Victoria Dowd Books

A faded country house in the middle of nowhere. The guests are snowed in. The murders begin. Withering and waspish, Ursula Smart (not her real name) gate-crashes her mother’s book club at an isolated country house for a long weekend retreat. Much to Mother’s chagrin. Joining them are Mother’s best friend, Mirabelle, Aunts Charlotte and Less, and Bridget with her dog Mr Bojangles. It doesn’t matter that they’ve read Gone Girl three times this year already, this retreat is their chance to escape bustling suburbia. But someone has other ideas. A body is found in the grounds. Is a lone killer hunting them? Or has one of their own group embarked on a killing spree? What they need is to stop sniping at each other long enough to solve the mystery before the killer strikes again. What they need is a guide to survive.

Featuring a collection of twenty-one prize-winning and highly commended stories, this anthology showcases the best entries from the Henshaw Press Short Story Competition over the last two years. Celebrated for its literary quality, the anthology highlights diverse voices and unique narratives, reflecting a range of themes and styles that capture the essence of contemporary storytelling.

Set in Mussolini's Italy, a young artist navigates the treacherous landscape of propaganda to pursue his passion for painting. His infatuation with his muse, Mathild, leads him into perilous situations and dubious circles, revealing the dark undercurrents of 1940s Rome's art scene. The allure of glamour is overshadowed by the constant threat of betrayal and disappearance, forcing him to confront the sacrifices required for love and artistic integrity amidst a regime that demands loyalty.