“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: robertmcdermott@gmail.com

If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, send it to hauntedukfiction@hotmail.com

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

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If you enjoy atmospheric storytelling, dark fiction, and immersive audio experiences, Haunted UK Fiction is your home for weekly supernatural tales.

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