William Hope Hodgson
This is an audio version of one of my favourite of Hodgon's 9 Carnacki
stories, read by Ian Hodgson (of Moon Wiring Club) with (fabulous) music
by Jon Brooks (of The Advisory Circle) and can be heard and downloaded -
for free - as part of the Weird Tales for Winter series curated by Jonny Mugwump.
Carnacki was an Edwardian era supernatural investigator who appeasred in
9 short stories in the early 20th century. This particular story
concerns a haunted room which Carnacki is engaged to investigate. He
unwisely spends two nights in the room. On both occasions being attacked
by a giant spectral hand from which he only narrowly escapes.
For those unfamiliar with the joys of Carnacki this will be a fun first
encounter and for those in the know this will provide an enjoyable
re-acquaintance.
Above and beyond the words though is the frankly astounding incidental music from Jon Brooks. Here he has produced a set of steampunk radiophonics utilising contemporary instruments such as the harpsichord to produce music that is both utterly at home in the story and deliciously and decidedly creepy.
part 1
part 2
the music