There’s always something really appealing about a creepy hotel story – and this Torchwood audio drama from Big Finish certainly fits into that category.

Caught in a terrible storm that sees him having to find somewhere to stay for the night, Hywel Roberts (played by Gareth Pierce) finds himself at the Traveller’s Halt.

Greeted by the polite, yet eccentric, Billis Manger (the late Murray Melvin), Hywel secures himself the last available room – but soon finds that the Traveller’s Halt is not quite the quaint, old fashioned establishment that it seems to be.

Nor, for that matter, is Billis Manger simply the aging eccentric that he initially appears to be – and it turns out that he’s hiding more than one terrible secret that could prove deadly to the hotel’s latest guest.

Deadbeat Escape is an absolute joy to listen to; it’s suitably creepy throughout and, despite being (for the most part) a two hander between Roberts and Manger, feels incredibly eventful and full of clever, shocking twists.

Though the Torchwood connection isn’t immediately apparent – unless you already know Billis Manger from his appearance in the TV show – it doesn’t really matter at all.

This is just a straight up spooky story with great performances – from both Gareth Pierce and the much-missed Murray Melvin, who’s deliciously devious once more in his role as the charming, eccentric but devious Billis Manger.

With little in the way of series continuity to worry about, this is a great, standalone audio drama to check out if you’re curious about Big Finish’s Torchwood range.

Though it is pretty creepy, it’s not as explicit or gory in its subject matter or events as many other Torchwood dramas are, either – so if you’re also a bit squeamish, this is also a safer option for you.

You can get hold of Torchwood: Deadbeat Escape in digital or CD+digital formats from Big Finish here.

If you prefer, you can buy the CD from Amazon here.