The Surgeon of Gaster Fell

By Arthur Conan Doyle
Listen with Sir Michael Caine™ and 1,000+ voices
Length2h 10m

About this audiobook

The Surgeon of Gaster Fell is an atmospheric short story by Arthur Conan Doyle that combines adventure with Gothic undertones. Set in 1880s Britain, it follows Dr. James Upperton, a young physician who takes up an appointment in a remote village on the wild Gaster Fell (a fictional moorland, likely in Yorkshire or the Scottish borders). Upperton soon hears whispers about a mysterious surgeon living in seclusion on the moor – a man with a dark reputation among the locals. After a chance encounter, Upperton befriends this Surgeon, whose name is Hardcastle: an older, brooding doctor haunted by something in his past. As Upperton spends time at Hardcastle's lonely cottage, he notes the man's advanced medical knowledge and oddly empathetic treatment of the poor; yet Hardcastle is plagued by nightmares and a peculiar terror of certain dates. The story builds suspensefully toward the revelation of Hardcastle's secret. Years ago, as an army surgeon in India, Hardcastle made a grave mistake (or an unethical choice under pressure) that led to a patient's death – and possibly was accused of a crime he didn't commit. Exiled in disgrace, he's been waiting for vindication or the return of someone from that incident. On a stormy night on Gaster Fell, that reckoning arrives: figures appear at the Surgeon's door – perhaps colleagues from India or the son of the dead patient – leading to a dramatic confrontation. Upperton witnesses the truth come out: Hardcastle is exonerated (the blame belonged elsewhere) or at least finds absolution when those from his past forgive him. The climax might involve Hardcastle saving the life of the very person who once wronged him, proving his skill and character. By dawn, the burden lifts – but tragically, the strain is too much and Hardcastle dies of a heart attack (or is found peacefully expired in his chair). The story ends with Dr. Upperton penning these events, reflecting on fate and redemption on the desolate moor. The Surgeon of Gaster Fell showcases Doyle's gift for mood and character: a "deeply personal work" with elements of Gothic wish-fulfillment and Imperial guilt, ultimately delivering a poignant tale of a doctor seeking forgiveness under the shadow of the lonely fell.

Audiobook details

Rating★★★ 3.3 (33)
Includes Goodreads
GenreHorror, General Fiction
Length2 hrs 10 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateAug 1, 2025
LanguageEnglish

Table of contents

1The Surgeon of Gaster Fell
2INTRODUCTION.
3CHAPTER I. How The Woman Came To Kirkby-Malhouse.
4CHAPTER II. How I Went Forth To Gaster Fell.
5CHAPTER III. Of The Grey Cottage In The Glen.
Show all chapters
6CHAPTER IV. The Man Who Came In The Night.
7CHAPTER I. How The Woman Came To Kirkby-Malhouse.
8CHAPTER II. How I Went Forth To Gaster Fell.
9CHAPTER III. Of The Grey Cottage In The Glen.
10CHAPTER IV. Of The Man Who Came In The Night.
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