Short Stories A-Z

This collection includes fiction, fantasy, and horror stories, all underpinned by humour. So, whilst eavesdropping on the hearts and minds of the protagonists within, feel free to chuckle as you cheer the goodies and boo the baddies. Or vice-versa…

None of the characters is drop-dead gorgeous, has perfect teeth, or is living the dream with their one true love. No. These characters are muddling through life like the rest of us which means some stories may seem familiar – perhaps a little too close to the bone. Some are irreverent and others, downright disturbing. Nevertheless, whatever your reaction, whatever you feel, the stories tell things the way they were and without judgement. Fair enough?

Short Stories

In this collection of short stories, Stanislas M. Yassukovich has indulged his taste for nostalgic reverie. The tales are inspired by the people and places the author has encountered during a lifetime spent in cosmopolitan circles. The quirks of fate that move people from an apparently predestined course of life have provoked his imagination. Stanislas has drawn on a variety of conditions and personalities to colour his stories with the shades and lights of human existence. Pursuing a distinguished career as an international investment banker, Stanislas found relief from the pressures of business by writing fiction. He makes no apology for the fact that his characters and their settings invoke past times; the joys and disappointments described are common to all humankind. The personages portrayed are mostly from privileged backgrounds – but then so is the author. Stanislas has sought to convey his own view of life’s vagaries through a stylistic prose which is itself reminiscent of writers of former times. The reader will find that the author’s evocations linger on.

Short Stories

When an elderly gentleman is returning from a visit to his wife’s graveside, he is shocked to find himself the victim of a young thug. What the thug doesn’t realise is that this particular gentleman has nothing to lose and will make the young man regret ever having crossed him. (Bringing the House Down)

When a lady refuses to leave her bungalow for an easier life in a care home, nobody suspects the real reason behind her reluctance to go. (An Accident)

Three friends risk their liberty for great financial gain, but do they reap the rewards of such daring behaviour? (Happy New Year)

An SAS soldier returning from Egypt, still suffering after the kidnap and murder of his daughter, steps in with drastic action, to punish the would-be perpetrators of a similar crime. (Just Another Day)

When a recently unemployed man, witnesses, and assists at a road traffic collision, he is rewarded for his bravery in a very satisfactory way. (Right Time, Right Place)

Short Stories

A picture-perfect family with an amazing lifestyle – envied by most, yearned for by others. Watched from the sidelines by many and competed for the affections by some. Tragedy can strike at any time to anyone.

How will this beautiful family survive, what will they do and how will they rebuild after such a significant loss?

A tale of love, loss and debauchery. Read if you dare…

A gift of friendship, an opportunity to be together and look into the unknown. A group of friends wanting to spend special time together on an excursion that takes an unexpected turn. The secrets, the passions, the exploration into a dark world. Finding unlikely friends and allies in a desperate scenario. 

Quartet of Human Love, Human Frailty

These four short stories embrace many emotions and characters: the man who goes back to his past to find a lost love; a woman with terminal cancer who finds a miracle in Australia; a shy girl who finds a lover and deals with her eccentric grandmother; and a visit to heaven, where a woman is amazed to find herself at the pearly gates.

There are intriguing characters and unusual stories in a collection that explores human tragedy and frailty, and also love.

Pet Rapport

Pets as part of the family, their inclusion in everyday life and their mishaps or adventures are reflected in these stories. Each story is accompanied by an illustration that is personally drawn by the author from a photo received from the owner and reflects their unique character and personality. Some true and real-life examples include: A cat which was inadvertently included in a parcel (but survived), a dog that was stolen from outside a shop but was restored to her owner and a rescue dog who found a wonderful home. These are all true, but there are also four fictitious and humorous examples ‘hidden’ amongst the others, which the author invites readers to discover. Adults will find these stories heartwarming and children will like the ‘happy endings’ and trying to spot which stories are ‘made up.’ A book with stories that appeal to the heart and illustrations that appeal to the eye, whatever your age and whether or not you have pets of your own.

Pablo's Boat

The stories take us through a summer of love, writing and self-discovery. Set in France, they paint a picture of a world both familiar and yet so different, both in time and outlook. They also recount an attempt to rediscover that lost world; an attempt filled with regret, nostalgia and, ultimately, resolution.

Next

Stories should interest you, touch you, move you. There are 134 in ‘Next’. Many, possibly even most, will do just that. ‘Youth’, ‘love’, ‘life’, ‘death’, and so much more. Stories often relevant to you, your life, past and future. Stories very readable, memorable.

‘Next’ is generous, a friend you will want to spend time with. A book to keep beside your favourite chair, beside your bed. A friend to meet up with often over the years. Rather special, rather out of the ordinary.

Nancy's Magic

From the witch’s daughter who has always known about herbs and potions.

A stone which stands tall and proud, waiting but waiting for who?

Driving ahead at full speed, searching and looking for the right road, the one which will take her far away to freedom.

To survive – an instinct bred deep inside of every man woman and child. To have the courage to go on and never give in.

Dreams which can be more real and terrifying than real life but can also be a warning of events waiting to happen.

Then there always is true love, a love which can last for many years and can never die.

Let the time fly by as you enter an emotional roller-coaster, from love and survival, witches and wizards, laughter and tears.

But things are not always what they seem, twists, and turns at every corner and at the end – who knows?

Enjoy the ride and always remember to dance in the rain.

Mystery, History and Imagination

This book is intended to amuse and interest you. You’ll meet many people from history and see how they might have behaved in situations you’re sure to know about. There are also murderers and victims – some real and some fictitious, barbaric punishment handed out by figures of authority, and kings and queens from the past who didn’t always behave as they should have. There are 20 different stories for you to choose from and each is as fascinating as the other. Was Bloody Mary really as blood-thirsty as remembered in history? Did Lizzie Borden really murder her parents by giving them forty whacks with a hatchet? Was Rabbie Burns as enamoured of the lassies as reputed to be? (I think you’ll find he was.)

These are just a few examples to keep hold of your interest, but there’s much, much more between these book covers to keep you glued until the end of each story. As for the answers to the above questions, perhaps you’ll know those after you’ve read this book.

Mishandled

In Mishandled, meet five characters forced down the path of destruction in every aspect. Their unstable lives of being ignored, outcast, and mistreated tore at the fragile human within, turning them into unrecognizable monsters. Their upside-down existence propels them to commit bloody acts against humanity.

You may ask – is it over for them? Is it too late to turn back, to heal their souls and regain their rightful place as normal, respected people who can develop their communities? They’ve gone far, yes, but what about forgiveness? How possible is it to save them if they feel the gift of life – that intense, mysterious power of caring? This love can melt mountains of hatred and dark thoughts.

In this book, find five unique stories – criminals as monsters, detectives solving twisted crimes, and more. Can the mighty force of compassion overpower lifelong pain and resentment? As events unfold to challenge notions of justice and redemption, what will emerge triumphant – good or evil?

Please enjoy these short stories of suspense and moral complexity that compel us to confront the boundaries of humanity itself.

McCreed

Ashton struggles with university. He doesn’t have many friends but fills his time with coaching and training, looking to become a professional fighter.

One day, his twin sister reminds him of an expensive event that their parents are hosting. Loads of rich and significant guests will be joining the family for food and business conversation. Gorgeous women and suited men littering their mansion.

The security business is booming.

A person can change forever in a single moment, their whole world in a series of them.

At this high-profile and heavily-guarded event, Ashton and his family’s lives are turned upside down.