Fireside Mystery Theatre · Fireside Mystery Productions

47.3 In the Garden: "The Golden Glow"

December 9, 2019·29 min·2 clips

Discover how tree rings might reveal a sordid history in this chilling mystery tale.

This episode is the third installment of the "In the Garden" series from the narrative fiction podcast Fireside Mystery Theatre. The story, titled "The Golden Glow," was recorded live in New York City in September 2019. It opens with a narration about the science of dendrochronology, which studies tree rings to reveal environmental history. The story involves a character guiding another, referred to as "grandma," to a specific location just around a bend. The guide mentions a sweet smell that can be detected upon concentration. Another character named Beth is present and reacts to seeing something remarkable. The guide requests payment, confirming the agreed-upon amount. The characters observe a tree described as incredible and beautiful. One character asks if the tree is glowing, but the guide clarifies it is not. The visible effect is attributed to resin covering the tree. The resin is explained as a natural part of the tree's defense mechanism. The guide expresses that this particular tree is covered in resin for an unspecified reason. The opening narration suggests the story's events may have left a distinct pattern in the tree's history. The live recording adds a communal, theatrical atmosphere to the presentation. The episode is presented in a classic audio drama style with a suspenseful and mysterious tone. It uses descriptive sound and dialogue to build an eerie, immersive atmosphere. Listeners who enjoy short, live-recorded mystery stories with supernatural undertones would appreciate this episode. Those seeking factual documentaries or interview-based podcasts should skip this fictional tale.

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