Short stories books

If you like a tightly plotted thriller, a chilling ghost story without the preamble, or a romance that gets straight to the good bit, then you’ll love a short story.

Covering all genres and written by well-known authors such as Peter James, Angela Carter, Gillian Flynn and Ted Chiang, as well as exciting new voices offering fresh perspectives, short stories are for everyone. Their shorter length makes them a good place to start when you’re considering trying a new genre but are discouraged by some of the more weightier novels available, and they’re a more accessible way for less confident readers to enjoy a good story without having to worry about remembering too many characters or getting confused by convoluted plot twists. 

With succinct prose that doesn’t get distracted with inconsequential details, tight plotting with a story arc that’s memorable, and a fast pace that ensures the story never meanders, short stories hold your attention from the first page to the last. If you’re short on time, have a small window of opportunity for reading, or simply have a busy lifestyle that makes it difficult to carve out time for yourself, short stories are the perfect companion to have by your side.

With our range of thousands of short story books, you can enjoy concise storytelling from classic writers such as Franz Kafka and Agatha Christie to more modern authors like Zadie Smith and Alice Munro. Spanning every genre from crime and thrillers to horror and the supernatural, these bitesize tales will transport, entertain, engage and charm you in a single sitting. Just remember, when it comes to great storytelling, size doesn’t matter.