When Hilton Cubitt married Elsie Patrick, she made him promise never to ask about her past. But when strange drawings of dancing stick men begin to appear around their house, filling Elsie with horror, Hilton is determined to enlist Sherlock Holmes to get to the bottom of the mystery. The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Music used is all by Kevin MacLeod ( https://incompetech.filmmusic.io...
Jul 24, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 84
A client visits Holmes and Watson with a frankly bizarre tale which sounds like an elaborate hoax, but Holmes nevertheless sets off on the path to uncovering the mystery. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Music used is by Kevin MacLeod ( https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/) : "Mystery Bazaar" "Sneaky Snitch" "Reign Supreme" "Division" Also used is "Violin Partita no. 2, BWV 1004 - 3. ...
Jul 17, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 83
When we last heard of Sherlock Holmes, all evidence pointed to his apparent demise along with Professor Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls. Meanwhile Dr Watson continues to live in London, sorely missing his dear friend but retaining a strong interest in crime - and he is about to discover that his account of “The Final Problem” was not quite as final as he had thought… The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by St...
Jul 10, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 82
Happy Alice's Day! On the 4th July 1862, Charles Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) set off an a boat trip that would change the landscape of children's literature... For this Willow Branches episode, I was privileged to speak to Franziska Kohlt and Charlie Lovett, two Lewis Carroll experts and scholars, about his life and works. You can find their websites here: https://franziskakohlt.com/ https://charlielovett.com / Judith, also mentioned in the episode, can be found on Instagram @carrollian_memes. Y...
Jul 03, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 81
A Victorian scientist claims to have constructed a machine enabling him to travel into the future or the past. He then recounts for his dinner guests the impossible tale of his adventure to the year 802,701 AD, and of the creatures he encountered there, who, he theorises, must be the descendants of humankind. The Time Machine by H G Wells is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Original music by Stephen Alexander. To stay updated with Willow Audio...
Jun 26, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 80
A Victorian scientist claims to have constructed a machine enabling him to travel into the future or the past. He then recounts for his dinner guests the impossible tale of his adventure to the year 802,701 AD, and of the creatures he encountered there, who, he theorises, must be the descendants of humankind. The Time Machine by H G Wells is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Original music by Stephen Alexander. To stay updated with Willow Audio...
Jun 19, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 79
A Victorian scientist claims to have constructed a machine enabling him to travel into the future or the past. He then recounts for his dinner guests the impossible tale of his adventure to the year 802,701 AD, and of the creatures he encountered there, who, he theorises, must be the descendants of humankind. The Time Machine by H G Wells is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Original music by Stephen Alexander. To stay updated with Willow Audio...
Jun 12, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 78
Everyone is restored to their proper forms, to the Nome King's fury, but will leaving the underground dominion be as simple as they had hoped? Ozma of Oz by L Frank Baum is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Cover illustration by Benjamin Callery. Original music by Stephen Alexander. Main intro theme vocal performed by Rachel Adcock. To stay updated with Willow Audiobooks, you can follow us on social media. Just search for Willow Audiobooks on I...
Jun 05, 2021•47 min•Ep. 77
The rescue party gradually dwindles, as one-by-one they are turned into ornaments for the Nome King's palace. With no clues to guide them in their guesses, it really does seem as though all is lost... Ozma of Oz by L Frank Baum is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Cover illustration by Benjamin Callery. Original music by Stephen Alexander. Main intro theme vocal performed by Rachel Adcock. To stay updated with Willow Audiobooks, you can follow ...
May 29, 2021•45 min•Ep. 76
⏳COMING SOON⌛️THE TIME MACHINEBy H G WellsHave you ever wondered what it’s like to be a wanderer in the fourth dimension? I’ll be bringing H G Wells’ groundbreaking science fiction novella to your ears very soon!
May 28, 2021•1 min•Ep. 75
Learning of the imprisonment of the Royal Family of Ev, Dorothy and her friends join the rescue party and travel underground to the dominions of the Nome King, where they hope to reason with him and negotiate the release of the prisoners. But will it be that easy? Ozma of Oz by L Frank Baum is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Cover illustration by Benjamin Callery. Original music by Stephen Alexander. Main intro theme vocal performed by Rachel...
May 22, 2021•57 min•Ep. 74
Dorothy, Billina and Tik-Tok pay a visit to the mysterious Princess Langwidere, but are soon held captive unless Dorothy agrees to pay a terrible price. Help may be on the way, however, in the form of some familiar friends... Ozma of Oz by L Frank Baum is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Cover illustration by Benjamin Callery. Original music by Stephen Alexander. Main intro theme vocal performed by Rachel Adcock.To stay updated with Willow Aud...
May 15, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 73
(Audiobook begins at 01:20!) Welcome back to another audiobook - the third in the Oz series by L Frank Baum. In Part 1, we catch up with Dorothy and her Uncle Henry who are aboard a ship en route to Australia to visit some relatives. Dorothy soon finds herself blown overboard by a violent storm, and once again finds herself in a magical fairytale land where animals can talk, lunchboxes grow on trees and clockwork men can think!Ozma of Oz by L Frank Baum is in the public domain worldwide. This i...
May 10, 2021•54 min•Ep. 72
Caught in a violent storm at sea, Dorothy Gale once again finds herself swept off to a fairytale land. She makes new friends, including Billina the talking hen, and Tik-Tok the machine man; she is reunited with old ones, like the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion; and she is invited to team up with Princess Ozma, ruler of the Land of Oz, on a dangerous but important rescue mission. OZMA OF OZ By L Frank Baum Coming very soon from Willow Audiobooks!
Apr 24, 2021•1 min•Ep. 71
Originally intended by Doyle to be the final story featuring Sherlock Holmes, this is the epic showdown between the Great Detective and his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander.Music used is all by Kevin MacLeod ( https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/):"Mystery Bazaar""Sneaky Snitch""Dark Times""Black Vortex""Gathering Darkness""Relent""Showdown"To stay update...
Apr 17, 2021•51 min•Ep. 70
"To Sherlock Holmes, she is always *the* woman."The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander.Music used is all by Kevin MacLeod ( https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/):"Mystery Bazaar""Sneaky Snitch""Division""Dark Times"To stay updated with Willow Audiobooks, you can follow us on social media. Just search for Willow Audiobooks on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or you can visit our webpage at ww...
Apr 10, 2021•58 min•Ep. 69
One of the most popular Sherlock Holmes stories, and a personal favourite of mine!The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander.Music used is all by Kevin MacLeod ( https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/):"Mystery Bazaar""Sneaky Snitc h""Division""Reign Supreme""Virtutes Instrumenti""Gathering Darkness""Dark Times"To stay updated with Willow Audiobooks, you can follow us on social media. Just search ...
Apr 03, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 68
In this Willow Branches episode, I had the honour to speak with Keri Wilt, who is the great-great-granddaughter of Frances Hogdson Burnett. Burnett's book, The Secret Garden, is one of my most popular audiobooks that I've released, and it's easy to see why - it's a truly beautiful story. Keri told me some fascinating anecdotes about Burnett's life, as well as what inspired her. We also discuss the themes of The Secret Garden and why it's a book that means so much to each of us. Thanks to Keri fo...
Mar 28, 2021•43 min•Ep. 67
Please note: I have made the decision not to include Chapter 10 ("Scalps") in this audiobook, due to what I consider a racially insensitive storyline and portrayal of Native American indigenous people. You are welcome to read the text of the chapter here ( https://www.gutenberg.org/files/17314/17314-h/17314-h.htm#Page_261) if you are curious, but I felt it would not be appropriate to include. This is therefore the final part of this story, and the children find themselves in possibly more troubl...
Mar 21, 2021•28 min•Ep. 66
The children's baby brother, the Lamb, is a sweet little thing most of the time - but he can also be a nuisance. When Cyril wishes that the Lamb would grow up, they find that a grown-up brother can be even more of a nuisance! Five Children & It by E. Nesbit is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Cover illustration by Benjamin Callery. Original music by Stephen Alexander. To stay updated with Willow Audiobooks, you can follow us on social medi...
Mar 14, 2021•27 min•Ep. 65
In this episode, another truly enormous wish backfires, but will the children be able to turn it to their advantage? Five Children & It by E. Nesbit is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Cover illustration by Benjamin Callery. Original music by Stephen Alexander. To stay updated with Willow Audiobooks, you can follow us on social media. Just search for Willow Audiobooks on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or you can visit our webpage at www....
Mar 07, 2021•37 min•Ep. 64
In possibly their most dangerous wish yet, the children find that their house has been transformed into a medieval castle, and it's under attack from a besieging army! Five Children & It by E. Nesbit is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Cover illustration by Benjamin Callery. Original music by Stephen Alexander. To stay updated with Willow Audiobooks, you can follow us on social media. Just search for Willow Audiobooks on Instagram, Faceboo...
Feb 28, 2021•49 min•Ep. 63
Who hasn't, at some point, wished they could fly? This week Anthea wishes that the children all had wings, which does seem like a truly wonderful wish - you just have to be careful where you land! Five Children & It by E. Nesbit is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Cover illustration by Benjamin Callery. Original music by Stephen Alexander. To stay updated with Willow Audiobooks, you can follow us on social media. Just search for Willow Aud...
Feb 21, 2021•57 min•Ep. 62
Content warning: Be advised that this chapter uses the term "gypsy" (which is considered by some to be a slur) as well as certain outdated stereotypes. This week the children learn that they must watch what they say around the Psammead, as a careless "I wish..." can cause no end of trouble! Five Children & It by E. Nesbit is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Cover illustration by Benjamin Callery. Original music by Stephen Alexander. To sta...
Feb 14, 2021•43 min•Ep. 61
This week the children wish to be rich beyond their wildest dreams, and the Psammead delivers. But is there a catch? There's always a catch, right? Five Children & It by E. Nesbit is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Cover illustration by Benjamin Callery. Original music by Stephen Alexander. To stay updated with Willow Audiobooks, you can follow us on social media. Just search for Willow Audiobooks on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or yo...
Feb 07, 2021•37 min•Ep. 60
(Chapter begins at 01:00!)Welcome back to another audiobook - this time a magical tale of wishes gone wrong by classic children's author, E. Nesbit.In Part 1, we meet the five children (Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane and "the Lamb"), as well as the tricky Psammead - a mysterious sand-dwelling creature with the ability to grant wishes!Five Children & It by E. Nesbit is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Cover illustration by Benjamin Callery. Or...
Jan 31, 2021•42 min•Ep. 59
Another Willow Branches discussion, this time with the wonderful Tara & EmKay of Down the Yellow Brick Pod! We talk all about Oz, why it's so enduring, our personal connections to it, and its various interpretations and adaptations. I was so delighted to be able to talk to them both and I hope you enjoy our conversation. You can find Down the Yellow Brick Pod wherever you listen to podcasts, as well as on Instagram and Patreon @DownTheYellowBrickPod!
Jan 24, 2021•46 min•Ep. 58
Coming soon from Willow Audiobooks: Five Children & It, by E Nesbit!
Jan 10, 2021•1 min•Ep. 57
Selfish, greedy Ebenezer Scrooge despises Christmas and treats those around him with contempt. But a visit from the ghost of his deceased partner Marley forewarns him of three further supernatural encounters, which may be his only chance to turn his life around and save his soul... A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Cover illustration by Benjamin Callery. Original music by Stephen Alexander. To stay update...
Dec 24, 2020•55 min•Ep. 56
Selfish, greedy Ebenezer Scrooge despises Christmas and treats those around him with contempt. But a visit from the ghost of his deceased partner Marley forewarns him of three further supernatural encounters, which may be his only chance to turn his life around and save his soul... A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is in the public domain worldwide. This is a Willow Audiobook read by Stephen Alexander. Cover illustration by Benjamin Callery. Original music by Stephen Alexander. To stay update...
Dec 20, 2020•58 min•Ep. 55
