Guys Read: The Old, Dead Nuisance by M. T. Anderson

Guys Read: The Old, Dead Nuisance

Spooky Scams Collide in a 29-Minute Gem

Written byM. T. Anderson
Narrated byBronson Pinchot
Length0h29m
Release dateSeptember 20, 2011
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.5 (49 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorM. T. Anderson
NarratorBronson Pinchot
Runtime0h29m
PublishedSeptember 20, 2011
Rating★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5 (49 ratings)
CategoriesChildren's Audiobooks, Growing Up & Facts of Life, Social & Life Skills, Literature & Fiction, Anthologies & Short Stories, Mystery & Suspense, Mysteries
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

M.T. Anderson’s *The Old, Dead Nuisance* is a razor-sharp, darkly comedic short story that crams more wit and tension into 29 minutes than most full-length middle-grade thrillers. It follows two self-proclaimed ‘psychics’—one a cynical showman, the other a true believer—who bumble into a *real* haunted house, where the supernatural refuses to play by their con-artist rules. The story’s brilliance lies in its tight, dialogue-driven escalation: every line crackles with either dry humor or creeping dread, and the payoff lands like a punchline with teeth.

Bronson Pinchot’s narration is a masterclass in tonal acrobatics. He pivots effortlessly between the smarmy confidence of the veteran fraud, the wide-eyed earnestness of his apprentice, and the eerie, hollow voices of the house itself. The production leans into the story’s brevity—no fat, no wasted breaths—making it perfect for a quick listen that lingers. What sets this apart isn’t just the ghost story, but the way it skewers the very idea of faking the supernatural, all while delivering genuine chills. Ideal for kids who love their spooky stories with a side of satire, or adults who appreciate a tightly wound farce with bite.

Tags: darkly comedic ghost storymiddle-grade thriller shortcon artists vs. real hauntingsBronson Pinchot narration tour de forcespooky satire for reluctant readersquick-listening audiobook gems

Why Listen to Guys Read: The Old, Dead Nuisance?

  • Expert narration by Bronson Pinchot brings every character and scene to life across 0h29m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.5 stars by 49 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

I’ll admit, I side-eyed the idea of a 29-minute audiobook at first—how much impact could it *really* have? But *The Old, Dead Nuisance* proved me wrong in the best way. Anderson’s writing is so economical it’s almost cruel; every sentence does double duty, setting up jokes *and* dread. The dynamic between the two psychics is electric: the older one’s jaded patter (‘*The dead are just like the living—annoying*’) clashes perfectly with the kid’s desperate need to believe in *something*. When the house starts fighting back, the shift from farce to genuine unease is seamless. I actually gasped at one reveal, which is rare for me in any format, let alone a short story. Now, the narration: Bronson Pinchot is *the* reason to listen to this. His performance is so vivid you’ll swear you’re watching a stage play. The way he voices the house’s ‘responses’—half whisper, half static—sent a chill down my spine, and his timing on the comedic lines is impeccable. My only critique? The ending feels *slightly* rushed, like Anderson had one more beat of escalation in him but hit the word limit. And while the sound design is minimal (just a few creaks and whispers), I wished for a touch more atmospheric layering to heighten the haunted-house vibe. Still, these are quibbles. For a sub-30-minute listen, this packs more personality and punch than most audiobooks three times its length. If you’ve got a commute, a chore, or a kid who ‘doesn’t like books,’ this is your secret weapon.

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Guys Read: The Old, Dead Nuisance by M. T. Anderson is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Bronson Pinchot with a runtime of 0h29m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.