Lot No. 249 by Arthur Conan Doyle (A Tale of the Supernatural) 

There is something satisfying about falling asleep to this and then having the chance to listen to it again tomorrow.

Back 10 years ago I spent some time on buses in South America. Some rides were over 24 hours. I had a primitive Ipod and listened to every Sherlock Holmes story ever written. Still a fan... Also Agatha Christie got me through Covid.

What better way to end a cold, wet winter's night than with a mountain of pillows, warm blankets and a new bedtime tale. Many thanks

In a society enamoured with novelties and passing fads, the great literature of the past must be fiercely preserved. I am comforted to see this channel excelling in doing precisely that.

Fantastic reading of an excellent story. I've always loved Sherlock Holmes but these readings of other stories have shown me just how good Conan Doyle was. Thank you.

Probably my favourite Conan Doyle story since I first read it as a child almost fifty years ago. It is still so deliciously chilling and your reading is absolutely superb. Thank you.

Awesome. Nothing better than your audio and a winter evening with warm coffee.❤

Greg wagland to wherever you may be, I want you to know, as usual, no one can top you. I do hope that you and yours have a blessed Christmas and New year's.

Holy cow! I listened to this tale on a dark rainy night and I must say it was a frightening experience that had me glancing at the long dark windows of my room - frequently! Can’t say when I’ve last felt that strong of a sense of shivering disease . Excellent reading and build up of this gruesome narrative. Thank you!

A beautiful tale written in an age of beauty and discovery. I can feel the Old World in the words. A true classic in every sense of the world by a talented and very concise author.

"In the month of May . . ." Have to admit I am a sucker for reading or listening to a story at the time of year in which it is set. And how nice it is to have one set in the springtime with the rowers on the water and the green hedges and pleasant country lanes and -- spoiler alert -- murderous reanimated mummy. And this is just such a spot-on, perfect reading. I'm sure I've listened to this telling a hundred times and it never fails to thrill. Thank you so much for posting it.

I love these audio books. As a lifelong Sherlock Holmes fan who can't read long in the evening nowadays, they are my littoral lifeline . Thankyou.

Thank you for these. I'm recovering from a concussion and having diversion of this quality is wonderful. I want to echo other comments: you are made to narrate Conan Doyle. I enjoy these even without a knock on the head. 😜

These stories, so marvellously written and so entertainingly narrated, provide me with so much pleasure. Thank you indeed. 😊💕

Yes, it was just as I imagined it would be, perfect.

I just love your readings of these stories so much! Big thank you!

I've listened to this a few times and it's hard, after all of the Sherlock Holmes to not regard this as an incident in Watson's student life-- his personal "Giant Rat of Sumatra" story.

I LOVE there aren’t commercials to blast me awake! Thank you!

Fantastic story! As always, Greg, you bring every character to life and I find myself at the scene in my mind. Thank you.

I can't imagine why anyone would think of giving this a thumbs down ...a dislike! It was a great read by a great narrator.... and no one explains their dislikes. Not only is this great narration of an ACD story, but any fan should check out The Beetle!

Thank you for that excellently read story 👍🏼

Absolutely brilliant! The narration, the story, everything!

Another superb reading Thank you.

That was breathtaking. Lord, what a ride! Although I admit it likely took about eight nights of falling asleep to it for me to finally finish it this morning, as I simply could not wait any longer to arrive at the conclusion. I find I really did not lose any threat of continuity somehow. I mean, what a story! I also have to admit that, although Conan Doyle is one of my favorite authors from any era, some stories clearly are, subjectively speaking, 'better' than others, just as some Sherlock Holmes episodes, whether read, listened to narrated, or viewed on film from any era... are more engaging than others. Of course, this is a matter of personal taste. I can think of many films/TV programs ,as I'm sure all of us can, that we find disturbing for one reason or another, surely, there are some for which we are simply unable to identify any precise explanation for somehow feeling so affected by them. And again, just because something is more recent, does not mean it is any bolder, any more shocking or more impactful on our emotions. I'm just attempting to make the point that, for me, and speaking only for myself, I have read stories by ACD that are almost instantly forgettable although entertaining enough at the time. But this one, Lot No 249, and one narrated by Simon, The Parasite, I have found so compelling, and so perfectly, weirdly disturbing, that are just quite literally, gobsmacking. . Both stories have led me to the point where your heart goes out to the main character to the extent that you nearly want to go to them somehow, and unreservedly try and comfort them, let them know you believe them and would never minimize their experience, a bit silly, but there it is. Not sure what I'm driveling on about, sorry, it's early and I've not had enough coffee by half!. I'll just close by saying I have rarely enjoyed~ if that's the right word, maybe 'been completely caught up in' would be a better way to express it, by a narrative as I have by your reading`~again, a word insufficient to bear~of this particular Conan Doyle tale of an impossible ancient horror that suddenly animates in the comfortable and contented,wholly idealized world of a university campus. I am also one who saves these treasures for bedtime, with earbuds and that most pleasurable of moments, that snuggling into the soft summer darkening, with either you or Simon, gently but firmly pulling me to Victorian England, encountering people I wish I could know. I almost feel sad for anyone who has not discovered this perhaps unusual, yet quintessentially exquisite pathway to sleep.

“White as a cheese” 🤣 How do you read this without chucking. Wonderful read. As always, thank you. It’s my meditation.

An excellent reading. Second rank of his books only to THE Terror of Blue John Gap. Thank you

Thank you so much. Brilliant and beautifully read.

I am happy to see this! Looking forward to enjoying it this evening. Thank you.

Wow Greg I am actually getting something I WANT for Christmas. Thank you ever so much!!

Many thanks for this upload! I can't seem to get enough of this story. Excellent way to spend cold and windy january-evenings over here in The Hague, Netherlands.

Just listened to this as it's going to be the next Ghost Story For Christmas adaptation by the estimable Mr Gatiss this year (2023). Although I'm a huge Holmes fan, I'd never encountered this story before. I enjoyed it immensely, and look forward to seeing the adaptation. Your reading of it here is superb! Really well done, thankyou 👏🏻

A great favourite short story by a brilliant writer and superbly rendered. I feel very spoilt this Christmas. Excellent, as always and your choice perfect for it. The choice of this particularly story was a huge bonus personally speaking.

This is one of the best Christmas presents iv ever received yet! Your voice as ever is soothing, calming. Beautiful narration, thank u very much my friend❤ and a very merry Christmas to you🎄☃️

But, the wisdom of men is small, and the ways of nature are strange... and who shall put a bound to the dark things, which may be found by those who seek for them? Well questioned... we’ll questioned! Thank you ☺️

Thankyou so much for sharing this creepy tale, excellently told.

Another lovely story from Sir Arthur; I already know the ending. I could tell you what it is; I shan't

Hi Greg, here I am again at 4 am searching your playlist for something to help me sleep. Hearing your voice is like an old friend ❤️ I know you have moved on to new platforms & I am happy for you but thank you for beginning & leaving these “friends” here for me to visit with. Hope all is well with you & may the sausages be plentiful 👏🏻😂

Love the way in 19th century brandy is the cure all for absolutely everything.

Bloody brilliant. Both the fearful story & the excellent narration.

You just keep Banging out SACD's masterpieces 1 after another, so thoughtful of you"Greg Wagz" keeping / Leaving your Subs wanting more n more of your brilliant Narrators voice, fit for the best in Victorian era readings... cheers M8ty thanks for yet another brilliantly read page Turner.. from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺

Happy Holidays Greg from a rainy Oakland, CA and to second what Fredrik Larsson said below, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of Magpie Audio's wonderful subscribers. Cheers everybody! :-)

Quite thankful for this one. I tend to pass on your Sherlock uploads due to fact that those stories are already very familiar to me. Getting to hear Doyle’s other (sometimes better than the Sherlock material) works done in such a fine manner is very satisfying. Thank you for your work, sir

Merry Christmas 🎄 Mr Beautiful Voice Man! Luv u! Luv u!

Well done as usual! Thanks Greg a nice surprise on a terrible winter day 😂👌

Wonderful brandy! The cure all of the 19th century, who needs antibiotics when you have brandy😉

It has been a little while for me, and as usual, you never disappoint! What a great, spine-chilling story, with a superb reader to match! Thank you again, Mr. Wagland, for sharing your gift with the world!❤

I’ve listened to this story several times now (having originally read it 18 years ago, at university)….I still think it to be one of the most imaginative-and terrifying-stories that Doyle ever wrote…. I now know where the idea for all of those horrifying “Mummy” movies came from ( I saw Boris Karloff in one when I was around 8, and I still cannot imagine any more frightening supernatural creature)….

The thumbnail looks like it should be hung in the halls of a thirtie's Brownstone. So art deco but with a dark hint of foreshadow, as if Lovecraft himself had waved his hand over the illustration.

Thank you so much for uploading this story. It's truly one of my all time favourites and you're an excellent reader, which is just the cherry on the cake.

This is superb. This makes me think you would be well to incorporate more ghost or supernatural tales into your oeuvre. I can surmise why you might not want to do this, but you are really a master of conveying the drama of such stories.

And the nice painting of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis "Sonata of the Pyramydes"

One of the best narrations by a great narrator. Thanks for this! Cheers from the arse end of Oz! =o)

Thanks from me also because I’ve been very ill over Christmas and found this relaxing.

This channels selection of stories goes from strength to strength!! Much appreciated ✊😜

Thank you.

Fantastic story and reading. Then you so much

I can listen to Conan Doyle anytime, anywhere! Just love all his work & enjoy stories over & over again! Though I do laugh at old Victorian Britain !! Bit of a class issue😂😂

I had the sudden urge to stand up and applaud this superior reading 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏. Greg, may I congratulate you on a job excellently done?

Just listen to this story over & over even though many things make me smile. They were manly men with manly pursuits! Wonderful😃

Love... Yes and thank you!

I love this creepy tale. 32:08 *shudder*… so good

Just to say, thank you for uploading 🙏

I very much enjoy your reading thank you for sharing ❤️👵🏻

Beautiful elements of an M. R. James story of the early 20th century! I can't help but think this story must have greatly inspired James who at the time was in his 30's.

Excellent. Thank you:) 👍

Have not had a chance to listen to it yet, but willing to bet that great work as always. Ty for uploading. Will listen soon.

Well good Sir Greg, you've done it again! Brilliant job. No one reads ACD like you sir. I Thank you.

Beautiful reading!

Good to know the word “Noddle!” Was still in use in 1884!!😂

Yay!

That was bloody scary! I hope I have an Abercrombie Smith around when the poo hits the rotating thing.

Thank you, Greg Wagland: an excellent narration for an excellent story!

Blimey oh reilly, that was exciting!! I started listening to it about 2am but had to turn it off til the next day as it was veeeerry spooky. I really enjoy your ACD stories but this one is a doozy 😬😀♥️

Would like to say wonderful stories and such a good voice to read them. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I think I remember reading this after binging on Holmes. Back in the nineties.

This was a creepy story! I loved it!❤❤❤

Outstanding. Thank you.

yes. My favorit story ,from det best reader :-) thank you

I love your story telling abilities.

Again, one year later, all i can say is, a ripping great ride!

This is remarkable, like a Lovecraft story written by Doyle. Can't believe I neard heard of this story before.

i really like the way Doyle handled this story. He doesn’t write ghastly tales - just incredibly interesting ones for the most part.

Should be made into a feature film 👍😊

Thank you for this (which I’m saving up as a treat) and everything you do for us throughout the year! Have a very Happy Christmas in Palm Springs! Do they have casinos there too? 💰💰💰♥️♠️🔶♣️💰💰💰

I can't help but picture a young Alistair Crowley when I'm picturing Bellingham.

Ooh, I love a bit of darkness....I'm opting for Lady Sannox first !!!! Thank you muchly 👍💙💚💛

great tale on winter's day

Can see poor Lee looking like a “broken water plant” Perfect.

I'm only at 22:45 and must say this is a very intriguing story that, at least so far, doesn't seem to be derived entirely from worn out clichés. I like commenting part way through audiobooks on RU-vid to give people my impressions as I hear the story...

I love the way there's no dicking around. Press start say name of story, start reading

enjoyed, thx

Excellent! I enjoyed that!

Rock tombs!! Thought you said rock tunes!!🤣🤣

AMAZING NARRATION, and one of the best Doyle stories, ever. Thank you so very much for your excellent channel! Cheers

My favorite narrator.

Goodmorning⛾ 08:51 here, NYC🇺🇸 perfect for a very chilling day.

Do you EVER fumble over a word or are you the best reader ever!?

A fine reading. Subbed ✔️

Nice!

Good show ol boy, good show!