Deep space. Two jumpy chancers. And the aching, endless hunger of the void.

The Vanderlark was published in 1952, and written by prolific speculative fiction author Margaret St. Clair. It's the first 'pure' sci fi story for TTT. Rejoice!

The name may stem from the Vrykolakas, a vampire of sorts from Greek folklore. You'll see why.

Narrated by Thomas Barker

If you'd like to buy me a ko-fi, I have a page for that!
ko-fi.com/tuomasva

Queries, comments? Write to me at: [email protected]

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU9gAlZeexHnFHASayT0nGM17V4hCSzSi

Published in 1906, this lush, vivid and grim story paints a picture of the post-resurrection life of Lazarus not as a miracle to be celebrated, but an abomination to be abhorred.

The author, Leonid Andreyev, lived from 1871 to 1919, and the rich vein of Expressionism that runs through his novels, plays and short stories proved highly influential. Authors such as H. P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard, who read Andreyev in translation in the 1920's, spoke favourably of his work.

Hold on to your hats, dear listeners, 'cause this one is B  L  E  A  K.

Narrated by Thomas Barker

If you'd like to buy me a ko-fi, I have a page for that!
ko-fi.com/tuomasva

Queries, comments? Write to me at: [email protected]

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU9gAlZeexHnFHASayT0nGM17V4hCSzSi

Hello, and welcome to Tom's Terror Trove, a podcast currently disgorging The Crawling World, an original dark fantasy/sci fi, full cast audiodrama. I also narrate classics and little-known gems of horror fiction: Mid 19th - early 20th century a speciality.

New episodes every Friday, 9am NZ Time.

I’m Thomas, a voice-actor (+ an occasional writer and musician), and I’m delighted to have you join me for tonight's episode.

If you'd like to buy me a ko-fi, I have a page for that!

ko-fi.com/tuomasva

Queries, comments? Write to me at: [email protected]

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU9gAlZeexHnFHASayT0nGM17V4hCSzSi

The madness and monstrosity lay in the figures in the foreground—for Pickman’s morbid art was preëminently one of daemoniac portraiture.

In this classic short story by H. P. Lovecraft, the narrator, Thurber, describes his encounter with the reclusive painter of the story's title, and comes to a dreadful conclusion about the inspiration behind his creations.

"Pickman's Model" was written in September 1926 and first published in the October 1927 issue of Weird Tales.

Narrated by Thomas Barker

If you'd like to buy me a ko-fi, I have a page for that!
ko-fi.com/tuomasva

Queries, comments? Write to me at: [email protected]

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU9gAlZeexHnFHASayT0nGM17V4hCSzSi

Walter John de la Mare (25 April 1873 – 22 June 1956) was a prolific writer of fiction, and a crafter of finely tuned psychological horror. Lumping this particular story in with the 'gothic' subgenre is a little crude, but it shares a fair some features with The Turn of the Screw, so if you enjoyed my reading of that legendary novella, you'll likely appreciate this. Then again, I don't think Henry James had much of a sense of humour. De la Mare on the other hand...

Out of the deep features an unwanted inheritance, frequently interrupted sleep, childhood trauma, and something unpleasant 'below stairs'.

Also - I'm going to have a bit of a catch-up and discussion at the start of each episode, for those of you who'd like a little more context with their weekly spooky tales. Fear not, there are skippable chapters!

Narrated (as always!) by Thomas Barker

Queries, comments? Write to me at: [email protected]

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU9gAlZeexHnFHASayT0nGM17V4hCSzSi

Wes, Lithee and Garm contend with a monstrous interloper, as the pilgrims near the end of their journey through the mountain.

Their troubles are far from over, as they now face the vast, fetid swampland of The Grey Grease.

Part 8 of a multi-part series.

• Andrew Winson as Fork-in-the-Road
  https://andrewwinson.com/
• Thomas Barker as Athamas
  www.thomasva.com
• Jesse D. Hill as Longarm
  [email protected]
• Emily Morse-Lee as Wide-Eye
  @TheRealGChu.bsky.social
• Melissa Carrington as Split-Heel
  @melissac-va.bsky.social
• Virtue as Hears-Whispers
  X: @VirtueVestigial
• Matthew T. Patton as Villager 1
  https://whyp.it/users/36577/mtpatton
• Asha Lear as Villager 2
  https://www.castingcall.club/asha_lear

Produced and written by Thomas Barker

Queries, comments? Write to me at: [email protected]

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU9gAlZeexHnFHASayT0nGM17V4hCSzSi

In this story: RATS!

Seeking solitude in which to study mathematics for his upcoming tripos (it's a Cambridge university thing), a fresh-faced undergraduate takes lodgings at an ill-omened country house. Could this possibly end well?

No. No it could not.

Narrated by Thomas Barker

Queries, comments? Write to me at: [email protected]

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU9gAlZeexHnFHASayT0nGM17V4hCSzSi

Have you ever been out in the cold, yearning for the warmth of a crackling fire, and the company of kind humans?

Well, tonight's double-feature will satisfy that unnatural yearning, as both tales concern the subject of companionship, although each with wildly different, and terrifying results...

Narrated by Thomas Barker

Queries, comments? Write to me at: [email protected]

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU9gAlZeexHnFHASayT0nGM17V4hCSzSi

The descent continues. Through fire, into ice. The deep, dark hell of frozen shades recount their heinous acts to our narrator and his spectral guide.

The kaleidoscopic imagery and boundless, morbid imagination of Dante Alighieri is fully on display in this new translation, with each soul given their own distinct voice and characterisation by the narrator.

Abandon all hope, but enjoy the ride!

Narrated by Thomas Barker

Queries, comments? Write to me at: [email protected]

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU9gAlZeexHnFHASayT0nGM17V4hCSzSi

ABANDON ALL HOPE, YE WHO ENTER HERE.

Narrated by Thomas Barker

Queries, comments? Write to me at: [email protected]

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU9gAlZeexHnFHASayT0nGM17V4hCSzSi