Showing results by author "Barry Pain" in All Categories

Barry Eric Odell Pain (1864-1928) was an English journalist, poet, and writer. The End of a Show is a poignant tale of a quack showman and seller of dubious stomach pills who carries out what he believes to be his first-ever act of kindness - an act which horrifies and saddens in equal measure.

Barry Eric Odell Pain (1864-1928) was an English journalist, poet, and writer best known for his ghost and horror stories. Rose Rose is a hauntingly beautiful ghost story about an artist and his exquisite if somewhat unreliable model, Miss Rose Rose, who is sitting for his great painting of Aphrodite. Miss Rose Rose, on this occasion, is not as unreliable as expected....

An unsettling anthology of short stories featuring crazed characters, from the mildly eccentric to the criminally insane. 1. "The Tell-tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe 2. "The Green Light" by Barry Pain 3. "A Madman’s Manuscript" by Charles Dickens 4. "His Brother’s Keeper" by W. W. Jacobs 5. "The Dream" by A. J. Alan 6. "Query" by Seamark 7. "Old Fags" by Stacy Aumonier 8. "The Mad Veteran of Fort Ratonneau" by Ludwig Achim von Arnhem 9. "The Mines of Falun" by E. T. A. Hoffmann

Six fascinating tales of the mysterious doings of secret societies and gentlemen's clubs. A Foggy Evening by A. J. Alan The Giraffe Problem by Barry Pain The Suicide Club by Robert Louis Stevenson The Dream by A. J. Alan The Inconsiderate Waiter by J. M. Barrie The 19 Club by A. J. Alan.

A wonderful selection of some of the most bizarre and unsettling stories ever written.

The Giraffe Problem tells the story of an evening at the Problem Club, a secret society of gentlemen in London who meet once a month in a private room above a restaurant, where one of the waiters is the admirable Leonard. Every month Leonard sets the members a problem or challenge. The one who is able to complete the feat successfully wins that month's share of the membership fees.

Join the intriguing world of the Problem Club, a notorious gathering in London that meets monthly to tackle unconventional social dilemmas. Each session presents a unique challenge that stretches the imagination and tests the wit of its members. For example, how can one manage to kiss ten young ladies on the cheek in just one hour without causing any offense? Are you up for the challenge? Tune in to witness the lively competition as members devise their clever solutions to these perplexing problems. - Summary by Carolin

Dive into Barry Pains witty parody that cleverly dissects ASM Hutchinsons acclaimed novel If Winter Comes. Join us as we navigate the tumultuous life of Luke Sharper, whose professional and marital woes take center stage. As his relationship with Mabel deteriorates, an unexpected romance with Jona blossoms, leading to a conclusion that promises to be anything but ordinary. Will it all end in heartbreak, or is there a twist in store? (Summary by Nigel Boydell)

Murder is that most heinous of crimes. But some murderers simply can’t get enough of it. Beneath the well-known monsters such as Lecter there lurk those other evil-doers who are the vivid confessions of our classic authors.

In the English language ‘bittersweet’ is that most pivotal of words. The mixture of sadness and happiness that suggest both but often bringing us smartly to earth, smack dab in-between them both, with little of either.

Join us for a delightful journey through the whims and woes of our hilariously pompous protagonist and his ever-patient wife, Eliza. This charming series of brief anecdotes explores their everyday lives, filled with unexpected twists and comical hazards that keep listeners laughing and engaged. (Summary by Nigel Boydell)

Welcome to The Problem Club, where logic takes a holiday and wit is the law of the land. In this delightful collection of early 20th-century comic tales by Barry Pain, twelve eccentric gentlemen gather regularly in an upscale London club to tackle bizarre, imaginative challenges—each one a “problem” designed to confound, amuse, and showcase their cleverness.

One fateful night, Dr. Gabriel Lamb unexpectedly saves Claudius Sandells life, bringing him into his home and providing extraordinary care to nurse him back to health. But beneath Dr. Lambs seemingly benevolent exterior lies a darker agenda, and Claudius may find himself facing an unimaginable cost for this unexpected kindness, orchestrated by the enigmatic doctor and his equally mysterious wife. - Summary by Carolin

Step into the haunting world of Shadow of the Unseen, a supernatural melodrama unfolding in the enchanting Fens and Marshlands of Cambridgeshire. At the heart of the tale is Linda Pettingill Merle, a young woman celebrating her twenty-first birthday. As she inherits a grand Manor house and its sprawling lands in Merelsfleet, Linda grapples with the fleeting nature of life and her quest for identity. What secrets lie within her new domain? Will it provide the answers she yearns for about her origins and destiny? Join her on this captivating journey steeped in the rich tapestry of witchcraft ...

Dive into a captivating collection of stories by Barry Pain, where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs. While not every tale fits neatly into the realm of ghost stories or horror, many will undoubtedly send shivers down your spine. Each story is a testament to Pains exceptional storytelling, promising an engaging experience for both readers and listeners alike. - Summary by Carolin

In An Exchange of Souls, Barry Pain, known for his horror tales, takes a bold departure from his usual themes. This gripping novel follows the story of Dr. Daniel Myas, a respected scientist who invents a machine capable of exchanging personalities. However, when he attempts this exchange with someone he holds dear, the consequences spiral into a chilling descent into horror. Published in 1911, this work is said to have influenced H.P. Lovecrafts The Thing on the Doorstep, revealing the dark complexities of immortality and identity through a scientific lens. What happens when souls are swapped...

Dive into a whimsical parody of the Margot Asquith memoirs with Marge Askinforit. In this delightful tale, Pains character, Marge, captivates us with her candid and often outrageous anecdotes about her dysfunctional family. With a flair for exaggeration and a knack for the entertainingly awkward, Marge shares the intriguing, if not entirely accurate, details of her thrilling private life. Join us for a rollercoaster ride of laughter and reflection! (Summary by Nigel Boydell)

Dive into the chilling world of Barry Pains most captivating horror tales and unsettling weird fiction. This collection, narrated by Carolin, will keep you on the edge of your seat as you explore the darker side of storytelling.

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)

There is something about the number 3. The Ancient Greeks believed 3 was the perfect number, and in China 3 has always been a lucky number, and they know a thing or two. Whatever history and culture says WE think 3, a hat-trick of stories, is a great number to explore themes and literary avenues that classic authors were so adept at creating.