'The Soul Stealer' by Ian Gordon / Van Melsen Mythos

Van Melsen, Case #1

"The Soul Stealer" is a Cthulhu Mythos short story by Ian Gordon.

The tale tells of the exploits of an eccentric Paranormal Investigator by the name of Peter Van Melsen, who, during a visit to the old city of York, happens upon a young girl possessed by a most unusual and macabre compulsion...

0:00:00 - Introduction
0:01:16 - Preface
0:08:56 - Part 1
0:13:38 - Part 2
0:20:39 - Part 3
0:33:55 - Part 4
0:44:13 - Part 5
0:50:25 - Part 6
0:57:36 - Part 7
1:05:45 - Postface
1:08:32 - Further Listening

The first volume of Van Melsen stories (eBook):

Narrated by Ian Gordon for HorrorBabble
Feat. Jennifer Gill as "Ellen Moore"
Feat. Gary Gordon as "Norman Cane"
Music and production by Ian Gordon & Jennifer Gill

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This is an ORIGINAL HorrorBabble Production.

[dread-litchichabod]

i'm severely dyslexic but really literature, i can listen to 20 novels in the time it would take me to read one, i'm very thankful that this channel exists and you are very talented

[rhoddryice]

A garden chair, morning coffee in sun, wind in the trees and van Melsen. Thank you

[jamestrottman]

The way IAN tells it you are actually there BRAVO IAN😊

[DrPatar]

I always find myself coming back to the Van Melson series. They’re so charming and wonderfully packed with mythos goodness. Thank you for your hard work

[liontribe]

The seven dislikes are from those whom lost their souls to The Hidden One.

[libertycowboy]

When I visualize Van Melsen, I see Peter Cushing. Would have made a fine Hammer film. Thank you.

[Ylluria]

I absolutely LOVE these Paranormal Detective stories. 💕💕 They're like the Dresden Files, but without him being a full-on wizard. :) They're so well-written and they're such fun! I'd love to dive into the full catalogue, so thank you so much for sharing the playlist for these! 💙

[philippel.]

The Soul Stealer: “Give... Ian a good round of applause for his superb addition to the Cthulhu Mythos.”

Me: “Yes my lord 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻”

[fartzerelli]

The Soul Stealer, sounds a lot like my last employer.

[Oraphel]

As a librarian, I always enjoy a good story about an ancient tome, especially as I am adding bibliographic records to our library's catalog. Gives me hope that someday I may come across Unaussprechlichen Kulten, or perhaps the Book of Eibon. Who knows? Maybe even Nun. Thank you for the excellent story Ian.

[markportwood]

When a Hammer Horror-esque investigator and a rust bucket Ford Cortina, is woven within a modern Lovecraftian tale, I know I’m in the right place. Wonderful stuff, thank you Ian.

[billl]

The content, the cadence, the prose...This is where you belong Ian, hands down. Had to listen to it twice lol.

Of course now that you’ve posted this, you’ve committed your audience to expecting more from you 😱. Wonderful work.

Keep it up, and you may be one of those authors who keeps Lovecraft’s universe alive, without making it a parody of itself. Looking forward to your next addition!

[colemarie]

I'm SO excited to hear a mythos story I haven't heard, plus it's over an hour long, AND it's yours!!
I feel like a kid on Christmas right now.

[scoutrifle]

Really excellent story, Ian; you're far more than just an exceptional performer, it seems!

[jesst]

Superb story and telling. In my youth I was. U.S. Marine and the highest score you could receive was "noteworthy" which for a Marine is almost unheard of. This little story passes with a "noteworthy". Good work.

Reminds me of the Kolchak mysteries of the 1970s.

[czcrossman]

“Drink tea and talk death”

IAN you’re so good bro 😧 I love your narration of course but your stories are starting to be some of my favorites!! Thanks for everything 😁👏

[nannybibb-fee]

I LIKE this ending!
Well done my talented friend!
My enjoyment is palpable. Sitting on my bed with my cat on my lap ( as he allows me to grab him when frightened) and a large glass of wine, I listen...holding my breath.

[sub-jec-tiv]

Revisiting Van Melsen again. Hope Arkham House will discover your wonderful tales if they start publishing new collections. Thanks again for your fantastic yarns, Ian.

[KevinSmith-uzxs]

Thoroughly enjoyed this! Listening to these stories as I do my daily work helps me get through the day! Great story- wonderful presentation! Thank you for bringing these to us! Enjoy your day!

[inflatablelovebadger]

Absolutely wonderful, hopefully there's more to this series, off to look now