Herbert Knox, the owner of a bookshop in Chichester, shares his eerie experiences with a peculiar student named Mike, whose obsession with rare texts brings unsettling occurrences to the shop. He delves into the haunting legacy in the rare books community and reflects on the darker themes of obsession and legacy after losing a rival. Additionally, mysterious narratives intertwine with the charm of a unique perfumery, showcasing tantalizing scents inspired by podcast characters, adding an enchanting layer to the chilling tale.
The podcast highlights the eerie connection between rare books and supernatural phenomena, particularly illustrated through Michael Crewe's unsettling behavior and interests.
The shopkeeper's struggle with Ex Altiora symbolizes the dangers of knowledge and curiosity, intensifying the tension as he grapples with disturbing content and consequences.
Deep dives
The Mysterious Customer
A peculiar student named Michael Crewe frequently visits a rare books shop, showing an intense interest in rare and mystical texts. His unusual demeanor, including a scar on his neck and a sense of urgency, raises suspicion, especially when strange occurrences happen during his visits—like a mysterious smell and flickering lights. These phenomena seem to coincide with his presence, suggesting a supernatural connection to the book he's seeking. Despite their limited interaction, the shopkeeper feels an unsettling fascination with Crewe's persistent searches for specific titles in spirituality, meteorology, and demonology.
The Burden of a Unique Artifact
The shopkeeper becomes the literary executor of a deceased colleague's valuable collection, including a unique book titled Ex Altiora, which contains a strange poem and troubling woodcuts that disturb him. As he reads the book, he experiences dizziness and dark dreams, linking his discomfort to the book's unsettling content. When Crewe returns and shows intense interest in Ex Altiora, the shopkeeper is compelled to sell it despite his discomfort. The peculiar circumstances surrounding the book and Crewe's desperate need for it create a tense and eerie atmosphere.
A Dark Confrontation
After a bounced check from Crewe for the purchase of Ex Altiora, the shopkeeper decides to confront him at his flat, only to find the place scattered with pages of Latin text and an overwhelming smell of decay. As a storm brews outside, Crewe, clutching the book, suddenly bolts from the apartment, triggering a frantic chase through the rain-soaked streets. The encounter escalates to the bell tower of Chichester Cathedral, where Crewe faces a shadowy figure, seemingly linked to the strange occurrences surrounding him. As Crewe leaps to his presumed death while holding the book, the shopkeeper is left alone in darkness, haunted by the unresolved mystery of his last encounter.
Statement of Herbert Knox, regarding a repeat customer to his bookshop in Chichester. Original statement given December 21st 1998.
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Special thanks again to Ian Hayles for editing assistance with today’s episode.
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