The Ash Tree cover art

The Ash Tree

 Preview

The Ash Tree

By: M. R. James
Narrated by: David Suchet
Listen for free

About this listen

The tale of a man who unwittingly angers a sorcerer, who is assumed by some Monty scholars to be based on the self-styled 'Great Beast,' occultist Aleister Crowley.

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.

©1904 M. R. James (P)2013 Audible Ltd Anthologies Anthologies & Short Stories Horror Scary Fantasy Paranormal Haunted Ghost Short Stories

Listeners also enjoyed...

 A Neighbour's Landmark cover art
M. R. James: 'A Warning to the Curious' and 'Casting the Runes' cover art
The Tractate Middoth cover art
M. R. James cover art
More Ghost Stories cover art
M.R. James: The Complete Ghost Stories Collection cover art
Ghost Stories of an Antiquary cover art
Ghost Stories with Christopher Lee cover art
The M. R. James BBC Radio Collection cover art
A Selection of Victorian and Edwardian Ghost Stories cover art
Ghost Stories, Volume One cover art
The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual cover art
The Tale of Halcyon Crane cover art
Man-Size in Marble cover art
Holy Terrors cover art
Sherlock Holmes cover art
All stars
Most relevant

If you could sum up The Ash Tree in three words, what would they be?

Cold - Deliberate - Entertaining

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Ash Tree?

Its not a long enough "book" to have a stand out moment. But each step willkeep you entertained.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

.....above.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No. But i found that M.R James stories are very atmospheric and mature in their descriptions and this creates a very eerie image.

Any additional comments?

Its a shame that the M.R Jame stories aren't part of an omnibus.

Unique

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Very pleased and interesting story , read very well by the reader. Regards Helen Warden

The Ash Treev

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
A short but enjoyable listen. Not terrifying but supernatural, with elements of the gothic tradition to make it darker and with a clear moral lesson so favoured by writers of the period.
David Suchet is excellent and has such a gentle voice.

Classic mystery

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Exceptional quality of narration by David Suchet, as is to be expected. The story is interesting and holds the attention. Worth a listen

Entertaining

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Poor Mrs Mothersole.

Yet another unfortunate victim of a witch hunt........

But then again, perhaps not so innocent?

Here Hare Here

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews