Moby Jack and Other Tall Tales

Moby Jack and Other Tall Tales is a collection of stories that span some 20 years. They cover a variety of themes and are more different, in style as well as content, than they are similar. As the author himself says, Some writers follow a path of sameness in order to satisfy their readers’ desire for familiarity. To me that’s like going to same country for your holiday every year. It’s not me. I like going somewhere different every time.

The tales range from Chinese fantasy (‘Death of the Mocking Man’) to science fiction (‘Moby Jack’), to fantasy (‘The Sculptor’) to horror (‘The Megowl’) to ghost stories (‘Hunter’s Hall’) - but for the most part they’re just plain odd and refuse to slot into any set category.

This edition of Moby Jack also includes the previously uncollected ‘When the Music Stopped’ by Christian Lehmann and Garry Kilworth.

So, if you like weird stories, dark comedy and tales where characters get into impossible situations and only occasionally extract themselves, then you’ll probably enjoy this volume.

A selection of stories whose diversity, originality and poignancy leave me breathless with awe. (Claude Lalumiere, Locus Online)

Garry Kilworth is arguably the finest writer of short fiction today, in any genre. (New Scientist)

His characters are strong and the sense of place he creates is immediate. (Sunday Times)

Kilworth is a master of his trade. (Punch)

Kilworth is one of the most significant writers in the English language. (Fear)