Two small-time criminals hatch what seems like the perfect money-making scheme: kidnap a wealthy man’s son and wait for the ransom.

But in this hilarious short story by O. Henry, the kidnappers quickly discover their young captive has plans of his own. Packed with mischief, escalating disaster, and one of the most famous comic reversals in American fiction, this tale proves that sometimes the victim is the one in control.

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All stories in this podcast are public domain works, read by the Jason Hovde. No copyrighted material is used.

A celebrated war hero. A broken sword. A story everyone believes.

In this classic Father Brown mystery by G. K. Chesterton, appearances, patriotism, and public memory are placed under the priest-detective’s quiet, penetrating gaze. What begins as a tale of national pride slowly becomes an unsettling search for truth—and Father Brown alone suspects that the legend may hide something far darker.

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All stories in this podcast are public domain works, read by the Jason Hovde. No copyrighted material is used.

The Cop and the Anthem is one of O. Henry’s most well-known short stories, blending humor, irony, and quiet social commentary into a deceptively simple tale. With his trademark wit and surprise, O. Henry explores human intention, circumstance, and the unpredictability of life.

In this episode of Chamber of Classics, enjoy a complete reading of this classic short story, presented without commentary so listeners can fully experience the language, pacing, and ironic turns as the author intended.

Perfect for fans of classic literature, short stories, and timeless storytelling.

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All stories in this podcast are public domain works, read by the Jason Hovde. No copyrighted material is used.

The Eye of Apollo is a Father Brown mystery by G. K. Chesterton, blending keen observation, moral insight, and subtle wit. Known for his unconventional reasoning, Father Brown approaches crime not through spectacle, but through a deep understanding of human nature.

In this Mystery Monday episode of Chamber of Classics, enjoy a complete reading of this classic detective story, presented without commentary so listeners can experience the tension, atmosphere, and revelation as Chesterton intended.

Ideal for fans of classic mysteries, golden-age detective fiction, and thoughtful storytelling.

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All stories in this podcast are public domain works, read by the Jason Hovde. No copyrighted material is used.

The Remarkable Rocket is one of Oscar Wilde’s most biting and humorous fairy tales—a sharp satire disguised as a children’s story. Through the absurd self-importance of a single firework, Wilde exposes vanity, entitlement, and the danger of confusing self-admiration with true greatness.

In this episode of Chamber of Classics, enjoy a complete reading of Wilde’s clever and ironic tale, presented without commentary so the language, wit, and moral resonance can shine on their own.

Perfect for lovers of classic literature, short stories, and timeless satire.

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All stories in this podcast are public domain works, read by the Jason Hovde. No copyrighted material is used.

A man is found dead beneath a church tower, and the verdict seems obvious: an accident, an act of God, or perhaps divine judgment itself. But Father Brown sees what others miss.

In The Hammer of God, G.K. Chesterton delivers a chilling mystery that dismantles human pride and challenges our assumptions about justice, holiness, and guilt. With quiet insight and piercing logic, Father Brown proves once again that the greatest dangers are not supernatural—but moral.

Perfect for Mystery Monday, this classic detective story blends theological depth with a razor-sharp mystery that lingers long after the final word.

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All stories in this podcast are public domain works, read by the Jason Hovde. No copyrighted material is used.

In “The Devoted Friend,” Oscar Wilde offers a moral fable that is as charming as it is unsettling. Through the story of a generous little man and his eloquent, self-satisfied friend, Wilde exposes how fine words can mask cruelty—and how kindness, when taken advantage of, can become a burden rather than a blessing.

Written with wit, irony, and deceptively light prose, this story invites readers to examine the nature of true friendship, the difference between generosity and manipulation, and the cost of unbalanced relationships. A short tale with lasting resonance, The Devoted Friend remains as relevant today as when it was first published.

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All stories in this podcast are public domain works, read by the Jason Hovde. No copyrighted material is used.

In The Invisible Man, G. K. Chesterton delivers a masterful short mystery built on paradox and perception. When a man commits a crime in full view of the public, authorities are baffled—not because he vanished, but because he blended in too well.

With his trademark wit and philosophical depth, Chesterton explores how familiarity can become a kind of blindness. The story unfolds as both a clever puzzle and a meditation on modern life, where roles, uniforms, and expectations often make people effectively invisible.

Sharp, concise, and deeply satisfying, this classic reminds us that truth is often hidden not by darkness—but by daylight.

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All stories in this podcast are public domain works, read by the Jason Hovde. No copyrighted material is used.

In The Nightingale and the Rose, Oscar Wilde offers a haunting fairy tale about love, devotion, and the painful distance between idealism and reality. When a young student believes love can be proven with a single red rose, a nightingale overhears—and commits the ultimate act of sacrifice to make it possible.

But Wilde, ever the sharp observer of the human heart, does not give us a comforting moral. Instead, he asks uncomfortable questions: What is love worth? Who understands its cost? And what happens when selfless devotion meets careless indifference?

Both beautiful and devastating, this short story lingers long after the final line—an elegant reminder that not all sacrifices are recognized, and not all hearts know how to cherish them.

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All stories in this podcast are public domain works, read by the Jason Hovde. No copyrighted material is used.

In The Secret Garden, G. K. Chesterton once again showcases Father Brown’s unique approach to detection. Rather than relying on spectacle or deduction alone, Father Brown uncovers the truth by understanding human nature, moral weakness, and the ways people deceive themselves.

Subtle, philosophical, and deeply satisfying, this classic Father Brown mystery explores illusion, pride, and the quiet clarity of humility—offering a thoughtful alternative to the flashier detectives of the genre.

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Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/jasonreadsclassics

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All stories in this podcast are public domain works, read by the Jason Hovde. No copyrighted material is used.