120,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Come visit us this weekend! Auckland Bookstore open 8:30am-5:00pm Sat & Sun 🎉

The Complete Short Stories

Volume One
By Roald Dahl
0.0 (0 reviews)
4.14 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 1,285 ratings, 120 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Complete Short Stories by Roald Dahl is a collection that showcases his mastery of the short story format. These tales blend dark humour, unexpected twists, and memorable characters, offering a thrilling reading experience. Perfect for both long-time fans and those new to his work, this anthology captures the essence of Dahl's storytelling genius.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3000
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you enjoy imaginative, darkly humorous tales with unexpected twists, this collection of short stories is perfect for you. Roald Dahl's storytelling brilliance shines through each inventive and captivating plot.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Collects adult short stories, in which the author begins by using his experiences in the war to write fiction. In 27 stories, written between 1944 and 1953, this title includes tales such as 'Man from the South'; 'Lamb to the Slaughter'; and 'The Sound Machine'.

Enter the sinister, twisted world of Roald Dahl- whether you're young or old, you'll never want to leave.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Step into the sinister, mesmerizing world of The Complete Short Stories by Roald Dahl, a collection that masterfully showcases the author's incredible talent for crafting tales that are as engrossing as they are disturbing. This volume, the first of two, chronologically assembles all of Dahl's published adult short stories, focusing on those written between 1944 and 1953. Italicising everyday situations and characters with his dark imagination, Dahl delivers stories that are unsettling, captivating, and often laced with macabre humour.

Roald Dahl, one of the most beloved writers of the modern age, effortlessly pens stories for both children and adults. For this collection, he draws heavily from his wartime experiences, weaving them into narratives that range from the unsettling to the downright eerie. Each story offers a glimpse into Dahl's unique storytelling prowess, characterised by unexpected twists and a pervading sense of unease.

Among the 27 compelling stories in this volume, you'll find unforgettable classics such as Man from the South, a tale revolving around a strange bet with horrifying consequences. In Lamb to the Slaughter, you'll discover the chilling story of a wife who murders her husband and uses an ingenious method to divert the police's suspicion. The collection also includes The Sound Machine, where the terrifying truth about plant life is unearthed in a profoundly disturbing manner.

These narratives are not just stories; they are immersive experiences that ensnare you into Dahl's world, a place where the ordinary swiftly turns extraordinary and the mundane becomes menacing. The detailed, vivid descriptions and unexpected plot twists in these stories will leave you contemplating long after you’ve turned the last page.

The Complete Short Stories offers not just a reading experience, but an invitation to explore the darker recesses of human nature. It’s a journey through a literary landscape where danger lurks in the most unanticipated corners and nothing is ever what it seems. Dive into this anthology and prepare to be thoroughly enchanted and disturbed by one of Britain's most celebrated writers.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Complete Short Stories by Roald Dahl has been praised for its imaginative and darkly humorous tales. Reviewers appreciate the clever twists and engaging writing style, though some note that the stories can be unsettling. Overall, readers find it a compelling collection showcasing Dahl's unique storytelling prowess.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781405910101

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 12 September 2013

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 418g

Pages: 624

Collections

Best Sellers at Book Hero Fiction General Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction New Release Fiction Penguin Books Roald Dahl

About the Author

Sitting in a hut at the bottom of his garden, surrounded by odd bits and pieces such as a suitcase (used as a footrest), his own hipbone (which he'd had replaced) and a heavy ball of metal foil (made from years' worth of chocolate wrappers), Roald Dahl wrote some of the world's best-loved stories including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Twits, The Witches, The BFG, Fantastic Mr Fox, James and the Giant Peach and lots more.

Also by Roald Dahl

View all
  • Roald Dahl Complete Collection (16 Copy Slipcase)
    Roald Dahl Complete Collection (16 Copy Slipcase)
    Discover the wonderful world of Roald Dahl with the Roald Dahl Complete Collection (16 Copy Slipcase). This beautifully designed slipcase includes 16 of Roald Dahl's most beloved stories, providing endless hours of reading entertainment for children and adults alike. From the mischievous adventures of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the magical tale of The BFG, Dahl's imaginative storytelling has...
    By Roald Dahl
    Paperback
    $13000
    Elsewhere:
    $16500
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Roald Dahl Puzzle Fantastic Mr Fox - 100pc Puzzles
    Roald Dahl Fantastic Mr. Fox 100-piece jigsaw puzzle. Packaged in a keepsake book-shaped box. Printed with vegetable-based inks. Ages 6+.
    100 Piece
    By Roald Dahl
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Roald Dahl Charlie & Chocolate Factory - 100pc Puzzle
    Roald Dahl Charlie & Chocolate Factory - 100pc Puzzle
    Enjoy the whimsical world of Roald Dahl with this 100 piece jigsaw puzzle featuring iconic scenes from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". Published by Abrams & Chronicle in 2020, this puzzle is a delightful addition to any fan's collection. With dimensions of 15.0 cm in length, 13.1 cm in width, and 3.4 cm in height, this puzzle is sure to...
    100 Piece
    By Roald Dahl
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Fantastic Mr Fox
    The much-loved Roald Dahl story, updated for a whole new generation of readers with an exciting new interior design and cover look. Fantastic Mr Fox "On a hill above the valley there was a wood. In the wood there was a huge tree. Under the tree there was a hole. In the hole lived Mr Fox and Mrs Fox and...
    By Roald Dahl
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Matilda (Colour Edition)
    Phizzwhizzing new cover look and branding for the World's NUMBER ONE Storyteller! Matilda Wormwood's father thinks she's a little scab. Matilda's mother spends all afternoon playing bingo. And Matilda's headmistress, Miss Trunchbull? Well, she's the worst of all. She is a big bully, who thinks all her pupils are rotten and locks them in the dreaded Chokey. As for Matilda,...
    By Roald Dahl
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • tonies: Roald Dahl - The Enormous Crocodile Tonie Audio Character
    tonies: Roald Dahl - The Enormous Crocodile Tonie Audio Character
    The Enormous Crocodile might like to eat children, but children love listening to The Enormous Crocodile. Let them pop him on top of their Toniebox and they’re set to dive into the delicious world of Roald Dahl, with all its wonderful wordplay and memorable characters. Oh, and tell your chiddlers not to worry – greed is never good, and there...
    5 years or older / School-age children
    By Roald Dahl
    $3499
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Charlie and the Christmas Factory
    The paperback edition of Charlie and the Christmas Factory is a collection of twelve new Christmas stories from the worlds of Dahl, written by the best and biggest children's authors. A star-studded cast of authors, including Pamela Butchart, Hannah Gold and Adam Kay, delivers twelve brand-new stories inspired by the great Roald Dahl's incredible characters in this Christmas collection that...
    By Roald Dahl
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Roald Dahl: On the First Day of Christmas
    A gloriumptious twist on the classic festive rhyme. On the first day of Christmas a chiddler gave to me . . . . . . a simply enormous CROCODILE! Count down the twelve days of Christmas with this gloriumptious twist on the classic festive rhyme. From golden tickets to fantastic friends, this sturdy board book is the perfect way to...
    By Roald Dahl
    Board book
    $1500
    Elsewhere:
    $1799
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Danny the Champion of the World
    The much-loved Roald Dahl story, updated for a whole new generation of readers with an exciting new interior design and cover look. A stodgy parent is no fun at all. What a child wants and deserves is a parent who is sparky Danny has the most marvellous and exciting father anyone ever had. He can repair any car or machine...
    By Roald Dahl
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Matilda
    The much-loved Roald Dahl story, updated for a whole new generation of readers with an exciting new interior design and cover look. These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message: you are not alone. Matilda is a brilliant child with a magical mind. But her parents have decided she's just a nuisance who wastes too much time on reading...
    By Roald Dahl
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The Magic Finger
    Phizzwhizzing new cover look and branding for the World's NUMBER ONE Storyteller. Every Saturday morning, the Greg family goes off to shoot animals and birds. But the girl who lives next door hates hunting. Now it’s made her so angry she's put the magic finger on them all. And very strange things have begun to happen...
    By Roald Dahl
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • tonies: Roald Dahl - The Twits Book Tonie
    tonies: Roald Dahl - The Twits Book Tonie
    If your kiddo loves all things gruesome, it's time to introduce them to The Twits. All they have to do to enjoy this disgustingly funny tale is pop the Book Pocket Tonie on their Toniebox and get ready for Mrs. Twit’s endless scheming, Mr. Twit’s smelly, sardine beard and clever Muggle-Wump monkeys who are about to escape and put an...
    6 years or older / School-age children / 5 years or older
    By Roald Dahl
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships Monday

More from General Fiction

View all
  • The Wedding People
    'BEST READ OF THE YEAR SO FAR' THE TIMES 'BOOKS AS FUN AS THIS ONE ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN' GUARDIAN Phoebe Stone arrives at a grand beachside hotel in Rhode Island wearing her best dress and least comfortable shoes. Immediately she is mistaken for one of the wedding people — but she's actually the only guest at the Cornwall...
    By Alison Espach
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (3)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Lizzy's Pick Lizzy's Pick
    Yesteryear
    A BOLD AND BITING SATIRE. WILL HAVE YOU GASPING TO THE FINAL PAGE — Nita Prose WICKEDLY FUNNY, BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND FRIGHTENINGLY PERCEPTIVE — Abigail Dean INVENTIVE, ADDICTIVE, A WILD RIDE — Ashley Audrain SHOT THROUGH WITH HUMOUR AND LACED WITH DARKNESS — Clare Mackintosh The Stepford Wives meets The Handmaid's Tale — Hannah Deitch My name was Natalie Heller...
    By Caro Claire Burke
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3699
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Fourth Wing
    THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES AND NUMBER ONE GLOBAL BESTSELLING PHENOMENON! DON'T MISS OUT ON THE SERIES THAT EVERYONE CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT: 'This book contains an addictive, drug-like essence that will make you relinquish all responsibility until the very last word. Do not say I didn't warn you' Glamour 'I didn't sleep, I didn't eat, and when I finished, I...
    By Rebecca Yarros
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Iron Flame
    The instant number one Sunday Times bestseller and thrilling sequel to the global phenomenon, Fourth Wing! DON'T BE THE LAST TO DISCOVER THE SERIES THAT EVERYONE CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT: 'Yarros is the true inheritor of Harry Potter and inspires Hunger Games levels of devotion' Guardian 'Fear not, levels of fighting, rebelliousness and all-round sexiness are still sky-high' Daily Mail...
    By Rebecca Yarros
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Carl's Doomsday Scenario
    Join Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat Princess Donut as they fight fantastical creatures and deadly mobs in the second book in the smash-hit Dungeon Crawler Carl series -now with bonus material exclusive to the print edition Now on the third floor, Carl and Donut have to fight harder than ever. They've already proven that a Coast Guard vet and once-and-forever...
    By Matt Dinniman
    Hardback
    $4699
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Dylan's Pick Dylan's Pick
    Theo of Golden
    THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING PHENOMENON'For anything to be truly good, there must be love in it. Nothing is what it's supposed to be if love is not at the core.' One morning, a stranger arrives in the town of Golden. No one knows who he is or where he came from…His name is Theo and he's arrived there by chance –...
    By Allen Levi
    Paperback
    $2899
    Elsewhere:
    $3499
    (6)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses
    The first instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON and TikTok sensation, from multi-million selling and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan – Time Harry Potter magic, Taylor Swift sass, Fifty Shades-level athleticism – The Sunday Times With bits of Buffy, Game of Thrones and Outlander, this is a glorious series...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The Gate of the Feral Gods
    The fourth book in the explosive LitRPG Dungeon Crawler Carl series New Achievement! Total, Utter Failure.You failed a quest less than five minutes after you received it. Now that's talent. Surviving in a multilevel dungeon that also happens to be the set of the galaxy's most watched game show has taught Coast Guard vet Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat, Princess...
    By Matt Dinniman
    Hardback
    $6000
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook
    Carl and Princess Donut have to team up with other contestants to not just survive, but to solve a deadly puzzle in this third, mind-twisting novel in the addictive Dungeon Crawler Carl series -now with bonus material exclusive to this print edition! Carl and Donut have survived so far, but this fourth level is unlike anything they could imagine. The...
    By Matt Dinniman
    Hardback
    $4700
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Dungeon Crawler Carl
    The apocalypse will be televised! Welcome to the first book in the wildly popular and addictive Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman-now with bonus material exclusive to the print edition! You know what's worse than breaking up with your girlfriend? Being stuck with her prize-winning show cat. And you know what's worse than that? An alien invasion, the destruction...
    By Matt Dinniman
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Carl's Doomsday Scenario
    New Release
    Carl's Doomsday Scenario
    Join Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat Princess Donut as they fight fantastical creatures and deadly mobs in the second book in the smash-hit Dungeon Crawler Carl series—now with bonus material exclusive to the print edition. Now on the third floor, Carl and Donut have to fight harder than ever. They've already proven that a Coast Guard vet and once-and-forever feline...
    By Matt Dinniman
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • A Court of Silver Flames
    The latest instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan - Time Think Game of Thrones meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a drizzle of E.L. James – Telegraph Spiced with slick plotting and atmospheric world-building...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

General Fiction lists from the team

Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!

The Latest at Book Hero

View all