The Caller of the Black

By: Brian Lumley

Narrated by: Joshua Saxon

The Caller of the Black is Brian Lumley's first published collection of stories, with many of them involving the Cthulhu Mythos.

Stories included in this collection:

• "A Thing About Cars!"
• "The Cyprus Shell"
• "Billy's Oak"
• "The Writer in the Garret"
• "The Caller of the Black"
• "The Mirror of Nitocris"
• "The Night Sea-Maid Went Down"
• "The Thing from the Blasted Heath"
• "An Item of Supporting Evidence"
• "Dylath-Leen"
• "De Marigny's Clock"
• "Ambler's Inspiration"
• "In the Vaults Beneath"
• "The Pearl"

©1971 Brian Lumley (P)2020 David N. Wilson

Dark, pulpy fun

Brian Lumley's stories are so much fun. Lovecraft-inspired, but a very different flavor than HPL's works. This collection has some of my favorite Lumley tales, including the title story. It's possible that Joshua Saxon is the perfect narrator for Lumley's books. I heard Lumley read some of his stories at a convention once, and Saxon's reading style is very reminiscent of Brian's.

Fun, Quick Short Stories

Like another reviewer mentioned, these are great stories to listen to with a drink in hand late at night or one story per night before bed, etc.
Most of the stories are on the short side (25 min or less). However, there is one toward the end that is seven chapters long (this is by far the best story in the collection). I usually find 30 min to 1 hour per story best (or if the stories all build on one another, like in the same universe, etc.)

My First Brian Lumley Book, Great Short Stories

All original works, some in the the Cthulu Mythos. Many loosely interconnected threads and characters between the stories, but not consequential. There are many short story anthologies out there, many of which are either poorly organized, full of random public domain stories interspersed with the narrators comparatively poor original works. This is all Lumley's work and the narrator is perfect for the tone.

I can't wait to read some of his other stories, or pick up the Necroscope novels.

great lovecraftian pastiche

early Lumley work that really hits the Lovecraft notes. well written and well narrated. would recommend.

Two Masters

Lumley is a Master storyteller, and Joshua Saxon a Master teller of Brian's stories. Together...A MASTERPIECE.