I appreciate the introductions and would never skip them. Happy to learn something about the authors.

I enjoy the style of how the story is told, i.e., basically in real-time first-person, the entire thing being basically a single real-time conversation with an off-screen companion. Particularly cozy vibes as they're sitting there drinking and smoking by the fire.

Fun Fact F Marion Crawfords Son H Marion Crawford played ln a Series of Sherlock Holmes Adaptations in the Mid 50s

btw, in 1973, this story was adapted, not accurately, but more faithfully than the 1950s film, into episode 6 of The Wide World of Mystery, in which David McCallum himself plays the lead male role.

What a great telling of a strange story, almost hypnotic! Olympic level storytelling.

"Oh, I don't believe in ghosts. Sure, I have a human skull that screams at me if I remove it from the house, and I'm utterly convinced that it hates me, but that doesn't mean there's anything supernatural going on!"

Wow, that is some serious denial. Like, that's not just your regular stubborn insistence on being rational, the guy is straight up lying to himself.

Anyway, thematically this story is about guilt: Notice that the skull remains mostly harmless until Braddock has it confirmed that his theory about the murder was correct. It's like the skull couldn't act against him as long as he kept himself in doubt about what happened and his own part in it. Also, Braddock definitely didn't deserve any of that - he can't really be blamed just for inadvertently giving the actual killer ideas - but he clearly felt really bad about it, and perhaps believed he deserved to be punished.

Aside from the pure enjoyment I get from these narrations I also appreciate the ongoing lessons on the history of literature!  I've lost count of how many wonderful authors I've discovered from HorrorBabble.🙏🎃👻🐙☠

I haven’t been here for awhile and it’s so good to hear your voice, Ian. 🫠🐶🌷🌱

Your prrformance pulls me back again and again. Thank you, Gorfon.

So many of these authors no matter the content add a little humor. Idk if it was intentional but i love it.

There are several readings of this story, but this one is by far the best.  This is my favorite horror story ever.  I love the works of Crawford.  I read this when I was quite young, and it created a love of short horror fiction that has never left me.  This is a real gem!  Thank you for doing it, and doing it so well.

Im having somewhat of a horrific time as ive been pulled into shorts somehow this year. They suck me in and i get trapped for almost an hour at times. Its strange as i used to use youtube for long form content and learning. I snapped out of another binge and came to your channel for something with some teeth.  Thank you, Ian, for your continued quality and a safe haven from the madness of modernity.

I really love this story for the attitude of the narrator in it. Yes, the skull and it's screaming is strange and ghostly, but he takes it for what it is rather than stubbornly disbelieve. It feels like a realistic attitude to discovering a harmless ghost in your home.

Such an atmospheric story - I almost feel like I've slipped into another world, sitting here listening. Your narration is perfect, making the story feel real somehow

Great story and narration!  I really like it when you record these audio dramas.  The backgriund and atmospheric noises and sounds are amazing.

Thanks!

Yes, this was a very familiar story I know I've heard or read it before when I was young !
Thank you very much for the story!
I already had some popcorn before I noticed your post.
Thank you!

Another excellent story.

“Remember, folks, if you die of boredom you do NOT get a free coffin.” - MST3K

Ooooh I caught actual chills on this one. Loved it

It's me. I'm the fool.