The Thing in the Woods


Read by Ben Tucker

(4.5 stars; 62 reviews)

Dr. Haverill is asked to fill in as local physician for the skittish Dr. Lennox in a small Pennsylvania town. The locals seem to be a superstitious bunch, prone to fearing traveling in the woods at night and with good reason. It seems a series of vicious attacks have occurred by what appears to be some kind of large animal. As the bodies begin to pile up, Dr. Haverill starts to question whether the responsible party could be something beyond humanity.

Writer Margery Williams Bianco (writing here under the pseudonym Harper Williams) is perhaps better known for writing the children's classic "The Velveteen Rabbit", but this dark slice of mystery horror fiction was found to be admired by none other than H. P. Lovecraft. Lovecraft scholars have noted in particular a distinct influence that this book had on his famous story "The Dunwich Horror".

Also please note that this book is of its time and features racially insensitive language in the early chapters. Those who are concerned with such language should be advised. (5 hr 34 min)

Chapters

Chapter I: Lennox Says Good-Bye 14:17 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter II: The Light in the Woods 10:52 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter III: A Mysterious Call 22:37 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter IV: Dutchman's Hill 16:07 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter V: The Dead Cyclist 12:30 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter VI: A Boycotted Household 9:09 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter VII: What Happened in the Laboratory 18:21 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter VIII: I Go Fishing 21:01 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter IX: Problems 12:06 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter X: The Chicken-Huckster's House 10:04 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter XI: Jakey Walks 9:45 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter XII: Mr. Crowfoot 8:35 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter XIII: An Afternoon Drive 11:11 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter XIV: The Cry in the Night 11:19 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter XV: Suspicions 17:56 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter XVI: I Catch a Burglar 11:04 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter XVII: A Midnight Chase 11:20 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter XVIII: Lennox's Story 18:52 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter XIX: The Mill Dam 25:12 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter XX: What We Found in the Saw-Mill 22:29 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter XXI: The Thing in the Woods 23:09 Read by Ben Tucker
Chapter XXII: The Silver Bullet 16:25 Read by Ben Tucker

Reviews

Not what I Expected


(3.5 stars)

The reader is great. I like how he changes his voice with different characters. There are quite a number of people in the story, and occasionally, I had to remind myself who is who. The plot begins straight forward enough but does get more complicated as the story continues. A few things were left unexplained which I didn't like. All in all, a good enough book.

A great mystery/horror from the author of The velveteen rabbit.


(5 stars)

Besides being a great short mystery / horror story, I felt I had to read this book when I saw who the author was. Who would have thought that one of the greatest writers of children's books could create such a well done mystery/horror story. definitely worth a read. Ben does an excellent job of telling the story.

a good well written and well read horror mystery


(5 stars)

The author has a way of describing locations to place you there, I feel like I have visited the location of the tale. The tale had twists which kept up the level is suspense. The reading was very well done and enjoyable. Thank you for your narration, Bruce G

Really good!


(5 stars)

Well written, keeps you guessing most of the way through. Later after a certain clue it becomes apparent what's going on though. Excellent narrator, his female voices aren't the best but all the rest make up for it. Very well read for sure.

Great mystery


(5 stars)

Some beautiful descriptions of the land set the scene. The characters are well drawn and brought to life by the reader's excellent narration. There are a few red herrings . The tension rises towards the endgame.


(4 stars)

Interesting story, lots of twists and turns. A very good reader, but annoying sound of water trickling in the background.


(5 stars)

An engaging tale which is well read. I enjoyed it very much.


(5 stars)

More readings from Ben Tucker please