Jacques Heath Futrelle, born on April 9, 1875, in Pike County, Georgia, was a distinguished American journalist and mystery writer whose legacy became synonymous with the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. His career unfolded against the backdrop of the early 20th century, where he initially made a name for himself as a journalist, contributing to esteemed publications such as the Atlanta Journal, the New York Herald, and the Boston Post. Notably, he pioneered the sports section of the Atlanta Journal. Futrelle's creative genius, however, found its true expression in the realm of detective fiction. He is best remembered for his creation of Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, affectionately known as "The Thinking Machine." Futrelle's life took a tragic turn when, returning from Europe on the ill-fated RMS Titanic in 1912, he insisted his wife Lily board a lifeboat while he remained on the sinking ship. His gallant act, alongside his subsequent disappearance in the Atlantic, marked a poignant end to a remarkable life "The Problem of the Stolen Rubens" by Jacques Futrelle was initially published in the Associated Sunday Magazine on February 17, 1907. This serialization marked the introduction of Professor Van Dusen, or "The Thinking Machine," to readers. The choice of a magazine publication was a common practice during that era, allowing authors to reach a broad audience through serialized storytelling. Futrelle's decision to unveil this particular story in the Associated Sunday Magazine contributed to the widespread recognition and eventual acclaim of his fictional detective character. In the early 20th century, serialized fiction in magazines was a popular medium for presenting literary works, enabling authors to engage readers over multiple issues. For "The Problem of the Stolen Rubens," this serialized format added an element of suspense and anticipation as readers eagerly awaited each installment to follow the unfolding mystery. The success of this story within the pages of the Associated Sunday Magazine not only showcased Futrelle's storytelling prowess but also laid the foundation for the enduring popularity of Professor Van Dusen in the realm of detective fiction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Tinsel, trinkets, and... treachery? At Sir Septimus Shale's grand country house, where Christmas cheer blankets every nook and cranny, a string of precious pearls has vanished faster than a mince pie in a hungry caroler's mouth. Lord Peter Wimsey, our intrepid sleuth, finds himself knee-deep in Yuletide shenanigans and upper-crust eccentricities. As carols echo through holly-decked halls and the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air, Wimsey must sort through a cast of characters more colorful than a box of Christmas crackers. Is the culprit lurking behind the Christmas tree, or hiding in plain sight among the festive finery? With wit as sharp as icicles and charm as warm as mulled wine, Wimsey races to solve the mystery before the last log on the fire turns to ash. Grab a cozy blanket and a steaming cup of cocoa – this Christmas puzzle is more delightful than finding an extra gift in your stocking!" ⭐ Join my Patreon ⭐ https://patreon.com/barcud Go here for a library of ad-free stories, a monthly members only story and early access to the regular stories I put out. You can choose to have ghost stories only, or detective stories or classic literature, or all of them for either $5 or $10 a month. Many hundreds of hours of stories. Who needs Audible? Or, if you'd just like to make a one-off gesture of thanks for my work https://buymeacoffee.com/10mn8sk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What sinister secret lies in the Christmas pudding? The perfect setting for an old-fashioned English Christmas - a cosy manor, falling snow, and family gathered round - gets an unexpected guest: Hercule Poirot himself! When a foreboding note appears on the famous detective's pillow, he knows the idyllic festive traditions conceal a mystery more twisted than ribbons on parcels. As joyful carols fill the air, goings on go on behind closed doors. Then a body is discovered! (Though things are not what they seem) And Poirot turns a deception deftly to his advantage. Can Poirot navigate the web of secrets and uphold justice amid the joyful festivities? Enjoy Agatha Christie's witty characterisations as her beloved detective celebrates an unforgettable Christmas in the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Whose hand strikes the fatal blow? Within the ancient walls of Pentecost College a murder shatters the scholarly peace. Montague Egg, a sharp-eyed wine salesman, steps into a web of whispered secrets and hidden motives. Confusion looms large as confessions echo through the halls, and lies mask truths yet to be uncovered. Join us as we navigate a world where appearances deceive and academic knowledge conceal as much as it reveals. Listen closely and perhaps you can work out who the murderer is before Egg does! ⭐ Join my Patreon ⭐ https://patreon.com/barcud Go here for a library of ad-free stories, a monthly members only story and early access to the regular stories I put out. You can choose to have ghost stories only, or detective stories or classic literature, or all of them for either $5 or $10 a month. Many hundreds of hours of stories. Who needs Audible? Or, if you'd just like to make a one-off gesture of thanks for my work https://buymeacoffee.com/10mn8sk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Would you kill for a glass of port? Join us in The Oxford Way of Death, where the hallowed halls of St. Pothinus’s are alive with more than just dusty books. The Fellows, entangled in their routines and rituals, find their complacency disrupted with hilariously dark consequences. As new ideas ripple through, academic eccentricities give way to unexpected chaos—and even a touch of murder. Robert Barnard delivers a captivating comedic tale where mysterious mishaps meet sharp humor, turning scholarly life into a brilliant farce. Listen in for a story where wit, whimsy, and a hint of deadly intrigue redefine the academic experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the hushed halls of the British Library Reading Room, a sanctuary of knowledge hides a chilling secret. When an elderly professor is found murdered amidst at his desk, the scholarly calm of the Reading Room is shattered. Enter Mrs. Craggs, a humble charwoman with a sharp eye and a knack for uncovering truths others overlook. Overlooked herself by a world of scholars and "whizzers," she carries a quiet determination that surprises everyone—even herself. When Mrs. Craggs stumbles upon the crime, she finds herself drawn into a labyrinth of smooth-talking ambition and deceit. With the authorities sceptical and the suspect eager to cast blame elsewhere, can the stakes grow higher? Can Mrs. Craggs, armed with little more than her mp and her working-class common sense, expose the murderer before the wrong person is condemned? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is patriotism worth the cost? In the volatile landscape of 1980s Britain, this question haunts every counter-terrorism operative. Michael Gilbert's "The Killing of Michael Finnegan" draws you into a high-stakes game where loyalty is fleeting and deception is currency. As seasoned agents Calder and Behrens race to thwart an IRA plot, they navigate a maze of half-truths and double-crosses. With each revelation, the line between ally and enemy blurs further. Gilbert's razor-sharp prose and intricate plotting keep you guessing until the final moment. The clock is ticking, lives hang in the balance, and no one is above suspicion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Can perfect manners mask a murderer? In Victorian London, Charles Dickens crafted a tale of calculated evil lurking behind a respectable smile. A gentleman whose perfectly groomed appearance and cultured conversation conceal something far more sinister. In the gaslit streets and elegant drawing rooms, a deadly game unfolds. Someone watches from the shadows - but nothing is quite what it seems. Dickens knew the dark corners of London, walked with real detectives, studied the faces of criminals. In "Hunted Down," he reveals what he learned about evil wearing a gentleman's mask. Join me for Dickens's only pure detective story, where appearances can be fatally deceptive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the glittering world of Edwardian London, where wealth flaunts itself shamelessly, a brash American boxer throws down an irresistible gauntlet. Barney Maguire, flush with prize money and sporting gaudy trophies, boasts of an unbeatable trap for thieves in his opulent Half-moon Street residence. Enter A.J. Raffles, gentleman thief extraordinaire, whose code of honor is matched only by his appetite for challenge. When Maguire's ostentatious display of riches collides with Raffles' unquenchable thirst for adventure, the stage is set for a battle of wits that will test the limits of cunning and audacity. ⭐ Join my Patreon ⭐ https://patreon.com/barcud Go here for a library of ad-free stories, a monthly members only story and early access to the regular stories I put out. You can choose to have ghost stories only, or detective stories or classic literature, or all of them for either $5 or $10 a month. Many hundreds of hours of stories. Who needs Audible? Or, if you'd just like to make a one-off gesture of thanks for my work https://buymeacoffee.com/10mn8sk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the dark streets of 1840s Paris C. Auguste Dupin confronts his most perplexing case yet: a missing letter, a cunning thief, and a hidden agenda that could shake the very foundations of the French elite. The stakes? The stability of the government and the honour of a desperate royal. As alliances shift and secrets emerge, Dupin must use his prowess to recover the purloined letter and outsmart an adversary who always seems two steps ahead. Can you predict the twist before Dupin reveals it all? Published in 1845, the authorized version of "The Purloined Letter" appeared in "The Gift," an annual literary anthology, offering readers Poe's expanded and refined vision of his groundbreaking detective story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In "The Mystery at Number Seven," the tranquil facade of a Victorian seaside town conceals a web of dark secrets. When an unexplained death occurs in a seemingly ordinary household, suspicion falls on various characters, each harbouring their own hidden passions and motives. Through the eyes of Johnny Ludlow, we witness amateur sleuths unravel a tale filled with unexpected twists and moral dilemmas. As the investigation deepens, questions of love, betrayal, and the price of hidden sins emerge, exposing the shadowy undercurrents of polite society. Mrs. Henry Wood's masterful storytelling keeps readers guessing until the very end, reminding us that in this world of intrigue and deception, nothing is as it first appears. This is our 50th Episode! ⭐ Join my Patreon ⭐ https://patreon.com/barcud Go here for a library of ad-free stories, a monthly members only story and early access to the regular stories I put out. You can choose to have ghost stories only, or detective stories or classic literature, or all of them for either $5 or $10 a month. Many hundreds of hours of stories. Who needs Audible? Or, if you'd just like to make a one-off gesture of thanks for my work https://buymeacoffee.com/10mn8sk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is part 2 of my audiobook narration of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, comprising chapters 5-7. More to come. Please listen to the first part (Chapters 1-4) first unless you're being deliberately unorthodox, in which case, I admire you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" is a classic detective story by Agatha Christie that will leave you on the edge of your seat as Hercule Poirot unravels a web of deception and intrigue surrounding the shocking murder of Roger Ackroyd. With twists and turns at every corner, this novel will keep you guessing until the very end. This is the first part: chapters 1-4 comprising the first hour of the book. I will release more each week as a serial until we are finished! Serialisation is a great remedy for the shortening of attention span and 'next day delivery' mania. I hope you enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Prepare to be entangled in a web of mystery and deception with Stuart Palmer's "The Monkey Murder"! When Janet Wayland is found dead in a locked room, bizarrely bound by the tail of a monkey statue, even the seasoned Inspector Oscar Piper is left baffled. Enter the sharp-witted, no-nonsense schoolteacher Hildegarde Withers, whose keen eye for detail might just crack this seemingly impossible case. As she delves into the victim's past and the suspicious behavior of those around her, Withers uncovers a tale of hidden motives, secret affairs, and unexpected twists. Will her unorthodox methods and acerbic wit be enough to unmask the killer, or will this cunning murderer slip through the cracks of justice? Join us for a thrilling journey through this Golden Age mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Step into the world of razor-sharp deduction and ingenious crime-solving with the brilliant detective Thorndyke and his trusty companion Jardine. In this gripping tale of murder and mystery, nothing is as it seems. As the story unfolds, you'll be drawn into a web of intrigue where the killer remains elusive, defying the conventions of classic detective fiction. With each twist and turn, Thorndyke's genius shines brighter, leading to a climactic revelation that will leave you breathless. Prepare to be amazed as the pieces fall into place, and the truth behind this baffling crime is finally brought to light. Don't miss this masterful narration that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last word! Full notes here https://tonywalker.craft.me/TXPkvsYSvi680S Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to my narration of 'The House in Goblin Wood' by Carter Dickson (John Dickson Carr), where engaging characters and enigmatic disappearances unfold in a captivating tale. Join Sir Henry Merrivale and a cast of vibrant characters as they navigate a secluded house filled with faeries and secrets waiting to be unraveled. Prepare to be drawn into a world where logic is challenged, and mysteries abound, keeping listeners enthralled until the chilling conclusion." This story hovers between two genres: that of the supernatural goings on of the Ghost Story, and that of the locked room mystery beloved of (some) detective writers. I started it off as a ghost story and then realised it better fitted the Classic Detective Podcast. Thank you to Gavin Critchley for his generous sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Imagine the chilling precision of a man who has successfully carried out two murders, now meticulously planning his third. In "Three is a Lucky Number" by Margery Allingham, step into the mind of Ronald Frederick Torbay as he targets his unsuspecting new wife, Edyth. With a plot that twists and turns, this suspenseful tale will keep you on the edge of your seat. Will Ronald's sinister plans succeed, or will fate take an unexpected turn? Tune in to my narration to experience the tension, intrigue, and unforeseen twists that make this story an unforgettable thriller. Full Notes Here https://tonywalker.craft.me/0eLM3xPAzh6qch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the dim heart of Lambeth, a man who might once have served the finest households sits sipping his morning coffee, unaware that this ordinary moment is the prelude to an extraordinary tale. In a world where aristocrats chase elusive game, one nobleman embarks on a perilous adventure that tests his cunning and courage. Disguises, secret meetings, and high-stakes intrigue unfold as he navigates the shadowy depths of a criminal underworld. Welcome to "The Adventurous Exploit of the Cave of Ali Baba," where secrets lie behind every mask, and danger lurks in every corner. Our guest narrator for "The Adventurous Exploit of the Cave of Ali Baba" is the talented Matthew Jones. Known for his captivating voice and dynamic range, Matthew has a rich background in audiobook narration, bringing characters to life with his expressive storytelling. Formerly the creator of the popular YouTube channel 'MJam from London', Matthew has seamlessly transitioned to new platforms. He now shares his engaging narrations and original content through his YouTube channels, UCAIykVoygG4Y7hj2oou3sgA and UCV_d51P8y35TqoT2N7FpMjA. You can also explore his extensive archive and latest projects on his website, MJam from London. Matthew’s expertise and passion promise to deliver an enthralling listening experience of this Dorothy L. Sayers classic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Step into the shadowy streets of 1940s New York City, where danger lurks at every corner and the line between hunter and hunted blurs. In "Candidate for a Coffin" by T.W. Ford, a seemingly ordinary subway platform becomes the stage for a chilling game of cat and mouse. With the clock ticking and the tension rising, one man's dark obsession unfolds in a tale of suspense and psychological intrigue. Prepare yourself for a thrilling ride into the mind of a killer, where every second counts and no one is truly safe. Tune in to discover who will be the next candidate for a coffin. Guest narrator: Caspar Stockhuyzen. Caspar says: Casper Stokhuyzen (pronunciation at your discretion) and link to the audio drama I am currently starring in (Leaving Corvat). https://open.spotify.com/show/2l0YaWqlom0DbGQ44haICu?si=e5f3c355058440c8 I have also worked on The Deca Tapes https://open.spotify.com/show/6S8iYgJibdA6xkVQnVVo7b?si=8104a08ddad44848 and live in Amsterdam. I also recently did a cameo in a Dracula retelling called Re:Dracula. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In "The Nine Mile Walk," a seemingly casual breakfast conversation between a newly elected County Attorney and a sharp-witted English professor takes an unexpected turn. What begins as a simple exercise in logic and deduction soon spirals into a gripping mystery that raises more questions than answers. How can a single, innocuous sentence unravel a series of inferences leading to a startling revelation? As the professor delves deeper into his deductions, the lines between hypothetical reasoning and real-world implications blur, drawing the listener into a web of intrigue and suspense. Join us as we explore the power of language, the complexity of human reasoning, and the unexpected twists that lie hidden in plain sight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
jessamy silverman
Thanks for the heads up via YouTube. Wishing I had a mic. Very much enjoyed this collection and am now subscribed here as well. Great stuff, Tony!