American Short Fiction

An arresting collection of short stories, reminiscent of Shirley Jackson and Julio Cortazar, by an exciting new international talent.

Whether weaving family life and history into dark fiction or writing speculative Afrofuturism, American Book Award winner and Essence best-selling author Tananarive Due’s work is both riveting and enlightening. In her debut collection of short fiction, Due takes us to Gracetown, a small Florida town that has both literal and figurative ghost; into future scenarios that seem all too real; and provides empathetic portraits of those whose lives are touched by otherness. Featuring an award-winning novella and 15 stories, Ghost Summer: Stories is sure to haunt and delight.

Mosley presents distinct characters as they struggle to move through the world in each of these stories - heroes who are awkward, nerdy, self-defeating, self-involved, and, on the whole, odd. He overturns the stereotypes that corral black male characters and paints a subtle, powerful portrait of each of these unique individuals.

A collection of stories capturing what it means to be a cowboy.

Celtic mythology, Arthurian romance, and an intriguing interpretation of British history - these are just some of the themes embraced by the anonymous authors of the eleven tales that make up the Welsh medieval masterpiece known as The Mabinogion. They tell of Gwydion the shape-shifter, who can create a woman out of flowers; of Math the magician whose feet must lie in the lap of a virgin; of hanging a pregnant mouse and hunting a magical boar.

A collection of stories from the most famous Western author of all time! Desert Death-Song is a compilation of some of Louis L’Amour’s greatest stories, many of which might otherwise be difficult to find. Whether he was writing under his early pen name, Jim Mayo, or his own, L’Amour’s stories are unforgettable, touching on rough and rugged American ideals, and set in the untamable frontier of the Western United States.

Andre Monroe is ready to move on from heartbreak, and the first step is bringing home his rescue pup. He’d bonded instantly with the playful Zeus and was already planning their first adventures. But one thing he definitely hadn’t daydreamed about was Zeus accidentally being promised to someone else - or that he might go home empty-handed and brokenhearted all over again.

With a diverse selection of stories chosen by series editor John Joseph Adams and guest editor Rebecca Roanhorse, The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2022 explores the ever-expanding and changing world of contemporary science fiction and fantasy.

Lovers Rock stars Jamaica: its language, its landscape, its vibe, its humor, its edge and its persistent, dogged beauty. These seven stories imagine strange, quirky, familiar and delicious encounters between people in search of romantic love in the twenty-first century. Featuring characters from of all walks of life, each story is connected by the unique vibe of Jamaican desire.

Comprising two distinct short novels - Monroe's Nightmare in Paradise and Bad Luck Shadow from critically acclaimed Victor McGlothin - Borrow Trouble is a hot double-feature that perfectly showcases each author's unique style.

Piper is a confident and sexy BBW maid rebuilding her life after losing everything. Once the daughter of a wealthy CEO, her world crumbles after her father’s money laundering conviction. Now she works at Maids of Honor until she can access her trust fund. Quick-witted and sassy, she mostly keeps to herself, until disciplined, bad-boy boxer Caesar Gonzales handpicks her for a position in his home, leaving her to question his motives—and her own desires. If you enjoy African American romance books, fast-paced novellas about love, then this is for you.

Are you ready for a literary journey that will leave you completely captivated and unable to put the book down? Look no further than this FOUR BOOKS complete Series, now available in one irresistible BOXSET. Inspired by a reader Maria, this story takes us on a thrilling ride with Betsy, a young woman who is as independent as she is alluring. But beware, dear reader, for Betsy is about to learn some harsh lessons about life, and if she's not careful, she just might find herself pushing up daisies. As Betsy succumbs to her desires and begins to cast her eyes upon men that are strictly off-...

Is it really just a question of faith? In the wake of a devastating fire that claims her husband and shatters her dreams, Abbilene faces the harsh scrutiny of her small mill town. Reeling from her loss, she discovers her late husband's betrayals and a shocking stipulation in his will: to adopt his son, a child from a secret affair, now in a San Francisco orphanage. Tucker Manning, the town's Sheriff and Abbilene's lifelong friend, is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the deadly explosion. Amidst the rubble and whispers, Tucker stands as Abbilene's loyal ally, even as doubt shadows his...

The American literary tradition has, in a far shorter span of time than others throughout history, achieved a glowing and glittering reputation. From its transatlantic roots it has absorbed the sons and daughters of other cultures, other lands and made them part of her own. Within this melting pot of styles, genres and wordplay one fact stands out: In the American short story, Literary tradition has a strong, vibrant and almost inclusive history, if you know where to look.

Desire raises the stakes - and the danger. This collection includes Desperate Housewife, Sinful, and L.A. Confidential.

Many Indigenous people believe that one should never whistle at night. This belief takes many forms: for instance, Native Hawaiians believe it summons the Hukai’po, the spirits of ancient warriors, and Native Mexicans say it calls Lechuza, a witch that can transform into an owl. But what all these legends hold in common is the certainty that whistling at night can cause evil spirits to appear—and even follow you home. These shiver-inducing tales introduce listeners to ghosts, curses, hauntings, monstrous creatures, complex family legacies, desperate deeds, and chilling acts of revenge.

Mesha and Jason are two siblings who grew up on the rough streets of Detroit. They were thick as thieves, and Mesha actually was one while Jason got into the life of selling drugs. Mesha, being the eldest, had always been overprotective of her little brother. From the streets to women. In an attempt to protect her brother from a secret and any further heartache concerning his daughter, one day, Mesha takes her overprotective antics to a whole other level. One that may leave their bond broken forever, if he finds out. Lela is a female who is know for scamming and coming up with schemes to ...

A striking and nuanced collection, bringing to life awkward college students, disgraced public figures, raunchy grandparents, and mystical godmothers. To listen to these stories is to experience the transporting joys of discovery and affirmation, and to realize that story writing in America continues to flourish.

Today’s fans of science fiction and fantasy have an appetite for stories that address a wide variety of voices, perspectives, and styles. There is an openness to experiment and pushing boundaries, combined with the classic desire to hear about spaceships and dragons, future technology and ancient magic, and the places where they intersect. With a diverse selection of stories chosen by series editor John Joseph Adams and Diana Gabaldon, The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2020 explores the ever-expanding and changing world of SFF today.

One night at a bar changes everything for these workplace rivals. Omari Smith and Lora Chase have worked together at an advertising agency for years. To her, he’s the biggest threat to her career because he's everyone's favorite creative. To him, she’s much more than a rival. She’s the woman he’s been secretly wooing for years with gifts. When Omari wins the newest account coming to Simons Advertising, Lora is beyond resentful, as her capability as pitch leader is called into question. Aiming to please her team, she joins the celebration for the new account and in a drunken state, ...