A Sting in the Tale: A Collection of Short Stories

A word from Matt Shaw

With so many collections out now, it is no secret that I enjoy the short story. I like the challenge of taking a reader on a little journey and yet still being able to slap them in the face with the potency of what happens. A tasty little sting in the tail that — even if they know it’s coming — gives them a buzz of adrenaline and brings a smile about their face. Even better, though, are the stings which completely blindside the reader and leaves them sitting there, open-mouthed and in a state of shock. When you get that reaction, you know you have truly succeeded in what you set out to do.

For me, the undisputed king of the short story is Roald Dahl. I know most people think of him as an author for children but he has an extensive back catalogue of adult stories too, including many shorts. If you are familiar with his work for children, you will know he has a darkness within him. And this darkness swallows all when he unleashed it upon his adult work; including a story of a landlady who murdered her guests only to then turn them into wax figurines which she catered for as though they still were living.

It is true that the short story is a hard genre to master and — whilst I do not claim to be anywhere near as good as Dahl — I only hope you still find enjoyment in what you’re about to read; short stories based on the lives and fears of some of my readers…