REALITY AND OTHER STORIES

A witty and perceptive take on modern life with a focus on technology and the supernatural, the title story is a nice take on reality TV like Love Island. Another story is a parody of complacent academia and the dissent of the English language. There is a Kafka-esque 'Which of these would you like' story, 'Signal' is a clever look at the mobile phone, and Cold Call a realistic treatment of adult social care with a great twist, and Charity a great take on the curse of taking selfies with your camera. Brilliant observations of contemporary life, these are quick, old-fashioned scary stories updated with new technology, Tales of the Unexpected for the digital age, and vinegar-sharp satires that horrify and amuse in equal measure. 215pp, Faber paperback.