The Conception of Terror: Tales Inspired by M. R. James - Volume 1

An Audible Original Drama

By: M. R. James, Stephen Gallagher, A. K. Benedict, Jonathan Barnes, Mark Morris

Narrated by: Robert Bathurst, Tom Burke, Rosa Coduri, Alice Lowe, Pearl Mackie, Anna Maxwell Martin, Andy Nyman, Jeff Rawle, Reece Shearsmith

Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

A collection of four ghostly tales inspired by M. R. James.

Casting the Runes - adapted by Stephen Gallagher

When academic Jo Harrington (Anna Maxwell Martin) is sent a paper - The Truth of Alchemy, by Anton Karswell - for peer review, she pulls no punches. It has no place in a serious academic publication, and Karswell is a half-bright fool. However, when the editor writes a rejection note to Karswell, he inadvertently includes her entire email. Occultist Karswell (Reece Shearsmith) doesn’t take kindly to criticism.

On the tube home with her partner Edward Dunning (Tom Burke), Jo spots a poster with her name on it. It reads: 'In memory of Joanne Harrington, M.Litt, PhD, died September eighteenth, three days were allowed.' Is there anything that Edward can do to save Jo from this curse?

Lost Hearts - adapted by A. K. Benedict

Teenager Stephanie Elliot (Rosa Coduri) is taken to Aswarby House to be fostered by Mrs Bunch (Susan Jameson). Stephanie strikes up a friendship with Ben (Bill Milner), the adopted son of charismatic community leader Mr Abney (Jeff Rawle). He tells her that Mr Abney is a good man: he even took in a child refugee last year, but she ran away and stole from him. Stephanie is troubled by voices and visions of a dead girl clutching at her chest, and when Ben disappears she begins to suspect that all is not right in Aswarby House.

The Treasure of Abbot-Thomas - adapted by Jonathan Barnes

When former Somerton school pupil Greg Parsbury (Robert Bathurst) meets history teacher Mika Chantry (Pearl Mackie) at a memorial service for schoolmaster Sam Abbot-Thomas, he begs for her help. He has been sent a postcard by the estate of the mysterious and charismatic Abbot-Thomas. On it is a strange inscription in Latin, which he believes to be an inaugural clue in a treasure hunt: much like the elaborate treasure hunts Abbot-Thomas used to set back in the 1970s. There were rumours that Abbot-Thomas possessed a hidden fortune, and Parsbury and Chantry set out to find it.

A View from a Hill - adapted by Mark Morris

Comedian and podcaster Paul Fanshawe (Andy Nyman) and his wife, Sarah (Alice Lowe), visit the Cotswolds on holiday, trying to rebuild their lives after the death of their young son, Archie. Whilst out walking they spot a beautiful abbey across the valley on Gallows Hill, but when they reach it, they find the building is little more than rubble. While Sarah explores, Paul records commentary for his podcast. Sarah thinks she hears children’s laughter, but there’s no-one there. Later that night she listens back to the recording and hears a child’s voice whisper, 'Mummy.' Sarah is convinced that Archie is trying to reach them and wants to return to the ruins. But something far worse is waiting for them on Gallows Hill.

Public Domain (P)2019 Audible, Ltd

Not so terrifying

Stories are ok; not so scary. I couldn't understand much of the English in Casting the Runes, even though English is my native language.(Spoken super quickly through most of the narration. Not sure why. Maybe just a colloquial thing my American ears couldn't keep up with.)

kind of disappointed

to be honest, I don't like the way that the stories ended. they were sudden and abrupt and left you sitting there thinking "well is that it?".

Very good stories and acting.

Entertaining stories based in English settings. Perfect for people who like enjoy a touch of horror fiction in October. First story was especially good.

I expected a bigger scare!

The stories kept me listening, but I really wanted to be creeped out, but I wasn't even close.

Loved each story!

I am a big fan of audio horror dramas, and each story was performed beautifully. I was thoroughly entertained and enjoyed each story.

Pleasantly surprised

I ran out of credits for audible and decided to get this after scrolling through the free downloads. almost immediately after starting I became enthralled in the stories. they were all very captivating. I had never heard of this author m r James before Oh, but now I am determined to read his works 😊 the performances were fantastic and very believable, definitely recommend this to anyone into horror. Though the stories aren't terrifying or anything they're just very good

Great stuff

Super good stories with new plots. Great listening. Just perfect for short trips or cleaning the house. Entertaining and fun.

Great stories

The stories were great but the special effects were so overwhelming that it was hard to hear the story line. The actors were great.. a

2 out 4 ain't bad

I do not like stories that do not give the reader a clear resolution, The Casting of the Runes and Lost Hearts were excellent and they gave the reader the satisfaction of an unambiguous resolution. The other two tales had promise, the storylines I enjoyed but the lack of clear resolution, "this let the reader's imagination explain it" plot ploy was disappointing. If that is what I wanted from a story, I would write it myself! Especially when it comes to the paranormal, I believe readers like to know if their theories are correct and if not receive the author's beautiful COMPLETE vision.

stories were eh

it was very good acting and dramatization. but the endings were just kinda a let down