Sinister Minutes

Algernon Blackwood is considered one of the most prolific ghost story writers in the history of the genre—he apparently wrote so many stories at the 11th hour for newspaper publication that no one has been able to put an accurate count on the total. No shortage of weird fiction authors consider him an influence, including Lovecraft, but unlike the latter we don't have to squint quite so hard to look past the bigotry when we read his work. Today we bring you "Ancient Lights," a delightful tale of land surveying gone awry. . Later, Tim's been following up on his plans to start a dating service for the deceased, and so he'll be sharing a piece especially attuned to just that...something he calls Lonely Ghost II. Do visit Tim for more excellent musical interludes on Spotify and youTube under T. Virgil Parker.Image by Betidraws from Pixabay

Many tales in this episode were inspired by the wildly imaginative Nicole L Soper Gorden, who provides her inspiration to the universe each Wednesday via her Instagram, Bluesky, and Facebook feeds. By all means, grab a copy of her dark eco-fantasy novella, The Earth, Our Body. She assures us that it's filled with "angry women burn down the patriarchy with nature magic" vibes, plus sapphic kissing. What's not to like?Soundscapes, musical composition and macabre moods by Tim ParkerWords, narration, and general creepiness by Kurt HohmannImage by Thomas from Pixabay

"Vengeance" brings on a host of creepy critters, and not all of them are insects.Then Tim makes us pay attention to "Whispers in Darkness"Guest author Swarnadip Chatterjee is a freelance author, poet and Hindustani classical music vocalist. His works have been published in Voices, The Statesman, Stellium Literary Magazine (a US-based magazine focusing on LGBTQ issues), and the Bengali literary journal Krittibas (formerly edited by Sunil Gangopadhyay). He currently resides in Kolkata, India.Image by Nick_the_Photographer from Pixabay

The Flowering of the Strange Orchid, a story of obsession and hubris, one that's relatable a hundred thirty-odd years later with every tale of billionaire buffoons and their strange predilections. . Once you've breathed in the aroma of that delightful bloom, let Tim liven the mood with a little Phantom Parade.Image by Leopictures from Pixabay

Feeding Azrael, comes to us from Jonathan Phillips. He's a landscape gardener based in London whose short fiction explores the strange edges of ordinary life. He is currently completing his debut collection, which includes today's tale. If you enjoy this story, keep an eye out for the collection. More strange things are coming.Then, Tim's pulling out the harmonic drill grabbing the longest bit he's got; it's how he'll implant you with "Brain Probe." Trust us, you'll never be the same. Want a longer listen of his music? Find him on youTube under T. Virgil Parker.Image by Lenka Novotná from Pixabay

A weird tale from a weird era written by a weird guy - H.P. Lovecraft.Then more ghoulish graveyard mood with a trip to the crypt, a haunting Tim Parker piece called Dark Corners.Image by Bernd from PixabayBe sure to check out Sepulcher of Nightmares, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdT2cq2mPk4