Why were there THIRTEEN jurors? | Charles Dickens Ghost Story

A respectable man is summoned to serve as foreman on the jury in a murder trial. He doesn’t want to go (who does, it’s jury service). But before proceedings even begin, he sees a mysterious figure whom nobody else appears able to see. As the trial unfolds, this silent thirteenth presence continues to haunt the courtroom and our narrator. He watches the accused, his presence disturbing the witnesses and seems to be determined that justice will be done. Charles Dickens’s chilling supernatural tale was first published in December 1865 under the title To Be Taken with a Grain of Salt, as part of the Christmas edition of his literary journal All the Year Round. Later known as The Trial for Murder, it combines Dickens’s fascination with ghosts, psychological uncertainty and the atmospheric setting of a Victorian courtroom. Dark Quiet Dread enjoyed narrating this wonderfully unsettling story. Get your favourite cosy drink, settle in, and take your place among the jury… This story is perfect for late night listening, and this upload includes a general low room soundscape with some rain. 🎧 Listen with headphones for full immersion. To help with relaxation, unwinding, comfort in the darkness. THE TRIAL FOR MURDER 📖 Author: Charles Dickens (1812-1870) 🎧 Narration & Sound Design: Dark Quiet Dread ©2026 🎼 Original soundscape and production: Dark Quiet Dread ©2026 If you enjoy classic gothic horror, literary ghost stories, and calm atmospheric narration, consider subscribing for weekly bedtime tales. 👉 New uploads Saturday 3pm (UK) / 10am (ET) / 7am (PT). CONTENT WARNING: This story contains themes of death, unexplained phenomena, supernatural entities, supernatural horror, and psychological tension. Listener discretion advised. #CharlesDickens #ClassicGothicHorror #BedtimeStories #GhostStory #VictorianHorror #EdwardianHorror #BedtimeGothic #GhostStories