The Mystery of Room 666 | Jacques Futrelle | A Bitesized Audio Production
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- Опубліковано 1 сер 2020
- Howard Meredith witnesses a woman leave a hotel room, moments after hearing a gunshot. When a body is discovered in the room it seems a clear case of murder. But can he convince the house detective, and the police, that the woman ever really existed?
A new, original recording of a classic public domain text, read and performed by Simon Stanhope for Bitesized Audio.
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Jacques Futrelle (1875-1912) was an American journalist and author of novels and short stories, mostly in the science fiction and mystery genres. He was born in Pike County, Georgia, and began his career as a journalist for the Atlanta Journal, before moving on to papers in New York and Boston. After a period writing for the theatre in Virginia, he settled in Scituate, Massachusetts in 1906 to become a full time writer of fiction. He is probably best remembered today for his character Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, "The Thinking Machine", an American rival to Sherlock Holmes who appeared in more than 40 short stories published between 1905 and 1912 in magazines such as the Boston American.
Following a trip to Europe in 1912, Futrelle and his wife May booked first class passage back to the USA on the maiden voyage of RMS Titanic, sailing from Southampton on 10 April, one day after celebrating his 37th birthday in London. Futrelle died when the ship sank in the early hours of 15 April. He had insisted his wife get into one of the available lifeboats and she survived the tragedy. Jacques Futrelle was last seen smoking a cigarette on the boat deck; his body was never recovered.
'The Mystery of Room 666' has an interesting background, too. Apparently set in England, it was published in a London periodical, 'The Story-Teller', in August 1910, after which it appears to have been completely forgotten (perhaps because it was not part of the popular "Thinking Machine" series) for many decades. It was unearthed in 1973 when Hugh Greene - thanks apparently to a Mr Jack Kelson of Tunbridge Wells - dug it out of the archives for his 'Rivals of Sherlock Holmes' series.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2020. - Розваги
It is so refreshing to hear a man who has a command of the English language, can read and is possessed of a voice of a time sadly gone by.
Thank you Frederick, very kind of you to say so. Best wishes to you
@@BitesizedAudioYour work is excellent and deserving of praise.
Recently diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, I am taking medications and resting as prescribed by my doctor. Listening to Bitesized Audios and drinking chamomile tea is my own prescription. Expecting a full recovery. And here’s a toast to your own good health, kind sir!
Thank you Rachel. Glad to know they are of some help in your recuperation. Best wishes to you for a full and speedy recovery!
Rachel, hope this time passed since you had your diagnosis has seen you well right again. I believe your own concoction for healing of Simon and chamomile quite probably, along with the rest, has been as wonderfully restorative as any medications. Of course I hope more than anything that time along with our bodys' propensity to repair itself has brought you back to full wellness. Perhaps if you have a moment and you see these replies, you could let us know how you are feeling. All the best to you.
Try not to worry too much about your heartbeat, I was diagnosed with the same nearly 30 years ago and am doing fine. Best wishes to you and all the best.
@@NannyOggins .... Hello Rachel.....(I am Valérie ❤️❤️ ... Not Nanny Oggins) However, good luck, and stay we'll). Best love, Valérie. Valerie Christine 1941...etc.
I hope you respond to my well wishes Rachel, and that your ticker is behaving. I’ll drink a cuppa to you today. 🤗🤗
A great selection from a great author. Futrelle gave up his seat on a life boat for his wife, Lily, and went down with the Titanic! Thanks for the reading.
Thanks for listening Nick
That is so so sad but what a noble man!
FASCINATING, Nick! Thanks for that!
Thank you Nick for that fascinating information! With all the REAL fascinating stories behind the Titanic disaster, Cameron didn't need to invent any characters or story lines. This man and his wife were probably more interesting than Jack and Rose!
Wouldn't it have been his wife's seat on the life boat. I believe it was all children and women first onto the life boats.
Jacque Futrelle died aboard the Titanic. After making sure his wife got on a lifeboat.
He's written some very clever mysteries. The Problem of Cell 13 is probably his best.
Yes indeed, I understand several unpublished Thinking Machine manuscripts are believed to have gone down with him, a great loss. Thanks for listening Jared
Thanks for this bit of trivia, he was quite a skilled writer!
Jacques Heath Futrelle (April 9, 1875 - April 15, 1912) was an American journalist and mystery writer. He is best known for writing short detective stories featuring Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, also known as "The Thinking Machine" for his use of logic. He died in the sinking of the RMS Titanic.
Thank you. I have put a short biographical summary in the video description which may be of some interest, including the background to this particular story which is interesting in itself. It's said that some unpublished Thinking Machine manuscripts went down with him that night, plus who knows how many other story ideas. Very sad indeed. Thanks for listening
@@BitesizedAudio Hi, BAC. I love that your are finding these fine old stories & bringing them to a new audience. Wonderful readings, too.
I am a Sherlock Holmes fan who discovered these other old mystery writers, like Futrelle, from the "The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes" by Hugh Greene. I tracked them down & then found other contemporary authors. If you want to read Futrelle's Thinking Machine stories, probably the best to start with is "The Problem of Cell 13."
There are also some great women mystery writers from the late 19th century who were as famous as Stephen King is today. (Anna Katharine Green was one of the first writers of detective fiction in America and has been called "the mother of the detective novel".)
I am less of a ghost/horror story fan because they can be pretty cheesy, so I appreciate you introducing me to some of the best writers in the genre.
12:35 - 'Yes I know him (the dead man)... Frank Spencer....' OMG, haven't laughed so hard in years.
.....and the policeman replied "oouh Betty the cats done a whoops in my beret" 😂
As soon as I saw the title, the author’s name and who was going to read the story, I said, “Oh, yes. I am definitely in for a treat.”
And I was.
Thank you very much.
Thanks for listening Chris, and for your very generous comments! Much appreciated
Thank you so much for all the biographical information you provide. You have resurrected so many authors from oblivion.
I can't think of a nicer way to relax than to listen to you reading these stories. Thank you.
What a lovely comment, thanks for your support BlueFriend.
M
@Gus Cyrus garbage
@Vivaan Terrence more garbage
I couldn’t agree more! I listen every night and often during the day as a treat to myself.
Your dramatic reading skills and choice of stories are just astoundingly brilliant. Thank you so much. This channel is an absolute treasure trove. x
What a lovely way to relax on a Sunday afternoon, catching up on new stories and listening again to old favorites. How wonderful to hear a story by Futrelle not one of the Thinking Machine series. I have enjoyed the Professor's exploits but as this shows he had a lot more to offer. I can only imagine what gems we lost when he went down with the Titanic.
How lovely, thank you Angela
I can hardly wait until bedtime! Thanks so much I was getting desparate
You're most welcome, thanks for your support Dean
This story was so good, and the reader so riveting, it didn't put me to sleep! I wasn't sure what the twist was going to be, but I was expecting one all the same! This was a good one.
As per usual an impeccably chosen story impeccably read and as per usual my thanks RNK
Thanks Bob, glad to know you enjoyed it
Thanks for yet another great story (and i didn't know about this one's existence or even heard of the author - which is always an added bonus). As for your voice, your superb rendering it and all the impeccable choices of material I'm running out of superlatives. In these prolonged times of lock-down (where I am) a bigger than usual "Thank You!" for helping one keep both sane and entertained. I'm sure it's more than just one of course.
So glad to know you enjoyed it, I hugely appreciate your kind support and feedback.
Commenting because I saved this story for a good time to listen and can confirm it was worth waiting for. Really engrossed throughout. Wonder, sympathy, empathy, shock and awe 😁
Wonderful, thank you!
"Under the influence of a quieting potion, I was quite myself again."
I wish I spoke as they did in these old stories. Alas, I'm more like Grug in my day to day conversation. "Me stress. Me want drink!"
Thanks for your comment Nunnuv Yorbizniz (great name by the way).... I had to look up Grug!
Hahahaha! I sometimes DO speak as if I'm living in a Jane Austen novel!! My adult son often mocks me in a good hearted way by saying such things as "Mom, who talks like that nowadays?", to which I reply "I do!". 😅 I agree with you, the English language was so beautiful in the years gone by. Just look what we've done to it!! Horrors! I'm a Canadian with a strong sense of my British heritage so you can only imagine how bad our magnificent language has deteriorated on this side of the Atlantic. (One can only imagine what Archie will sound like!!)
@@emf49 Growing up with my disabled but bright son, I found a game to help encourage him to learn and use vocabulary that's not the most common turn of a phrase. The game was, "How would Mr. Spock say it?" (We are big Trekkies)
So, instead of saying, "The cup fell off the shelf and broke", we might say, "A drinking vessel has succumbed to the forces of gravity, and now lies shattered on the linoleum"
He was in Special Ed classes until High School, and it was his excellent writing and comprehension skills that got him mainstreamed, finally. Just wish the school system hadn't fought against it so hard. They get more money for "special" kids, so they are loathe to promote them.
My advice to new parents is always the same; read to your babies! Instill a love of reading, and show them that all the wisdom the world contains can be found in books. That's the most important tool you can give your children, the ability to find answers on their own.
@@LazyIRanchWhat a charming story & great game!
Love... Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I never dream, but the past two nights I have had wild dreams listening to this channel. Thanks!
You're welcome! Sleep well!
This story is a bit bonkers :) but I loved your narration as always!
What fun! To be honest, I had him pegged for it from the beginning. I just didn’t know how, and I never could’ve guessed. Good story, due in no small part to the narration! Thank you! 😊👍
Am going to chill back now and listen.😊Thank you.
Thanks for listening Stella, appreciate your comments!
Im doing that right now. 😷💙🌸💜✌️
This was a very compelling story beautifully read. Thanks so much. 😊
Ah, another perfect tale for midnight listening. Thank you so much, as always.
Glad you enjoyed it!
You're stories have become my favorite time of the day. I usually listen at night, but I'm finding myself listening at random times of the day also. I love that you are preserving and reviving these incredible stories. They are absolute treasures. I've begun sharing them with my husband and children also. Thank you so very much. Take care. I'm so glad I found your channel.
Thank you Gail, I'm glad to know you enjoy them. Thanks for listening, and sharing!
Wonderful recitation! I feel like I am inside the story 📖
Appreciate your feedback, thank you
You're most welcome 😄
Beautifully read and a gem of a short noir. Thank you.
Thanks Fiona, kind of you to say so
@@BitesizedAudio I've been a long time admirer. Your channel exudes class in the quality of both content and performance. Thank you very much. Unfortunately I'm an impoverished lover of things I cant afford, so I can't reward your efforts with anything but praise , my apologies. 😘
No apologies needed Fiona, I really appreciate your kind feedback and just listening (and enduring the ads if you can!), commenting, liking, sharing etc is all hugely helpful, thank you!
Great story, kept me guessing until the end. Thank you very much for sharing.. ;)
You're most welcome, thanks Rose
By the end of the story, I was left wondering if ever such exemplary stories could be produced again! The story did make my hairs stand on its end throughout. Thank you for your excellent reading. Much love from India.
A most absorbing yarn, thank you!
an incredible story. you read it beautifully. so you discover for me a “new” writer to look up. . thank you so much. i was totally fascinated.
Keep safe 🌷✨🌿🌸🌱🌼🌷
Thank you Alexa, you too!
Another masterpiece; THOROUGHLY enjoy all these!
Wonderful, thanks Scout Rifle
I do so enjoy listening to you read the stories thank you so much for taking the time it is definitely a gift and thank you for sharing
@Sloan Frakes You're most welcome. Thank you for your kind comment, glad you enjoy the stories
Wonderful story I enjoyed very much. Thank you.
thank you so much these are wonderful! 💕
0:52 delighted contrast about age and appearance...
...young face...but with cold colorless deadly beauty of marble...
I am addicted to your voice.
Nice time for a mystery that’s off the beaten track! “They Never Found a Body” ua-cam.com/video/7pfXLyAvS08/v-deo.html
right here on YT under “Claude Chabot Presents” AND a curious little radio fantasy comedy, “A Trip to the Moon” starring Joyce Randolph of The Honeymooners, as well as two unique ghost stories. If you don’t want to click the link just search “Claude Chabot presents” on UA-cam.
*I fell asleep late last night listening to the story and believed I was Howard Meredith accused of murder. Luckily, a phone call woke me from my bad dream.*
Wow! That was a quite a twisted story! Great as always!
Thanks Missy. Yes, it is a bit!
I say the same thing every time-a marvelous reading! I saved this one to listen to when I could sit down and really savor it! And the twist at the end was unexpected. A nice surprise and wonderful reading.
Wonderful, thanks Nancy. Apologies for the delayed reply, I've just come back from holiday and am catching up with everything. Working on more stories now....
Life being so busy I had forgotten this story in three years. How wonderful to listen and again be surprised at the double twist ending.
Thank you! Never saw that coming!
Excellently done as always! Tysm Simon!
Appreciated, thanks Teda!
Thank you for bringing another gem from obscurity, Simon. Worth the wait.
Thanks Eric
Thank you for another enjoyable tale made all the better by your wonderful reading. Greatly appreciate new stories from you and look forward to the next one! 😊
Thanks Shell Bell, appreciate your kind words
Finally got to sit down and listen to this glorious tale! And I had no idea Fewtrell could also be spelt that way. Utterly glorious as always Simon. Many many thanks.
You're most welcome Catharine, thank you!
Another Gem for the mind ! Thank you very much from Portugal
How delicious to discover another fabulous tale and your dulcet tones awaiting me tonight. I note you have already received 70+ thumbs up and one mean-spirited and undeserved thumbs down. A pox upon the latter. I hope it comes back to haunt them. 👍
Thanks for your kind words Bob. I must confess I've noticed an uptick in dislikes of late on a few stories, presumably that's to be expected as the viewer/listener-ship grows (can't please everyone!) Personally I've never quite understood the motivation for the dislike button, if I don't like something I just don't "Like" it, if you know what I mean, but each to their own. Appreciate all the thumbs up anyway - thank you!
@@BitesizedAudio I think the thumbs help the YT algorithms determine what appears on one's Timeline.
Thumbs up will result in more similar items appearing, whilst thumbs down will result in fewer.
They may not be actual "dislikes" but simply indications that some viewers would prefer not to be offered a particular genre of item.
For myself, it's always 👍 for Bitesized Audio Classics!
Thanks Mac, that's very interesting and useful to know, I won't take it too personally! Appreciate you taking the time to reply
Oh bravo. I didn't see that coming.
Thanks Rach. Lovely to hear from you, I hope you're keeping well
Wow, excellent twist!
Thanks Mark
Sorry to learn this author died on the Titanic at age 37...too young to die; TY for these stories
Fantastic, I can't wait to listen to this tonight!!
Wonderful, thanks for listening
Did not see that coming! Great story and reading. Thank you.
Reminds me a bit of the movie Memento. Wonderful reading
I don't know it, I'll have to look it up. Thanks jctrevi89, appreciate your support as ever
That was an amazing story! Thanks so very much. Futrelle is new to me, I intend to in find more of his work after hearing this gem! 💚
“I said nothing for a time, just ran my fingertips along the edge of the human-shaped emptiness that had been left inside me.” Haruki Murakami.
I can relate to that quotation sometimes.
I'm relatively new to this channel 3/11/24. What a treasure trove of audio delicacies await my mind & brain. Am enjoying the detective tales as well. Simon's voice is like a calming & healing balm for a cluttered mind❣️
Another great narration, thank you, Simon! ❤
Pleasure, thanks for listening Annie!
Please keep them coming.
Thanks William, I'll do my best!
Really enjoyed the story
I'm glad! Thanks Laurie
Nice time for a mystery that’s off the beaten track! “They Never Found a Body” ua-cam.com/video/7pfXLyAvS08/v-deo.html
right here on YT under “Claude Chabot Presents” AND a curious little radio fantasy comedy, “A Trip to the Moon” starring Joyce Randolph of The Honeymooners, as well as two unique ghost stories. If you don’t want to click the link just search “Claude Chabot presents” on UA-cam.
Very enjoyable story and narration . Some food for thought, there! Thank you!
Now that's Entertainment!!
sir please cover more horror and thriller novel. great work
Thank you again Simon:) 💖
You're most welcome Mary
I wish I had 9ne of those quieting potions. Might help me sleep
What a COMPLETE surprise.
I love you Simon and I am grateful for yet another great read (doffs hat)
And I can't wait until the bedtime I will listen to it now cause I can 😂😂
Very kind of you to say so Daygon, thank you!
@@BitesizedAudio well I wouldn't be saying that if it isn't true 😉😉
Thank you from a grateful listener ♥️
You're welcome, thanks Kathie
BRILLIANT!
Thanks for listening Andrea
You and your wonderful voice are back ❣️💕💘
Thanks Annette, very kind!
Who reads these ghost stories
Whao! What a real dog's dinner of a story. It breaks nearly all the rules of 'golden age' detection; nevertheless interesting for its absurdity.
Very good as usual Simon, Many thanks xx
Thank you
Great Program! As Always.😎✌️
Very nice . 😊
Superbly read.
That was a surprise, indeed! I thought perhaps he only heard one shot because the son shot through the window from the neighboring roof.
Another great narration More please😀
Thanks manas bose. Plenty more stories are in the pipeline...
Excellent story. Absolutely kept me guessing...... incorrectly to the last. Cheers.
@@junesmith8459 It's a fine balance - I now read the uploader's description first , then slap whatever came to mind down - then check other comments , as much as anything, so as not to bore other users etc. I do try not to give much more than "i didnt see that coming away." Hope I didn't ruin anything for you June.
Wonderful, thanks Adz
@@junesmith8459 I have once written spoiler alert - can't remember on what. Don't know if you are aware of the following channels ; but if you want good short productions and stories , check them out : Arch Phoenix Stanton (My favourite) - Owen Williams - i a y Stillsmoking - Rusty West - SSStories - Bedtime Stories - hope this of some use. Also there is Cecily Parsley and Jonelle Daniels. I'll post more here as remember them.
@June Smith Thanks for commenting. If you're looking for something of similar length, you may be interested in some of my channel playlists of other stories I've narrated - most are under 1 hour, the majority around the 40-50 minutes mark. I hope you find something you enjoy.
Short mystery and suspense audiobooks: ua-cam.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZLJXc4WbMC6wuuge2UqeP3o.html
Victorian Ghost Stories: ua-cam.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZISCGdeBUtYxynNFtZCeRrv.html
Early 20th Century Ghost Stories: ua-cam.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZI0zeT0uMxvy9TkkoUvtOAZ.html
@@BitesizedAudio Thanku - I'll have a rummage* One thing leads to another etc. I have over 300 tings in my watch later section ha ha - tho most not strictly audio. It's a shame 'one' can't peruse other people's 'liked' and 'saved' playlists. As much as I love UA-cam - it is very much all about UA-cam - and what they are establishing ; rather than making it easier for us lot to share and communicate. I would really like people -artists- to KNOW I am liking everything they do without having to leave a comment every time - more like Soundcloud where everyone can dive into anything hence people share and communicate more. It's rare anyone chats back like this on UA-cam.
fabulous story and excellent narration!
Thank you!
SPOILER ALERT
SPOILER ALERT
Of course he gives it away quite early on, both as an aspect of the initial setting of scene, and, included therein, with one, short, easily missed sentence. But the narrative map to arrive there, laid out as the story moves forward, was an amazing ride!
I've read some of the comments, and of course discovered that Monsieur Futrelle was one of the gallant and courageous men, simply a passenger, not a ship's officer, who gave his life for another on Titanic. Sometimes I feel quite bereft when I meet extraordinary people whom I will never know...
Thanks for your comment, I’m still confused about the ending. Can you help to explain? Did he do it, or did only confess to save her from hanging?
second listen. didn’t remember the end, so i was surprised again. :) you’re such a good reader. thank you :). 🌷🌿🌼🌱🌷
Thanks Alexa! 🙏
Good story; excellent narrator.
Thank you!
Wonderful story which I'm still not sure I completely understand, but beautifully read, thank you
one of my new favorites for sure
Spellbinding thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Good but weird. Love lisrening to your voice, it quietens my mind. Thank you
I don't know how I missed this one, but it would make a wonderful film noir.
Yes, I agree! I don't know if you saw the information I put in the video description about the history of this story, but it was forgotten about for many years after Futrelle's untimely death and only rediscovered in the 1970s... so it was overlooked the "golden era" of film noir in the 40s and 50s when it surely would have been a prime candidate for adaptation. But perhaps someone will take it on in the future...?
@@BitesizedAudio Hopefully so! Maybe a short or an indie film, given the limited locations and small cast
Whoa, what a good story!
Did anyone else get a vision of Michael Crawford when the name Frank Spencer was mentioned ? Haha! ...Ooh, Betty !🤭
Oh no! This story just shook me up! I didn't see that coming although SPOILER I did think of MacBeth.
The door opened outwards into the hallway.
Dear Simon, goof morning.I wonder that you can help me.What is the difference between using these three words;
Telephone
Phone
Ring
Might be the fourth make a call...
Awaiting your soonest reply
Yes, all four can be used as synonyms for calling someone on the telephone
@@BitesizedAudio Thanks!
A little Firearms lesson...a Revolver is not a Derringer, a Derringer is not a Revolver. Two seperate and distinct Firearms. Derringer are 2 shot barel over barel and a Revolver has a single barrel and a cylinder with 5/8 slots for ammunition and it rotates. Its either single or double action.
Interesting story with M. Night Shyamalan-esque twist at the end. A question comes to mind. Did he murder Spencer or is trying to save the woman as a last act of chivalry. Is to ponder.
well, that was interesting, not only an unreliable narrator, but one that's dead too! an occasional trope in noir literature, is that not so?
Your voice is an instrument of pleasure. I hope you do voice-over work. If not, you should.
Very kind of you to say so. I'm an actor and do some voice over work as well, so I appreciate your kind comments, thank you!
Wow what a twist to the story I suspect we don't know if we are insane🧐
Quite so... Thanks for listening Monica
Okay I'm convinced that our man is innocent and that an acquaintance of the lady wrote that note and killed him to make it look like a suicide with confession
Ooh, Betty 😧
Thank you yet again, SS: a story, and a biography, both very much worth discovering.
Are you or Mr Wagland next door going to get to 'Cell 13' first (so to speak) - or is it simply a question of which of you is more confident of his American accent? Judging by the audio versions already available on UA-cam, I don't think that need worry either of you: the existing readings all seem to be by English women - even tho' one of them claims on the title-page that it is 'Read by Jacques Futrelle'. Evidently The Thinking Machine, of whose adventures I haven't yet read a page, is as attractive to female readers as Holmes was and is, even tho Conan Doyle attributed the latter's popularity with the ladies to Sidney Paget's over-flattering depiction of him (supposed to be drawn from his brother, who after Sidney's death himself illustrated, of all stories, 'The dying detective'). Pace ACD, there's nothing so magnetic as a superhumanly capable authority figure - especially if your own life is too much for you to handle; I confess to having myself once written a piece of Sherlockiana in which a disturbed young girl falls in love with Holmes while he works on the case of her sister's murder...
I'm very interested to hear about your piece of Sherlockiana, Lorna - that sounds most intriguing! As for the Thinking Machine Stories, I must confess I've only read a handful of them (out of 40+) but quite enjoyed them, though not as much as this story. I'd not actually had them on my list for reading here, I'm not sure if the American accent had subconsciously put me off.... perhaps so, though I don't mind having a go when necessary.... obviously I'm much more familiar with the various UK regional accents. (From the examples I've heard, Mr. Wagland's American accent is excellent, by the way!) Anyway, I shall bear it in mind. Funnily enough, there was a one-off British television adaptation of one of the stories (Cell 13) some years ago, which I seem to recall presented the Prof as British.... in fact, he was played by Douglas Wilmer, who gave a critically well-received performance as Sherlock Holmes in a pre-Jeremy Brett British television series, most of which is now lost, sadly. (Until the 1970s, it was common for the BBC and others to destroy the tapes after broadcast, as they had no idea that someone would one day invent the home video player!) You're clearly a Holmes connoisseur, so my apologies if I'm giving you information you already know! Did you know that Walter Paget was apparently intended to be the artist to illustrate the original stories, but that his brother Sidney was given the job by mistake, due to a clerical error at the Strand Magazine? That's the legend anyway. And so Walter served as his model and inspiration. Between them the Pagets certainly provided us with a compelling image of Holmes, which has endured and served as the benchmark for so many actors: Arthur Wontner, Basil Rathbone and Jeremy Brett being the three who most closely matched the illustrations, I think. Do you know the illustrations by Frank Wiles? He took over the drawings for the later stories after Sidney Paget died - he did The Valley of Fear and several short stories into the 1920s - and earned the approval of Conan Doyle, who apparently said Wiles's drawings came closest to his own conception of what Holmes looked like...
@@BitesizedAudio The Pagets further supplied 221b Baker St with some consistent and lived-in furniture, presumably also from the Paget household. But I didn't know ACD had approved Wiles's Holmes personally: oddly, I always thought his Holmes looked the most like Paget's of the various Last Bow and Casebook versions. Howard Elcock's portrait is surely more like the 'uglier but more powerful Sherlock' that ACD says he envisaged - tho' Alec Ball gives him a good strong profile. And Elcock's illustrations are always queasily anachronistic in style, with a Holmes who tends to wear his streamlined and souped-up frockcoat as if he'd just changed into it in a telephone booth (and buttoned it for instant action, as no-one else's Holmes does, IIRC).
I had a go at quasi-half-tone illustrations for my own Holmes pastiche, but as it's full length, includes long sections written by both the Holmes brothers as well by Watson, and is given an academic preface and pedantic endnotes by Watson's professorial grandson, it would take more than that to make it publishable.
I must look up Douglas Wilmer. Are there any more non-Thinking Machine stories worth a go? Incidentally, Futrelle seems to have an eye for sinister numbers to attract readers to his titles: does he make anything of 2, traditionally the devil's number because the beginning of doubt (which I seem to remember is cognate with 'double', too)?
@Lorna Pearson One of the things I've always noticed about the Paget drawings is that he's often very sparing with background detail - Holmes isolated on a chair with just white space around him - but of course sometimes the illustrations do give us a glimpse of a typical Victorian sitting room (or street), which is fascinating. I have to confess I've never been a fan of Howard Elcock's drawings... I've never been able to put my finger on why, but I think you have identified it for me, they are slightly anachronistic, with a 1920s feel about them. Which of course was when they were published, even though the stories are all set two decades or more earlier. The illustration by Frank Wiles which was particularly praised by Doyle was the famous frontispiece to The Valley of Fear, showing Holmes brooding over the Birlstone cipher. He does indeed follow the Paget model, but whereas Paget's Holmes always seemed to be in his 30s prime, this is an older and more grizzled Holmes, and perhaps that's why Doyle approved.
Have you taken any steps towards publishing your Holmes pastiche? There's clearly quite a strong market for them out there...
So far as I'm aware, there are no other non-Thinking Machine stories by Futrelle, or at least none which have survived and are available today. That seems to be the case anyway, from the information here: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_S._F._X._Van_Dusen
The official Futrelle family website seems to be defunct, but there's a little more information which may be of interest at this link: gadetection.pbworks.com/w/page/7930632/Futrelle%2C%20Jacques
@@BitesizedAudio Thank you so much for getting back so quickly - and, again, at such length, when you have this week's reading to plan and perform! Yes - I'd forgotten Wiles's venture into colour: certainly in the b&w reproduction in my copy Holmes appears to be in an advanced stage of baldness, although he stops at pattern balding in the other illustrations. As for Elcock, he's not the only post-Paget illustrator to update a little - the women's clothes in the last two collections could be profitably studied by a fashion historian - but even Alec Ball's semi-impressionism doesn't seem to belong to quite such a different world as Elcock's transformation of that frockcoat simply by fastening the buttons.
It's an eerie thought that poor brave Futrelle may have left unknown manuscripts in his cabin in the Titanic. If only Cameron Mac hadn't wasted his opportunity in searching for relics of people who never existed.
A propos of, ahem, 'The Adventure of the Two-Sided Relations', I did try approaching a publisher of Sherlockiana. But my attempt, with its academic endnotes and a Holmes who thinks on paper instead of reaching solutions without leaving a trace of his method, was probably a trifle too heavy. Also tried an agent specializing in 'literary fiction', but that usually seems to mean merely 'non-genre', which by definition excludes pastiches - especially of Victorian detective stories. I then considered self-publishing, but that means self-publicizing, which isn't for me. So that's it - unless I have a stab at recording it; but the only accent I can do is probably too Victorian even for Victorians. In any case, having a few months ago run out of online audio books (and not yet discovered yours), I tried passing time recording a Le Fanu with female narrator; but unfortunately the recording programme recommended by Librivox proved to have a habit of swallowing files - mine, at least - at advanced stages, and when I asked Recycle to put it back where it came from it vanished altogether. It's presumably somewhere in the bowels of my pc, but I can't imagine where. Anyone? Please?
Keep going - you definitely have no rivals! (And any chance of some more Hodgson some time, please?)