Henry Kitchen

Thirty one stories from the author of Saladin and Conspiracy. It is truly amazing what can come out of two metres by three metres shed, tucked away at one end of a country garden, between bamboos hiding an oil tank and a two-metre wooden fence defending three metres drop. The shed has half glazed double doors overlooking the garden with a willow fedge on one side and colourful bushes on the other, protecting a brick edged lawn. Windows on the north and south sides of the shed bathe the single desk and book cases with gentle light. The shed became a writer's hut and a refuge from the outside world almost ten years ago. Most of the stories in this collection were written in the shed. The peaceful environment encourages a fertile, creative imagination. Apart from the necessary electronic writing, printing, and booklet binding equipment the bustle and noise of the outside world is kept at bay. Choice of content is always a major concern for an editor of a collection of stories, but once the selection is complete the editor is faced with an even greater concern. How to establish an order for ease of reader access. This collection is ordered by an arbitrary time line of content, regardless of when each story was written - past, present, future scenarios. It starts 'In the beginning' and ends with a visit of the 'Grim Reaper.' Of course, individual readers will choose their own path, and many will use the collection on a dip-in basis.

'A treasure trove of forty-three stories from the creative imaginations of six story tellers.' Stories from six imaginative writers offer the reader an eclectic selection across many genres and subjects. Turn to 'Doug' and find the love of a daughter for her father's inspirational approach to life. 'A man who not only had everything he wanted, but who wanted everything he had.' He gave good advice. 'If now isn't the best time of your life you should change things so that it is.' Feel melancholy with 'Reflections in a country churchyard' that give rise to the reflections on the harshness of life as it was once lived, and the ways in which we might be remembered, if at all. In 'Double exposure' find a man's excursion into writing from a woman's perspective inspired by a pair of framed photographs owned by one of his colleagues. It tells the story of a woman who discovers the finer details of her ex-lover's duplicity when she studies similar prints on a wall in her best friend's flat. An astounding medical mystery, discovered by accident. Will it transform orthopaedic medicine, or will it be lost forever. Read 'The greenstick fracture' and find the answer. Relationships between mothers and teenage daughters are frequently rather fraught. Solutions are found when one or the other takes the bull by the horns. 'The camel's back' offers one radical solution. A dying triple agent, awaiting burial on the Mount of Olives, confesses to a Rabbi. 'We must do our duty as we see it, resounded in my head every time I killed on the instructions of my superiors. Maybe you can say those words at my burial Rabbi.' Discover more in 'The spy's confession.' These six stories are merely an indication of the treasure trove to tempt and tantalise. Read all forty-three to get satisfaction.

Saladin and other short stories offers the reader an eclectic collection of twelve stories. The novella Saladin, a thriller set in Israel and Jordan, where inflexible adversaries battle for media attention, starts the collection. There are stories that reflect on cultural and religious differences, both present and past. Some illustrate the call of duty and patriotism and others define the dilemmas, and possible resolutions, presented by surviving the burdens imposed by an uncaring establishment. Twelve stories that echo the predicaments of modern existence. Saladin: Palestinian versus Israeli. The clash of inflexible adversaries. Outlaw: A clash of cultures driving the unwilling into Jihad. Beyond Duty: Duty demands heroism. Christmas Courage: A wounded S. A. S. sniper is a poor fit for civilian life. Dodd's Law: Dickey Dodd may have been bent but he didn't deserve to die that way. Whistle Blower: Russian Oligarchs and the K. G. B. think the same, so keep running. Retribution: The law of unintended consequences works against direct action. For King and Country: 'The old lie: Dulce et decorum est, Pro patria mori.' The Tinker's Tale: Travel doesn't always broaden the mind. Sunday is Special: It's the one day of the week that has a regular pattern. The Revolutionary: An old Russian revolutionary reminisces on his past. Thank you, Mr Polly : James Gordon and society do not sit well together