Short Stories

Stranded on the distant planet Tschai, young Adam Reith is the sole survivor of a space mission who discovers the world is inhabited - not only by warring alien cultures but by human slaves as well, taken early in Earth's history. Reith must find a way off the planet to warn Earth of Tschai's deadly existence.

Psst...hey kid...do you want to read some scary stories? You do? Well, that's just great, because I happen to have four beautifully wicked stories for you to check out late at night under your blankets when your parents have gone to sleep. Grab your flashlight and prepare yourself for a ghoulish treat. Includes these scary stories: Beware the Blue Hubbard Camp Chin-up Here, Boy! Night at the Nursing Home

Here are 16 chilling, never-before-published tales that explore every aspect of our darkest holiday, Halloween, coedited by Ellen Datlow, one of the most successful and respected genre editors, and Lisa Morton, a leading authority on Halloween. Included are stories about scheming jack-o'-lanterns, vengeful ghosts, otherworldly changelings, disturbingly realistic haunted attractions, masks that cover terrifying faces, murderous urban legends, parties gone bad, cult Halloween movies, and trick-or-treating in the future.

Stocking stuffers like handknit scarves make the coziest of Christmas gifts—unless they're used as accessories for murder! When grinchy thefts steal the good cheer at a local nursing home, Siobhan O'Sullivan manages to identify one missing item before the tractor parade—a hideous shamrock scarf wrapped around a very dead body. The festivities go cold at Pans 'N' Pancakes the instant a diner dies while knitting a brilliant green scarf. Suspects pile up when frosty-tempered Carys Walnutt is found strangled by a handmade scarf auctioned at Arborville's tree-lighting ceremony.

A chance encounter at a garden party changes everything... When Mr. Darcy witnesses Elizabeth Bennet defending a mistreated servant girl, he's forced to reconsider his hasty judgment of her character. Elizabeth, too, finds herself questioning her opinion of the proud gentleman whose intervention supports her stand against injustice. As their paths continue to cross in the rolling hills of Hertfordshire, both discover that first impressions can be dangerously misleading. Through meaningful conversations in rose gardens and unexpected meetings on country paths, they slowly reveal their true ...

A small town, shy curvy girl romantic comedy. Violet I’m happy living alone with my cat and my romance novels until I meet Sean. He unlocks something inside of me, a longing, a craving that I need to satisfy. I think I can spend one night with him and then walk away. It’s the fairest thing to do, no matter how wrong it feels. Because once he knows the truth about me, he won’t want to stick around. Sean I’ve always wanted to be a father, and when I meet the sweet librarian with the killer curves, I think I’ve found the perfect woman to start my life with. We have one night together...

A group of cabinet ministers queries a supercomputer containing the minds of the country’s ancestors. A child robot on a dying planet uncovers signs of fragile new life. A descendant of a rain goddess inherits her grandmother’s ability to change her appearance—and perhaps the world. Created in the legacy of the seminal, award-winning anthology series Dark Matter, Africa Risen celebrates the vibrancy, diversity, and reach of African and AfroDiasporic science fiction and fantasy and reaffirms that Africa is not rising—it’s already here.

Two stubborn hearts, one worthy cause… When Elizabeth Bennet publicly confronts the haughty Mr. Darcy about his criticisms at a Meryton assembly, their mutual dislike seems permanently established. But fate—with a little help from Jane and Mr. Bingley—forces these two stubborn souls to work together on a winter charity project for the less fortunate families of Hertfordshire. As Elizabeth and Darcy reluctantly collaborate to bring warmth and dignity to those in need, they discover unexpected common ground beneath their apparent differences. Their charitable partnership gradually ...

If you like scary stories, you've come to the right place. Over 80 tales of terror told in a true story style that will curdle your blood and send shivers down your spine!

The Pyramid is the long-awaited addition to Henning Mankell's critically celebrated and internationally best-selling Kurt Wallander mystery series: the book of five short mysteries that takes us back to the beginning. Here are the stories that trace, chronologically, Wallander's growth from a rookie cop into a young father and then a middle-aged divorcé, illuminating how Wallander became a first-rate detective and highlighting new facets of a now canonical character.

Five haunting tales from Benedict Ashforth, the best-selling author of Abbot's Keep.

Author Peter Ackroyd has won the Somerset Maugham Award, the Whitbread Novel of the Year, and the Guardian Fiction Prize, and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Based on Geoffrey Chaucer’s immortal work, this retelling of The Canterbury Tales follows a party of travelers as they tell stories amongst themselves about love and chivalry, saints and legends, travel and adventure. Through allegory, satire, and humor, the tales help pass the time during their journey.

Uplifting Short Stories for Seniors is a heartwarming collection designed to celebrate the richness and joy of life’s later years. Each story offers a gentle invitation to explore new adventures, rediscover passions, and savor cherished memories—reminders that every day holds the potential for happiness and wonder.

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

Love is supposed to be a fairy tale. Ours is a death wish. I'm the executioner for the Bedlam Brotherhood. She's a con artist working for my greatest enemy. I use her. She manipulates me. We find ourselves on opposite sides of a bloody war. My heart and head tell me I have to stay away. My lust for her says otherwise. Eventually, war breaks out in Lacking. Just when I think things can't get any worse, an unexpected guest arrives. I'm forced to make a choice between the life I've always wanted and a life I never knew I could have.

It's Christmas Day 1066 and a team from St Mary's is going to witness the coronation of William the Conqueror. Or so they think... However, History seems to have different plans for them and when Max finds herself delivering a child in a peasant's hut, she can't help wondering what History is up to.

This audiobook is a treasure trove of engaging short stories crafted to inspire, entertain, and transport you back to the charm of the '50s through the '80s. Each story is filled with humor, warmth, and relatable moments designed to spark joy, connection, and meaningful reflection. Relive history, uncover fascinating trivia, and savor timeless life lessons with every chapter.

Was there any particular reason that, near the end of your lives, you suddenly stopped buying Bounty paper towels? So begins the first question from Bounty’s market research representative to Paul and Maggie. In this unique short story, a couple who died suddenly in their 50s recounts their use of Bounty paper towels and their sudden switch to a bargain brand near the end of their lives. What appears to be a run-of-the-mill spat between spouses at the Stop & Shop is revealed to be a defining moment of a marriage years in decline.

This collection features Howard at his finest and Conan at his most savage. Truly heroic fantasy at its best, this volume contains "The Servants of Bit-Yakin", "Beyond the Black River", "The Black Stranger", "The Man-Eaters of Zamboula", and "Red Nails", which is perhaps Conan's most famous adventure.

This classic captures the endearing relationship between a man and his grandson as they fish and hunt the lakes and woods of North Carolina. All the while the Old Man acts as teacher and guide, passing on his wisdom and life experiences to the boy, who listens in rapt fascination.