A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this one. Thanks as always for listening. You can now grab the first volume of Van Melsen stories for your Kindle: UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CGXFZCH5 USA: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGXFZCH5 CA: www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CGXFZCH5 AUS: www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CGXFZCH5
Wonderful story, very well done. Kudos to your whole team, I was delighted to hear the familiar voices again. From music, to storylines, to narration, your talent shines. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us! Love from Atlanta, U.S.A.
Ooh, that Post-face gave me goosebumps, more than the story itself. The possibility of a Van Melsen story where they go to find Annie is just... I would cry from happiness 😅
This is unequivocally the most intense Van Melsen installment yet. The relentlessness of emotion…the display of a somewhat neophyte attempting to wrestle with that which is taken cautiously in-hand, and yet which is clumsy and cumbersome in the face of a monolithic cosmic menace..it’s truly frightening. Van Melsen at his most vulnerable. Norman Cane at his most innocent. It is a tour-de-force. Your writing is top-notch, Ian. And much gratitude to you, Jennifer, and Gary for the superb vocal performance. The Samhain energy is strong with you all. And of course, Mr. Kay’s singularly impressive work is a story in its own right. Please keep up the excellent work everyone. - Yours humbly, Eric.
Norman Cane is giving me serious Samwise Gamgee vibes. We should all be so lucky to have the blessing of such a stout compatriot. Fantastic work, yet again.
I want to say that you've really, fully broken through here. I've been listening to your self-made stories when they come out, and they are rather good, but I always preferred the classics. This one is different because it IS a classic. When it ended I groaned because I wanted four more hours of story with these characters (though I know them already). I look forward to your continued readings, and your continued writings. you only get better.
I should know better by now. I was going to listen to part of this story, then pause it while I took care of some errands. Well, the errands will still be there tomorrow! Wonderful story!
So, it's took me about 5 nights to listen to this yarn. HorrorBabble is the honest to goodness best sleep aid there is. Really love the Van Melsen stories and this one has been a real treat. Thoroughly enjoyed it but kept falling asleep. Amazing work HB team as always. Thank u for ur hard work 🙂
I've said it before, but the world building and character development you're doing is just brilliant. Van Melsen and Kane are a great, modern day paranormal Holmes and Watson. Long may it continue. 5 stars for the whole cast.
I cracked up at the part where VanNelson asked why only the evil beings keep trying to come to our reality. It's just like all those interdimensional portals never lead to anywhere nice! Once again, great story work.
Woohoo Van Melsen is back! 🤘 Happy Halloween people! ✌️💀 Lovely story, great prequel / origin tale. Engaging characters as usual, and some truly creepy images. 🪵😬🪵
"This was next-level stuff." You said it! Holy hell, this one gave me shivers like only the BEST stories can! It's going right to the top of my Van Melsen list! "He set fire to caution" is a fantastic turn of phrase that needs to see more use!
This had me completely riveted! I'm going to have to check out the other Van Melsen tales! I like to think that Odie was Annie watching over Norman from beyond the Veil. ❤
Every VanMelsin's story is a special occasion to enjoy quite mysterious stories and an excellent narration Many thanks, great work Greetings from Argentina ❤
So much charm and wit and eldrich horror, everything I needed for a chilly fall afternoon- thank you once again for pulling me into a fantastical tale and letting me get lost in it!
Wow! This story is amazing! This is an excellent story that, at times, had me chuckling. I love how we finally find out how Norman and Peter met. The story also talks about Islay Scotch (fist pump) and sees Peter apologizing to a female owl. Truly incredible writing and fantastic narration! The voices of the various characters are perfect! The Van Melsen stories are great. I believe this is my favorite! Thanks!
I’m back! I’m so in love with these characters! Love everything about these stories - the characters, the voices, the settings! I know everyone hates the term “instant classic”, but I challenge you to find a better term for these amazing jewels! Thank you very much for them, and may I beg you to keep ‘em coming!!!
This was an outstanding story. I must give credit to the brilliant author and the splendid narration to all who took part in this creation. A pure joy to listen to! Thank you so much 🤗❤️🌟💫
I love these stories, well written and fantastic narration, particularly love Norman Canes voice :), perfection. Thanks for your continued efforts to entertain us
This one was great Ian, thoroughly enjoyed it. I've become a big fan of your man Van Melsen, he reminds me of Carnaki which I'm guessing was an inspiration, but you've given Van Melsen a life and personality of his own, these are great, I always know I'm in for a treat when you drop a new Van Melsen case.
YAY MORE VAN MELSEN! I really really enjoy these stories! Makes me really paranoid at my night shift though lmao maybe horror isnt the best choice for working alone in the middle of the night 😅
“No word was uttered, for the spot and the task seemed known to us; and without delay we seized our spades and commenced to clear away the grass, weeds, and drifted earth from the flat, archaic mortuary….” Keep up the good work and, as always, stay safe. Happy spookmas 💀 ❤
HELL YES,great stuff. I wasn’t sure about the author but 2 sentences in I knew it was you. I love your style. Musician, author and superb narrator. A Renaissance man, no doubt. Bravo
Nice to hear a story set in this part of the world, although I do also love your usual Northern settings. My Gran's family was from the area around Woolacombe and Bideford.
Excellent story and very well narrated! Your efforts and hard work on this has borne good fruits. Very good. Thank you Mr.Gordon and Horror Babble. Excellent as always. Until next time.
I’ve loved how the more recent Van Melsen stories have humanized him-shown his anxieties and addiction (if just for nicotine and tea) issues and his insecurities. It’s nuance that isn’t in most of the early 20th century “sleuth” narratives.
Now we need a beginning story for van melson. Was he a child with ghosts. Was a family friend a hunter of strange things, did he run into a hidden one as a child?
Amazing I hope this one gets big you definitely deserve it thank you for all your hard work and keeping us entertained!!!❤❤❤ it really is very much appreciated the effort you put into your channel thank you Ian
The owls are not what they seem... Another great entry. Can't wait for whatever you put out next! Also, the voice of Norman is a new favorite (aside from yours, of course)
That was good; a cool story to listen on Halloween! 👻It was good even though - or maybe because - ending was very bitter sweet. And I understand that this was sort of origin story for Peter, his first serious case? And I very much enjoyed owl motif - what a beautiful birds they are! 🦉
Another great story!! Finally seeing how Norman and van Melsen met, and the hints to more of your expanding mythos, along with hints to what's may come. Keep up the fantastic work. Hope your able to put out a physical copy of the story.
Decidedly another fantastic, engaging & motivating adventure into a supernatural hero story; where we can be assured tender hooks, gnarly vulnerabilities, & genuinely unique visualization stimulation in the Van Nielsen-Kane origin story. Kudos to production & performance perfection! Truly your are talented family at HORROR BABBLE! Thank you for this Halloween Treat from your trickster blood-ink pen! Props for the Chapter 5 artwork! It’s the best! 🦉👃🏽👀❗️🎉
Ian - an incredible piece of work. i was mesmerized. you have quite a talent for writing. i think your name and stories will up there with M.R. James. it’s not only the basic story line - it’s your development of the characters, your drawing of the scenes with your words, your ability to build suspense each time it occurs and resolving it before going on. i also love the way you outline the look of your characters - just enough so we get idea and then we can fill in the rest. this is a trait of a good writer. so - a fantastic reading by you and Jennifer. uh oh!! wait! my cats are literally caterwauling. what’s wrong, little ones? Jeez!! Ian, my floorboards are creaking and there are sounds of tiny cracks!! i have to run. we have to get out of here. . . 🙀😋🤭🌷🌱
A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this one. Thanks as always for listening.
You can now grab the first volume of Van Melsen stories for your Kindle:
UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CGXFZCH5
USA: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGXFZCH5
CA: www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CGXFZCH5
AUS: www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CGXFZCH5
Couldn’t you have excreted more bodily fluids for it G-Man ? Just the 3 ?What about CSF or endolymph ?
Many thanks Ian!🙂👍🏻
1986 year of the bad music.
1986 year of the good book.😂
Wonderful story, very well done. Kudos to your whole team, I was delighted to hear the familiar voices again. From music, to storylines, to narration, your talent shines. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us! Love from Atlanta, U.S.A.
@@popevimtoripkeefhappysackXXX I imagine the writing of the first Van Melsen novel will be a much messier affair.
Ooh, that Post-face gave me goosebumps, more than the story itself. The possibility of a Van Melsen story where they go to find Annie is just... I would cry from happiness 😅
Poor Annie. What a sweety.
Could it link up with "The House on The Borderlands"? That's one hell of a weird story!
I sure hope so.
The sincerity in Cane's voice! I'd trust this man with my life ❤️
More Van Melsen! What a delight!
I had just recently finished the current playlist, this couldn't have come at a better time. Can't wait to see where this storyline goes!
🤟🤟got my copy 🤟🤟
On my oh my the angel Jen oh what a treat indeed ❤❤❤❤
Can never get enough of Van Melsen, thank you Ian 👏👏👏
I didn't live in those old days, but I felt like I was sitting by the radio listening to a great mystery show on BBC! How delightful and thrilling! ❤
I do like this being narrated from Cane's perspective, it is refreshing and gives nuance to Van Melsen.
This is unequivocally the most intense Van Melsen installment yet. The relentlessness of emotion…the display of a somewhat neophyte attempting to wrestle with that which is taken cautiously in-hand, and yet which is clumsy and cumbersome in the face of a monolithic cosmic menace..it’s truly frightening. Van Melsen at his most vulnerable. Norman Cane at his most innocent. It is a tour-de-force. Your writing is top-notch, Ian. And much gratitude to you, Jennifer, and Gary for the superb vocal performance. The Samhain energy is strong with you all. And of course, Mr. Kay’s singularly impressive work is a story in its own right. Please keep up the excellent work everyone. - Yours humbly, Eric.
Unequivocally and unironically the best.
Thank you very much.
P0😅😅😅😅 1:23:39
I was 17 in 1986 , in Aberdeen…. having grown up in Helston , Cornwall 😂. These Van Melsen stories just keep getting better 👍🏻
Norman Cane is giving me serious Samwise Gamgee vibes. We should all be so lucky to have the blessing of such a stout compatriot.
Fantastic work, yet again.
As a lover of owls, I thoroughly approve (especially of Odie!). Bravo! 👏🦉
What a lovely voice Ms. Gordon has, and a great performance by all three 😊
I want to say that you've really, fully broken through here. I've been listening to your self-made stories when they come out, and they are rather good, but I always preferred the classics. This one is different because it IS a classic. When it ended I groaned because I wanted four more hours of story with these characters (though I know them already). I look forward to your continued readings, and your continued writings. you only get better.
Thank you for the kind words here -- much appreciated.
I'm always happy to have more Van Melson to help get to sleep. And as always thanks to everyone involved for all your hard work.
Another great tale. Norman is my favorite character among your creations. Thanks all.
I just have to stop in the middle of the stormy to say I LOVE NORMAN CAIN’s VOICE!
I should know better by now. I was going to listen to part of this story, then pause it while I took care of some errands. Well, the errands will still be there tomorrow! Wonderful story!
Haha -- thank you!
More Van Melsen? Yes please.
So, it's took me about 5 nights to listen to this yarn. HorrorBabble is the honest to goodness best sleep aid there is. Really love the Van Melsen stories and this one has been a real treat. Thoroughly enjoyed it but kept falling asleep. Amazing work HB team as always. Thank u for ur hard work 🙂
I was not expecting to see a Van Melsen story today, thank you.
Another stellar Van Melsen story! Can’t wait for more!!
I've said it before, but the world building and character development you're doing is just brilliant. Van Melsen and Kane are a great, modern day paranormal Holmes and Watson. Long may it continue. 5 stars for the whole cast.
I cracked up at the part where VanNelson asked why only the evil beings keep trying to come to our reality. It's just like all those interdimensional portals never lead to anywhere nice!
Once again, great story work.
A creepy owl man, its servants, and the liminal space backrooms in a misty forgotten town it preys upon. Love this Peter van Melson addition!
Woohoo Van Melsen is back! 🤘 Happy Halloween people! ✌️💀
Lovely story, great prequel / origin tale. Engaging characters as usual, and some truly creepy images. 🪵😬🪵
"This was next-level stuff." You said it! Holy hell, this one gave me shivers like only the BEST stories can! It's going right to the top of my Van Melsen list!
"He set fire to caution" is a fantastic turn of phrase that needs to see more use!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great artwork Ian! When I get a minute, I’ll check this out.
Absolutely amazing! The VanMelson Mythos continues to surpass expectations and draws one in deeper. Cannot wait for what's next.
This had me completely riveted! I'm going to have to check out the other Van Melsen tales! I like to think that Odie was Annie watching over Norman from beyond the Veil. ❤
I instantly thought this when Odie shrugged her shoulders on the windowsill outside of Norman's window but not now
Always a treat to hear about the daring escapades (not that HE would ever call them that) of the Greatest P.I. alive, Vincent Van Melsen!!!
I love that these stories take place in small quaint towns.
Every VanMelsin's story is a special occasion to enjoy quite mysterious stories and an excellent narration
Many thanks, great work
Greetings from Argentina ❤
Having a map as the picture is genius (not just because I love maps, but because it grounds the story because you can see where they are).
Brilliant story and performance thanks!
Love Van Melsen, thank you for the release!
Wonderful narrator and author! I'd buy a hardcover of these tales in a heartbeat.
Well worth the wait! Congrats to all involved for a job well-done! Another cracking great addition to 'The Private Collection'!
These longer and more complex vignettes are so much more interesting than than most of the psychobabble mumbojumbo
Psychobabble?
Excellent craftsmanship. Another stellar read. Going to grab the e-book of the first series of tales so I can read them to the twins.
Fabulous! Thank you.
The best one can ask for on a rainy cold day in Tennessee. Horrorbabble, my pipe with Haunted Bookshop and all afternoon to enjoy. 💀
Almost cold enough to snow, over here. Horrobabble plus some Tennessee whisky for me.
@@sub-jec-tiv Same in Murfreesboro except Irish Whiskey is on tap.
Same in Texas!
Wow, halfway through and metaphorically chewing my nails! Just brilliant! 💚
Well, we found out sone facts about Van Melsen. Really enjoyed it. Thank you Ian. Your talent grows fast and gives fruits.
Yay! Van Melsen is back! Awesome!
The little details about Ody were truly endearing
So much charm and wit and eldrich horror, everything I needed for a chilly fall afternoon- thank you once again for pulling me into a fantastical tale and letting me get lost in it!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve been so looking forward to this! I just reread my kindle copy of the stories up to now, and can’t wait to hit play
Well done! Enjoyed Jen and the man playing Cane. They added a lot to the narration of the story. 👏
BRILLIANT! Looking forward to a full listen! Thanks for all your hard work.
Hammer and Nails is still my favorite, but this was an amazing addition!
Awesome!
A new Van Melsen!!
Oh, goody.
Wow! This story is amazing! This is an excellent story that, at times, had me chuckling.
I love how we finally find out how Norman and Peter met. The story also talks about Islay Scotch (fist pump) and sees Peter apologizing to a female owl.
Truly incredible writing and fantastic narration! The voices of the various characters are perfect!
The Van Melsen stories are great. I believe this is my favorite!
Thanks!
Thank you once again, Donald!
I’m back! I’m so in love with these characters! Love everything about these stories - the characters, the voices, the settings! I know everyone hates the term “instant classic”, but I challenge you to find a better term for these amazing jewels! Thank you very much for them, and may I beg you to keep ‘em coming!!!
ah what a treat, wonderful for listening to while the weather cools
This was an outstanding story. I must give credit to the brilliant author and the splendid narration to all who took part in this creation. A pure joy to listen to! Thank you so much 🤗❤️🌟💫
Thanks as always, Amy.
Love this one and can't wait to pay a visit to that big, old house surrounded by water with mountains in the distance.
Looking forward to this. It will have to wait until tomorrow unfortunately. Although tomorrow is Halloween, so I guess it works out
That illustration is exceptional and striking.
So many connections to other stories here! This was really fantastic
I love these stories, well written and fantastic narration, particularly love Norman Canes voice :), perfection. Thanks for your continued efforts to entertain us
Always appreciate a good Van Melsen story.
Oh what an ending, a bitter, pyrrhic victory after all that was. It reframes earlier stories and improve them by giving context.
Fantastic. Ian, your imagination is outstanding. Bravo Sir, bravo 👏 ❤
Thanks, Sue.
Now that's a perfect addition to a comfy chair, a glass of brass-colored liquid and rain beating against the window glass.
Love the intro already!
Did this in three sittings over the week. Great tale.
Thanks, sir!
Oh NO! Please do find her! You can't end it like that. Great addition to the series :)
Excellent, excellent tale. Thank you!
This one was great Ian, thoroughly enjoyed it.
I've become a big fan of your man Van Melsen, he reminds me of Carnaki which I'm guessing was an inspiration, but you've given Van Melsen a life and personality of his own, these are great, I always know I'm in for a treat when you drop a new Van Melsen case.
YAY MORE VAN MELSEN! I really really enjoy these stories!
Makes me really paranoid at my night shift though lmao maybe horror isnt the best choice for working alone in the middle of the night 😅
“No word was uttered, for the spot and the task seemed known to us; and without delay we seized our spades and commenced to clear away the grass, weeds, and drifted earth from the flat, archaic mortuary….”
Keep up the good work and, as always, stay safe.
Happy spookmas 💀 ❤
HELL YES,great stuff. I wasn’t sure about the author but 2 sentences in I knew it was you. I love your style. Musician, author and superb narrator. A Renaissance man, no doubt. Bravo
Nice to hear a story set in this part of the world, although I do also love your usual Northern settings. My Gran's family was from the area around Woolacombe and Bideford.
Masterfully done sir. Everything about this is perfect. Sheer brilliance!
Thank you!
Excellent story and very well narrated! Your efforts and hard work on this has borne good fruits. Very good. Thank you Mr.Gordon and Horror Babble. Excellent as always. Until next time.
I’ve loved how the more recent Van Melsen stories have humanized him-shown his anxieties and addiction (if just for nicotine and tea) issues and his insecurities. It’s nuance that isn’t in most of the early 20th century “sleuth” narratives.
He's a troubled chap when it comes down to it.
Seems like a twin peaks omage to me. Well done, thank you again for your work
Yes, but the owls are not what they seem.
Awesome, PVM is back and it's a banger. Just brilliant!
The van melson stories are the best hopefully there is alot more
I absolutely loved it. So haunting 🇩🇪❤🇬🇧
I have been looking forward to this since I first heard about it.
Absolutely splendid
Now we need a beginning story for van melson. Was he a child with ghosts. Was a family friend a hunter of strange things, did he run into a hidden one as a child?
I know I’m probably asking a lot but please consider a story where Peter and Norman rescue Annie. This one actually made me feel for Kane.
Excellent narration and awesome artwork! Thank you!
Amazing I hope this one gets big you definitely deserve it thank you for all your hard work and keeping us entertained!!!❤❤❤ it really is very much appreciated the effort you put into your channel thank you Ian
The owls are not what they seem...
Another great entry. Can't wait for whatever you put out next!
Also, the voice of Norman is a new favorite (aside from yours, of course)
Thank you!
Really good story! From start to finish.👍🏼👍🏼
That was good; a cool story to listen on Halloween! 👻It was good even though - or maybe because - ending was very bitter sweet. And I understand that this was sort of origin story for Peter, his first serious case? And I very much enjoyed owl motif - what a beautiful birds they are! 🦉
A great story, had to listen to it in one go. Marvelous, really good. Enjoyed it to the last line....👍🏻😎
Thanks as always, Roland!
Perfect tale for Halloween! We also get to see early Van Melsen!
"Wallpapered warren", great description. I like it a lot.
As if it's not bad enough Warren's dead, now he's been wallpapered?! Talk about adding insult to injury.
Another great story!! Finally seeing how Norman and van Melsen met, and the hints to more of your expanding mythos, along with hints to what's may come. Keep up the fantastic work. Hope your able to put out a physical copy of the story.
Thank you! Physical releases will definitely follow eventually.
Decidedly another fantastic, engaging & motivating adventure into a supernatural hero story; where we can be assured tender hooks, gnarly vulnerabilities, & genuinely unique visualization stimulation in the Van Nielsen-Kane origin story. Kudos to production & performance perfection! Truly your are talented family at HORROR BABBLE! Thank you for this Halloween Treat from your trickster blood-ink pen! Props for the Chapter 5 artwork! It’s the best! 🦉👃🏽👀❗️🎉
Thank you!
Brilliant as usual well done, great story can’t wait for next adventure 👍
Oh. Ooooh this was so, so *so* freakin GOOD.
Awesome yarn Ian. As always, a masterclass
Ian - an incredible piece of work. i was mesmerized. you have quite a talent for writing. i think your name and stories will up there with M.R. James.
it’s not only the basic story line - it’s your development of the characters, your drawing of the scenes with your words, your ability to build suspense each time it occurs and resolving it before going on. i also love the way you outline the look of your characters - just enough so we get idea and then we can fill in the rest. this is a trait of a good writer.
so - a fantastic reading by you and Jennifer. uh oh!! wait! my cats are literally caterwauling. what’s wrong, little ones? Jeez!! Ian, my floorboards are creaking and there are sounds of tiny cracks!! i have to run. we have to get out of here. . .
🙀😋🤭🌷🌱
Thanks, Alexa! Be sure to keep your eye on those cats...!
A damn fine yarn, I enjoyed every moment of it, a happy hallows eve to you and yours
A Cthulhu Mythos story about the Owlman!? Alright, I'm in!
BRILLIANT IAN ONE OF THE FINEST YARNS..WELL WORTH THE WAIT THANK YOU TEAM HORRORBABBLE 🥸👍🎯💎
Cheers, Sean!