I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Adam Macqueen's new collection "Haunted Tales" in my stocking at Christmas and, after reading it, was so impressed that I contacted the author to congratulate him. I also asked if he'd allow me to read you one of his excellent stories and he very kindly said yes. So here it is...a New Year...and a new tale. I give to you "The Lily-White Boy". And, if you like it, why not treat yourself to a copy of Adam Macqueen's "Haunted Tales" (more details in the description and a link here: swiftpress.com/book/haunted-tales/) EDIT: Can people try and avoid putting ending spoilers in the first few lines of their comments? Ta.
Oh, my! That ending hit like an artillery Shockwave. Great story. The windowpanes are moist. Jasper does it again. That is some fine writing by Adam Macqueen.
I thought it had an easy going, almost conversational flow . Very effective and enjoyable . Reminded me of a style from the first half of last century for some reason that I need to think on more. Thanks for a great narration that the author would surely be happy with.
Yank here. I dated a Yorkshire boy for 10 years and your readings are so appreciated. I've picked up a fair knowledge of UK accents and you do a wonderful job without overdoing it. And as someone on this thread has already mentioned, I am so, so happy you are not artificial intelligence! Cheers, mate.
Unbelievable! I loved the normal references to everyday life read impeccably as always. Your accents are amazing and make all the characters come to life. What a great author, I’ll definitely read the rest of his stories. Thanks so much. I listen to all the horror and ghost podcasts, you are streets ahead of them all. HNY and look forward to more spookiness soon.
My dog passed on to rainbow Bridge 4 weeks ago, I'm so jealous. His absolute favourite thing was to snuggle bk undee the duvet for a late sleep in in the morning Treasure your pooches every day, they're gone too quick 😢
Oh I love this one, Jasper you are a good egg! its such a treat to hear you read , I wish I could have you read my entire collection , my eyes are letting me down & I dont get to enjoy my books like I used to. Im actually starting to consider what to do with them all. P.s. Did I mention that my daughter had her first child & named him Jasper last year? 😊 Its a grand name ,& I am already reading to him.I hope to encourage his love of storytelling & old books. 💚☘ Belated 2025 Greetings Jasper & All the very best for the year ahead .
Another excellent reading of a spooky tale... Have been using Audible for a while now (Spotify and Audible) and the voices of the readers are a mixed bag, yours remains a fave! That said another fave is Simon Callow who also does a superb rendition of The Signal Man... with a twist...
Okay... Second listen and I like it even more. Regardless of whether everyone "gets", the story. Your production of it Jasper is impeccable. Voices, timing, atmosphere, sound effects all work together to create this world. Thank you for the pathos you eminated through your narration. In an aside note, I once lived with man from Sheffield who swore that he could tell if a person was dead just by looking at a photograph of them. He was surprised when I explained how very unusual that was. "Can't you see the dark halo around their head?!", he would ask. I tested him once with some old family photos. He was right every time. He was a miserable fellow a lot of the time and Death came to collect him earlier than was right; just stopped his heart in the middle of running a lecture, I was told. I can't help but think that they had known each other for years.💀.
Thank you for the recommendation, I have placed an order for "Haunted Tales" with Amazon. It's very reasonably priced for a hardback book. I look forward to reading it.
Hey, fellow Cryptids, no spoilers, but, what do we make of the crossword clue at 3:52 ... "A six-four phrase that [means] shapely manoeuvrers a hit military"? (At least, that's the way I'm hearing it.) I don't know much about these puzzles, but is "a six-four phrase" a two word phrase, first one six letters and the other four? Could it be "circle back" or "square deal" or "zigzag beat" or... well, obviously I'm no good at this... "parade post"?
I don't fully understand the story. How does whatever was going on in the attic (or perhaps in the main character's mind) tie into what happens at the end?
It's surprising me people are finding this one confusing. Maybe it helps to see it on the page. Or maybe there's not much to understand. Or maybe I don't fully understand it (but that's okay because I'm comfortable with ambiguity in my spook stories) 🤷♂️ So here's my take, for what it's worth... Spoilers: They find the picture of the Nana's sweetheart - the photo with the missing face indicating that he had not long left in the world - and it sets free or unleashes (I don't like trying to explain what is meant to be "felt") his ghost (or perhaps, we think, just a sort of echo in the dad's deteriorating mind). The ghost I think is just going through the motions of doing his night time sentry patrols, standing to in the dark before the dawn. I don't think there's any malevolence there. His constancy - why his spirit is linked to the old box of letters and photos - links to his being "forever her own Tommy". The son has his picture taken and it is implied that when that pic is developed he too may have a bleached out, missing face. Because he is also about to die. The ending suggests he was driving home and saw the ghost (standing to, keeping guard; this is evident from mention of the boot prints in the snow) in the headlights, swerved to avoid, and the car went in the pond. But it mightn't have happened (proved fatal) if the car had been serviced before Christmas (because the story is sort of about adult carelessness and apathy about household tasks and fixing the car and your mental health on one hand and apathy about politics and sending young folk to war on the other). That's what I took from it anyway. I often don't feel like I fully understand supernatural stories myself, so other people might have read it differently or picked up on other things 🤔 Cheers.
@@EnCryptedHorror Thanks so much for the help. I absolutely loved the story and your reading of it, but I too am still a bit confused by the ending. [Spoilers Below] I think I caught the points you mentioned here. Also, that the footfalls and muddy footprints could have been caused by a sentry walking his post..., also that 5am (0500 in military time) is the fatal hour on multiple occasions. Still, I feel like I'm missing something -- like there are more "rules" implicit in the story than I can see. There is the hint at 24:39 that if Tommy (and weren't the WWI British soldiers called "Tommies"?) had lived that Jack would never have existed... is that the subtext? Has the duty-slain soldier finally rematerialized and that somehow requires that the draft-dreading son dissolves? (Maybe I just need to take advice and get more comfortable with the ambiguity ;)
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Adam Macqueen's new collection "Haunted Tales" in my stocking at Christmas and, after reading it, was so impressed that I contacted the author to congratulate him. I also asked if he'd allow me to read you one of his excellent stories and he very kindly said yes. So here it is...a New Year...and a new tale. I give to you "The Lily-White Boy". And, if you like it, why not treat yourself to a copy of Adam Macqueen's "Haunted Tales" (more details in the description and a link here: swiftpress.com/book/haunted-tales/)
EDIT: Can people try and avoid putting ending spoilers in the first few lines of their comments? Ta.
Brilliantly written. Brilliantly read
Oh, my! That ending hit like an artillery Shockwave. Great story. The windowpanes are moist.
Jasper does it again. That is some fine writing by Adam Macqueen.
@@donaldmccleary9015 Very spare but effective writing I thought (of all his stories).
I thought it had an easy going, almost conversational flow . Very effective and enjoyable .
Reminded me of a style from the first half of last century for some reason that I need to think on more. Thanks for a great narration that the author would surely be happy with.
@WilliamTuckwell-r8b agree. It is a good story, and I really like the way it was written.
@@WilliamTuckwell-r8b
I thought it had a 1900s feel to it. very well written.
Yank here. I dated a Yorkshire boy for 10 years and your readings are so appreciated. I've picked up a fair knowledge of UK accents and you do a wonderful job without overdoing it. And as someone on this thread has already mentioned, I am so, so happy you are not artificial intelligence! Cheers, mate.
@@villalajolla No intelligence here at all, artificial or otherwise 😁🤖
@@EnCryptedHorror😂
Unbelievable! I loved the normal references to everyday life read impeccably as always. Your accents are amazing and make all the characters come to life. What a great author, I’ll definitely read the rest of his stories. Thanks so much. I listen to all the horror and ghost podcasts, you are streets ahead of them all. HNY and look forward to more spookiness soon.
@@sueatkinson3553 Highly recommend this author.
Yay !!! 🥳A new Encrypted story is the best thing to wake up to! ✨Thank you Jasper! ✨🐝….
Superb! I love a story from WW1 and also of course a ghost story. So huge hut with me. Thank you
Ooh fab! Just decided to get back under duvet with dog to warm up! Perfect timing dear J ❤
Same 😊💜
My dog passed on to rainbow Bridge 4 weeks ago, I'm so jealous. His absolute favourite thing was to snuggle bk undee the duvet for a late sleep in in the morning
Treasure your pooches every day, they're gone too quick 😢
@@BisonMark❤️🙏
The author *Macqueen* sent stories in place of xmas cards! Wow! Some lucky receivers😊
Such a great story, and very emotional.
Perfectly told, King Jasper. I'd like to hear more from Adam 👍
Thanks *Jasper* you are the best of the best here on YT w/ your generosity ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beautiful ending, really thought about, but economical as well. Thank you, Jasper. Was lying on my bed with the cat, both listening.
I didn't get it🤷
Ooh Fab exactly! And I'm psychic when it comes to Our Jasper and his incoming stories.Like today..THANK YOU
Awesome!! Thank you!! 😊🤗
Oh wow. I did not see that coming. Wow. Bravo, Jasper
Absolutely wonderful. By far the best narrator on you tube. Thank you.
@@michaelcameron1965 🙏
Yep, leave them photos up there. A great modern horror brilliantly read. Thanks Jasper.
Oh I love this one, Jasper you are a good egg! its such a treat to hear you read , I wish I could have you read my entire collection , my eyes are letting me down & I dont get to enjoy my books like I used to. Im actually starting to consider what to do with them all.
P.s. Did I mention that my daughter had her first child & named him Jasper last year? 😊 Its a grand name ,& I am already reading to him.I hope to encourage his love of storytelling & old books.
💚☘ Belated 2025 Greetings Jasper & All the very best for the year ahead .
Oh my word I have been waiting for you to post!! I saw the test card and have been checking - you are absolutely the best.
Thank you much appreciated 😊
Ooo good day dear thanks for starting my day off with a good story😊❤
Oh yay, you're back in full force!! Wonderful to hear a new story in this new year read by you.... Such an eerie and emotional one, at that. ❤😢
Another excellent reading of a spooky tale... Have been using Audible for a while now (Spotify and Audible) and the voices of the readers are a mixed bag, yours remains a fave! That said another fave is Simon Callow who also does a superb rendition of The Signal Man... with a twist...
@@roymondszweda2840 Thank you.
What a story, very memorable and eerie.
Excellently shared
Thank you ❤❤❤
Jasper, you are a light shining in a world of grey AI. Absolutely loved this on a chilly January morning on the Wirral 😊
It is always such a thrill to listen to you! Thank you, Jasper! ❤
So very well read , absolutely enthralled right through.
Thank you
Wonderful to know the traditional ghost story lives, or should that be dies?😮
Loved this one Jasper!!Thankyou soo much !!
Thank you so much. I love this author, just one story in, although he broke my heart with the ending.
Many thanks
Oh I can't wait to lay down and listen to this tonight! Much appreciated Jasper 🖤✌️
This was a such good story Jasper!! and you did the narration so perfectly I was completely captivated!! Thank you.
Good stories please continue
Always a pleasure to hear you. I'm excited for this one 💜
Loved all of it. ❤
Okay... Second listen and I like it even more.
Regardless of whether everyone "gets", the story.
Your production of it Jasper is impeccable.
Voices, timing, atmosphere, sound effects all work together to create this world.
Thank you for the pathos you eminated through your narration.
In an aside note,
I once lived with man from Sheffield who swore that he could tell if a person was dead just by looking at a photograph of them.
He was surprised when I explained how very unusual that was. "Can't you see the dark halo around their head?!", he would ask.
I tested him once with some old family photos. He was right every time.
He was a miserable fellow a lot of the time and Death came to collect him earlier than was right; just stopped his heart in the middle of running a lecture, I was told.
I can't help but think that they had known each other for years.💀.
Thanks Jasper.
loved it, thank you
Thank you for the recommendation, I have placed an order for "Haunted Tales" with Amazon. It's very reasonably priced for a hardback book. I look forward to reading it.
Thank you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Sweet
Brilliant reading as always Jasper. I bought the book afterwards. Have you thought of doing any other adaptations from Mr. Macqueen's book?
@@kevinthomas4239 That would be up to the author and his publisher, but I expect they would rather people bought the book.
Eerie!
Jasper strikes again! A great 👍 start to 2025! 😮
@@laurencefegan1875 Thank you 🙏
I was in no way prepared for that ending!!
I just adore your womens voices. Cosy and sweet. 😊
Hey, fellow Cryptids, no spoilers, but, what do we make of the crossword clue at 3:52 ... "A six-four phrase that [means] shapely manoeuvrers a hit military"? (At least, that's the way I'm hearing it.) I don't know much about these puzzles, but is "a six-four phrase" a two word phrase, first one six letters and the other four? Could it be "circle back" or "square deal" or "zigzag beat" or... well, obviously I'm no good at this... "parade post"?
Initially, I thought "parade rest", but that's not a maneuver; it's a more relaxed version of standing at attention. 🤔
Someone in a crossword forum just came up with "square bash" (term for informal military drill) and it fits the clue.
I don't fully understand the story. How does whatever was going on in the attic (or perhaps in the main character's mind) tie into what happens at the end?
It's surprising me people are finding this one confusing. Maybe it helps to see it on the page. Or maybe there's not much to understand. Or maybe I don't fully understand it (but that's okay because I'm comfortable with ambiguity in my spook stories) 🤷♂️ So here's my take, for what it's worth...
Spoilers:
They find the picture of the Nana's sweetheart - the photo with the missing face indicating that he had not long left in the world - and it sets free or unleashes (I don't like trying to explain what is meant to be "felt") his ghost (or perhaps, we think, just a sort of echo in the dad's deteriorating mind). The ghost I think is just going through the motions of doing his night time sentry patrols, standing to in the dark before the dawn. I don't think there's any malevolence there. His constancy - why his spirit is linked to the old box of letters and photos - links to his being "forever her own Tommy".
The son has his picture taken and it is implied that when that pic is developed he too may have a bleached out, missing face. Because he is also about to die. The ending suggests he was driving home and saw the ghost (standing to, keeping guard; this is evident from mention of the boot prints in the snow) in the headlights, swerved to avoid, and the car went in the pond.
But it mightn't have happened (proved fatal) if the car had been serviced before Christmas (because the story is sort of about adult carelessness and apathy about household tasks and fixing the car and your mental health on one hand and apathy about politics and sending young folk to war on the other).
That's what I took from it anyway. I often don't feel like I fully understand supernatural stories myself, so other people might have read it differently or picked up on other things 🤔
Cheers.
@EnCryptedHorror that is exactly what I took from the story (although I can not explain it as well as you do).
Phew!
I really appreciate you asking this, I also feel like I got some of this, but not all
@@EnCryptedHorror Thanks so much for the help. I absolutely loved the story and your reading of it, but I too am still a bit confused by the ending. [Spoilers Below] I think I caught the points you mentioned here. Also, that the footfalls and muddy footprints could have been caused by a sentry walking his post..., also that 5am (0500 in military time) is the fatal hour on multiple occasions. Still, I feel like I'm missing something -- like there are more "rules" implicit in the story than I can see. There is the hint at 24:39 that if Tommy (and weren't the WWI British soldiers called "Tommies"?) had lived that Jack would never have existed... is that the subtext? Has the duty-slain soldier finally rematerialized and that somehow requires that the draft-dreading son dissolves? (Maybe I just need to take advice and get more comfortable with the ambiguity ;)
I know that feeling lol😊😂❤