A Strange Christmas Game | A Ghost Story by Charlotte Riddell | A Bitesized Audio Production
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
- Artist John Lester and his sister Clare are rescued from poverty when they inherit the estate of Martingdale from a distant relative. They also inherit a mystery: the unexplained disappearance of a previous owner, on Christmas eve more than 40 years before...
A new, original recording of a classic public domain text, read and performed by Simon Stanhope for Bitesized Audio.
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Charlotte Riddell (1832-1906), often credited as "Mrs. J. H. Riddell", was born Charlotte Eliza Lawson Cowan in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Ireland. She moved to London in 1855 and married Joseph Hadley Riddell, a civil engineer, two years later. She apparently turned to writing to make a living after her husband lost all his money, early in their marriage. In all she wrote 56 novels and short stories, of which several had a supernatural theme. Her best remembered shorter ghost stories include 'A Strange Christmas Game' and 'The Open Door'. She was also the co-proprietor and editor of the periodicals 'Home' and 'St. James's Magazine' in the 1860s and 70s. Her husband died in 1880; there were no children from their marriage, and from 1886 she "retired in seclusion" to Upper Halliford, Middlesex, until her death in September 1906.
'A Strange Christmas Game' appeared in the January 1868 issue of 'The Broadway', a periodical published by George Routledge & Sons in London and New York. It was probably written for earlier publication at Christmas 1867, but I have not been able to verify this.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2020.
As I am older and starting to get cataracts in my eyes, I would like to thank you for sharing all of these little stories by reading them to us. You give so much joy and you are very much appreciated. Again thank you. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours.
How wonderful, thank you so much Rose. A Merry Christmas to you too, and Happy New Year
Same here. I have trouble with my vision as well, due to cataracts. I find it hard to read online, especially with a white screen. I have to change online backgrounds to black with white letters to be able to see the words. White screens glare so bad i'm squinting my eyes. So audio books are a God-Send. Even my kindle has white around the black background that glares & messes with my sight & makes it hard to read on that too. I wish all sites had black backgrounds as an option.
Dear Rose, I'm only in my 50's and I am the same,(but not cataracts) as an artist it's soul destroying but the joy I have found in listening to this gentleman's voice is almost worth it, reading and learning was my passion, a special love for dickens and ghost stories so I have found a home here for all time lol. I wish you joy.Tracy xx
You can never have too many ghost stories for Christmas..so enjoyable 💀🎄
Indeed. Thanks Susan. One more coming up next week, I hope...
I am a lifelong reader of breath and depth, but I have never( until now) enjoyed short stories. These lovely bitesized audio works are perfect (and perfectly enjoyable) to fit in between short sprints of knitting. I'm eagerly looking forward to more bite sized morsels!
Wonderful, thanks Sharon. Yes, I love dipping into short story collections - they fit perfectly with a commute, for example, or at bedtime, and you don't have to leave them unfinished when you reach your destination / go to sleep!
I know that I am going to sound like a broken record but you are truly a master wordsmith !!!!!!
You're very kind Daygon, thank you!
I particularly love ghost stories in which we see a replaying of the impetus for the haunting! Thanks so much!
Yes indeed, that is an interesting aspect of this tale. Thanks Leslie
I also want to thank you, as even with a Kindle and print size set to large, it puts a strain on my old eyes to read; therefore, if I read for very long, I get a headache. You do a great service to those of us optically challenged, especially in these times of Covid, where we are stuck at home due to pre-existing conditions. THANK YOU.
I'm glad to know that. Thanks Kate, best wishes to you
Again another great story.I am of the younger generation and these stories allow me to do needle work whilst listening.I have Netflix etc but watching tv doesn’t allow me to do other things.I am a front line health worker in Sydney Australia 🇦🇺 and we have just gone into lockdown again.It’s nice to get home relax and forget the chaotic shifts I work.Thank you.
Glad to know they are useful Barbara, I appreciate you taking the time to comment, especially at such a busy time. Thank you! All best wishes
Am in tiers (4). Thank you for all the wonderful uploads you have produced this year for our enjoyment. I feel I need them more now than ever. Keep them coming. Bless you.
Thanks Jaq Jaq, I'll do my best! Yes, this this Tiers business is all very depressing, especially at the moment, but let's hope for better times in 2021. Glad to know you enjoy the stories
Please keep telling more Ghost story’s I have listen to all of them I need more love your voice and love them at bed time .
I'll do my best! Thanks for listening Eileen
Another great story. I really enjoyed Nut Bush farm by the same author. Your voice is perfect for these. Many thanks
Thanks for your kind comments Ross. Yes indeed, I like Nut Bush Farm and I was interested to see the other day it's now become the most listened to story on the channel. There are quite a few parallels / echoes between that story and this one, I think. I hope to record some more Charlotte Riddell next year
Indeed. I like it when the apparition has some purpose beyond "yar, boo, kill the living", and some mystery is eventually uncovered that lays old spirits to rest.
Dear Simon, I'm fascinated by your great work and passionate narration.
Thanks!Enjoy your Sunday.
Thank you Simon for your wonderful way of narration to amazing stories I explored n visualised every place n character you mentioned, thank you so very much indeed, Looking forward for more audiovisuals by you soon, 👍😍👍😍👍
Glad you enjoyed it. Yes indeed, lots more stories on my list for the new year
Since Nut Bush Farm is a favorite of ours, as read by you, my doggie and I looked forward to listening to this and we were very well pleased. Thank you from us, and a very Merry Christmas to you!
Same to you, and doggie! Glad you enjoyed it
I've just seen you have joined up as a channel member - thank you so much for your support, it's greatly appreciated! Check out the Membership tab / Community posts (depending on your set up) for the latest member updates
Thank you again Simon:))) ❤️
Delightful! I enjoyed this while putting the final touches on my Christmas tree! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Thank you Nancy, you too!
I am SOOOO glad that I found your channel! UA-cam actually recommended you on my homepage - THE ALGORITHM WORKED FOR A CHANGE WHAAAAT?!?😱
Seriously, thank you so much for the hard work and effort that clearly goes into these videos. For people like me, content such as yours are my lifeline ❤👍🏼
Good old algorithm, eh? I'm so glad to know that, thanks for listening and for your lovely comment. Best wishes
I liked this story a lot; the countryside setting appeals to me greatly. TY for these & the mini biography here as well
Our dear Simon , many thanks for everything you have done to keep your subscribers and others entertained by your wonderful voice and stories. ✨🎄✨ Happy Christmas to You ✨🎄✨❤️
Thank you Christine, and to you! All best wishes
I can't say it enough, THANK YOU for these stories.
A very happy holiday to you!
Thank you, same to you!
Love these story’s you have the right voice l listen every night to the story’s what a wonderful voice perfect thank you .
Wonderful, thanks for listening Eileen, and for your kind feedback
I'm not playing games here, but strangely, I loved this one as well! Thank you!
I see what you did there...
Another wonderful reading! Loved this story, also. Thank you for your time. I was taken away to a better time once again.
Glad to know that, thanks Darlene
Thank you for your videos. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Thanks Kay, same to you!
I loved this story! Masterfully read and a gripping tale. Thank you so much, Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Same to you!
As always a joy to listen to , and to hear the word "sphere" pronounced correctly ! Thank you .
You're welcome as ever. I'm not sure I know any other pronunciations of "sphere"!?
@@BitesizedAudio it seems like Bob doesn't seem to understand that depending on the accent, the way somebody pronounces words are going to be different in comparison to the way those who speak the Queen's English will pronounce those same words. Honestly... Bob needs to get out of his arse.
I know that many people pronounce "coyote", a foul, cowardly and bloodthirsty brute which disgraces the entire canine family each day it is suffered to crawl upon the earth...many people pronounce this word as "ky-oat". We in the southwest of the United States have reared the word from it's tribal conception through it's etymological toddlerhood to present and have christened these vermin "ky-oat-ee". Whether or not I (along with a substantial section of the regional population) need to get out of out own arses, I do wish people would bother to get out of their philistine disregard for our words. So if indeed Bob is attached somehow to the origins of "sphere" I can sympathize.
Thank you for a wonderful addition to the Christmas ghost story repertoire. These are the best Christmas gifts when many of us can't travel or be with loved ones; something to distract and entertain through the disrupted holiday. Wishing you and all your subscribers the best holiday possible and hoping the New Year will truly be happy.
This was quite a satisfying story, with more than a little twisting and turning. It seems quite modern compared to many of its contemporaries. Wonderful 👏
Thanks William, glad you enjoyed it
Fabulous, as always. Thank you.
Thanks Val, appreciated
Another very fine story and an excellent reading. Thank you!
This is one of the better stories you have narrated. Charlotte Riddell looks like someone you would want to be friends with, she has an amused look in her eye. Too bad I missed her by a century!
Great story!! Thank you!!
These old Ghost stories are so interesting to listen to. It's so different than what modern day horror is. Something that would scare somebody in the Victorian period might not scare somebody in the modern time, which is something that I find so interesting. Thank you for this! I know it is an old recording, but they are so lovely to listen to.
Thank you. I enjoyed listening to this story very much while trying to finish knitting a Christmas present.
How lovely. Thanks Leslie
Thank you for sharing my unsettled nights. Your voice is pure bliss. Happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy 2021. 🙏🏻
Glad to help. Thanks Karen, happy Christmas to you too
Another great story, very tidy, it all fit together well. Told to perfection as alway's 😊👍
Thanks Rachel!
When I become more financial I'd like to support you. I support HorrorBabble through Patreon but it's so damn slow although I'd like to do what's best for you?
Hi Rachel, that's extremely kind of you, thank you. I completely understand these are tough times at the moment! In terms of support, just listening, commenting and clicking Like are all really helpful to promote the channel, so that you for that.
If at some point you would like to make a contribution there are a couple of ways. I have a "Buy Me A Coffee" account, which is a similar sort of thing to Patreon, but more for occasional, ad hoc contributions, rather than a regular payment. That's at this link: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesizedaudio
Alternatively, UA-cam have recently set up Channel Membership, whereby you can sign up for a monthly payment, for different amounts as you prefer, from $1 (or £1) per month, and in return for which you can get various benefits such as advance preview access to new stories and insider news updates. That's available via the Join button underneath any of the videos, or at this link: ua-cam.com/channels/wLSA3pDeSve120Pu9NaNyw.htmljoin
Many thanks for your kind interest
Thankyou, that's very helpful. ❤
I love ghost stories and Christmas stories all year around ! Thank you :)
Thank you, really enjoyable. 🌸🌺🌺🌸☘️👍✌️
Re-listening after a year, and enjoying it tremendously; these readings are an ongoing treasure.
Hurrahhhh..Santa came early this Christmas 😁
Thanks for putting this together
From the UK 🇬🇧🇬🇧
You're welcome, thanks for listening Anthony
Many thanks and much appreciation for all the wonderful stories you have shared with us. Have a blessed Christmas!
Thanks Mrs. C, and you!
Brilliant!
Thank you
I don't think that I've ever uttered, nor have I written the words "polished performance" but they were almost the first words that came to mind after listening to your narration.
I'd like to thank you so much for taking such time and effort to bring such stories to life!
I listened to "A Christmas Carol" a few days ago & thoroughly enjoyed every word.
I'm so looking forward to listening to the next items on here over the coming weeks, that you've just announced.
Brst wishes for the remaining theatre performances of "A Christmas Carol" and also for your own Christmas - and the coming new year.
Nicky
Blessings
Wonderful - an early Christmas present!
Bit of a odd one, thank you Simon for your wonderful channel happy christmas. Looking forward to next year's spooky stories. 👍👻👻
Thanks Space Hound. Actually there's still one more Victorian Ghost Story coming up before Christmas! (I guess you didn't see the notification? I believe they don't show up on all devices). Just finishing the edit now, I'll be uploading later today. Thanks for your support and kind comments, I hope you have a good Christmas
Many thanks again & again to all of you . Your creation & your performances of these pieces makes it possible for many more people to be able to enjoy these marvels. You deserve a medal-well, not a military medal, but y'know where I'm going...
I like the depiction of the relationship between the siblings here, it definitely adds depth to the tale. I did yelp a laugh over my knitting at our lad John taking a moment to admire his ancestor's lovely ankles whilst otherwise describing himself as 'terrified', though. Masterfully read, of course.
Good story. I'm pretty sure I read this a long time ago. Thank you. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year. Always enjoy your reading.
Glad to know that, thanks Rosie. Best wishes for Christmas
@8:00 am 🌞⛾❤
Starting my day with you.
Cheers kind Sir!
Good morning! I hope you have a nice day
Lovely!
That story was quite entertaining.
Mrs Riddell was brilliant. She was better than Le Fanu who gets more attention than she does.
Simon, you really are spoiling us with Christmas treats - not that I'm complaining!! Thankee ❤
You're welcome as always Bob. Still one more to come before Christmas.... then I'll be taking a little break until the new year!
Be still my beating heart! ❤
Thank you, Simon, so very much for what you do here. Impeccable
A fantastic story, thank you for sharing. I hope you and yours have a very Happy Christmas.
Thanks @exileinderby51, you too
THANK YOU,
You're welcome, thanks Lucy
Snuggle under the duvet for the new Simon Special. X
Sleep tight!
Every BAC drop is a present!
Thanks Scout Rifle. Nice to hear from you, I hope you're keeping well
Love the content on this channel. To me, Simon's voice is not unlike that of Timothy West. Season's Greetings to all.🎄
Actually, I totally agree! Spot on
Thank you Debbie, I'm very flattered by the comparison!
Thank you Simon for another wonderful reading. I can highly recommend Charlotte’s novel A Struggle for Fame, which is about the publishing industry in late Victorian London. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks for the recommendation, I shall look it up. I do have more of her short stories on my list for future recordings. Happy Christmas to you and yours too
Wow...this was my favorite so far. What a great story. But you sir, bring it to life. Many thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for listening. Best wishes to you
Wonderful narration as always.
Merry Christmas Simon to you and all concerned.
Thanks Eric, same to you
I love Charlotte Riddell's photograph. I would have liked to have known that smiling lady.
Thank you for this story in particular, and for all the others that your channel (is that the right term?) has introduced me to.
You're most welcome Katy, glad to know you enjoy them!
Thank you for yet another unfamiliar author brought so vividly to life! What an intriguing narrator Charlotte Riddell has given us - and what an interesting 'inheritance' juxtaposed with your excellent Katherine Mansfield narration of another very different one. Mystery and ghost story in one, as well! It also makes me wonder if ghost stories have contributed to time-travel fiction...
Appreciated, thank you!
Nice story. I knew the ghostly apparitions would cease once the mystery was solved.
Thank you yet again!
Christmas comes early!
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
You're first🙂🙂 congratulations
Like a little kid, I was up early to unwrap my Christmas present.
😊
@@chrisnorman9980 as a little kid we never celebrated Xmas cause it's not a tradition in my country but on new years on the first of January 😂
Russia/USSR?
@@chrisnorman9980 worse Serbia
This dear reader has lived in a haunted house and in a haunted flat.
How intriguing... have you written down your experiences?
@@BitesizedAudio not in a proper format. I'll do that.
Grew up in 2 spirit filled houses myself. Ty as always Simon! Merry Christmas & Blessings fr Nashville! 🎄😍
@Teda R Thank you. Merry Christmas to you too! All best wishes for 2021
Lovely to listen to this again. Another Christmas treat. ❤
Superbly read, a wonderful Christmas ghost story 😊👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍 My first name being Lester, the story was of particular interest 😄 Charlotte looks a fascinating lady, an intriguing expression in the cameo 😊 I grew up in an Edwardian house…haunted….but in a friendly way 😉
Thanks Lester, glad you enjoyed it! Your childhood haunted house sounds interesting, have you written an account of it?
Yes thank you...
Wonderful! Thank you thank you thank you ❤️
So often its pronounced "spear" nowadays, which is a totally different word !
Yes indeed. A spear of life conjures up quite a different image...
Wow, so great story!
Nothing like a good murder-solving in a ghost story.
Love a good ghost story at Christmas
Indeed, it's not Christmas without several of them, I think!
Wonderful! So we'll read!
Another excellent reading 😊
Thank you! 🤗
Love this author ❤❤❤❤
Love Simon's voice
Thank you Penny!
Lovely!😃
Re~listen🎄👍👍👍👍👍
*sigh* i love your voice.
Very kind of you to say so, thank you!
27 58
Dear Simon, good morning.
Would you mind to explain me if the name of this last picture 27 58 also the same " thumbnail" or not?
Many thanks and sorry to bother you this nice day...
Hello Natalya, apologies for the delayed reply, I've been busy recording and editing today. The thumbnail for this story is a detail from a painting called 'Christmas Eve', by Sir John Everett Millais (1829-1896)
is the narrator the guy from Brideshead?
I wasn't in Brideshead I'm afraid, but I am an actor. I think you may be thinking of Simon Jones, who played Bridey in the TV adaptation? Funnily enough I had another listener ask if I was him a while ago. I'm extremely flattered by the comparison, as he's a very fine actor and narrator. Thank you for listening!
charlotte looks like vladimir putin
I lost interest about two thirds of the way through. Great narration, but a weak story for me.
Fair enough! Thanks for listening