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The Dark Worlds of H.P. Lovecraft #4
The Dark Worlds of H.P. Lovecraft, Vol 4
Rats in the Walls After its complete restoration, the narrator of this tale moves into his ancestral family home. Soon afterward, however, he begins to hear noises in the walls. Suspecting rats, he sets out traps but finds these vermin are not the kind so easily dispatched. One of the all-time creepiest of Lovecraft’s tales.
The Shunned House In the city of Providence stands an antique home of which everyone whispers. Never called “haunted” exactly, it is known as a place “unlucky,” one in which people have supposedly died in alarmingly great numbers. This is what Lovecraft’s narrator tells us, just before he and his uncle begin a series of investigations into the old place, a place with a terrible odor, one that is stronger in the basement than any place else--
The Music of Erich Zann In the city of Lights, an impoverished student hears incredible music coming from peaked garret overhead. He knows little of the violin, but is certain from the fantastic pieces he hears night after night that he is in the presence of a highly original genius. But, it isn’t long before he finds himself wondering, why does Zann only play at night? And why every night?
The Shunned House In the city of Providence stands an antique home of which everyone whispers. Never called “haunted” exactly, it is known as a place “unlucky,” one in which people have supposedly died in alarmingly great numbers. This is what Lovecraft’s narrator tells us, just before he and his uncle begin a series of investigations into the old place, a place with a terrible odor, one that is stronger in the basement than any place else--
The Music of Erich Zann In the city of Lights, an impoverished student hears incredible music coming from peaked garret overhead. He knows little of the violin, but is certain from the fantastic pieces he hears night after night that he is in the presence of a highly original genius. But, it isn’t long before he finds himself wondering, why does Zann only play at night? And why every night?
3 pages, Audio CD
First published March 1, 2006
2 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
H.P. Lovecraft
6,039 books19.2k followersHoward Phillips Lovecraft, of Providence, Rhode Island, was an American author of horror, fantasy and science fiction.
Lovecraft's major inspiration and invention was cosmic horror: life is incomprehensible to human minds and the universe is fundamentally alien. Those who genuinely reason, like his protagonists, gamble with sanity. Lovecraft has developed a cult following for his Cthulhu Mythos, a series of loosely interconnected fictions featuring a pantheon of human-nullifying entities, as well as the Necronomicon, a fictional grimoire of magical rites and forbidden lore. His works were deeply pessimistic and cynical, challenging the values of the Enlightenment, Romanticism and Christianity. Lovecraft's protagonists usually achieve the mirror-opposite of traditional gnosis and mysticism by momentarily glimpsing the horror of ultimate reality.
Although Lovecraft's readership was limited during his life, his reputation has grown over the decades. He is now commonly regarded as one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th Century, exerting widespread and indirect influence, and frequently compared to Edgar Allan Poe.
See also Howard Phillips Lovecraft.
— Wikipedia
Lovecraft's major inspiration and invention was cosmic horror: life is incomprehensible to human minds and the universe is fundamentally alien. Those who genuinely reason, like his protagonists, gamble with sanity. Lovecraft has developed a cult following for his Cthulhu Mythos, a series of loosely interconnected fictions featuring a pantheon of human-nullifying entities, as well as the Necronomicon, a fictional grimoire of magical rites and forbidden lore. His works were deeply pessimistic and cynical, challenging the values of the Enlightenment, Romanticism and Christianity. Lovecraft's protagonists usually achieve the mirror-opposite of traditional gnosis and mysticism by momentarily glimpsing the horror of ultimate reality.
Although Lovecraft's readership was limited during his life, his reputation has grown over the decades. He is now commonly regarded as one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th Century, exerting widespread and indirect influence, and frequently compared to Edgar Allan Poe.
See also Howard Phillips Lovecraft.
— Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 18, 2019
Creepy Horror Favorites
Another great trio of stories from H.P Lovecraft. I thoroughly enjoyed Wayne June's narration of the stories. He has an amazingly deep voice and it fits with the Lovecraft's dark stories. But at the same time, I missed William Roberts, whose voice I first associated with Lovecraft, and wish he could have done more narrations for Lovecraft's work.
Another great trio of stories from H.P Lovecraft. I thoroughly enjoyed Wayne June's narration of the stories. He has an amazingly deep voice and it fits with the Lovecraft's dark stories. But at the same time, I missed William Roberts, whose voice I first associated with Lovecraft, and wish he could have done more narrations for Lovecraft's work.
December 19, 2022
The Rats in the Walls: Definitely a creepy one and this edition changed the cats name, so that's good. (The less said about that the better.) I'm not quite as into this one as much as other Lovecraft readers seem to be but to each their own.
The Shunned House: This is a great haunted house story that really comes to a satisfying conclusion. Just what is in the basement of the Shunned House? It's Lovecraft, so you better believe something super freaky!
The Music of Eric Zann: I've always liked this story. It's very Lovecraft meets the Devil went down to Georgia. Short and sweet.
The Shunned House: This is a great haunted house story that really comes to a satisfying conclusion. Just what is in the basement of the Shunned House? It's Lovecraft, so you better believe something super freaky!
The Music of Eric Zann: I've always liked this story. It's very Lovecraft meets the Devil went down to Georgia. Short and sweet.
February 27, 2020
Once again, it's certainly nice to read the classics, but it's important to acknowledge the differing attitudes and ideas.
By all accounts, Lovecraft was super racist in a super racist time, not exactly a good combination for reading a book nearly 100 years after it was written. Luckily, there were a few revisions made to lessen the blatant racism. Notably, the cat has had it's name changed from a racial slur to "Mr. black man", which helped a lot.
By all accounts, Lovecraft was super racist in a super racist time, not exactly a good combination for reading a book nearly 100 years after it was written. Luckily, there were a few revisions made to lessen the blatant racism. Notably, the cat has had it's name changed from a racial slur to "Mr. black man", which helped a lot.
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November 19, 2023I don’t feel comfortable rating Lovecraft stories because the racism and xenophobia of the author shows on his work. But do I like his kind of atmospheric, out of this world Horror? Yes. The man could write bleak, gloomy atmosphere with touches of madness. However, I cannot recommend his stories without making it clear that at some points in his text you do see his racist and Xenophobic inclinations. There is no denying it. So BIG Trigger Warnings for those, though in recent editions of his works I can see the effort from editors to “clean” the offensive language.
June 18, 2024
I think of the three in this volume, the music of Eric Zahn was my favorite, it was a little bit out of the norm of H.P Lovecraft's standard stories.
The shunned house was also fun to listen to, and I enjoyed the slow descent into madness of the Rats in the Walls, it reminded me a little bit of Chuck Palahniuk's style of writing.
The shunned house was also fun to listen to, and I enjoyed the slow descent into madness of the Rats in the Walls, it reminded me a little bit of Chuck Palahniuk's style of writing.
July 17, 2012
It seems like I have a hard time giving any Lovecraft story, or collection of stories, a rating less than 4 out of 5 stars. Of the three stories in this collection, The Shunned House is undoubtedly my favorite. But I enjoyed the other two well enough. It seems as though even Lovecraft's lesser stories are still a joy to read (or rather, in my case, listen to). I just can't get enough of Lovecraft, and I absolutely love Wayne June's narration. I wish that he had done readings for all of Lovecraft's stories.
August 24, 2017
Well, if you hadn't noticed by now, I'm a big fan of H.P. Lovecraft, and especially this production featuring narrator Wayne June. See my reviews of other volumes of this series for more detailed thoughts on Lovecraft and the series in general, but here I'll just give a quick note on each of the stories in this volume.
"The Rats in the Walls"
Following the death of his son, a wealthy widower purchases and rebuilds his family's ancestral home, only to discover that some secrets are best left buried. This is my wife's favorite, as well as being one of Lovecraft's best-known and most imitated works, but that doesn't necessarily work in its favor. Certain aspects that were new and shocking at the time this story was published have since become standard fare. You'll also see a lot of his common themes repeated here, and while it still works quite well as a standalone spooky story, it doesn't do much to distinguish itself from other stories in the mythos. So, while it's a fantastic story, atmospheric, unnerving, and expertly written, this is one that will be enjoyed more by people unfamiliar with Lovecraft. There is one thing that he does better in this story than any other I've read, and that's the unanswered questions. Too many unanswered questions and the reader is left dissatisfied, too few and the story loses impact. Not only did Lovecraft strike a perfect balance, he also left some answers just out of reach, like details from a dream that slip your memory before you can get a grasp of them.
"The Shunned House"
A Providence doctor and his nephew team up to investigate a local house plagued with premature deaths. Its victims have little in common, ranging from infants to healthy adults to elderly cripples, but regardless of their previous history, any who live in the house soon succumb to perfectly explainable but suspiciously consistent natural causes or illness. I hadn't even heard of this one before it came up in this audiobook, but it got under my skin early and had me squirming in my seat until it finally ended. Maybe it had to do with my own brushes with illness in the past, or the paranoia of a new parent, or just the human fear of invisible, inevitable disease, but this one chilled me to the bone. There are certain inconsistencies in the story, and a few things that didn't quite fit, but overall, this was extremely well done, deeply affecting, and ended on a strangely happy note for such a dire story.
"The Music of Eric Zahn"
A student in Paris hears strange music coming from the flat above his where Eric Zahn, the mute violist, plays away his evenings in silent fear. This is one that I see referenced a lot, and I think it has a lot to do with how short it is. This is one that you can read in just a few minutes, making it ideal for English classes, recitals, campouts, whatever. And it's not a bad story. It's actually got a couple of really great ideas and some solid scares; it's just that there isn't that much meat to it. There just isn't time; however, this is the perfect example of a great set up with a slam dunk execution. Quick, interesting, and ooky spooky, this is a great one to pick up for your next slumber party or marshmallow roast.
"The Rats in the Walls"
Following the death of his son, a wealthy widower purchases and rebuilds his family's ancestral home, only to discover that some secrets are best left buried. This is my wife's favorite, as well as being one of Lovecraft's best-known and most imitated works, but that doesn't necessarily work in its favor. Certain aspects that were new and shocking at the time this story was published have since become standard fare. You'll also see a lot of his common themes repeated here, and while it still works quite well as a standalone spooky story, it doesn't do much to distinguish itself from other stories in the mythos. So, while it's a fantastic story, atmospheric, unnerving, and expertly written, this is one that will be enjoyed more by people unfamiliar with Lovecraft. There is one thing that he does better in this story than any other I've read, and that's the unanswered questions. Too many unanswered questions and the reader is left dissatisfied, too few and the story loses impact. Not only did Lovecraft strike a perfect balance, he also left some answers just out of reach, like details from a dream that slip your memory before you can get a grasp of them.
"The Shunned House"
A Providence doctor and his nephew team up to investigate a local house plagued with premature deaths. Its victims have little in common, ranging from infants to healthy adults to elderly cripples, but regardless of their previous history, any who live in the house soon succumb to perfectly explainable but suspiciously consistent natural causes or illness. I hadn't even heard of this one before it came up in this audiobook, but it got under my skin early and had me squirming in my seat until it finally ended. Maybe it had to do with my own brushes with illness in the past, or the paranoia of a new parent, or just the human fear of invisible, inevitable disease, but this one chilled me to the bone. There are certain inconsistencies in the story, and a few things that didn't quite fit, but overall, this was extremely well done, deeply affecting, and ended on a strangely happy note for such a dire story.
"The Music of Eric Zahn"
A student in Paris hears strange music coming from the flat above his where Eric Zahn, the mute violist, plays away his evenings in silent fear. This is one that I see referenced a lot, and I think it has a lot to do with how short it is. This is one that you can read in just a few minutes, making it ideal for English classes, recitals, campouts, whatever. And it's not a bad story. It's actually got a couple of really great ideas and some solid scares; it's just that there isn't that much meat to it. There just isn't time; however, this is the perfect example of a great set up with a slam dunk execution. Quick, interesting, and ooky spooky, this is a great one to pick up for your next slumber party or marshmallow roast.
January 23, 2020
To me, HP Lovecraft is next level when it comes to reading things that stick in your brain and make you feel uncomfortable. This audiobook had 2 of my favorite stories and one that although I do like and enjoy, isn't on my top list from Lovecraft.
The stories I am enthralled with are the Rats in the Walls and The Music of Erich Zann. The Shunned House is also very good but wouldn't make my top 10 tales of Lovecraft. Seeing the description for this audiobook and what I listened to, there might be a disconnect in the stories included, but getting the right edition is a bit tricky, so sorry for that.
All that aside, these tales have that olds chool feel where you better not have a rush to do anything. They expand and are weaved at a chill pace, slowly but surely picking up in pace. Most Lovecraft tales are like a locomotive, they start slow and pick up speed until you need to see what happens in the end. There is a LOT of exposition but you're not here for a thrill ride... you're in a slow crawling haunted house and you never know when he's going to hit you.
Wayne June's voice is perfectly suited to tell these tales and his performance throughout is spot on. My only complaint would be that I would have turned the echo/reverb in his voice down ever so slightly. That's it. I think he did a phenomenal job and should be the benchmark for anyone who wants to read horror.
The docked star is more a comment to Lovecraft's work rather than an individual appreciation of this collection. There are only 3 stories and there are other stories that I think are the best Lovecraft has to offer. That said, if you want a slow burn tale that will creep you out, this collection is awesome.
The stories I am enthralled with are the Rats in the Walls and The Music of Erich Zann. The Shunned House is also very good but wouldn't make my top 10 tales of Lovecraft. Seeing the description for this audiobook and what I listened to, there might be a disconnect in the stories included, but getting the right edition is a bit tricky, so sorry for that.
All that aside, these tales have that olds chool feel where you better not have a rush to do anything. They expand and are weaved at a chill pace, slowly but surely picking up in pace. Most Lovecraft tales are like a locomotive, they start slow and pick up speed until you need to see what happens in the end. There is a LOT of exposition but you're not here for a thrill ride... you're in a slow crawling haunted house and you never know when he's going to hit you.
Wayne June's voice is perfectly suited to tell these tales and his performance throughout is spot on. My only complaint would be that I would have turned the echo/reverb in his voice down ever so slightly. That's it. I think he did a phenomenal job and should be the benchmark for anyone who wants to read horror.
The docked star is more a comment to Lovecraft's work rather than an individual appreciation of this collection. There are only 3 stories and there are other stories that I think are the best Lovecraft has to offer. That said, if you want a slow burn tale that will creep you out, this collection is awesome.
April 22, 2018
Rats in the Walls - I'm not really a fan of rats, so this tale is sufficiently gruesome for me.
The Shunned House - One of my favourites of Lovecraft. History, curses, and ancient spirits make for a great tale.
The Music of Erich Zann - As a musician myself, I have never felt as if I reached the drak underbelly of the universe through my music, which is likely a good thing.
The Shunned House - One of my favourites of Lovecraft. History, curses, and ancient spirits make for a great tale.
The Music of Erich Zann - As a musician myself, I have never felt as if I reached the drak underbelly of the universe through my music, which is likely a good thing.
August 14, 2018
I have no problem re-using my review of volume five: I always enjoy revisiting the source material, and reaffirming why I love Lovecraft's work. Spectacular. Additionally, the narrator, Wayne June, made the tales come alive with a growling delivery full of dark portent and menace. Well done!
November 18, 2019
Kr poslušam jih vse po vrsti, medtem ko rišem Naslovnico za KoKo Kartonko.
V teli je bla zgodba o eni podganah v steni, ozakleti hiši, kokr da je živel vampir notr in o enem ki je ponoč igral čudne melodije...
V teli je bla zgodba o eni podganah v steni, ozakleti hiši, kokr da je živel vampir notr in o enem ki je ponoč igral čudne melodije...
July 28, 2018
Wayne is the perfect voice for this! Andrew Leman and Sean Branney get awesome runner up awards for their narrations.
August 29, 2018
More good fun with America's misanthropic freak!
Recommended
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Recommended
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
January 31, 2019
Worth a listen.
February 6, 2020
The Rats In The Walls - 4 stars
The Shunned House - 4.5 stars
The Music Of Eric Zann - 3.5 stars
The Shunned House - 4.5 stars
The Music Of Eric Zann - 3.5 stars
February 13, 2020
As always, the plot is as enjoyable as the prose.
January 13, 2022
Took me a while to get through this one, but I liked it. All three stories were excellent, and this was another great reading by Wayne June. I especially liked The Music of Eric Zahn.
March 19, 2023
76%
Not as exciting as his previous entries, but at least the blatant racism is drawn back from the past entry.
Not as exciting as his previous entries, but at least the blatant racism is drawn back from the past entry.
April 5, 2023
Credit where credit is due. This dude is pretty good at first person narrative. I also love a creepy music story.
January 27, 2025
The Shunned House was my least favorite of the three in this installment. Wayne June is as always an excellent narrator for Lovecraft's works.
August 23, 2025
Vampires aren't hot, they're fungus.
December 22, 2025
One of the better collections of his stories — haunting in the right way.
November 27, 2015
...is one of weird fiction's most celebrated authors. He is enshrined in the Library of America. Stephen King calls him "the twentieth century's greatest practitioner of the classic horror tale." The author of the novel "Psycho," Robert Bloch, once wrote, "Poe and Lovecraft are our two American geniuses of fantasy, comparable each to the other, but incomparably superior to all the rest who follow."
April 30, 2011
"The Music of Eric Zann" was easily my favorite in this set, though "The Rats in the Walls" did remind me a lot of King's short story "Jerusalem's Lot" (I think it is in Night Shift).
November 16, 2011
This volume contains "Rats in the Walls", "The Shunned House" and "Music of Erich Zann". All very entertaining, Music of Erich Zann may be the best. Many references to his Cthulhu mythos.
June 6, 2016
Lovecraft is the best in classical horror.
November 9, 2016
The Rats In The Walls: next please
The Shunned House: couldn't stand it, skipped it
The Music Of Eric Zann: don't remember
The Shunned House: couldn't stand it, skipped it
The Music Of Eric Zann: don't remember
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August 9, 2015Old-school spookiness. Good stuff.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews