I am not generally a great fan of the short story, but this selection is written in a way that really talks to the reader.

While marvelling at some of the twists and turns, my greatest enjoyment was imagining the voice of the character in my head - then skipping to the back index to discover which actor or actress really did take the part in the broadcast version.

I found a few of the plots a little too contrived and transparent, but a greater number are fine examples of the art of the monologue. My favourite was The Husband, a character who appears put-upon and rather downtrodden while lying in his lonely hospital bed, until a neat turn of events sends that assumption straight out of the window.

The Cat Lover is another excellent read, and Dawn French must have been perfect for the role.

Sandra Dyson