A Warning to the Curious

By: Montague Rhodes James

Narrated by: David Collings

This is the unabridged audio recording of M R James' excellent ghost story "A Warning to the Curious". Read by David Collings, this is sure to scare and delight in equal measure.

Public Domain (P)2010 Craftsman Unabridged Audio

Critic reviews

"David Collings reads wonderfully well." (The Observer)

Shudderful Ghastliness

Exquisite Writing and Perfect Narration.

What a joy that David Collings can so skilfully narrate the beautifully written creepy stories of Montague Rhodes James.

There is a subtlety to James' stories that is most appealing, and Collings' tone is just right.

A Warning to the Curious by Montague Rhodes James.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would recommend this audiobook to a friend. It is an interesting ghost story and read well by David Collings. In his stories, the author M.R. James, takes us to another time and place. I would like to introduce my friends to M.R. James stories. This audiobook for this story and the others are easier and more fun to first hear than to read the print, although, I do enjoy James' books.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Warning to the Curious?

There were several memorable moments in A Warning to the Curious. One was when the two gentlemen began to see in the hallway the shadow or the weak ghost that had been following Mr. Paxton. Another was when the three were walking to the mound and became aware of the "dim presences" and "restraint hostility" of something nearby them. James' descriptions are pleasing and often startling. Another moment is when the two gentlemen found Mr. Paxton lying on the beach, "after the snares of death overtook him". I love the way James' writes.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where Mr. Paxton is first explaining to the two gentlemen how he came to find the crown is my favorite because the writing allows you to go where Paxton went and share his experiences. In his audiobook reading, this scene is where David Collings is superb.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The story is overall enjoyable and David Collings is an ideal narrator.

Any additional comments?

Montague Rhodes James' stories are unique and enjoyable. He lived at a different time and was well educated. This is evident in his ghost stories.

This always horrifies me-

I am an avid fan of M.R. James; his ghost stories are incredible. This collection, each story sold separately,
is narrated by David Collings, in a manner that befits the scholarly author: stately, dignified, and evocative.
He never stoops to cheap emotion but relies on the story itself for effect. This story, a story within a story,
seems authentic and scholarly.. yet the ending is terrifying. Good luck with this if you read it at night if you're
alone and the wind is moaning in the trees...

History and Ghosts

What made the experience of listening to A Warning to the Curious the most enjoyable?

A combination of history and ghosts creates an attractive package for me and I enjoyed James's story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mr. Paxton is my favorite character and his curious nature is what makes and unravels his quest so thoroughly.

What about David Collings’s performance did you like?

David Colling's performance is measured, yet lively as he brings to life all of M.R. Jame's characters. His knowledge of the story is also clear, lending a sparkle to his performance.