things exactly how you like. It gives your podcast its unique flavour.. ❤
This story touched some hidden chords in me. My mother was born in 1917---and her mother died when she was only 2 or 3 years old, of tuberculosis. Well, my mother's childhood was rather "left-over Victorian" as she was raised by 2 maiden (as they were called back then) Aunts---and her father married one of these Aunts when my Mom was about 12 years old. I heard the accounts of these childhood relationships several times, but I could never keep all the relative's names straight. So, to me it was fascinating to hear that there was once a law against a brother marrying his dead brother's widow...as apparently my grandfather married my deceased grandmother's sister! She turned out to be a bit mean and jealous of my mother, as a child...I presume because she was unable to have any children of her own? I don't know. Lost family history. It's complicated. I enjoyed this story---and the whole laudanum thing of the time gives me the creeps. Wasn't that what John Gant was doing---? Drugging her into greater confusion. Good on the Ghost!
I just started this (9 am) but have decided to save it for bedtime. I love Wilkie Collins work, he’s a brilliant author. This is a little gem to be savoured. Thanks so much Tony. I really am very grateful.
"The Woman in White" is one of my all-time favorites. I'm enjoying this one as well. I'm definitely a big Wilkie Collins fan. I love hearing works that are new to me. Thank you for this brilliant performance 💜
Very enjoyable and beautifully read. Oops spoilers! Didn't notice any background noise to be honest! That bro-in-law had more grease than a chip shop! Also I was thinking all the way through that there might be some money in the background that he was trying to get his hands on, like an expected legacy. However that isn't mentioned so I'm just making things up! And I think he's just conducting a slow campaign, maybe Raeburn's appearance just speeded that up?
I suspect the brother in law didn't visit out of jealousy, or at least that was the impression I got. Love the story, and love your reading voice! Keep up the good work 😁
I read this story as part of a compilation called "Great Ghost Stories" by Elliot O'Donnell, and I was SO pleased to recognize it! It's especially fun too, that I always read the stories with an English accent in my head. I tried to read them aloud and record myself to do an audiobook, and I was just NOT good at it. Great job! I love your voice, and all the stories too. Very happy to stumble upon one I have read
Methinks that John was enamoured of his sister-in-law and that is why he did not visit his brother frequently once they married. It could be that the brother has left money to his widow and this is the attraction, as mention is made by John that he must work for his living. The fact that it is John that secures a residence for her is very telling and, imo, smacks of what we would regard as grooming these days. I also think that there is a suggestion made a couple of times to the unexpected early death of the brother and a further disquieting hint of the use of drugs (sleeping fraught). This is interesting later when John’s housekeeper makes reference to the securing of marriage by nefarious means, one being by the administration of drugs, and later when Mr Rayburn re-enters the drawing room after pretending to leave the house, it is clear drugs have been administered to his John’s sister-in-law. Finally, I think a case can be made for the ghost/supernatural protector being the dead (murdered?) husband who warns his wife of the danger and ultimately avenges them both. Cracking story, Tony, hope you don’t mind my two penn’orth. Your comments on Victorian morality and double standards are very well made.
My impressions were the same- if my late beloved came to warn me to beware of someone, I would believe it. Or possibly doubt my sanity briefly, as poor Mrs. Zant.
Tony, it's not true that it was Rayburn's visit to him that made Zant "remember" his sister in law as he'd been to her lodgings that day and left a visiting card. As someone else said, I got the impression that Zant might have murdered his brother and that's why the ghostly presence was intervening. I also think there was a huge difference in the interest shown by Zant and that shown by Rayburn. There was nothing in the latter's behaviour that indicated he'd have tried to coerce the young widow to marry him, unlike Zant.
Mr Tony, excellent story and narration!! I've listened to the story twice. Btw, it's rare and infrequent, but nitrous oxide has caused deaths. The brother in law was kind of a grifter type. Glad he received his comeuppance!!
I do love the idea of a charitable corn-cutter, though apart from charging money, I fail to see what the poor guy did wrong to deserve such a terrible ghostly punishment, or indeed any censure from his dear departed b-i-l. An interesting commentary on the social taboos of the day. Lovely reading, as always.
I'm only about halfway through, but this story definitely has The Woman in White vibes... which is great! Would you consider narrating that book some day? Perhaps you could release it in some unique way. I'll just throw out this idea: if, for example, that book was originally serialized, you would start and stop your readings as WC stopped and started each of his monthly contributions. Of course, the reading usually ended with a cliffhanger or some other device that would leave the readers begging for more/ looking forward to next month's offering! Likewise, your readings of this book would be just once a month. In this way, you would somewhat recreate the way that some Victorian audiences often heard it: ie, someone in the family or group would buy a copy of the magazine and then read or choose someone else to read the installment. What do you think?
I do like the Woman in white . I have done novel length works but they take months and often flop (successes = dracula, hill house, flops =‘frankenstein, jekyll and Hyde , the murder of roger ackroyd , phantom of the opera) so i’m scared to enter into such a big job when it might not go anywhere . the modern audience doesn’t like serials unless they can binge watch them all at once it seems
Your murder of Rodger ackroyd was not a popular reading apparently? But you have an audience for mysteries built up? Phantom of the Opera is a novel that seems to lack literally finesse. Frankenstein has so much literary finesse it's kind of dense the average audio listener I fear.
+@garybernstein3527 I see what you’re saying and I do agree but I’m comparing my Frankenstein versus the AI Frankenstein done by gates of imagination which has done remarkably better than my human narration.
John Zant is creepy. As exemplified by his interaction with the girl child who is a lot more than a the widow 'baby girl boss'. 'No' and 'I wont"...... She knew and didnt want a bar of him.
This particular story does have a few loose ends for sure. I kept waiting for them to be tied together. Then I thought it would be kind of ( Murder she wrote) if it all came together at the end, but no! I'm really confused as to what these Victorian readers were being led to assume 😮
Thank you, Tony, for this wonderful reading of a wonderful story. I have to ask, though - is there something missing at the 31:22 mark? The story seems to skip there.
I appreciate all of your work. We share a lot of literary interests, but I worry that you will burn out. It never hurts to disconnect from everything and relax for a bit. @@ClassicGhost
Tony i could listen to your voice all day, pace, depth of voice, and clear pronunciation all lead to a listener satisfied and wanting more. Well done Tony!😊💖
I’ve been telling him that for years. He’s simply the best.
I wholeheartedly agree!
Such a joy (and actually relief) to be able to listen to your excellent and nuanced narrations when You Tube is being overwhelmed by a nightmare tsunami of execrable AI narrations. Thank you for staying human!
Yes humans have still
got the edge (for now )
"if you live to grow up" - that's the most chilling thing I've heard in a story. Thank goodness for modern life
modern life in developed countries........
@scathatch too true
I'm liking the new introductions. When I was young my grandmother found a radio station that played the old programs like Inner Sanctum and The Shadow. While she cooked and baked we would listen together. You brought back those wonderful memories. You get better and better with each story.
I like the new introductions !
Your rendering of the character of the unctuous brother-in-law was so accurate that I was repulsed by every word ‘he’ uttered. Your best work I’ve heard so far. Mad respect.
+@SukiSays23 Oh thank you 🤩
@@ClassicGhost- I agree. You're portrayal of the Brother-in-law sound totally slimey and uncomfortable. Very different to your portrayal of the Father who's sincere, kind but strong and firm. Excellent acting.
Me too!!!! That's exactly what I was thinking but didn't know how to say. He really was absolutely slimy, but so, so subtle!
I love how you switch seamlessly between accents and personalities. Every character speaks distinctly. You're not just reading it, you're acting it. It's perfect! 🥰
Love it! One of the best narrators i have come across, and your "ramblings" as some have described it are helpful and validating in a way I am pleasantly surprised by ❤
You’re so right. I am always riveted by Tony’s narration.
SO GOOD! I loved the landlady character. Excellent voice!
I value Tony's analysis at the end of each tale and his warmth and generousity in sharing moments from his own life. Thank you Tony, please keep doing things exactly how you like. It gives your podcast its unique flavour.. ❤
This story touched some hidden chords in me. My mother was born in 1917---and her mother died when she was only 2 or 3 years old, of tuberculosis. Well, my mother's childhood was rather "left-over Victorian" as she was raised by 2 maiden (as they were called back then) Aunts---and her father married one of these Aunts when my Mom was about 12 years old. I heard the accounts of these childhood relationships several times, but I could never keep all the relative's names straight. So, to me it was fascinating to hear that there was once a law against a brother marrying his dead brother's widow...as apparently my grandfather married my deceased grandmother's sister! She turned out to be a bit mean and jealous of my mother, as a child...I presume because she was unable to have any children of her own? I don't know. Lost family history. It's complicated. I enjoyed this story---and the whole laudanum thing of the time gives me the creeps. Wasn't that what John Gant was doing---? Drugging her into greater confusion. Good on the Ghost!
Love your stories Tony now the weather colder.Wrapped up and keeping warm .
Keep warm!
I just started this (9 am) but have decided to save it for bedtime. I love Wilkie Collins work, he’s a brilliant author. This is a little gem to be savoured. Thanks so much Tony. I really am very grateful.
"The Woman in White" is one of my all-time favorites. I'm enjoying this one as well. I'm definitely a big Wilkie Collins fan. I love hearing works that are new to me. Thank you for this brilliant performance 💜
Such a treat! I love Wilkie Collins
More ghosts, more ghosts, more ghosts...😮
Thanks, Tony.
Another gem !
Thank you, Tony, for saving my cat again after a long, hard week at work! Loved it!
+@missholly7534 I’m always trying to save the cat
Another evening to spend hearing a story by my friend🥰
That’s nice
*Tony* Thank You as always for your end note commentary ...
Very enjoyable and beautifully read. Oops spoilers!
Didn't notice any background noise to be honest!
That bro-in-law had more grease than a chip shop!
Also I was thinking all the way through that there might be some money in the background that he was trying to get his hands on, like an expected legacy. However that isn't mentioned so I'm just making things up! And I think he's just conducting a slow campaign, maybe Raeburn's appearance just speeded that up?
I love the Art on your thumbnail and I can't wait to listen to this after supper tonight 💯
Currently reading 'The Woman in White', so I welcomed this short story from Collins (and appreciated the spoiler alert).
Love the intro.. Adds suspense, can't wait for the story😊
You have a wonderful voice . I so love listening to you.
Thank you
This really is a masterpiece! ❤
I suspect the brother in law didn't visit out of jealousy, or at least that was the impression I got. Love the story, and love your reading voice! Keep up the good work 😁
Now this is really intriguing! All of your work is!
Thank you ❤❤❤
Enjoyed this story a lot. 😊
Wonderful! Thank you for an thoroughly enjoyable listen.
I read this story as part of a compilation called "Great Ghost Stories" by Elliot O'Donnell, and I was SO pleased to recognize it!
It's especially fun too, that I always read the stories with an English accent in my head. I tried to read them aloud and record myself to do an audiobook, and I was just NOT good at it.
Great job! I love your voice, and all the stories too. Very happy to stumble upon one I have read
Methinks that John was enamoured of his sister-in-law and that is why he did not visit his brother frequently once they married. It could be that the brother has left money to his widow and this is the attraction, as mention is made by John that he must work for his living. The fact that it is John that secures a residence for her is very telling and, imo, smacks of what we would regard as grooming these days. I also think that there is a suggestion made a couple of times to the unexpected early death of the brother and a further disquieting hint of the use of drugs (sleeping fraught). This is interesting later when John’s housekeeper makes reference to the securing of marriage by nefarious means, one being by the administration of drugs, and later when Mr Rayburn re-enters the drawing room after pretending to leave the house, it is clear drugs have been administered to his John’s sister-in-law.
Finally, I think a case can be made for the ghost/supernatural protector being the dead (murdered?) husband who warns his wife of the danger and ultimately avenges them both.
Cracking story, Tony, hope you don’t mind my two penn’orth.
Your comments on Victorian morality and double standards are very well made.
My impressions were the same- if my late beloved came to warn me to beware of someone, I would believe it. Or possibly doubt my sanity briefly, as poor Mrs. Zant.
Tony, it's not true that it was Rayburn's visit to him that made Zant "remember" his sister in law as he'd been to her lodgings that day and left a visiting card. As someone else said, I got the impression that Zant might have murdered his brother and that's why the ghostly presence was intervening. I also think there was a huge difference in the interest shown by Zant and that shown by Rayburn. There was nothing in the latter's behaviour that indicated he'd have tried to coerce the young widow to marry him, unlike Zant.
Mr Tony, excellent story and narration!! I've listened to the story twice.
Btw, it's rare and infrequent, but nitrous oxide has caused deaths.
The brother in law was kind of a grifter type. Glad he received his comeuppance!!
A girl from my high school was found dead on her living room floor dead of nitrous oxide. She had stolen it from her dentist father..... RIP Julie🙏
Well I didn't know that. I didn't know it could kill you
I do love the idea of a charitable corn-cutter, though apart from charging money, I fail to see what the poor guy did wrong to deserve such a terrible ghostly punishment, or indeed any censure from his dear departed b-i-l. An interesting commentary on the social taboos of the day. Lovely reading, as always.
I'm only about halfway through, but this story definitely has The Woman in White vibes... which is great!
Would you consider narrating that book some day? Perhaps you could release it in some unique way. I'll just throw out this idea: if, for example, that book was originally serialized, you would start and stop your readings as WC stopped and started each of his monthly contributions. Of course, the reading usually ended with a cliffhanger or some other device that would leave the readers begging for more/ looking forward to next month's offering! Likewise, your readings of this book would be just once a month. In this way, you would somewhat recreate the way that some Victorian audiences often heard it: ie, someone in the family or group would buy a copy of the magazine and then read or choose someone else to read the installment.
What do you think?
Didn't you just recently do that one, Tony? I seem to remember...
No, not W i W.
I do like the Woman in white . I have done novel length
works but they take months and often flop (successes = dracula, hill house, flops =‘frankenstein, jekyll and Hyde , the murder of roger ackroyd , phantom of the opera) so i’m scared to enter into such a big job when it might not go anywhere . the modern audience doesn’t like serials unless they can binge watch them all at once it seems
Your murder of Rodger ackroyd was not a popular reading apparently? But you have an audience for mysteries built up? Phantom of the Opera is a novel that seems to lack literally finesse. Frankenstein has so much literary finesse it's kind of dense the average audio listener I fear.
+@garybernstein3527 I see what you’re saying and I do agree but I’m comparing my Frankenstein versus the AI Frankenstein done by gates of imagination which has done remarkably better than my human narration.
Loved it❤ new sub your voice is awesome 🔥🇺🇸 intelligent material that gets you thinking .
Thanks a lot
TONY TIME!!!!!
Amazing thumbnail art 🤩
John Zant is creepy. As exemplified by his interaction with the girl child who is a lot more than a the widow 'baby girl boss'. 'No' and 'I wont"...... She knew and didnt want a bar of him.
The ramble made me giggle, it was far more entertaining than the story.
Since it seems her dead husband has objections to her being with his brother. Maybe his brother killed him?
Great intro! I love it.
+@amandine512
Thanks 🙏
This particular story does have a few loose ends for sure. I kept waiting for them to be tied together. Then I thought it would be kind of ( Murder she wrote) if it all came together at the end, but no! I'm really confused as to what these Victorian readers were being led to assume 😮
You already had your "save the cat" moment when you adopted a disabled puppy. We like you. 😉
Thank you, Tony, for this wonderful reading of a wonderful story. I have to ask, though - is there something missing at the 31:22 mark? The story seems to skip there.
I noticed that too. I think maybe it was an edit?
🎉🎉🎉🎉
I'm thinking he murdered the brother
❤❤❤
1hr 17, story starts 3min 20 in.
Do you ever stop working?
No, but I should.
@@ClassicGhostPassion and Commitment!
❤
@ I have too many concurrent projects. i must be more disciplined!
I appreciate all of your work. We share a lot of literary interests, but I worry that you will burn out. It never hurts to disconnect from everything and relax for a bit. @@ClassicGhost
@ I know . I was sitting this morning trying to work out which projects i should drop
???