Short Works

Five specially commissioned stories to accompany the shortlist for the BBC National Short Story Award 2016.

Lay Not Thy Hand Upon the Head by Ned Beauman—Short Works
Anteaters and an algorithm as a father and son share a culling job.
Release date:
23 Sep 2016
‘Actually, you were right. Something is buzzing…’
Telephoning and Art combine in the life of a mother and daughter at odds with each other.
‘The hole, up there by three o’clock, what’s it for?’
In a Spanish village, a couple's disagreement will shape their romantic destinies.
‘We know better than most that the end is not always peaceful…’
A body is found on the beach. The police must imagine events leading up to the death.
'His eyes are bright in the dark like water. He’s the sort you get suspicious of immediately…'
A knock late one night on the cabin door disrupts the routine of a lorry driver's life.