What do you think?
Dark Shadows: The Tony & Cassandra Mysteries #2
Dark Shadows: The Tony & Cassandra Mysteries
She's a witch. He's a private detective. And when they get together, it's magic. The private detective and the witch are back investigating four new exciting mysteries:
The Mystery of Stone Heart Studios by Philip Meeks.
"All that creation can't simply vanish. All that imagination. It has to still be here somehow; a power of its very own. And if that power joined forces with another power, surely a miracle might occur. I believe my babies are coming to life. After all these years they're finally going to be real. "Cassandra and Tony are hired to investigate an impossible murder high in the Hollywood Hills. Once the home of Curdlespoon the Lion, Barbara Bison and a whole host of America's favourite cartoon characters, Stone Heart Studio's closed over a decade ago after a spate of unfortunate accidental deaths. Now Tina Heart has raised the funds to reopen the studios and finish the work of her late father and his partner. But history seems to be repeating itself. An actress has been crushed whilst sealed in a sound booth. As other mysterious deaths follow. Cassandra begins to realise there's ghosts stirring within the walls of the studios. An ancient force has been unleashed and its making the beloved characters created within its walls anything but family friendly. Somehow, they've started to manifest as unstoppable monsters thirsty for blood.
The Mystery of West Vale Sanitarium by Joshua J. Price & Tanja Milojevic.
"There's evil out there that would make the most vicious monsters look merciful." As Tony and Cassandra argue about whether or not to hire a new secretary, an old friend walks back into their lives. Alice Wilkes, who they previously met on doomed Flight 493, is ready and willing to take on the job but within minutes of stepping into their office, she is possessed. A spirit has been bound to our plane of existence because of the pain it feels for a group of children in upstate New York so Tony and Cassandra fly into action and travel to the West Vale Sanitarium to investigate. But, for Cassandra, this case is going to be like no other, as she is about to discover emotions she has never previously experienced.
The Mystery of Apartment 493 by Alan Flanagan.
"We interrupt this broadcast with breaking news of a pair of deaths in Bangor early this evening. The deceased have been named locally as Anthony Peterson and Cassandra Collins. "When Cassandra invites Tony over to see her new apartment, it's meant to be a blessed night off -- crack open a bottle of wine, reminisce about old times, make fun of Cassandra's furnishings. But when you're the best pair of detectives in the tri-state area, mystery has a way of arriving at the door unannounced. Soon Tony and Cassandra find themselves trapped in apartment 493, battling unspeakable horrors and a creature determined to feed on them both --and tear their sanity apart in the process. And Cassandra thought it was just the rent that was killer.
The Mystery of the Soulmates Hotel by Grace Knight.
"There's a hotel in Bar Harbor that can take the faith of a pious man in a single night..." When Tony and Cassandra go undercover to investigate some suspicious goings on at a famous matchmaking hotel, they think they're in for a relaxing trip to the seaside (albeit one with more roleplay than Tony would like), but when people start disappearing, and the other guests' personalities begin to change, they know they have to put a stop to it. Just who is the officious Mrs. Hill? Where are people disappearing to? And how long can Tony and Cassandra keep lying to themselves about their true feelings?
CAST: Lara Parker (Cassandra Collins), Jerry Lacy (Tony Peterson), Sydney Aldridge (Alice Wilkes),Tom Michael Blyth (Myron Ratzenberger / Dale / Miles Wellington / Farmer / Officer 2 / The Football Coach / John Simmons / Daniel Jones), Abi Harris (Agnes Audley / Natalie Roth / Madeline / The Maid / Mrs. Hill), Jake Wardle (Randall Merrick / Billy Walker / Reginald / Steve Jones), Doireann May White (Duffy Guzman / Tina Heart / Caitlin / Officer 1 / The Architect / Jodie Price / Receptionist / Bartender), Philip Meeks (Mr Bluff), Alan Flanagan (Narrator / Newcaster),Tanja Milojevic (Deputy Jenkins), Joshua J Price (Officer Bradley).
The Mystery of Stone Heart Studios by Philip Meeks.
"All that creation can't simply vanish. All that imagination. It has to still be here somehow; a power of its very own. And if that power joined forces with another power, surely a miracle might occur. I believe my babies are coming to life. After all these years they're finally going to be real. "Cassandra and Tony are hired to investigate an impossible murder high in the Hollywood Hills. Once the home of Curdlespoon the Lion, Barbara Bison and a whole host of America's favourite cartoon characters, Stone Heart Studio's closed over a decade ago after a spate of unfortunate accidental deaths. Now Tina Heart has raised the funds to reopen the studios and finish the work of her late father and his partner. But history seems to be repeating itself. An actress has been crushed whilst sealed in a sound booth. As other mysterious deaths follow. Cassandra begins to realise there's ghosts stirring within the walls of the studios. An ancient force has been unleashed and its making the beloved characters created within its walls anything but family friendly. Somehow, they've started to manifest as unstoppable monsters thirsty for blood.
The Mystery of West Vale Sanitarium by Joshua J. Price & Tanja Milojevic.
"There's evil out there that would make the most vicious monsters look merciful." As Tony and Cassandra argue about whether or not to hire a new secretary, an old friend walks back into their lives. Alice Wilkes, who they previously met on doomed Flight 493, is ready and willing to take on the job but within minutes of stepping into their office, she is possessed. A spirit has been bound to our plane of existence because of the pain it feels for a group of children in upstate New York so Tony and Cassandra fly into action and travel to the West Vale Sanitarium to investigate. But, for Cassandra, this case is going to be like no other, as she is about to discover emotions she has never previously experienced.
The Mystery of Apartment 493 by Alan Flanagan.
"We interrupt this broadcast with breaking news of a pair of deaths in Bangor early this evening. The deceased have been named locally as Anthony Peterson and Cassandra Collins. "When Cassandra invites Tony over to see her new apartment, it's meant to be a blessed night off -- crack open a bottle of wine, reminisce about old times, make fun of Cassandra's furnishings. But when you're the best pair of detectives in the tri-state area, mystery has a way of arriving at the door unannounced. Soon Tony and Cassandra find themselves trapped in apartment 493, battling unspeakable horrors and a creature determined to feed on them both --and tear their sanity apart in the process. And Cassandra thought it was just the rent that was killer.
The Mystery of the Soulmates Hotel by Grace Knight.
"There's a hotel in Bar Harbor that can take the faith of a pious man in a single night..." When Tony and Cassandra go undercover to investigate some suspicious goings on at a famous matchmaking hotel, they think they're in for a relaxing trip to the seaside (albeit one with more roleplay than Tony would like), but when people start disappearing, and the other guests' personalities begin to change, they know they have to put a stop to it. Just who is the officious Mrs. Hill? Where are people disappearing to? And how long can Tony and Cassandra keep lying to themselves about their true feelings?
CAST: Lara Parker (Cassandra Collins), Jerry Lacy (Tony Peterson), Sydney Aldridge (Alice Wilkes),Tom Michael Blyth (Myron Ratzenberger / Dale / Miles Wellington / Farmer / Officer 2 / The Football Coach / John Simmons / Daniel Jones), Abi Harris (Agnes Audley / Natalie Roth / Madeline / The Maid / Mrs. Hill), Jake Wardle (Randall Merrick / Billy Walker / Reginald / Steve Jones), Doireann May White (Duffy Guzman / Tina Heart / Caitlin / Officer 1 / The Architect / Jodie Price / Receptionist / Bartender), Philip Meeks (Mr Bluff), Alan Flanagan (Narrator / Newcaster),Tanja Milojevic (Deputy Jenkins), Joshua J Price (Officer Bradley).
Audio CD
First published December 31, 2018
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 2, 2025
I enjoy these stories. Unlike a lot of the Dark Shadows range, these are more accessible to those without a lot of familiarity with the original soap opera. All you need to know is that Tony is a former lawyer turned private detective, and Cassandra is really Angelique the Witch, but she's trying to be a good guy now. Bingo, you have the main characters. You are good to go.
This set has four stories in it. "The Mystery of Stone Heart Studios" by Philip Meeks is up first. The story unfolds around a chilling murder at the long-abandoned Stone Heart Studios—once a bustling center for classic animation—where the creative spirit that once fueled it has twisted into something dark and supernatural. In essence, the cartoon characters have come to life in monstrous, ghostly forms. While the concept of haunted, sentient cartoons has become more familiar in recent years (with Doctor Who, for instance, exploring similar territory), back in 2018, when this audio drama was written and performed, the idea felt fresher and more original. Philip Meeks makes the most of the established chemistry between Cassandra, the sharp-witted witch, and Tony, the sardonic private investigator, blending witty exchanges with genuine emotional undercurrents to keep the narrative lively. The production itself shines with its strong voice performances, atmospheric sound design, and well-paced direction, all of which deepen the immersive noir-horror vibe. A daring and creatively grim entry in the Dark Shadows canon, The Mystery of Stone Heart Studios is tailor-made for listeners who enjoy eerie ambiance and a fusion of supernatural horror with detective noir—but be advised: its bleak tone and grim finale aren’t for the squeamish.
The second installment, The Mystery of West Vale Sanitarium by Joshua J. Price and Tanja Milojevic, takes Tony and Cassandra into the haunting depths of a psychiatric facility, where echoes of possession, grief, and repressed childhood trauma intertwine. Early in their investigation, they reunite with Alice Wilkes—last seen during the intense events of Flight 493—but her return is anything but victorious. Alice becomes the vessel for a tormented spirit, one haunted by the suffering of troubled children in upstate New York.
This story ventures into darker, more disturbing territory than a standard ghost tale. Its emotional core—anchored in the pain of vulnerable children and the psychic toll of trauma—lends the narrative a powerful sense of urgency and weight. Cassandra’s character arc is especially resonant, as she’s forced to face deeply personal challenges that add depth and vulnerability to her journey.
While the drama can technically be followed on its own, having prior knowledge of the Tony & Cassandra series—particularly Flight 493 from Series 1—enriches the emotional impact significantly. The Mystery of West Vale Sanitarium signals a more mature and serious direction for the series, shifting away from the whimsical to explore psychological horror grounded in real-world pain. With compelling performances, evocative sound design, and a story steeped in emotional depth, it stands out as a powerful chapter—particularly for those already invested in Cassandra’s evolution.
The third story, The Mystery of Apartment 493 by Alan Flanagan, presents a gripping and intense spin on the classic locked-room mystery, elevating it to near-unbearable levels of psychological tension. Flanagan explores harrowing themes—suicide, cannibalism, and mutilation—but does so with restraint and purpose. These disturbing elements are never gratuitous; instead, they’re intricately tied to the characters’ unraveling minds, making the horror feel immediate and deeply unsettling.
Though the climax is smart and thought-provoking, I found myself wanting a bit more dramatic weight or emotional payoff than what the resolution ultimately delivered. Still, Apartment 493 stands out as perhaps the most chilling and audacious installment in the Tony & Cassandra Mysteries. Flanagan crafts a story that’s equal parts cerebral and emotionally raw—a claustrophobic descent into dread that lingers long after it ends. While the ending may have felt muted, the psychological impact was anything but forgettable.
The final story, The Mystery of the Soulmates Hotel by Grace Knight, offers a clever and original twist on the romantic mystery. Set in a resort designed to help guests find their perfect match, the premise quickly takes a darker turn. What begins as a lighthearted assignment steeped in romantic comedy tropes soon reveals a more sinister layer, blending charm with creeping unease. The disappearance of guests is troubling enough, but when those who remain begin behaving strangely, the mystery takes on a deeper, more psychological tone. The real strength of the story lies in its emotional stakes—this isn’t just a case of physical danger, but a threat to identity and connection. Knight skillfully centers the evolving relationship between Tony and Cassandra, using their undercover roles to heighten both the humor and the unresolved tension simmering beneath the surface.
I very much enjoyed this series of stories. Great writing, interesting characters and plots, and just fun.
This set has four stories in it. "The Mystery of Stone Heart Studios" by Philip Meeks is up first. The story unfolds around a chilling murder at the long-abandoned Stone Heart Studios—once a bustling center for classic animation—where the creative spirit that once fueled it has twisted into something dark and supernatural. In essence, the cartoon characters have come to life in monstrous, ghostly forms. While the concept of haunted, sentient cartoons has become more familiar in recent years (with Doctor Who, for instance, exploring similar territory), back in 2018, when this audio drama was written and performed, the idea felt fresher and more original. Philip Meeks makes the most of the established chemistry between Cassandra, the sharp-witted witch, and Tony, the sardonic private investigator, blending witty exchanges with genuine emotional undercurrents to keep the narrative lively. The production itself shines with its strong voice performances, atmospheric sound design, and well-paced direction, all of which deepen the immersive noir-horror vibe. A daring and creatively grim entry in the Dark Shadows canon, The Mystery of Stone Heart Studios is tailor-made for listeners who enjoy eerie ambiance and a fusion of supernatural horror with detective noir—but be advised: its bleak tone and grim finale aren’t for the squeamish.
The second installment, The Mystery of West Vale Sanitarium by Joshua J. Price and Tanja Milojevic, takes Tony and Cassandra into the haunting depths of a psychiatric facility, where echoes of possession, grief, and repressed childhood trauma intertwine. Early in their investigation, they reunite with Alice Wilkes—last seen during the intense events of Flight 493—but her return is anything but victorious. Alice becomes the vessel for a tormented spirit, one haunted by the suffering of troubled children in upstate New York.
This story ventures into darker, more disturbing territory than a standard ghost tale. Its emotional core—anchored in the pain of vulnerable children and the psychic toll of trauma—lends the narrative a powerful sense of urgency and weight. Cassandra’s character arc is especially resonant, as she’s forced to face deeply personal challenges that add depth and vulnerability to her journey.
While the drama can technically be followed on its own, having prior knowledge of the Tony & Cassandra series—particularly Flight 493 from Series 1—enriches the emotional impact significantly. The Mystery of West Vale Sanitarium signals a more mature and serious direction for the series, shifting away from the whimsical to explore psychological horror grounded in real-world pain. With compelling performances, evocative sound design, and a story steeped in emotional depth, it stands out as a powerful chapter—particularly for those already invested in Cassandra’s evolution.
The third story, The Mystery of Apartment 493 by Alan Flanagan, presents a gripping and intense spin on the classic locked-room mystery, elevating it to near-unbearable levels of psychological tension. Flanagan explores harrowing themes—suicide, cannibalism, and mutilation—but does so with restraint and purpose. These disturbing elements are never gratuitous; instead, they’re intricately tied to the characters’ unraveling minds, making the horror feel immediate and deeply unsettling.
Though the climax is smart and thought-provoking, I found myself wanting a bit more dramatic weight or emotional payoff than what the resolution ultimately delivered. Still, Apartment 493 stands out as perhaps the most chilling and audacious installment in the Tony & Cassandra Mysteries. Flanagan crafts a story that’s equal parts cerebral and emotionally raw—a claustrophobic descent into dread that lingers long after it ends. While the ending may have felt muted, the psychological impact was anything but forgettable.
The final story, The Mystery of the Soulmates Hotel by Grace Knight, offers a clever and original twist on the romantic mystery. Set in a resort designed to help guests find their perfect match, the premise quickly takes a darker turn. What begins as a lighthearted assignment steeped in romantic comedy tropes soon reveals a more sinister layer, blending charm with creeping unease. The disappearance of guests is troubling enough, but when those who remain begin behaving strangely, the mystery takes on a deeper, more psychological tone. The real strength of the story lies in its emotional stakes—this isn’t just a case of physical danger, but a threat to identity and connection. Knight skillfully centers the evolving relationship between Tony and Cassandra, using their undercover roles to heighten both the humor and the unresolved tension simmering beneath the surface.
I very much enjoyed this series of stories. Great writing, interesting characters and plots, and just fun.
October 29, 2022
So it's been a few years since I've listened to a Dark Shadows audio for the first time, but I recently decided since it's fast approaching Halloween, to continue The Tony and Cassandra series having really enjoyed the first set!
The Mystery of Stone Heart Studios:
When Tony and Cassandra are hired to investigate a haunted animation studio that's recently reopened to produce one final project. What may seem like a simple murder mystery is anything but, something from the dawn of time is coming and the creations of a cartoonist mastermind are coming to life.
This was a very bizarre, fun but dark and gruesome story that ends on a really depressing note. However, from what I can gather from the ending, there may be more to this set than meets the eye just like the first one. Tony and Cassandra are back baby and with a bang! 9/10
The Mystery of West Vale Sanitarium:
When Tony and Cassandra get a visit from a friend of the dead, they are sent to a children's sanitarium to investigate disturbing goings-on and the murder of the inmates, what's going on inside, and how much power does Dr. Wellington really have?
This was quite a disturbing little story that deals more so with human evil as opposed to the supernatural. It shows how cruel professionals can be when they don't understand the mysterious goings-on behind other people and attempt to attract such strange abilities or conditions via brutal experimentation. It's also a very emotional story for Cassandra who gets close to an inmate called Billy. It's a solid story with an emotional punch, but despite its dark themes, it didn't unnerve me as much as I would have hoped. 8/10
The Mystery of Apartment 493:
When Tony goes over to Cassandra's apartment with a bottle of wine for dinner, events escalate quickly, the radio starts acting up and a body lies in the bed, and not only that but tonight is the night that Tony and Cassandra's adventures come to a devastating and gruesome end.
This was a very experimental locked room mystery that messes not only with our character's sanity but also ours as we try to comprehend the insane shenanigans that happen in this and the disturbing and dark secrets that are revealed. This story deals with themes of suicide, cannibalism, and mutilation. So far the darkest story in this set, Alan Flanagan has written an incredible script, however, the one thing that prevents this from being full stars is the fact, the climax whilst very clever didn't feel as dramatic as it should have been and I think that's down to how the scene was directed more than the writing. 9.5/10
The Mystery of The Soulmates Hotel:
When Tony and Cassandra are hired to investigate a match-making hotel, it soon turns out that something beyond anything they've ever faced before is at play, and whilst everyone might be finally finding their partners, it doesn't come without a price.
This was a really solid little story with a very fun premise, it's quite a tragic one as well. But the climax is very emotional and I love how Tony and Cassandra react to it. There isn't too much to say about this story but it's honestly such a good time and it ends on a brilliant cliffhanger that already makes me want to start the third set to see how it all concludes! 8/10
Overall: 34.5/40
The Mystery of Stone Heart Studios:
When Tony and Cassandra are hired to investigate a haunted animation studio that's recently reopened to produce one final project. What may seem like a simple murder mystery is anything but, something from the dawn of time is coming and the creations of a cartoonist mastermind are coming to life.
This was a very bizarre, fun but dark and gruesome story that ends on a really depressing note. However, from what I can gather from the ending, there may be more to this set than meets the eye just like the first one. Tony and Cassandra are back baby and with a bang! 9/10
The Mystery of West Vale Sanitarium:
When Tony and Cassandra get a visit from a friend of the dead, they are sent to a children's sanitarium to investigate disturbing goings-on and the murder of the inmates, what's going on inside, and how much power does Dr. Wellington really have?
This was quite a disturbing little story that deals more so with human evil as opposed to the supernatural. It shows how cruel professionals can be when they don't understand the mysterious goings-on behind other people and attempt to attract such strange abilities or conditions via brutal experimentation. It's also a very emotional story for Cassandra who gets close to an inmate called Billy. It's a solid story with an emotional punch, but despite its dark themes, it didn't unnerve me as much as I would have hoped. 8/10
The Mystery of Apartment 493:
When Tony goes over to Cassandra's apartment with a bottle of wine for dinner, events escalate quickly, the radio starts acting up and a body lies in the bed, and not only that but tonight is the night that Tony and Cassandra's adventures come to a devastating and gruesome end.
This was a very experimental locked room mystery that messes not only with our character's sanity but also ours as we try to comprehend the insane shenanigans that happen in this and the disturbing and dark secrets that are revealed. This story deals with themes of suicide, cannibalism, and mutilation. So far the darkest story in this set, Alan Flanagan has written an incredible script, however, the one thing that prevents this from being full stars is the fact, the climax whilst very clever didn't feel as dramatic as it should have been and I think that's down to how the scene was directed more than the writing. 9.5/10
The Mystery of The Soulmates Hotel:
When Tony and Cassandra are hired to investigate a match-making hotel, it soon turns out that something beyond anything they've ever faced before is at play, and whilst everyone might be finally finding their partners, it doesn't come without a price.
This was a really solid little story with a very fun premise, it's quite a tragic one as well. But the climax is very emotional and I love how Tony and Cassandra react to it. There isn't too much to say about this story but it's honestly such a good time and it ends on a brilliant cliffhanger that already makes me want to start the third set to see how it all concludes! 8/10
Overall: 34.5/40
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews