
S03 - Episode 09 - The Same Dark Heart by Robert McDermott
Haunted UK Fiction: Tales of the Supernatural, Paranormal, and UncannyShow Notes
“The man fanned himself with this hat. This time a different odour caught in Lara’s nose, something sweet, but not exactly pleasant, like overripe fruit…” This is Haunted UK Fiction, original stories of the supernatural, the monstrous, and the unknown. Today’s story is The Same Dark Heart by Robert McDermott. If you’ve been listening to our show for some time, you’ll recognize Robert as the author of other brilliant stories like It Shows Up When It’s Needed, One Always Comes Back, and Sukie in the Graveyard. This particular story of Robert’s skews less toward nostalgia than his previous work, and more towards outright terror.
If you enjoyed this story, continue your listening with: Salvation Street by Jed Vesper The Thing in the Wall by Alec Rowan Mother Never Liked Dead Things by SC Fisher
About the Author: Robert McDermott lives and works in Dublin. His debut novel, 'Jone$town' was published by Riversong Books in 2021 and followed in 2024 by a collection of short stories 'The Occulting Light' also with Riversong Books. His most recent work is a novella called 'Klara and the Forest King', a quirky family-based fairytale inspired by Rumpelstiltskin. Robert’s stories have been widely published in anthologies both in print and online. His influences include Kurt Vonnegut, M.R. James, Kelly Link, Denis Johnson, Kevin Barry. When not writing he enjoys listening to podcasts (especially Haunted U.K.) and walking with his cocker spaniel, Alfie.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertmcdermott73author/ Email: [email protected]
If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, send it to [email protected] Until next time… stay safe and take care.
Episode Credits Story by: Robert McDermott Narrated by: Melissa West Script prepared by: Melissa West Produced by: Pink Flamingo Home Studio Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a rating, and drop a review - it helps the show reach more listeners!
If you enjoy atmospheric storytelling, dark fiction, and immersive audio experiences, Haunted UK Fiction is your home for weekly supernatural tales.
All links (listen, follow, support, submissions): https://linktr.ee/hauntedukfiction
Contact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from Haunted UK Fiction: Tales of the Supernatural, Paranormal, and Uncanny
“Amidst the hundreds upon hundreds of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes that lay in that field, there sat one unique and peculiar, and rather large misshapen one. Creepily, it displayed all of Eugene’s exact same facial features, right down to his large set of slowly blinking, bloodshot eyes, bulbous, crooked nose, as well as his quivering, signature devious grin…”
“I persisted up those grimy stairs. I had to. For up on the thirteenth floor was Mr Barnes. The man who said he had a message for me; a message from my dead husband, Simon…”
“As I looked at this John Doe, I felt odd. Not scared, or creeped out, just… I don’t know… an unease? That might be the word… I had the oddest feeling, difficult to describe, a sort of apprehension. A bit like the feeling when you think you are being watched, but no one is there…”
“You’ve run out of time. But if you let me have your watch for just a moment, I can give you some back…”
“I must be careful in the streets tonight, for harsh, intrusive orange lights can unmask many a secret from the shadows, and lay bare silent plans of death for others to see. The prying eyes of fools and victims must neither see nor hear my tread…”