Showing results by author "E F. Benson" in All Categories

Collection includes the most famous horror stories of all time from the pens of genius' of the genre: Edgar Allan Poe and Bram Stoker.

Here are some truly spooky stories, given a spine-tingling read by Richard Pasco. The stories include "The Mark of the Beast" by Rudyard Kipling, "Aurelia" by E.T.A. Hoffmann, "Ligeia" by Edgar Allan Poe, "Mrs. Amworth" by E.F. Benson, and "Dracula's Guest" by Bram Stoker.

In the beautiful Villa Cascana on the Italian Riviera, all is not as it seems. Why does the hostess leave a perfectly charming bedroom unoccupied? Why does Arthur Inglis present our hero with a caterpillar in a cardboard pill-box one lunchtime? And rather more bizarrely, why do luminous, bloated and gigantic versions of this creature haunt his dreams? Or could it possibly be that he is wide awake?

While staying at a friend’s house in an apparently humdrum London suburb, the sceptical Hugh Grainger sees and then converses with an unsettling stranger from his bedroom window in the very dead of night. But what could be the meaning of this curious visitation? ‘Hold very tight, please!’ E. F. Benson is well known for his Mapp and Lucia novels but his ghost and supernatural stories are marvellous jewels, combining elegant writing and moments of blood-curdling horror. Here Greg Wagland narrates one of the best of them, for Magpie Audio.

Taking a winter holiday in a splendid resort in the Swiss Alps our hero finds himself billeted in a surprisingly large room, furnished with two beds. He checks with the man at the bureau, but there’s no mistake: it’s all his, a veritable snip at 12 francs a night! What a stroke of luck! And what could possibly connect this alpine idyll with Boston, Massachusetts? E. F. Benson is well known for his Mapp and Lucia novels but his ghost and supernatural stories are marvellous jewels, combining elegant writing and moments of blood-curdling horror.

The Horror Horn is set in the Swiss Alps and opens in the cosy lounge of a resort hotel, where a string ensemble strikes up with the sugary strains of Puccini. Our hero is further entertained to an unlikely yarn of savage sub-humans living near the Ungeheuerhorn, or Horror Horn, a forbidding mountain peak nearby. Next day, a skiing trip to St. Luigi in the next valley to lunch with a friend marks the start of an unexpectedly terrifying adventure. The Horror Horn is not a ghost story as such: the creatures in it are most definitely flesh and blood and they are hungry!

With tongue firmly implanted in cheek, Benson introduces us to a world full of snobs, hypochondriacs, faddists, and social climbers. Some of the titles include "The Compleat Snob", "Aunt Georgie", "The Poison of Asps", "The Eternally Uncompromised", "The Grizzly Kittens", and "The Praisers of Past Time".

Dodo Wonders is the final installment in E.F. Bensons beloved Dodo series, renowned for its sharp wit and social commentary. Set against the backdrop of World War I-era England, this novel follows the vivacious Lady Dodo Chesterford, her husband, and their circle of friends as they navigate the tumultuous times of war. Rumored to be inspired by Lady Margot Asquith, Dodo is a sparkling socialite who finds herself in a world where she must adapt or falter. Benson masterfully blends humor and poignant reflection, ensuring that while the story retains its trademark cheerfulness, it also ...

Dive into Relentless City, a satirical exploration of class dynamics penned in Bensons signature style, where humor meets keen observation. Set against the vibrant backdrops of New York, London, and the picturesque railways of the English countryside, this novel deftly highlights the quirks and foibles of societys various strata. - Summary by Beeswaxcandle

Bobby is an accomplished and charming pianist who has befriended a number of rich elderly widows and spinsters, each of which he refers to as 'aunt'. He already has his own Bechstein grand piano, plus another concert grand which was (touchingly but highly inconveniently) left to him by a late 'aunt'. Now various of his other 'aunts' are also keen to offload their grand pianos on him....

Fifty terrifying short stories from the great classic horror writers: 1. 'Pigeons from Hell' by Robert E. Howard 2. 'Pickman’s Model' by H. P. Lovecraft 3. 'The Horror Horn' by E. F. Benson 4. 'The Fearsome Touch of Death' by Robert E. Howard 5. 'The Terrible Old Man' by H. P. Lovecraft 6. 'The Step' by E. F. Benson 7. 'Dagon' by H. P. Lovecraft 8. 'The Dream Snake' by Robert E. Howard 9. 'Caterpillars' by E. F. Benson 10. 'The Clock' by W. F. Harvey 11. 'In the Forest of Villefore' by Robert E. Howard

Step into the witty world of E. F. Bensons Mapp and Lucia series, which encompasses six delightful novels and three captivating short stories. The series includes the titles Queen Lucia, Lucia in London, Miss Mapp (which features the short story The Male Impersonator), Mapp and Lucia, Lucias Progress (published as The Worshipful Lucia in the U.S.), and Trouble for Lucia. Set against the backdrop of the 1920s and 1930s, these stories humorously chronicle the lives of upper-middle-class British characters engaged in a spirited battle for social status and one-upmanship, all amidst a climate of ...

Join Mrs. Emmeline Lucas, affectionately known as Lucia, as she navigates the dazzling world of Londons elite in the third installment of the Mapp and Lucia series. With a newfound legacy, this provincial social climber is determined to extend her influence beyond the quaint confines of Riseholme. Will she succeed in her quest for high society acceptance? - Summary by Beeswaxcandle

Dive into the eerie and enthralling world of the supernatural with master anthologist Joseph Lewis Frenchs collection of the finest ghost stories ever penned. From the early influential works of Daniel Defoe and Edward Bulwer-Lytton to the chilling narratives of contemporary legends like M. R. James, Algernon Blackwood, and E. F. Benson, this anthology promises to deliver a treasure trove of haunting tales that will keep you on the edge of your seat and awake through the darkest hours of the night! - Summary by Ben Tucker

Discover the enchanting world of E.F. Bensons second collection of short stories, Visible and Invisible. Within these pages, youll find tales infused with the authors signature flair for melodrama and the macabre, often straddling the line between the extraordinary and the eerie. These stories explore the depths of the human spirit, presenting a delightful mix of quirky charm and haunting power. Some narratives may feel quaint, while others have earned the admiration of the genres most esteemed authors. Join us on this captivating journey through the visible and the unseen. - Summary by Andy ...

In einem aus der Zeit gefallenen Ort namens St. Gervase in Cornwall steht ein uralter Brunnen, dem nachgesagt wird, ein Wunschbrunnen zu sein. Als Reverend Lionel Eusters, der Gemeindegeistliche in St. Gervase, für ein Kapitel seines neuen Buchs ausgerechnet über Wunschbrunnen recherchiert, erregt dies auch die Aufmerksamkeit seiner Tochter Judith.

Delve into the gripping tale of a dying man, a concealed diamond, a murder conspiracy, and spectral visitations in this unique narrative crafted in a round-robin style by renowned authors of yesteryears. This riveting tale, woven together by the likes of Jerome K. Jerome, Eden Phillpotts, E. F. Benson, F. Frankfort Moore, and Barry Pain, offers an unparalleled storytelling experience. Join us as we unravel the Mystery of Black Rock Creek. (Summary by Ben Tucker)

The queen bee of the fictional village of Riseholme, Mrs. Emmeline ‘Lucia’ Lucas is a snobbish yet oddly charming woman who prides herself on being the cultural and intellectual leader of her community. She dabbles in art, plants Shakespeare-themed flower arrangements in her garden and uses fake Italian phrases to maintain her social standing. Trouble brews when some new arrivals to town – including the glamorous opera singer Olga Bracely and the eccentric spiritualist Daisy Quantock – begin to challenge Lucia’s hold over Riseholme.

Overbearing Emmeline ‘Lucia’ Lucas is back yet again, leaving the small town of Riseholme to embrace the new and exciting social offerings of London. Having acquired a second home in the city with her husband, Peppino, Lucia immediately evaluates her avenues to climb the ranks to the highest social circles. All are not fooled by her shameless gambits, however, and we are introduced to a cast of astonished followers, including Stephen Merriall, who may not be as trustworthy as he appears.

Set in the quaint seaside town of Tilling, inspired by the real-life village of Rye where Benson once lived, busybody Miss Mapp is known for her sharp eye and even sharper tongue. Usually found spying on the neighbourhood through her bay window, Elizabeth works hard to maintain her social standing through winning bridge games, making the most lavish dresses of the town and obtaining the best gossip.