An unusual kidnapping case hits home for Scully…

The first set of X-Files audios, Cold Cases, was based on the early issues of The X-Files Season 10 by Joe Harris, but for reasons unexplained at the time, it missed out an adaptation of issue 9, Chitter. However, the creepy cockroach tale hadn’t been forgotten, and instead is inserted into audio continuity here, where perhaps it isn’t quite as much of a jump in tone as it would have been in the conspiracy-heavy first set.

It’s one of those cases where you’re not sure initially why Mulder and Scully should be involved until you remember that they are FBI agents first and foremost, and have gifts that are not always put in the pursuit of the paranormal. But then the spooky side of the case rears its cockroach head and we’re into a tale of worship of something that definitely shouldn’t exist.

Dirk Maggs’ script follows the beats of Harris’ original, but moves certain elements around to make it work more naturally on audio. The vast majority of the dialogue comes straight from the comic – notably the scene at the end between Scully and Mrs Hoynes, which once again raises the question of the location of Mulder and Scully’s son William…

The chittering sound is a godsend to audio listeners (and probably an utter nightmare to balance for the producer!) and may well remind you of a similar idea in the George Romero/Stephen King Creepshow movie… but proving, as ever, that the pictures in your mind are far creepier!

Verdict: A chilling standalone tale. 9/10

Paul Simpson

Stolen Lives is available from Audible now