Showing results by publisher "Spoken Realms" in Horror

Midnight. Some call it the witching hour. Others call it the devil’s hour. Here in the graveyard, midnight is a very special time. It is a time when ghostly spirits are at their strongest, when the veil between our world and theirs is at its thinnest. Legend has it, that while most of the world is asleep, the lack of prayers allow the spirits to communicate under the cover of darkness, among the headstones, their whispers rustling in the leaves of the old oak trees. But if you’re here in the graveyard, you can tell yourself it’s just the wind....

Although well-known for her novels of manners and social critique, such as The House of Mirth and the Pulitzer Prize–winning The Age of Innocence, Edith Wharton was also a master of the ghost story. Her ghostly characters appear in many different forms, haunting such places as a splendid English country estate, a lonely house on the coast of storm-tossed Brittany, and an isolated New England village.

Thirteen classic stories of horror and the supernatural by some of the greatest writers in the genre. This compilation includes a mix of well-known classics by authors such as Edith Nesbit, J. Sheridan Le Fanu and M. R. James, alongside several tales by less familiar names who were hugely popular and prolific in their day.

Franz Kafka was one of the first and greatest masters of dystopian literature. In his bleak world view, man is presented as helpless and ineffectual, his destiny determined by distant, obscure and essentially unfriendly agencies. In none of his works is this savage and unreasoning enslavement presented more vividly than in Metamorphosis, a novella in which Gregor Samsa, a respectable employee and dutiful son, wakes to find himself transformed into a gigantic insect.

The charismatic Count Dracula, a Transylvanian nobleman, wishes to purchase a house in London. Assisted in this enterprise by a young solicitor, Jonathan Harker, it becomes evident that there is a sinister side to the Count's plans. A small group of friends unites to prevent the success of the Count's schemes, hazarding danger to themselves for the greater good of humanity.

Demons of Cthulhu by Robert Silverberg, set in the infamous Cthulhu Mythos, takes listeners on a chilling journey into the depths of cosmic horror. Mike Vendetti's narration style proves to be an excellent choice for capturing the grim atmosphere and otherworldly ambiance that pervades the novel. His deep, resonant voice and skilled delivery brought the sinister tale to life. Silverberg's writing, though not as well-known for his contributions to the Mythos as H.P. Lovecraft himself, is a commendable addition to the canon.

A man makes a deal with the devil. The devil can't give him immortality in return for his soul, but he can protect him from being killed as long as he wears his patent leather shoes. Robert Bloch's masterful storytelling shines through in this tale of greed and consequences. Discover the twisted repercussions of a Faustian bargain in "The Shoes," a must-listen audiobook for fans of classic horror fiction.

A strange woman becomes a guest of the house of Laura and her father by devious means. Disappearances, nocturnal wanderings, sickness, and death ensue, and no one knows what is behind it all.

Dorothy Scarborough was an academic and author who had a particular interest in the supernatural. The following collection, first published in 1921, features stories that have a strong comical or satirical focus.

After breaking off his engagement with Agnes Lockwood, Lord Montbarry marries the eccentric Countess Narona before embarking on a whirlwind honeymoon tour of Europe culminating in Venice. There they reside in the decaying Palace Hotel with the Countess' brother, Baron Rivar, and their courier, Ferrari. Lord Montbarry later dies of bronchitis and upon hearing of this from Henry Westwick, Montbarry's brother, Agnes agrees to meet with Henry at the newly renovated Palace Hotel to investigate the insurance claim that was purchased prior to his death.

"Mistress of the Dark Pool" by Russell Gray is a captivating short story with elements of horror, sex, and suspense. First published in 1940 in the magazine Terror Tales. The story follows a young couple seeking solitude in the mountains, only to encounter a peculiar dog with human-like eyes. As the plot unfolds, they discover a local woman rumored to be a witch, and their encounter with her takes a dark turn.

Doctor Henry Jekyll, on a quest to liberate our inner demons from the constraints of our conscience, unleashes ancient and primal forces buried deep within us all. Once released, can that nature ever be contained? In true Gothic tradition, join Henry in his race against time as investigating detectives and others uncover evidence that slowly leads them back toward the doctor himself.

Jane Eyre is a plain orphan girl, unloved and abused by her Aunt Reed, who is sent away to boarding school. Strong of heart and craving independence, Jane embarks upon a life of governess to a young French girl named Adele, the benefactor of the mysterious Mr. Rochester. Life at Thornfield Hall proves just as mysterious as its owner with haunting laughter and a dark secret living in the attic.

Think you know the classic story by Mary Shelley? It bears little resemblance to the Hollywood tale told and retold dozens of times for the screen. Veteran narrator David Gilmore takes you on the complete horrifying journey as it was actually penned in 1816. Includes Shelley's backstory of how she was challenged to come up with a riveting tale by her husband while on a vacation.

The Beetle tells the tale of an evil, ancient Egyptian spirit seeking revenge on an up-and-coming British politician, Paul Lessingham. The shape-shifting creature that pursues Lessingham is possessed of hypnotic powers and takes different forms, both male and female, as well as morphing into a beetle - a figure that induces terror in its victims.

Michael finds himself in the realm of the Forever Kingdom, with no memory of how he got there and who he is. Even so, he must participate in the Grand Game and forge a new destiny for himself. Dropped into a dungeon of monsters and strange magics, would you survive in a game where to lose means death? Alone, and with little more than his wits to aid him, Michael must advance as a player, slay his foes, and gain experience. All while navigating the intrigues around him and discovering his purpose.

The charismatic Count Dracula, a Transylvanian nobleman, wishes to purchase a house in London. Assisted in this enterprise by a young solicitor, Jonathan Harker, it becomes evident that there is a sinister side to the Count's plans. A small group of friends unite to prevent the success of the Count's schemes, hazarding danger to themselves for the greater good of humanity. The growing mystery is revealed through journal entries, letters, and telegrams written by the main characters.

This gripping tale takes place in the late 19th century and follows the protagonist, Mr. Hapley, a famous entomologist who becomes embroiled in an ongoing feud with Professor Pawkins a rival in his field. Hapley has a devasting retort to Professor Pawkins's most recent attack on him, but before he can deliver the ruinous blow, Pawkins dies leaving Haply ready for battle with no opponent. The physical Pawkins may be gone, but a mysterious moth that no one but Hapley can see or feel the presence of appears.

The unpopular and reclusive Adam Farrel died as he had lived—alone. An acquaintance, Falred, decides to stay with the corpse overnight in a silent wake. Can the dead reach out beyond the grave to touch the living? Or is it just Falred's imagination?

Dig Me No Grave was first published in Weird Tales in February 1937. It was also published as John Grimlan's Debt. This is one of eight stories by Howard featuring Professor John Kirowan, an Irish aristocrat and seeker of arcane knowledge, and his associate John Conrad. This story relates to their investigation of the death of a mysterious and sinister hermit, John Grimlan.