The Thing on the Doorstep and other Stories

William Roberts gives a smart, enthusiastic reading of these six timeless tales of terror written by the great grandfather of the creepy and macabre. These stories cover a wide range of the strange and supernatural, from outer space invasions and dark ancient rites to lost civilizations and cannibalism. Roberts fully embraces Lovecraft’s grandiose prose in a performance reminiscent of the old time radio shows of the 1930s. Roberts is most effective with first person narrations, such as with the title story and “The Rats in the Wall”—which will send shivers down the listener’s spine. While Roberts’s slightly over-the-top delivery could come across to some as campy, it ultimately suits the material. Like any good storyteller, Roberts manages to infuse each story with a slow building sense of dread, holding the listener’s attention until the final hair-raising reveal. A perfect listen (preferably with the lights off) for Halloween. (Sept.)