Two Horror Tales by M.R. James

By: M.R. James

Narrated by: Graham Mack

Length: 2 hrs

Publisher's summary

Two creepy horror tales of terror and the supernatural featuring otherworldly creatures, new and slightly condensed by Gary Adkins for Captivated Chat, LLC publishers, including:

"Oh, Whistle and I'll Come to You, My Lad": An ancient ghost haunts a Cambridge professor during his investigation of Templar ruins. In visiting the seaside locale where a disgraced sect once worshipped he uncovers a device with Latin inscriptions that he can't quite decipher. It turns out to be a whistle engraved with a cabalistic inscription that translates as "oh, whistle, and I'll come to you, my lad". Next thing you know someone or something is following the professor home. What could possibly be wrong with that?

"Casting the Runes": Mr. Dunning is cursed after sending in a negative review of occultist Karswell's paper on witchcraft. Poor Dunning learns the last negative reviewer has just died in a freak accident, and soon anyone looking into Dunning's death may face the same fate. Odd, though, that Dunning's body was so badly mauled as if my an animal. Karswell, it seems, may have cursed several men by slipping them an elusive slip of parchment adorned with some ancient runic symbols. Some say that the curse may have called up a demon from hell. How easily the parchment slides from one's grasp, and how alarming are the consequences!

These two stories are often cited by experts as being James' best, and now are available in a single audiobook volume, making this a rare find. You may wish to avoid the regret that will surely haunt you should you pass up the chance to make your All Hallows Eve celebration more entertaining. You won't much like letting these runes slip through your fingers.

©2022 Gary Adkins (P)2022 Gary Adkins

Captivating and suspense filled

The two horror stories, Oh whistle and I will come to you my lad and Casting the Ruins were very ghoulish and creepy stories but still enchanting and got me gripped wanting to know what is next and where it was all heading. The story was even made more enjoyable by the narrator as he was able to change his voice to fit the story line which completely delivered the book. I listened to this book with my teenage son and he just can't get enough of it. For all lovers of horror tales, this is a must-have!

It's truly engaging, it kept me listening!

I'm a big fan of stories. I had never listened to a thriller like that!
The stories take an interesting look at British high society life at the turn of the century, so many places I have never heard of. I felt the urge to search for them to picture the scene in my head, just for fun. It's truly engaging, it kept me listening!

Very Good!

The narrator added to such enjoyment of the story by changing his voice to match the plot and effectively completing the book delivery.  Overall, two captivating tales that are ideal for listening to. A must for anyone who likes horror stories.

Quelle horreur!

Each of the two stories featured in this book will enthrall readers who love a good, creepy tale in the narrative style of the great British Empire authors such as Arthur Conan Doyle and P.G. Wodehouse. Though the stories are very different in setting, the main character in both stories is a British gentleman who accidentally calls forth a malevolent force by simply handling an ordinary-appearing object. The supernatural effects created by these forces - and the reactions of the characters - are different in each story, but the similar reserved and skeptical natures of both main characters somehow increases the sense of dread and foreboding in the reader. As a bonus, in addition to the captivating stories themselves, this book provides an interesting peek into turn-of-the-century upper-crust British life from the perspective of men living that life. All the signature mannerisms, upperclass biases and odd turns of phrase are on full display in James' stories.

But, although the stories themselves and the glimpse into history they provide are reason enough to buy this book, it must be said that one of the best things about it is the narrator: a British gentleman himself, who manages to perfectly convey the creepy atmosphere into which the somewhat mundane characters find themselves. Graham Mack is a skilled actor who is able to switch easily and convincingly from dialogue between characters to the narration and back again, keeping the stories moving along with just the right amount of tension and anticipation. Mr. Mack was the perfect choice to tell these ghost stories.

All in all, two stories perfect for listening on a chilly evening by the fire!

Excellent and suspenseful horror stories

This is an historical British horror story. I loved listening to the male narrator. He did all the voices wonderfully well. Very good choice of narrator. The two tales were each suspenseful and interesting. I was pulled in waiting impatiently for the plot to unfold. The story was very entertaining, and you will be haunted if you don’t read this book!

Loved every minute!

What a treat! Having two captivating tales of terror in one, i couldnt get enough. Both the author and the narrator have great skill at keeping you on your toes and interested in every word, I love the twists and turns and the fresh plot that had me guessing what would happen next. Perfect for a rainy night in or on a long drive, you will not regret listening! Highly recommend to anyone who loves a good page turning book that brings your imagination to light and chills down yours spine!