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A Warning to the Curious
- Narrated by: David Suchet
- Length: 45 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Horror
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Summary
The story of Paxton, an antiquarian and archaeologist who holidays in "Seaburgh" and inadvertently stumbles across one of the lost crowns of Anglia, which legendarily protect the country from invasion.
Montague Rhodes James was a noted British mediaeval scholar and provost of King's College, Cambridge (1905–1918) and of Eton College (1918–1936). He is best remembered for his ghost stories which are widely regarded as among the finest in English literature.
One of James's most important achievements was to redefine the ghost story for the new century by dispensing with many of the formal Gothic trappings of his predecessors, and replacing them with more realistic contemporary settings.
'Montague Rhodes James has an intelligent and scientific knowledge of human nerves and feelings; and knows just how to apportion statement, imagery, and subtle suggestions in order to secure the best results with his readers.' HP Lovecraft.
Actor David Suchet is best known for his definitive portrayal of Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective created by the legendary mystery author Agatha Christie, in a number of international television productions. He narrates his story in Poirot and Me.
What listeners say about A Warning to the Curious
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Amazon Customer
- 17-01-14
Fabulous
What did you like most about A Warning to the Curious?
As I love David Suchet, I just admired his perfect diction and his dramatic presentation of the story.
Who was your favorite character and why?
I just felt sorry for the poor curious man.
Have you listened to any of David Suchet’s other performances? How does this one compare?
It is close to impossible to say that David Suchet would ever cease to be perfect in any of his performances. This was as good as all of them.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Definitely.
Any additional comments?
I have other James' books by David Suchet on my list and cannot wait to listen to them.
6 people found this helpful
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- BennySaysRelax
- 25-03-16
Narrated beautifully
Good story delivered by a magnificent actor. What a fantastic price to pay as well.
3 people found this helpful
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- Highlight
- 29-01-15
Excellent & Fantastic David Suchet ❤️
David Suchet does it again. That perfect deep voice can keep me happy for hours & hours & hours. You will enjoy this one as David transforms this excellent M.R.James story as it was meant to be put over. A good & clear interpretation taking you into the depths of Spooky spooks. I love it & you may love it - hope you do. This is Literature at its best.❤️Fantastic
3 people found this helpful
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- Paul D
- 16-01-14
Typical short ghost story
What did you like most about A Warning to the Curious?
Good length, good reading.
What was one of the most memorable moments of A Warning to the Curious?
None. This is a short traditional ghost story - a whole unit. No surprises here and perhaps predictable, it is the style and the reading that make it enjoyable.
What about David Suchet’s performance did you like?
Unobtrusive clear reading.
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Nope, no laughing, no crying, no trembling with fear,
Any additional comments?
There is nothing new, surprising or shocking in this very tradittionally told tail. Nevertheless it is well written and beautifully read making it a good listen when you have a little time to kill
3 people found this helpful
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- Kaggy
- 17-05-14
A chilling tale from The Master
As a child the highlight of my Christmas television viewing was the M R James ghost story. It is hard to imagine anything more perfect than his tales of musty old academics having chilling encounters with 'the other side'. M R James used to tell his stories at Christmas gatherings in Cambridge university. If you close your eyes and listen to David Suchet relate this chilling tale you can almost imagine being part of the Cambridge set.
This is the one with the three crowns and the track of a foot.....one that showed more bones than flesh. Brrrr....
6 people found this helpful
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- Dave
- 07-09-16
Very entertaining. Well read by David Suchet.
Story set in East Anglia where I live which peaked my interest. Good short. David Suchet has a mesmerising voice.
1 person found this helpful
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- harrier626
- 21-08-16
Chilling.
A wonderful classic beautifully read by David Suchet. Never fails to raise the hairs on the back of my neck.
1 person found this helpful
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- georgie good
- 08-05-16
a warning to the curious
Great short story. To short .look forward to hearing more stories.
Mr james is a great writer.
1 person found this helpful
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- Suzy
- 13-04-16
Simple tale
This is a run of the mill ghost story. Nicely read although please don't use an East Anglian accent if you can't get it right.
1 person found this helpful
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- Carol B
- 24-02-22
Short & Sweet
Only 45mins but pleasant enough not really scary good narration by David Suchet, the story was roughly about 3 crowns that were buried to keep the land safe from invaders 2 had been taken care of and the 3rd was about to be found.
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- Firstsnow
- 05-11-20
Outstanding story, outstanding performance!
This story is smart, concise and fast-paced. Perfect for a creepy Fall evening listen if you only have a short time to enjoy. The atmosphere is dark and ominous. The crown artifact feels evil from the beginning, no good can come of it. The treks of the three men to return the crown are tense and disturbing. One of the best M.R. James stories I've heard and the narration is excellent, a perfect match!
2 people found this helpful
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- Groominn
- 16-11-20
Entertaining
Well done. Entertaining-but lowlife have liked an ending that brought some closure. Still... for such a short story- nicely done
1 person found this helpful
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- Eric K Doepel
- 08-09-20
Wonderful! I loved it!
I didn't know this story existed and I played a PC Game called The Lost Crown.
It involves the mystery of the crown, ghost hunting, and the Agers!
If you liked this story, I suggest playing that game!
Also, David Suchet could read the phone book and I'd listen.
1 person found this helpful
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- Kindle Customer
- 03-05-22
Amazing performance
Good story too, but the performance was just superb! short story, haunting, downright chilling. will have to check out others read by suchet.
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- Phyllis Lowe
- 14-03-22
Love this Narration
I love David Suchet's acting, though it's hard to get British theater filming's where I live. He can express such a sense of gentleness and kindness that is so perfect for the tragedy of this story. It's a sad and spooky story that has James' typical understanding and affection for humanity while still being clear on its foibles. Excellent audiobook.
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- Amazon Customer
- 07-03-22
Short Spooky Story
First story I listened to (Audible editio ) by this author. Tense and spooky. Not graphic or gory. David Suchet was, of course, fantastic.
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- Barbara Ball
- 23-01-22
No story could be better
M. R. James is the best horror story writer ever and David Suchet is the best story teller with the most beautiful voice. I enjoyed this story very much. I am on to the next M. R. James story hopefully narrated by David Suchet.
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- Nicole B.
- 13-09-21
Excellent
Sir Suchet was perfection (per usual) reading the chilling work of M.R. James.
I only hope that if there are further recordings with the wonderful
pairing of David Suchet and M.R. James that they are permanently available.
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- Anonymous User
- 13-06-21
Captivating
I have been a fan of M.R. James since I first heard Casting the Runes over 20 years ago. Listening to the audiobooks brought back memories of hiding under the blankets with a flashlight read his stories.
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- AnnCat2
- 09-03-21
Spooky!
Loved it!! Enjoy! David Suchet did a fabulous job with the story and am looking for more to get chills with.