Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories

Mike Perceval-Maxwell

A monthly series of classic tales to chill the marrow of your bones.

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20 episodes
monthly
Avg 42 min
English

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S2 · E47
August 9 · 40 min
The Sand Walker, by Fergus Hume
When a travelling salesman looks for accomodation in a remote coastal village, he discovers buried secrets, long harboured resentments, and a mysterious presence on the nearby sand dunes. If you're enjoying these stories, why not buy me a nice cup of tea? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠@grahamwalmsley.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠ My thanks to Scott Dorward for audio post-production processing.
S2 · E46
July 19 · 40 min
The Stolen Body, by H.G. Wells
Whilst conducting an experiment into the projection of his image across space, a psychical investigator becomes trapped in the spirit realm when a malign entity steals his body. Can his partner discover the truth in time to save him? If you're enjoying these stories, why not buy me a nice cup of tea? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠@grahamwalmsley.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠ My thanks to Scott Dorward for audio post-production processing.
S2 · E45
June 14 · 36 min
Branch Line to Benceston, by Sir Andrew Caldecott
A railway enthusiast harbours a bitter resentment towards his business partner. As he ponders this on his train journey his imagination causes him to wonder what would happen if a junction to another line were to lead to another reality altogether. If you're enjoying these stories, why not buy me a nice cup of tea? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠@grahamwalmsley.bsky.social My thanks to Scott Dorward for audio post-production processing.
S2 · E44
May 10 · 32 min
The Thing in the Weeds, by William Hope Hodgson
This month's story is a listener request! My thanks to Dr Monkeyface for the suggestion. Far out at sea, the crew of an oceangoing vessel are faced with a mysterious and horrifying foe lurking somewhere in the thick impenetrable mist that surrounds them. If you're enjoying these stories, why not buy me a nice cup of tea? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠@grahamwalmsley.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice. My thanks to Scott Dorward for audio post-production processing.
S2 · E43
April 12 · 30 min
The Room in the Tower, by E.F. Benson
Haunted since his youth by a recurring nightmare, a man discovers to his horror that sometimes dreams are more than simply the mind's anticipation of everyday waking routine. If you're enjoying these stories, why not buy me a nice cup of tea? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories⁠⁠⁠⁠. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at ⁠⁠⁠https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ and Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠@grahamwalmsley.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice. My thanks to Scott Dorward for audio post-production processing.
S2 · E42
March 8 · 1 hr 20 min
The Call of Cthulhu, by H.P. Lovecraft
On this, the 5th anniversary of the podcast I read a special, slightly longer story than usual. In H.P. Lovecraft's archetypal tale of cosmic horror, the narrator describes how after finding a number of unusual items in his late uncle's belongings he discovers details of a series of increasingly disturbing events. Further investigation reveals evidence of an ancient horror lying deep beneath the Pacific and the terrible realisation that there are still those in the world that may be affected by its malevolent influence. Certain terms used and attitudes held by characters in this tale may not be suitable for all listeners or sensibilities. Please listen at your own discretion. If you're enjoying these stories, why not buy me a nice cup of tea? ⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories⁠⁠⁠. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at ⁠⁠https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/⁠⁠ and Bluesky ⁠⁠@grahamwalmsley.bsky.social⁠⁠If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice. My thanks to Scott Dorward for audio post-production processing.
S2 · E41
February 9 · 46 min
The Horror From the Mound, by Robert E. Howard
In this western horror, a young farmer discovers the horrifying reason why his neighbour avoids the hillock on the edge of his land, as its history is reluctantly revealed to him. Certain terms used and attitudes held by characters in this tale may not be suitable for all listeners or sensibilities. Please listen at your own discretion. If you're enjoying these stories, why not buy me a nice cup of tea? ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories⁠⁠. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at ⁠https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/⁠ and Bluesky ⁠@grahamwalmsley.bsky.social⁠If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice. My thanks to Scott Dorward for audio post-production processing.
S2 · E40
January 18 · 47 min
The Body Snatcher, by Robert Louis Stevenson
A chance encounter in a country inn reveals the history of two old men with a dark past. Whilst medical students in the city of Edinburgh many years ago the pair were involved in an illicit and grisly trade that culminated in one terrifying night where the consequences of their actions were visited upon them in a most ghastly fashion. If you would like to support the podcast with a small donation, you can do so by visiting ⁠https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories⁠. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/ and Bluesky @grahamwalmsley.bsky.socialIf you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice.
S2 · E1
January 10 · 1 min
Happy New Year!
A very Happy New Year from the podcast! With the New Year comes a new feature - you can now make a wee donation, large or small or nothing at all, by visiting https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories and clicking on the "Donate" button. Any and all contributions very gratefully received. Thanks to everyone who's either a long-time listener or has just happened upon the podcast. I really appreciate your support and hope you enjoy the stories. Onwards and upwards! Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/ and BlueSky @grahamwalmsley.bsky.social If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice.
S2 · E39
Dec 14, 2025 · 23 min
A Strange Christmas Game, by Charlotte Riddell
After he inherits a country estate from a distant relative, the narrator moves in with his sister, only to discover the sinister truth surrounding the disappearance at Christmas of one of its former occupants. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/ and Twitter @grahamwalmsley My thanks to Scott Dorward for audio post-production processing. If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice or buy me a nice cup of tea at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
S2 · E38
Nov 9, 2025 · 36 min
The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral, by M.R. James
After he happens upon an old obituary notice our narrator unravels the mysterious and unusual circumstances surrounding the death of a clergyman a century earlier. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/ and Twitter @grahamwalmsley My thanks to Scott Dorward for audio post-production processing. If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice or buy me a nice cup of tea at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .
S2 · E37
Oct 12, 2025 · 43 min
The Judge's House, by Bram Stoker
In his search for somewhere secluded for his studies, a student happens across what appears to be the perfect location. However the house he chooses has a sinister history which soon threatens his peace and quiet in the most terrifying manner. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/ and Twitter @grahamwalmsley My thanks to Scott Dorward for audio post-production processing. If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice or buy me a nice cup of tea at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .
S2 · E36
Sep 14, 2025 · 25 min
The Portent of the Shadow, by E. Nesbit
The housekeeper of a country house relates to a group of party guests the story of the unsettling supernatural events which befell a married couple of her acquaintance many years before. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/ and Twitter @grahamwalmsley My thanks to Scott Dorward for audio post-production processing. If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice or buy me a nice cup of tea at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories⁠⁠⁠⁠ .
S2 · E35
Aug 10, 2025 · 43 min
The Mask, by Robert W. Chambers
A sculptor living in Paris makes a discovery which has unexpected and terrible consequences. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/ and Twitter @grahamwalmsley My thanks to Scott Dorward for audio post-production processing. If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice or buy me a nice cup of tea at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .
S2 · E34
Jul 14, 2025 · 46 min
The Lost Room, by Fitz-James O'Brien
In 'The Lost Room' a man returns from taking the evening air to discover that the room in which he lives has undergone a mysterious transformation and its new inhabitants perhaps not as genial as they might appear. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/ and Twitter @grahamwalmsley If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice.
S2 · E33
Jun 8, 2025 · 51 min
The Upper Berth, by F. Marion Crawford
Whilst on a transatlantic voyage, a man is perplexed by strange events within the cabin he has been assigned. Soon he discovers its chilling history and finds himself confronted with the terrifying presence within it. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/ and Twitter @grahamwalmsley My thanks to Scott Dorward for audio post-production processing. If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice or buy me a nice cup of tea at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/mrspikesbedtimestories⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .
S2 · E32
May 11, 2025 · 46 min
The Door in the Wall, by H.G. Wells
A successful politician recounts how thoughout his life he has been haunted by the memory of a chance childhood encounter with another world, accessed through a mysterious and elusive green door. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/ and Twitter @grahamwalmsley If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice.
S2 · E31
Apr 18, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
The Willows, by Algernon Blackwood - Part 2
The concluding part of this story to mark the 4th anniversary of the podcast. Once again, I'd like to thank everyone who has listened in the past and hope you continue to enjoy these tales in the months to come. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/ and Twitter @grahamwalmsley If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice.
S2 · E30
Mar 9, 2025 · 56 min
The Willows, by Algernon Blackwood - Part 1
Two friends canoeing down the Danube encounter a terrifying, otherworldly presence which inhabits the islands on which they make their camp. This is a the first part of a story to mark the 4th anniversary of the podcast. I'd like to thank everyone who has listened in the past and hope you continue to enjoy these tales in the months to come. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/ and Twitter @grahamwalmsley If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice.
S2 · E29
Feb 9, 2025 · 49 min
The Shadow on the Blind, by Louisa Baldwin
When Mr Stackpoole takes on a run down old country house, little does he realise that the truth behind the tales he hears about the reasons why its previous tenants left will soon become all too apparent to him and his family. Mr Spike's Bedtime Stories theme and incidental music composed by Graham Walmsley. Graham is the creator of role playing games including 'Cthulhu Dark' and 'Cosmic Dark' and you can find him on Substack at https://grahamwalmsley.substack.com/ and Twitter @grahamwalmsley If you are enjoying these tales, why not leave a review on your listening platform of choice.

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