So creepy and wonderful

Derek Jacobi is the perfect narrator for these stories, so subtle and full of dread. An absolute treat.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Wonderful ghost stories + Sir Derek Jacobi!

This collection of ghost stories, written in the inimitable style that was the hallmark of great English authors in centuries past, and read by the indefatigable & immensely charming Sir Derek Jacobi, is a delightful treat! And a 'must have' in your Audible library.

I adore proper ghost stories - and these by the great M.R. James are undeniably some of the best of the genre, filled with just the right amount of terror, costly redemption thru retribution and proper old fashioned simple scary stories with a sprinkling of spiteful spirits!

You're drawn in with a bit of suspense, intrigue & often vengeance - wrought by troubled, sometimes malevolent souls, perpetually lost in memories of cruel or unjust tragedies that befell them in life. In other tales, the protagonist showcases the fragile side of the human condition, losing themselves to the many temptations in life better left alone.

I think you'll love this perfectly formed volume 1 Ghost Stories, it's time well spent & I'm relieved there's a vol 2 as I didn't want it to end!!!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Sortes Sacrae & Other Adumbrations

Nearly 120 years after the publication of his first collection, the stock of M.R. James continues to rise. As befits his influence upon the Ghost Story medium, James has been well-served by readings of his work. The gold-standard still rests with those recordings made by Michael Hordern back in the '80s (now mostly available in a bargain set from Audible, albeit with a few sound quality issues), but many other excellent versions also exist (more recently, the late David Collings gave Hordern a run for his money). TV readings by Robert Powell and Christopher Lee are easily available online, whilst Mark Gatiss has successfully revived the Ghost Story for Christmas tradition that served James so well. To this illustrious company, Derek Jacobi adds his celebrated tones. If I were to be hyper-critical, I might argue that his voice is rather kindly, so that it warms rather than chills, but it is beautifully read, even so.
The five stories contained here demonstrate a decent range of James' work, and include two of my personal favourites ('A View From A Hill' and 'Rats, whilst 'The Ash Tree' and 'The Story Of A Disappearance And An Appearance' are both solid pieces; only 'A School Story' is - arguably - a more minor work).
Plus, this audiobook is free to members (likewise, volume two), so it's something of a no-brainer.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Not spooky

Not spooky enough for me it did keep me interested and I did finish 😉😉😉

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

It's M R James.

It's M R James, what more needs to be said. Derek Jacobi does a great job at narrating. 5 stars across the board.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great stories

Great stories to listen too always trust audible and audio books and stories very scary

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Brilliant

Read as always, brilliantly, by
Derek Jacobi. These stories and Me Jacobi’s voice transport me to another era, one of mystery and suspense. Thanks Derek

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Disappointingly ordinary

I had, of course, heard of M.R.James as a master of gothic horror and was surprised to find these tales very pedestrian and predictable. To be fair, perhaps the ideas were fresh and new when he wrote them. However, that consideration won't make the stories any less ordinary for the 21st century consumer.
Derek Jacobi's typically excellent narration lifts the listening experience a little.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Old school and beautiful use of language

Good old fashioned ghost stories which are handled brilliantly by David Jacobi. Entertaining and very spooky.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Classic Chills

Brilliant narration truly Spine tingling stories. I would recommend to anyone who likes a scare.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!