The Stranger's Latchkey | R. Austin Freeman | A Bitesized Audiobook
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- čas přidán 16. 06. 2024
- Another case for the Edwardian detective Dr. John Thorndyke. In this episode, Thorndyke's colleague Dr. Jervis is taking a break from medical jurisprudence to work as a locum country physician. It's not long though before he becomes embroiled in a mystery, which requires Thorndyke's forensic skills to interpret the clues provided by footprints and a lost latchkey... The story begins at 00:01:20
Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me:
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:20 The Stranger's Latchkey
00:57:15 Credits, thanks and further listening
Richard Austin Freeman (1862-1943) was born in London and trained in medicine at the Middlesex Hospital. After a spell as a house surgeon, he joined the Colonial Service and spent some years working in Africa. He was invalided home with blackwater fever in 1891. Returning to London he worked as an ear, nose and throat specialist, as well as in general practice and, for a time, as Medical Officer at Holloway Prison. He began writing fiction in the early 1900s, initially under the pseudonym "Clifford Ashdown", including the Romney Pringle stories which were serialised in Cassell's Magazine in 1902. Five years later, under his own name, he wrote 'The Red Thumb Mark', the novel which introduced the character of Dr. John Thorndyke.
Thorndyke is a self-described "medical jurispractitioner", having given up practice as a medical doctor to train in the law, and established himself as what is now known as a forensic scientist. He is accompanied in his investigations by his friend and colleague Dr. Christopher Jervis, who narrates the adventures. Of all the many "rivals" to Sherlock Holmes who appeared in fiction at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Thorndyke and Jervis partnership is perhaps the closest parallel to the world of Holmes and Watson. The similarities are underscored both by the original illustrators who depicted Thorndyke very much in the mould of Holmes and also by the casting of John Neville as Thorndyke in a 1971 television adaptation of one of his adventures (Neville played Holmes in the 1965 film 'A Study in Terror', as well as on stage in William Gillette's play). Making his first appearance four years after Holmes's 1903 retirement to Sussex to keep bees, Thorndyke takes on the mantle of Holmes for the next generation, and with his medico-legal training is well equipped for the modern scientific advances of the new century. He appeared in 21 novels and 40 short stories between 1907 and 1942.
Freeman continued writing throughout his career, despite suffering the onset of Parkinson's disease in later life. He briefly paused his output at the start of the second world war in 1939 - before resuming writing in an air raid shelter in his garden. He died aged 81 at his home in Gravesend, Kent, in September 1943.
'The Stranger's Latchkey' is one of the earliest Dr. Thorndyke adventures; it first appeared in Pearson’s Magazine in January 1909. Later in the same year, it appeared in book form as part of the first collection of Thorndyke stories, 'Dr Thorndyke's Cases' (September 1909).
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2024. - Zábava
Story begins at: 00:01:20
This story is one of a series featuring Dr. John Thorndyke and his colleague Dr. Jervis, created by R. Austin Freeman in 1907. It's read by me, Simon Stanhope. If you'd like to hear more Thorndyke stories, I have a playlist in development, available here: czcams.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZIRK13YVxILlbLjmxEM6Oci.html
Or for a selection of other Victorian and Edwardian detective stories, do take a look at the "Rivals of Sherlock Holmes" playlist:
czcams.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZL5tiXECltwXUI2QDDFrDHD.html
More information about the author, the characters and the publication history of the story can be found in the video description. Thanks for listening.
Hooray! Brilliant! The only problem with the stories & your narration is that they come to an end.
I can't tell you how much I look forward to your latest offering.
Thank you muchly Simon 😍🥰😊
You are ALWAYS my go to when needing a comfort feeling as I try to rest through some rougher days! Your collections are always a blessing! Thank you Simon! Brilliant, just brilliant narration.
That feeling of elation when you're settling into bed, cat fast asleep beside you, and think, what shall I listen to...thank you Simon!!! Looking forward to this one, new to me 👌
Nice 👍
I agree & I think my cat seems to enjoy Simon's voice too.
Mmmx,😊😢😊😊
You mean cats.
I can concur wholeheartedly! It’s five cats with me!! But I don’t know what I would do without this channel 😺
"And I have not yet recovered from the disappointment."
😂 Perfect.
The 'tests of humanity' exchange made me literally laugh out loud.
Ah yes, Dr. Jervis gets quite mischievous with Mrs H at that point!
Yea...another Bitesized story. 😁
A tasty one, too.
Yayyyyy, I was at a lost end wondering what to do. Problem solved.
A cup of coffee and Simon 😊
For sure.
I'm so pleased to have a new Thorndyke. Now with a big mug of Yorkshire Red and lots of laundry to fold... I have a story, in Simon's wonderous voice, to carry me away. Thank you again, dear Simon.
@@crowleythedemoncat Is tha a British version of Calgon? Ha.
When I'm at a loose end I listen to Simon as well ❤
You Sir are a hero! Sleep escapes me tonight and I was desperately bored. Cup of tea, shortbread and bitesized bliss. Thank you. 😊
Tea and shortbread, a favourite combination!
Oh my Gosh! A new *Thorndyke* story ... my favorite Detective other than *Sherlock.* Perhaps you could consider doing *The Nailed Shoes* one of these days *Simon.* Thank You ...Thank You & Thank You so much for this gift to the world *Simon* it means more than you will ever know
I'll keep that one in mind, thanks Miji Yoon, lovely to hear from you as always
@@BitesizedAudio Well, Thank You
Simon I think we would like anything you would narrate!
Hello Simon! Thank you!!!
You're most welcome!
Oh, I love Thorndyke! Thank you yet again, Simon, for bringing a sparkle into a dull February day.
Glad to know that, thank you for your lovely comment
I would love more by this author too! Ah I see he does have a few more already but this is my favourite so far. 😊found a few other readers on CZcams but none are a candle on Simon. Better to wait for Sir Stanhope to get time to read more.
Simon's my favorite voice actor.👍
Thank you kindly!
Simon! The detective was easily as good as Sherlock Holmes, but he didn’t explain at the end the motivation of the kidnapper! Ah well, anything you read is well worth listening to. Thank you from a grateful fan! ❤
Percy nets half his brother's fortune if he bumps off the child, the same motive Lucy was supposed to have.
@@skiapod6427Ah! I thought I probably missed something. Thanks!
@possumaintdead Ah yes, as Skiapod says he does actually explain it, in a sense, when he tells Jervis about the will; but it's much earlier in the story which I can appreciate might be a bit confusing and easy to miss, especially as we haven't met the character at that point!
Thank you so much Simon! So happy to see more of your great work! An amazing collection of the best stories all in one wonderful channel! Gratefully received ❤
You are the best at reading these stories. Brilliant
Just what I needed. Thank you for all your hard work, Simon.
What better than when you've finished reading your current book for the evening, to then get to listen to Simon. Reading a short story to lull you to sleep 🫠
Aloha & mahalo from the other side of the world.
Hello, there! Love me some Dr Thorndyke
What an exciting story! I thoroughly enjoyed it and your reading it even more! Nicely done, Simon!! 👏👏👏👍👍👍
Your stories always seem to come when needed!!! Thank you so much God Bless You....
Oleaginous!!💚 plus a botanist in the Lavender cottage! 🌱
Yes indeed. The lady isn't exactly buttering him up with that compliment!
@@BitesizedAudiooleaginous, buttering; I see what you did there, the coefficient of friction is decidedly low, in both cases, well played! 😅
More Saki. I love him & you!! Thanks
I'll certainly be returning to Saki before too long, so do stay tuned!
Awesome! Just looking for a bedtime story & this popped up! 👏👏👍
Thankyou Simon. 😊
Thanks so much for your support 🙏
Excellent story! You always pick the best ones! ❤️
How glorious! Another Midnight feast!! ❤
Thanks Bob. I've been trying to avoid snacking too much late at night, but it's so tempting sometimes!
Hurrah! Another stirring narration by Simon. Hope your holidays were wonderful.
Yayyy seconded!
Thank you Simon 🙏🙏🙏
Yes! Thank you, Simon.
Thank you so much as always! ❤❤❤
excellent story and narration, thank you.
Thank you as always for the great video Simon!
Thank you, Simon. Your readings are truly a mitzvah. May you live and be well, my friend.❤
Thank you so much! Best wishes to you too
More ghost stories please. You do them so well.
I'm glad to say I have another ghost story in the pipeline, 'The Crown Derby Plate' by Marjorie Bowen will be up next, hopefully in the next couple of weeks
Great reading Simon!
Great great story!
Such fun! I love this story.
Thank you for another great story.
Thanks. Excellent story!
Another great read... thank you Simon ❤
I enjoyed this story. Thank you..
This is a fun one! So many twists and turns. Just delicious with the setting and characters and bicycles.
Thank you very much for the extended bio of the author too. Love your work!
At last .. settles comfortably to a new story ..... thank you Simon, Always a treat
I love Freeman's stories. Thank you, Simon!
Thank you. I have fully enjoyed this moment you offer us, for, I test my understanding of the English language. Happily it is English language, !!!! which I have been taught! Sheer pleasure. The mystery is tense but pleasing, the voice of Mr Stanhope helping greatly.
I have, thus, become a faithful follower. Regards.
Yay Simon!!
Another wonderful reading of another wonderful story. As always, thank you for bringing this story to life. Keep up the great work.
Oh yes!! Simon!! Are your narrations listed on your website?
Thank you for great stories.
I wanted to hear him make sure thatucy got her apology! Darn it.
Ah yes, I would've liked to have heard that too! Ah well. I don't have a website for Bitesized Audio, only my website as an actor, but I have thought a few times I should set one up. It's on my to-do list! But in the meantime the easiest way to see them "all at a glance" is probably via the videos tab here: www.youtube.com/@BitesizedAudio/videos, or on the playlists tab where I've organised them into categories
Love Dr. Thorndyke! My favourite detective. Thanks so much for another Freeman story.
Always a delight when I get a notification that you have a new story up- something to look forward to after my Ovaltine Light!!! Your mellifluous tones are the perfect end to a hectic day👍🇦🇺
I love Dr. Thorndyke! Having you read it Simon, just makes it beyond perfection❤
What a wonderful story! The sort that makes me want to immediately start over and listen to it again! Thank you, Simon.
Glad you enjoyed it Linda. And I see you've just joined as a channel member, thanks so much for your support. Do check out the membership tab for updates and bonus stories
Very enjoyable. Thanks Simon. Don't miss!
Fun afternoon with this one. Thank you, Simon!
I love these stories so much and your voice is so soothing that it relaxes me enough so I can fall sleep, it works so well that I have to listen to the stories in 3 or more attempts as I'm always asleep before the story ends.
Thank you Simon first class entertainment!
Fabulous performance as always, Simon!
Great story... 😂
I have enjoyed all of your stories so far, but this one was the best
What I like most of the Thorndike stories. Is the start of the Crime Scene Investigation of nowadays.
Nice👍
I so like the detective's element in these old fashion storys thank u simon .❤
Very enjoyable and soothing a voice when working in my study workshop
Wonderfully read as usual. Thank you Simon
Wonderful reading (and story) Simon🙏🌈
Thank you✨️
What an excellent performance - and always delightful to hear more Thorndyke: thank you!
You're most welcome, thanks @KpCraftster
Excellent in every way, narration and sound quality
Very enjoyable Simon, many thanks xx
He's a class act, Simon. I'd urge any subscribers to make a contribution, or 'buy him a coffee'. He took us through COVID and he's going strong. Fair play to him. For all the ABSOLUTE rubbish that you find online, this man puts the hours in. He researches, and he delivers.
If you think it's easy, give it a go! He's delivered time and time again. Ultimately, I can only say that Simon has given SO much pleasure to so many people. Why wouldn't we support him! And if he's making a living from it - which I sincerely hope he is, good luck to the chap.
Thanks so much for your comment, Michael, I really appreciate your support
I love Thorndyke) thank you so much for this story!)
Excellent! Thank you 🙏
Please keep them coming, Simon.
Thank you Marv, I certainly hope to
Perfect. Thank you so much
I really enjoyed this story, Simon, and your narration. I love the Thorndyke stories and read a lot of them but hadn't heard this one before, what a treat! Thanks so much for uploading. 😊😊
Glad you enjoyed it, thank you Anne
I enjoy every story. Thank you for your time and talent.
My pleasure - thanks for listening!
Entertaining and very well presented!
gREAT VIDEO.
Thank you, Simon 🥰😍🤩
Thanks for Austin Freeman!
You're welcome, Miss Climpson! (Lord Peter Wimsey aficionado...?)
Hi, Simon. Glad to see you. Hope you are well. Thanks for the story and the info
Thanks Tammy. All good here, I hope you're keeping well too
Enjoyed this THOROUGHLY!!
The first Thorndyke one I think I recall you reading, was something to do with a murder in a lab of some kind, maybe it was a locked door deal? Anyway, I didn't find that one really engaged me. But this one was a shiner, and I'm hoping for more, if any more exist. EDIT: having read the information in the description you very kindly provided, I see that there are many many more! I do like the Holmesian flavor of it all, have loved Sherlock Holmes stories and movies since I was a kid.
As ever, thank you, Simon!💙👍
Excellent narration of an enjoyable story. Thank you so much.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you sir! Just what I needed for my frayed nerves today.
Glad to help
I loved the last few lines of this story 😂
Good evening Simon!
Thank you Thank you 🎉❤!
Hip replacement operation next week, everything lined up for my daily fix during convalescence. Keep up the good work, love the readings.
Thank you. Another story uploading this weekend. All the best for the operation and for a swift recovery!
Love you xo much. Thanks bunches ❤
Fifty a month for life? What is that equivalent in today's money?
It was £50 a year, say £5,000 or so.
@@skiapod6427 Wow! I suppose in Edwardian times that would be a lot. Thanks by the way.
Your voice is Perfect for unraveling these strange stories! Love this channel!❤
😊
I was wondering the same £? 🙂
Listened in two sittings and not an ounce of enjoyment was lost ❤
Glad to know that! I was slightly perturbed when the last two words of your comment were initially cut off on my screen, but I was reassured when I scrolled down!
@@BitesizedAudio I've enjoyed every post so far. I'm working my way along your older posts but am always thrilled when you post something new.
Thanks!
Thank you for the super thanks 🙏
Best reader ever
What a delight! How refreshing t ĺisten to a professional narrator. So many audios are spoilt by incompetent narrators.
Always great to be one of the first to hear 😈
I've been hoping for another Thorndyke story and this was absolutely wonderful. Can I make another plea for one of the inverted stories when you get round to doing another one? Percival Blands Proxy would be my choice..it's a great story and no longer than this one. Until then, looking forward to more of these brilliant Edwardian detective tales..
great
Thanks
Thank you for your support 🙏
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❤