Keith Morrison reads “The Dead Alive” by Wilkie Collins
Aug 27, 2024
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Join Keith Morrison, a seasoned television journalist known for his captivating storytelling, as he delves into the dark secrets of the Meadowcroft family on their American farm. He reads from 'The Dead Alive,' exploring themes of rivalry, passion, and the chilling mystery surrounding a disappearance. Discover the family's unstable dynamics, the enchanting arrival of Naomi Colebrook, and the moonlit confrontations that reveal buried secrets. Morrison's narration brings this century-old tale resonantly to life, leaving listeners yearning for more.
The Meadowcroft family's underlying tensions and dysfunctional dynamics surface during a family dinner, highlighting rivalry and discord among its members.
Naomi Colebrook's desperate hopes for healing the Meadowcroft family reveal the absence of love and trust, exacerbated by escalating conflicts and secretive meetings.
Deep dives
The Tension at Moorwick Farm
Moorwick Farm is not the peaceful retreat that Philip Le Frank anticipated, as it harbors underlying tensions within the family. The interactions during a family dinner reveal a strained atmosphere, showcasing the dysfunctional dynamics between Mr. Meadowcroft, his melancholic daughter, and his two sons. The presence of John Jago, the farm's over-looker, aggravates the situation, leading to hostility from the sons who distrust him. The shifting alliances and animosities indicate a family on the brink of conflict, setting the stage for more turmoil.
Naomi's Concern
Naomi Colebrook shares her deep concerns about the household's discord with Philip during a moonlit conversation in the garden. She expresses hope that Philip, as an outsider, may help mend the strained relationships within the family, emphasizing the absence of love and trust at Moorwick Farm. Her candid remarks reveal the severity of the situation, including a recent violent altercation between Silas and John Jago. Naomi's longing for peace and her affection for Ambrose add layers of complexity to her character and the narrative.
A Secret Meeting
The tension escalates as John Jago seeks a private meeting with Naomi, which she reluctantly agrees to under the pretense of business. Philip's instinctual distrust of Jago heightens the suspense of their arranged meeting, leading him to express concern for Naomi's safety. As he observes their shadowy figures meeting in the moonlight, Philip wonders about the implications of their clandestine conversation. This secretive rendezvous foreshadows potential mischief, adding an ominous tone to the unfolding drama at Moorwick Farm.
Hey, Dateline fans! As a bonus, we’re giving you episode 1 from season 3 of our podcast Morrison Mysteries.
This season, Keith Morrison introduces you to the Meadowcroft family, living on a sprawling American farm. The household is teeming with rivalry and passion, envy and anger. When someone mysteriously disappears, two brothers are accused of murder...but all is not as it seems. Listen to Keith’s reading of “The Dead Alive,” a chilling novel from 150 years ago based on a real trial, to find out what really happened.
If you like what you hear, just search “Morrison Mysteries” and subscribe to Dateline Premium. Subscribers receive ad-free listening and early access to subsequent episodes: https://link.chtbl.com/mmst_fdlw
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