I really loved the story, but hated the ending. I hate when an ending is left open. It kind of feels like a cop out from the author, and it's not satisfying to finish the story without an ending- conditioner

I recently listened to this program and I do not recall having heard it before. I can honestly say that this is one of the best CBSRMT programs that I have ever heard. It had me hooked from the very beginning and is just the kind of program that represents what CBSRMT is to me. Speaking of beginnings, a lot of what we hear at the beginning of a program really sets the stage for the rest of the listening experience. Sometimes it is hard to understand what is happening and it can be ten minutes or more before I start to grasp who is who and what is happening. This program is crystal clear and from the beginning I was right along for the ride. I plan on compiling a "best of the best" disc of programs in the future, and this one will be on it without a doubt. If you want to hear a good program, skip my review and go listen to it right now. If you would like to read my review, I will set up the first few minutes of action. Listen to E.G. Marshall's take on the uses of a summer cabin at the beginning. It's late on Saturday night and Ken Harris and his wife Martha are spending a quiet evening in their apartment. Mr. Harris is reading and Mrs. Harris is working on needlepoint. A surprising ringing of the doorbell reveals an unexpected visit from their friend Stu Ralston. We quickly learn from the ensuing conversation that Stu's wife, Claudia, apparently jilted him a year earlier and ran off. Although no one seems sure what happened, she disappeared, has not been heard from since, and is regarded by police as a "missing person." Occasionally, Stu takes a drive to places that he and his wife spent time in a sort of search for her or for clues about what might have happened. He's just returned from one such outing - a drive to Shadow Lake where Ken and Martha Harris own a seasonal cabin. It was a place that Claudia liked to spend time. We learn that the Harris couple spend a lot of time at the cabin during the Summer - but it's Winter now, and Stu is concerned that someone has broken into the cabin because it appeared to him that lights were on inside and he thinks that he saw a shadow move across the window. Thus, the reason for his visit on this night. This greatly concerns Ken Harris but at this time of night they can do nothing. The next morning he rises early in order to drive to the lake and investigate. A snowstorm is raging outside but he is insistent on going. Mrs. Harris wants him to stay home and deal with the issue when the weather is better but he is determined to go. He wants to go alone, but she insists on accompanying him - so, they set out. This is only the beginning of this excellent program.

One of my favorites is ghost plane I used to listen to the show when I was a kid scared me to death but now I love all horror stories!!

Martha Maxwell makes a winter trip to the couple's summer cabin after hearing someone had been in it. They nearly die in a blizzard enroute. While there, A scene from not long ago is recreated --- destroying MArtha's world.

Another creepy episode.

A friend of a couple is distraught over the disappearance of his wife some weeks ago. The couple try to console him, afterward, the friend reports that while he was up at the lake, he noticed suspicious behaviour at their cottage and suspected that their place had been burglarized. Wishing to go check it out the husband is anxious to leave at once and when a weather advisory comes up the wife urges him to stay at home and check it later. Despite her pleadings the two set out on the wind and snow-blown road to their cottage where they find…

Emmmmmmmmmmmmmm well no oscars tonight and in my opinion a pretty predictable story....which never really got going.....Leaving the end open is a twist . Option A - he gets away with it or Option B - he gets caught...... Entertainment value i would give it a 2 and RMT suspense a 2 again..... Best quote of the show what when the shopkeeper mentioned he would rather be the sherrif when the sherrif got the snow shoes out of the vehicle.....I suppose I am maybe over critical but thats my view on it.........Bring em on!

you're very welcome, Draegerman! i found a resource which i could host from, though the links may expire after a period of time. as for this show, i really got into in the beginning. it gave me some good creeps and jitters as it moved along, but once the plot was revealed, i soon lost a concerned interest. i did enjoy that there were sort of two dramas at play here. one with the couple trying to just get where they were going, and then the other when they got there. it's not a bad tale, but not a terribly gripping one either. i gave it a 2.8 overall. solid performances and production, but the tale just never really peaked for me.

It's interesting to see that no one was overly-impressed by this program because it had me in its grasp. It is my humble opinion that this is one of the best episodes ever. The setup is really what had me interested from the outset. E.G. Marshall's words about summer cabins at the beginning were the perfect stage-setter. Listen to them carefully if you are going to listen to this program. Then, the unexpected late night visit about someone apparently in the cabin some miles away caused the feeling of mystery and suspense for me. I really liked this program. As for the ending, was an ending necessary? The real ending occurred before the end of the program now didn't it?

I liked this program also. It as very interesting how their indiscretion was played out. It was as if the cabin walls could talk. What a chilling way to find out your husband was a murderer.

SPOILER ALERT* - I think he played his cards wrong. He doesn't want to go to jail or kill his wife. Leaving her to die in the snow while surviving himself would bring up questions. Since she's worried about this scenerio, he should suggest they stay there one more night (if only for another day of freedom)to try and gain her trust and hope she loves him enough after getting over the initial shock to let him get away with it. If he is truly evil and want to kill her it would be safer for him to repeat history than draw attention leaving her in the streets while driving home. Regardless, knowing what he was capable of and her vulnerability, she should have subdued her reaction to not give him a "jail or murder me" ultimatum.

I love Nat Polen's voice in this. When she asks him if he wants another hot dog, he states that he had ThrEEE. Then, he later states that they agrEEEd on something. Also, which actress played the operator? I cannot tell which Joan it was. Someone help, please.

Simpson Jr., I would love to have a copy of your best-of-the-best compilation, because I agree that this is one of the most compelling episodes of the CBSRMT. Part of it is the title: "RETURN TO SHADOW LAKE." I'm in! Then there's the enigma of the break-in at the cottage, and the journey in the snowstorm, then the unfolding of supernatural events at the cabin -- what more do you want? I like all of Fielding Farrington's episodes, in fact. An imaginative writer who knew how to keep the thread tight.

Simpson Jr, I agree with Jacob W. Count me in on a copy also. I have my list of favorites, and this is certainly one of them.

There seems to be a little bit of a split on whether this is a very good or just mediocre tale. I'm in the latter crowd as it just didn't do much for me. I thought it was mostly predictable (except for the "ghosts"). I did like the end where they left it open what was going to happen next.

I really enjoyed this episode, it really scared me at one point, a rarity for me. I love the setting of the blizzard- it's really nice to listen to blizzard sounds while in a warm house drinking tea! I wish this had been a two part episode- it ended a little too prematurely. If you listen carefully you can understand how the dialogue tells you a lot. To me, the dialogue tells me a lot about the wife.

One of my favorite episodes. The conclusion was open ended. What do u think became of this couple?

This is one of Fielden Farrington's best stories because it combines the Drama-Mystery and the Fantasy-Mystery together. Another way to title this CBSRMT episode would be "If Walls Cloud Talk" because that's exactly what they did; they showed the cabin owners what happened to the missing woman. SPOILER ALERT: the body's buried in the Utility Room. The sound effects of the doorbell, the radio, the howling wind in the blizzard, car running, keys jingling, cottage door opening, the rotary phone, and the car stuck in the snow had the right elements for this "ghastly" tale. The music in ACT-1 had suspicious tunes where the plot thickens, there were perplexing melodies in ACT-2, and devastating themes where the truth is revealed in ACT-3. Shocking, yet entertaining. E.G. Marshall, once again, gets your attention from the beginning to the very end. He introduces the supernatural in his Prologue, gives out important facts about freezing to death in ACT-1, the dark and ugly truth is about to be revealed in ACT-2, he questions the viewers on how this story should end in ACT-3, and reminds us that a reluctant murderer is exposed by the supernatural in his Epilogue. And to describe our talented cast, Robert Maxwell (as Lou Potts & Radio D.J.) was amusing, Robert Kaliban (as Stu Ralston & Al the Sheriff) was intriguing, Joan Loring (as Claudia Ralston & Mabel the Operator) was delightful, Nat Polen (as Ken Harris) was riveting, and I was spellbound by the talented voice of Joan Lovejoy (as Martha Harris); just fascinating. If CBSRMT had a "Wall of Fame" for their best episodes, this one would definitely go up on display, right next to Ep. #0167-THE BLACK ROOM, Ep. #0276-THE DIAMOND NECKLACE, and Ep. #0367-THE SUMMER PEOPLE. =0)

Russell Gregory Wilder, I agree completely. I give it 10 stars. The best part is the end when she says, "Let's go." YIKES!!! I also loved the hot dogs and beans and French fries on the open fire. It felt very cold and cozy. I felt like I were there!

Also loved this episode very much! When they were heading for the cabin in the snow storm I thought the sound effects were especially effective as I found myself getting a little irritated in that I had to pay close attention in listening to what they were saying as the wind noise was drowning out some of it a little. I was in my car listening. I suppose that was effective sound! Creepy episode and I love the open ended ending!

I really love this episode- I love snow storm effects! I wish there were more episodes like this that make you feel cozy to be indoors listening to it. The other snow storm episodes I have heard are "Death on Skis" which someone just recommended on the Home page, "White Wolf" which is really amazing, it envelopes you in darkest winter, and "who is George Williams" which is an Alaska mystery of identity. Of course, "Captain of the Polestar" is also a wintry tale, but on a ship. Can anyone else recommend a snow storm episode?

This is one of Fielden Farrington's best stories because it combines the Drama-Mystery and the Fantasy-Mystery together. Another way to title this CBSRMT episode would be "If Walls Cloud Talk" because that's exactly what they did; they showed the cabin owners what happened to the missing woman. SPOILER ALERT: the body's buried in the Utility Room. The sound effects of the doorbell, the radio, the howling wind in the blizzard, car running, keys jingling, cottage door opening, the rotary phone, and the car stuck in the snow had the right elements for this "ghastly" tale. The music in ACT-1 had suspicious tunes where the plot thickens, there were perplexing melodies in ACT-2, and devastating themes where the truth is revealed in ACT-3. Shocking, yet entertaining. E.G. Marshall, once again, gets your attention from the beginning to the very end. He introduces the supernatural in his Prologue, gives out important facts about freezing to death in ACT-1, the dark and ugly truth is about to be revealed in ACT-2, he questions the viewers on how this story should end in ACT-3, and reminds us that a reluctant murderer is exposed by the supernatural in his Epilogue. And to describe our talented cast, Robert Maxwell (as Lou Potts & Radio D.J.) was amusing, Robert Kaliban (as Stu Ralston & Al the Sheriff) was intriguing, Joan Loring (as Claudia Ralston & Mabel the Operator) was delightful, Nat Polen (as Ken Harris) was riveting, and I was spellbound by the talented voice of Joan Lovejoy (as Martha Harris); just fascinating. If CBSRMT had a "Wall of Fame" for their best episodes, this one would definitely go up on display, right next to Ep. #0167-THE BLACK ROOM, Ep. #0276-THE DIAMOND NECKLACE, and Ep. #0367-THE SUMMER PEOPLE.

I rate this episode ★★★★★ for EXCELLENT. This is one of Fielden Farrington's best stories because it combines the Drama-Mystery and the Fantasy-Mystery together. Another way to title this CBSRMT episode would be "If Walls Cloud Talk" because that's exactly what they did; they showed the cabin owners what happened to the missing woman. SPOILER ALERT: the body's buried in the Utility Room. The sound effects of the doorbell, the radio, the howling wind in the blizzard, car running, keys jingling, cottage door opening, the rotary phone, and the car stuck in the snow had the right elements for this "ghastly" tale. The music in ACT-1 had suspicious tunes where the plot thickens, there were perplexing melodies in ACT-2, and devastating themes where the truth is revealed in ACT-3. Shocking, yet entertaining. E.G. Marshall, once again, gets your attention from the beginning to the very end. He introduces the supernatural in his Prologue, gives out important facts about freezing to death in ACT-1, the dark and ugly truth is about to be revealed in ACT-2, he questions the viewers on how this story should end in ACT-3, and reminds us that a reluctant murderer is exposed by the supernatural in his Epilogue. And to describe our talented cast, Robert Maxwell (as Lou Potts & Radio D.J.) was amusing, Robert Kaliban (as Stu Ralston & Al the Sheriff) was intriguing, Joan Loring (as Claudia Ralston & Mabel the Operator) was delightful, Nat Polen (as Ken Harris) was riveting, and I was spellbound by the talented voice of Joan Lovejoy (as Martha Harris); just fascinating. If CBSRMT had a "Wall of Fame" for their best episodes.

In the Fall of 1980 my bedroom clock radio was tuned to 560 am KSFO, San Francisco, and this Mystery Theatre production aired while I was comfortably, but attentivley, relaxing on my bed. I was 14 years old back then. Prior to this theatre episode, I listened to others such as "Dig Me Deadly" and "The Beast," both which aired in 1979. While I cannot equitably rate each episode of the CBSRMT because their story lines are all unique, this one (Return to Shadow Lake) is nothing less than captivating. It held my interest from its beginning through its conclusion. My sincere thanks to all those who created and maintain this website; and may it bring to the younger generations an appreciatiion for listening to radio mystery theatre.

I didn't know where to post this, My LIST OF FAVORITE EPISODES thus far, so I figured this page, which is many people's favorite episode, is a good place to post it. I wish others would post their favorites, Please!!! I haven't listened to them all, but this far, in random order: The Graveyard, Return to Shadow Lake, Specter Bridegroom, Secret chamber, The other soul, Someday I'll find you, The clairvoyant, Confession, The devil God, White wolf, Loser takes all, Cezar curse, Long blue line, Island of the lost, The raft, Silver Medal, Hung jury, How to kill Rudy, You're going to like Rodney, Speak of the devil, The innocent face, Ranee of rajputana, Bloody legend, Who is George Williams, Age cannot wither her, Death is a woman, Shark bait, The jataka, Coffin for the devil, Magic cay, Luck sisters, Killer instinct, Man sized marble - (for Holloween!!), Sins of the father, Charnel house, Heros welcome, Coffin for the devil, Judges house, Roses are for funerals, Triptych for a witch, How do you like those apples, Diary of a madman, Dead deserve to rest, The transformation, Willy and dilly, Diana the huntress, Toy death, Don't play with matches, Fall of Gentryville, A private demon, Infernal triangle, The mortgage, Sacrifice in blood, Dreamers and killers, To whom it may concern, Romance of Mary Oates, Search for Myra, Goodbye Benjamin flack, The Acquisition, Death pays no dividend, Phantom world, Mother love, Deadly honeymoon, Million dollar murder, Heros welcome, The innocent face, Borderline case, Let George do it, Who has seen the wind, End of a memory, Dagger of Almohades, Judas Kiss, Phantom world, Sagamore cottage, Summer People, Stairway to Oblivion, Cabinet of the unsolved, Natural Sugar.

This is my UPDATED LIST OF BEST CBS RADIO MYSTERY THEATER EPISODES! Of all 1,399 of them, I think these are the best! They are in no particular order, except the final few are the darkest most sinister of the Series. I am posting this here because it seems to be a favorite. Please, please I wish others would comment on this list and post their BEST OF CBSRMT LIST!: The Graveyard, Return to Shadow Lake, Specter Bridegroom, Secret chamber, The other soul, Someday I'll find you, Maud Evelyn, The clairvoyant, Confession, The devil good, White wolf, Cezar curse, Natural sugar, Long blue line, Island of the lost, What a change in Hilda, The raft, Hung jury, Loser takes all, How to kill Rudy, You're going to like Rodney, Speak of the devil, The innocent face, Ranee of rajputana, Bloody legend, Stairway to oblivion, Picture on a wall, Who is George Williams, Age cannot wither her, Death is a woman, Shark bait, The jataka, Coffin for the devil, Magic cay, Luck Sisters, Killer instinct, Man sized marble - (for Holloween!!) Sins of the father, Charnel house, Heros welcome, Coffin for the devil, Judges house, Roses are for funerals, Triptych for a witch, How do you like those apples, Diary of a madman, Dead deserve to rest, The transformation, Willy and dilly, Diana the huntress, Toy death, Don't play with matches, Silver medal, A private demon, Infernal triangle, The mortgage, Sacrifice in blood, Dreamers and killers, To whom it may concern, Romance of Mary Oates, Search for Myra, Goodbye Benjamin flack, The Acquisition, Death pays no dividend, Phantom world, How do you like those apples, Mother love, Deadly honeymoon, Million dollar murder, Heros welcome, The innocent face, Borderline case, Let George do it, Who has seen the wind, End of a memory, Dagger of Almohades, Judas Kiss, Phantom world, Half a life, Thousand pound gorilla, Tomorrows murder, Carmilla, Nightmares Nest, Sagamore cottage, Summer People, Fall of Gentryville, In the fog, Dreamers and killers, Chinaman button , House by the seine, Cabinet of the unsolved, Black Widow, The Twelfth Juror. Mother Love, Hickory Dickory Doom, White Wolf (VERY DARK) Deadly Hour (VERY DARK) Star Sapphire (VERY DARK) Promise to Kill (VERY DARK)

Return To Shadow lack is my favorite and was scary one.

Though I had posted the Best List before, I reviewed it and made several additions and deletions. I feel that these 134 are the Best of the 1,399 CBSRMT episodes. This is my EDITED and COMPLETE LIST of BEST EPISODES OF CBS RADIO MYSTERY THEATER: The Graveyard, Mother Love, Carmilla, Return to Shadow Lake, Specter Bridegroom, The Other soul, Silver Medal, The devil god, Toy Death, Cezar curse, Death Wish, Long blue line, Island of the lost, What a change in Hilda, The raft, Hung jury, Loser takes all, How to kill Rudy, You're going to like Rodney, Speak of the devil, Bloody legend, My Sister Death, My Wife Doesn't understand Me, Age cannot wither her, Death is a woman, Shark bait, Magic cay, Luck Sisters, Killer instinct, Afterward, Woman from hell, Man sized marble - (for Halloween!) Sins of the father, Charnel house, Heros welcome, Coffin for the devil, Judges House, Roses are for Funerals, Triptych for a Witch, How do you like those apples, Diary of a madman, The Transformation, Willy and Dilly, Don't play with matches, A Private Demon, Infernal triangle, The mortgage, Sacrifice in blood, THE DEADLY ROMANCE Thirteen: 1. Dreamers and Killers, 2. To whom it may Concern, 3. Romance of Mary Oates, 4. The God Killer, 5. Till death do us part, 6. The End of the Rainbow, 7. Just to Keep Busy, 8. Half a Life, 9. The Innocent Face, 10. Search for Myra, 11. Squaring the Triangle, 12. Pretty Polly, 13. Dagger of Almohades, (The Case of M.J.H., Let George Do It, Million Dollar Murder- runner-ups in "Deadly Romance" category), Goodbye Benjamin flack, The Acquisition, Death pays no dividend, Phantom world, Someday I'll Find You, Deadly Honeymoon, Who has seen the Wind, End of a memory, Demon lover, Judas Kiss, Thousand pound gorilla, Tomorrows murder, Sagamore cottage, Summer People, Sleepy Village, In the fog, Chinaman button, Most necessary evil, How can I ever thank you, Escape to Prison, Cabinet of the unsolved, Black Widow (Fan Favorite) The Twelfth Juror, Yesterday's murder, THE FUGITIVE DOUBLE FEATURE: 1. The Deadliest Favor, 2. Woman Who Wanted To Live, Room 418, Man who couldn't get arrested, Hickory Dickory Doom (Fan Favorite), Murder museum, Saxon curse, Red scarf, Escape to Prison, Silent witness, Most necessary evil, Holiday visit, The Clairvoyant, Wilhemina Wilson, Out of Focus, Every Blossom Dies, I warn you three times, Walking Dead (BEST SCI-FI EPISODE), The Ninth Volume, Fateful Reunion, Death at a Distance, THE 5 DARKEST EPISODES: 1. Deadly Hour, 2. Star Sapphire, 3. Promise to Kill, 4. Fall of Gentryville, 5. White Wolf, Escape, escape! (Fan favorite), No hiding place, Killers helper, Hundred dollar difference, I hate Harold, Ghost grey bat, Tippecanoe and Tyler Too, AUTHOR SAM DANN's QUADRILOGY STARRING EARL HAMMOND: 1. The Jataka, 2. Eye of the Idol, 3. The Ranee of Jajputana, 4. Two Sisters, The Figure in the Moonlight, Death on skis, Captain of the Polestar For tomorrow We Die, The ideas of March, No way out, I thought I saw a Shadow, (and the 2 Similar Ghost stories: the Shining Man, Once upon an Island)

I dunno how long ago you posted these or if you'll ever read this but I intend to check out the episodes in your list that look unfamiliar to me (quite a few of them actually). Having been introduced to this show at the age of 8 by my father (I am now 24) I have learned that this show *highly* inconsistent: the lows are very low but the highs definitely make the show worth it. Sorting out the stand out episodes (particularly the stand outs that I have, even now, never heard before) most certainly helps.

Please add Garden of the Moon to the above list of Best Episodes.

One of my all time favorite.

Hello, fellow CBS Radio Mystery Theater and OTR fans! Blizzard Winter Snowstorm Jonas has hit the East coast of the USA with winds and a blanket of Snow! That means it's officially time to get the mug of Hot Cocoa and listen to eerie snowy Episode "RETURN TO SHADOW LAKE"! By the way, I have posted here, in the episodes Comments section, my list of Best CBSRMT EPISODES, but I want to add the following 14 episodes to the list, bringing it to the Best 142 episodes (Please add Your Favorites here too!!): The end of the Rainbow, Death spell, Killer of the year, Pool of Fear, Hexed, Garden of the Moon, Nightmares nest, Queen of cats, Velvet claws, The Living Corpse, Bloodline, Flowers of death, Mirror, mirror, Legacy of guilt.

TO CELINE: Thank you for posting your list of favorite CBS Radio Mystery Theater Episodes! Someone FINALLY responded to my request for others to list their favorite episodes! My list is posted here on the comments section of my favorite episode "Return to Shadow Lake". As a sort of gift for responding, I recommend that as a lover of CBSRMT you would greatly enjoy watching the old British Film "Madonna of the Seven Moons" by Gainsborough Studios. Enjoy!!

Melanie: So glad you saw my list. I realized that I should have listed them here. Did you listen to "Blizzard of Fear"? Its a snow storm story. Thanks for the tip on the British movie. I will watch it! You have listed so many that I know I probably repeated some. I listened on your recommendation to 2 of the Indian Trilogy+. Loved them. The sound quality on the 3rd was poor. Will give it another try. I am going to list some other favorites here soon.

MELANIE: Here are some of my favorites that are not on your updated, updated list: Ring of Roses, Mother Love, Pharoah's Curse, Real Printer's Devil, Trouble with Murder, Island of the Lost, I Must Kill Edna,Bride for Death, Give the Devil His Due,The Sending, Blizzard of Terror, Dig Me Deadly, Dream of Death, Deadly Pearls, The Reluctant Killer, Sleepy Village, The Colony, The Disembodied Voice, Death in the Stars, Witches Almanac, Elixer of Death, Red Frisbee,The Lady of the Mist, Half a Life, The Infernal Triangle,Three Elders of Lifeboat Landing, Demon Lover, Train Stops, Child of the Sea, Cherchez la Femme, Til Death Do Us Part, The Phantom House, Boomerang,Island on Silvertree Lake, Ocean of Emptiness.Stay out of the Dutchmen's House, Tourist Trap, Wave of Terror, Sand Castle, Desert Maiden,Henrietta's Revenge,Lovely People, The Unseen Watcher.

Melanie, If your goal is to listen to every episode, I would go in order. I have done what you have done (cherry picked the best episodes so far) and have only listened to about half the episodes of the 1399 episodes. Here are two of my favorites. I did not see them on your list. Both episodes are from the last year 1982. Episode 1320. The Hanging Sheriff. And Episode 1338. The Women Who Wanted To Live. These two episodes are so good (In my opinion) they are both in my top 25. I am sure you will be adding these two episodes to your top 150 list.

My favorites include "Nightmare's Nest", "Carmilla", "Hickory Hickory Doom", "The Hand" "Church of Hell" and "Night of the Howling Dog".

My favorites are: The Believers Strange Company The Summer People Sleepy Village The Waiting Room The Sending Message From Space A Point in Time The Crack in the Wall Hickory Dickory Doom Frontiers of Fear Journey into Nowhere Eleventh Hour The Velvet Claws Land of the Living Dead

Thank you DAN, DON, CELINE and DENNIS for Listing your Favorite Mystery Theater Episodes! Here on the Page of My Favorite Episode "RETURN TO SHADOW LAKE"! In fact, as Freezing Winter Weather has hit the East Coast, it's Time to Get your mug of Hot Cocoa and Clise the Lights and Return to Shadow Lake on CBSRMT!!!

DON HEILAND: Your Suggestion, the Episode "The Woman Who Wanted to Live", is Absolutely on my List of Best Episodes, in Fact I recommend it as a Double Feature to be Heard with Episode "The Deadliest Favor" which should be listened to first. "The Woman who Wanted to Live" is even better when listened to after " The Deadliest Favor". I call it the Fugitive Double Feature, both are Similar to Film Noir but are Radio Noir! But DON- You mention 2 Episodes and say they are in your Top 25 Episodes- Please, WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 25?!

MELANIE: Your suggestion to listen to "The Deadliest Favor" was right on. "The Woman Who Wanted To Live,"I agree with you, A great Fugitive Double Feature. My problem is I have cherry picked many of the episodes. I started listening back on January 6, 1974. My Problem is I fell asleep during many of the episodes back in the 1970's, especially between Act 1 and Act 2 during the commercials back in the day. They were on between 10:07 & 11:00 at night back then. So I have only heard about half the episodes to the very end. There is so many good episodes mentioned on here I have not heard yet. I will give you my Top 6 as of right now. My favorite episode without question is: "The Acquisition" Episode 1273. Number 2 on my list is "Black Widow" Episode 265. Number 3 on my list is "The Woman Who Wanted To Live" Episode 1338. Number 4 on my list is "The Hanging Sheriff" Episode 1320. Number 5 is "The Diamond Necklace" Episode 276. Number 6 on my list is "Bloodline" Episode 1131. I have heard these episodes over 1000 times, at least. I need to start listening to other episodes to find out what I am missing out on.

This is definitely one of my favorites--this and Sleepy Village.

Don Heiland: Thank you for listing your Favorite Episodes! I don't recommend listening in Order, because I have tracked some people who were doing that by seeing their Comments, and I see that those who listen in order STOP listening after the first 2 Years. It's a better idea to listen to the Great Episodes First, based on listener Recommendations. My list has 142 Best Episodes! Once someone listens to those, they are Hooked and will find other episodes by author or theme to ones they like. By skipping around, they will listen to far more episodes. My Best CBSRMT Episode List is at "Return to Shadow Lake". You can search Episodes by name in the Search box! Start here, or try "Shark Bait" "The Other Soul" or "Toy Death"! But Keep Listening! Many Gems here, And PLEASE List Your Favorite Episodes!!

Of Interest to CBS Radio Mystery Theater Fans- Actress Joan Lorring (Spelled on this site with one 'R') was a Film Actress before she did Radio work, and her Film "The Verdict" from 1946 is playing this week on TCM on Demand, The TCM channel has an app where you can watch classic movies on demand from any device. MANY of CBSRMT Stars appear in films on TCM, including E.G. Marshall who is in "12 Angry Men" with Henry Fonda. Joan Lorring is Excellent in "The Verdict" as she is here in Episodes including " Return to Shadow Lake" and "Devils Boutique"

This is definitely one of my favorites--this and Sleepy Village.

This one is awesome.

How come no one mentioned stay out of Dutchman's woods or there's no business like or the storm breeder?

Thank you, John, those are good episodes! I hope more people list their favorite episodes here in the Comments section of Return to Shadow Lake!

Love this story. Perfect mix of scary and mysterious. Listening with my three pals this New Year’s Eve - G,J, and S.

I loved this one, until the non-ending. It was still good with the "choose your own ending" type ending, but I wasn't crazy about that part.

I enjoyed this one, but I agree with others that the open ending was a bit weak. Seemed like a lazy way to end a good story.

Very interesting murder story with supernatural elements. The acting was well done and everything about this story keeps the listener's attention from start to finish. They don't let you know what really happened in the end, and one is left to guess what happened. In a way, that adds more suspense to the story, but it's a little frustrating not to know what really happened in the end.

It may not be the absolute creepiest, but I find "Return to Shadow Lake" has a great atmosphere of foreboding doom. I also find the dialogue and acting more natural and realistic than most.

Thanks for free access to this. I can still recall listening to this particular episode in 1980 while on a long car ride with my best friend at the time, and our fathers returning from picking up some Amway products in another state. Thanks for the memories.

There’s more to consider in choosing our ending than will the husband leave her or not. The sheriff is walking down the trail towards them. The grocer is sitting next to the couple’s vehicle. The possible scenarios are endless. I have enjoyed chasing three of the possibilities in my mind this morning. This would be a fantastic prompt for a creative writing class.

This episode had such potential, but the ending was ridiculous. It's like it needed a 4th act. There was no conclusion. 2-stars