How could an entire train - engine, carriages, passengers and all - vanish from the face of the earth on a straight line of track between stations? The best brains in England, including the most celebrated amateur detective of the day, are baffled by the mystery... Story begins at 00:01:20 Note for returning listeners who think you might have heard this before: this story already appears on the channel as part of the "Railway Stories" compilation I uploaded in 2023; however I realised I've omitted to upload it in its own right to listen to separately, and I thought I should rectify that.... so here it is. 'The Lost Special' is not a Sherlock Holmes story, although it is sometimes referred to as an unofficial "bonus" Holmes case, due to the solution to the mystery proposed in the narrative by "an amateur reasoner of some celebrity at that date" (1890) - could this be the great detective himself? (Let me know what you think in the comments!) The story was originally published in 'The Strand Magazine' in August 1898, the third in a series of 12 unrelated short stories by Conan Doyle under the umbrella title 'Round the Fire Stories'. This was during the decade of "hiatus" after Conan Doyle had killed Holmes off at Reichenbach in 'The Final Problem' (1893) and before he resurrected him in 'The Empty House' (1903); however as 'The Lost Special' is specifically dated as taking place in 1890, he leaves open the possibility that the amateur reasoner might be Holmes. Interestingly, the previous month's instalment in the 'Round the Fire' series was another train-based mystery featuring an intervention from "a well-known criminal investigator": 'The Man with the Watches' is an interesting companion piece to this tale - you can listen to it here: ua-cam.com/video/WwpVEvAvLMc/v-deo.html
You and Tony Walker have the best story/audiobook channels on UA-cam. Your voice talents and thoughtful curation of reading selections sets you far apart and above, in my opinion.
I have heard this story read by several other vocal talents but your narration is by far, the best. You have the ability to make an old tale sound new. Bitesized Audio is my absolute favorite source for Victorian & Edwardian short stories. Thank you so much. From San Angelo, Texas.👍
I’m so thankful you did this story. You and GW are my favourite narrators, so it’s really special you have now done this story. A very welcome surprise and a blessing during a hard time. Thank you.
Thank you! It's sort-of a double feature, I realised I hadn't posted this one previously although I recorded it a couple of years ago and it was included in my railway compilation in 2023. As I've just newly recorded its companion piece, 'The Man with the Watches', it prompted me to upload this one on its own as an accompaniment...
Thanks Tammy. As I noted in reply to another comment, in fact this one isn't quite so new... it was included in my railway compilation in 2023 but I forgot to upload it on its own. Recording the companion piece, 'The Man with the Watches' reminded me I should do that!
Oh my gosh-2 new stories! You are a champion Simon! I haven't yet listened to either but I so look forward to doing so later, when it's calm & quiet in my house 😊
How could an entire train - engine, carriages, passengers and all - vanish from the face of the earth on a straight line of track between stations? The best brains in England, including the most celebrated amateur detective of the day, are baffled by the mystery... Story begins at 00:01:20
Note for returning listeners who think you might have heard this before: this story already appears on the channel as part of the "Railway Stories" compilation I uploaded in 2023; however I realised I've omitted to upload it in its own right to listen to separately, and I thought I should rectify that.... so here it is. 'The Lost Special' is not a Sherlock Holmes story, although it is sometimes referred to as an unofficial "bonus" Holmes case, due to the solution to the mystery proposed in the narrative by "an amateur reasoner of some celebrity at that date" (1890) - could this be the great detective himself? (Let me know what you think in the comments!)
The story was originally published in 'The Strand Magazine' in August 1898, the third in a series of 12 unrelated short stories by Conan Doyle under the umbrella title 'Round the Fire Stories'. This was during the decade of "hiatus" after Conan Doyle had killed Holmes off at Reichenbach in 'The Final Problem' (1893) and before he resurrected him in 'The Empty House' (1903); however as 'The Lost Special' is specifically dated as taking place in 1890, he leaves open the possibility that the amateur reasoner might be Holmes. Interestingly, the previous month's instalment in the 'Round the Fire' series was another train-based mystery featuring an intervention from "a well-known criminal investigator": 'The Man with the Watches' is an interesting companion piece to this tale - you can listen to it here: ua-cam.com/video/WwpVEvAvLMc/v-deo.html
You and Tony Walker have the best story/audiobook channels on UA-cam. Your voice talents and thoughtful curation of reading selections sets you far apart and above, in my opinion.
I have heard this story read by several other vocal talents but your narration is by far, the best. You have the ability to make an old tale sound new. Bitesized Audio is my absolute favorite source for Victorian & Edwardian short stories. Thank you so much. From San Angelo, Texas.👍
Thanks so much for your lovely comment, much appreciated
I’m so thankful you did this story. You and GW are my favourite narrators, so it’s really special you have now done this story. A very welcome surprise and a blessing during a hard time. Thank you.
Another favourite Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story of mine, thank you dear Simon, perfectly performed as always, you talented man, much appreciated!
A totally unknown story to me. A real gem. Thank you.
Two new narrations. What a treat.
A double feature for the week. Well done lad, you always deliver :)
Thank you! It's sort-of a double feature, I realised I hadn't posted this one previously although I recorded it a couple of years ago and it was included in my railway compilation in 2023. As I've just newly recorded its companion piece, 'The Man with the Watches', it prompted me to upload this one on its own as an accompaniment...
great ending! Thanks for the stories.
Such a wonderful voice you have Simon ❤️
I do so enjoy your stories 😀
Thank you kindly!
Two stories in one day! Youve been a busy guy.
Thank you so much, Simon. You are the best.
Thanks Tammy. As I noted in reply to another comment, in fact this one isn't quite so new... it was included in my railway compilation in 2023 but I forgot to upload it on its own. Recording the companion piece, 'The Man with the Watches' reminded me I should do that!
Excellent thank you
Excellent .. Thankyou
Fabulous, excellent work
Oh my gosh-2 new stories!
You are a champion Simon!
I haven't yet listened to either but I so look forward to doing so later, when it's calm & quiet in my house 😊
Perfection!
Thanks so much for the super thanks 🙏
Thanks
Thanks so much for your support