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Killing Nan and other crime short stories
Following on from the previous popular ‘Killing…’ series of short story anthologies ‘Killing Nan and other crime short stories’ has twelve stories each with a sting in the tail.
Killing Nan
The Care Home staff picked on the wrong old lady.
A Family Gathering
A School trip reveals a heartbreaking family secret which turns two family's worlds upside down.
The Beast
The reason for the poor man’s disfigurement and increasing insanity becomes clear in unexpected and devastating ways.
A Life Sentence
There is more than one way to deal with an intruder in the dead of night.
Old Mother Hubbard
Det Insp ‘Old Mother’ Hubbard seeks answers to the mystifying murders of young ladies who are fished out of the river.
All In The Mind
A man suffering mental torment in an unhappy marriage seeks a final solution.
L'eau de Murder - The Perfect Crime
Secrets lead to betrayal and sometimes even murder. The perfect murder.
Bringing The Curtain Down
A despicable criminal preying on children gets his come-uppence in the most bizarre way.
Morto!
If you find a lot of money in a bag when on holiday in Sicily, it’s probably best if you don’t keep it.
Titfer Tat
The modern police are so much better today than their Victorian forefathers. Aren’t they? An ancestor deals with a similar crime to a modern detective.
A New Flame
A woman trapped in an abusive marriage finds a way out with a new flame. But tragedy lurks.
Grampa's Chest
What was found in Grampa’s old tin chest after he died? Could it lead to a Christmas murder?
Killing Nan
The Care Home staff picked on the wrong old lady.
A Family Gathering
A School trip reveals a heartbreaking family secret which turns two family's worlds upside down.
The Beast
The reason for the poor man’s disfigurement and increasing insanity becomes clear in unexpected and devastating ways.
A Life Sentence
There is more than one way to deal with an intruder in the dead of night.
Old Mother Hubbard
Det Insp ‘Old Mother’ Hubbard seeks answers to the mystifying murders of young ladies who are fished out of the river.
All In The Mind
A man suffering mental torment in an unhappy marriage seeks a final solution.
L'eau de Murder - The Perfect Crime
Secrets lead to betrayal and sometimes even murder. The perfect murder.
Bringing The Curtain Down
A despicable criminal preying on children gets his come-uppence in the most bizarre way.
Morto!
If you find a lot of money in a bag when on holiday in Sicily, it’s probably best if you don’t keep it.
Titfer Tat
The modern police are so much better today than their Victorian forefathers. Aren’t they? An ancestor deals with a similar crime to a modern detective.
A New Flame
A woman trapped in an abusive marriage finds a way out with a new flame. But tragedy lurks.
Grampa's Chest
What was found in Grampa’s old tin chest after he died? Could it lead to a Christmas murder?
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2024
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Keith Wright
74 books5 followersKeith Wright is himself a policeman and has been since the age of sixteen. His experience clearly shows in his writing which is as accurate and believable as it is exciting. He avoids the trap some professionals fall into by including too much technical and in-house information, instead the onus is always on the story.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 17, 2024
This is a nice collection of little crime stories. They are bite size, and they don’t feel like you are missing anything. They are great when you don’t have time to sink into a big book. I do love the twists in these, it made them fun to read. I was always wondering how this is going to be turned around. Overall, a fun short story collection.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
June 6, 2024
As a writer of short stories, I don’t really read that many. I like to get my teeth into a full-length novel and remain gripped to the end. However, every now and then I read a collection of short stories (usually crime or ghost stories) and Killing Nan did not disappoint.
There are twelve stories in all, and they are actually not that short in comparison to a lot of others. Each one is a ‘meaty’ crime tale in itself, with lots of twists and turns and some great characters.
The first story – Killing Nan – is the title story and I have to admit it wasn’t my favourite. A couple more and then we have A Life Sentence, which was initially my favourite, as game old bird and ex-High Court Judge, Althea, is not one to be threatened by anyone, not even burglar and all-round baddie ‘Snake’. How she deals with it interesting to say the least.
But it was followed by Old Mother Hubbard, which took over at the top of my list. Det Insp ‘Old Mother’ Hubbard is investigating the strange case of four young women, pulled out of the river, naked and very dead. But is it murder? There are no obvious signs, but it’s too much of a coincidence for it not to be. But it was the brilliant description of the mortuary that drew me in. It sounded so personal, straight from the heart. “It was not a place for the faint-hearted,” observes Hubbard.
What I also like is that each story is totally standalone, so you can dip in and out whenever you fancy a bit of mini-crime.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of the #KillingNanBlogTour.
There are twelve stories in all, and they are actually not that short in comparison to a lot of others. Each one is a ‘meaty’ crime tale in itself, with lots of twists and turns and some great characters.
The first story – Killing Nan – is the title story and I have to admit it wasn’t my favourite. A couple more and then we have A Life Sentence, which was initially my favourite, as game old bird and ex-High Court Judge, Althea, is not one to be threatened by anyone, not even burglar and all-round baddie ‘Snake’. How she deals with it interesting to say the least.
But it was followed by Old Mother Hubbard, which took over at the top of my list. Det Insp ‘Old Mother’ Hubbard is investigating the strange case of four young women, pulled out of the river, naked and very dead. But is it murder? There are no obvious signs, but it’s too much of a coincidence for it not to be. But it was the brilliant description of the mortuary that drew me in. It sounded so personal, straight from the heart. “It was not a place for the faint-hearted,” observes Hubbard.
What I also like is that each story is totally standalone, so you can dip in and out whenever you fancy a bit of mini-crime.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of the #KillingNanBlogTour.
June 11, 2024
It's just over a year since I read the last collection of short stories by this author, Killing Mum, and when I spotted this one, I really couldn't resist.
With the similar title I was already expecting more of the same - and was not disappointed!
I love a good short story collection as I find it really easy to read over lunch or use as a quick palate cleanser between other larger books!
This collection of short stories were once again quirky and creepy with some great twists and mini cliffhangers.
I might have said last time....but I really find these along a theme of Horowitz or King short stories which have this strange quality that isn't quite horror and scary, but odd in that thought-provoking and spine chilling sense.
I did the same with the last book, but I read these aloud with my son (don't worry, he's old enough!) and I loved getting to the end of each one and then just looking at each other with a "huh!?"
Each story is a complete standalone and unique storyline and although belonging to the "Killing...." series, these don't relate to each othernso perfect to read in any order.
I've just spotted that there's also a Killing Dad and so now obviously need the full set!
Knowing the author's background, I'm intrigued to know how much of the content is taken from own experience, if any - or whether this is all pure fiction.
A brilliant, quirky style of reading that I love - and can't wait to see what comes next.....presumably a Killing Grandpa?....watch this space.....
With the similar title I was already expecting more of the same - and was not disappointed!
I love a good short story collection as I find it really easy to read over lunch or use as a quick palate cleanser between other larger books!
This collection of short stories were once again quirky and creepy with some great twists and mini cliffhangers.
I might have said last time....but I really find these along a theme of Horowitz or King short stories which have this strange quality that isn't quite horror and scary, but odd in that thought-provoking and spine chilling sense.
I did the same with the last book, but I read these aloud with my son (don't worry, he's old enough!) and I loved getting to the end of each one and then just looking at each other with a "huh!?"
Each story is a complete standalone and unique storyline and although belonging to the "Killing...." series, these don't relate to each othernso perfect to read in any order.
I've just spotted that there's also a Killing Dad and so now obviously need the full set!
Knowing the author's background, I'm intrigued to know how much of the content is taken from own experience, if any - or whether this is all pure fiction.
A brilliant, quirky style of reading that I love - and can't wait to see what comes next.....presumably a Killing Grandpa?....watch this space.....
June 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this series of short stories. I found them a great break from longer books and a perfect distraction at the end of a busy day when you want to read but the thought of long chapters puts you off.
Crime stories are always a hit for me and Killing Nan did not disappoint. The twists in the tail were never expected and they added an element of suspense that keeps you hanging.
Life Sentence was a form favourite for me. I enjoyed the character and felt like she was a strong and well written force. There was a sense of suspense and justice to the story which unfolded well.
I did struggle slightly with All in The Mind as I found it a bit too all over the place and I still don’t fully understand what was real and what was not. But then I also feel that was probably the point of the story hence the title. It was cleverly done just a step too far for my end of term fried brain.
My ultimate must read for anyone looking to dip into this one is A Family Gathering this was definitely my top story and I can imagine it being a brilliant 3 part drama on tv. The cliff hanger at the end was the icing on the cake.
Crime stories are always a hit for me and Killing Nan did not disappoint. The twists in the tail were never expected and they added an element of suspense that keeps you hanging.
Life Sentence was a form favourite for me. I enjoyed the character and felt like she was a strong and well written force. There was a sense of suspense and justice to the story which unfolded well.
I did struggle slightly with All in The Mind as I found it a bit too all over the place and I still don’t fully understand what was real and what was not. But then I also feel that was probably the point of the story hence the title. It was cleverly done just a step too far for my end of term fried brain.
My ultimate must read for anyone looking to dip into this one is A Family Gathering this was definitely my top story and I can imagine it being a brilliant 3 part drama on tv. The cliff hanger at the end was the icing on the cake.
June 6, 2024
‘Killing Nan’ is a brilliant set of short crime stories that are thought-provoking, rich in detail, have nuanced characters and pack a punch! There really is something for everyone. I do enjoy reading short stories as they are always easy to pick up in times you don’t have time for a long reading session but yet they still manage to make you think.
This is a follow up I suppose from the author's other short story anthology ‘Killing Mum’ but you don't need to have read them - every short story can be picked up as a standalone read. The one I found the most affecting was the opener ‘Killing Nan’ as it doesn't take a lot of imagination to think that this could happen. I found it to be a very moving narrative and I am still contemplating it days later. Another favourite was ‘Old Mother Hubbard’ and trust me you aren't going to look at a certain item in the same way again!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
This is a follow up I suppose from the author's other short story anthology ‘Killing Mum’ but you don't need to have read them - every short story can be picked up as a standalone read. The one I found the most affecting was the opener ‘Killing Nan’ as it doesn't take a lot of imagination to think that this could happen. I found it to be a very moving narrative and I am still contemplating it days later. Another favourite was ‘Old Mother Hubbard’ and trust me you aren't going to look at a certain item in the same way again!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
June 5, 2024
This collection of twelve crime stories is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat with their unexpected twists and turns. Each story will challenge your assumptions about the real culprit. The vivid details will transport you to the heart of the crime scene, making it an exhilarating read! Some of the scenes sent shivers down my spine, and some stories even brought me to tears.
I absolutely loved the thrilling chapters "A New Flame" and "Bringing the Curtain Down"! The incredibly well-written story made me feel like it could actually happen in real life.
If you're a fan of high-stakes action, gripping crime narratives, and fast-paced storytelling, then this crime novel is a must-read for you.
Many thanks to Love Book Tours and Keith Wright for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely loved the thrilling chapters "A New Flame" and "Bringing the Curtain Down"! The incredibly well-written story made me feel like it could actually happen in real life.
If you're a fan of high-stakes action, gripping crime narratives, and fast-paced storytelling, then this crime novel is a must-read for you.
Many thanks to Love Book Tours and Keith Wright for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
July 16, 2024
This is a collection of short, quirky crime stories that, for me, could almost be classed as 'humour' as well. Each story is a standalone, none of which took more than 15 minutes to read, which made them perfect to read when I had a spare 15 minutes here and there.
The titular story, "Killing Nan" was both humorous and difficult to read in places. I've worked in care homes, and have come across residents who genuinely are 'tricky', accusing staff of theft, making racist comments and being generally rude. Thankfully I have never met staff like Yetunde! There was a nice twist at the end too.
Morto! was a fun read, I could almost imagine it as a full length story whereby the "baddies" can't track down Dan and Lorraine quite so quickly.
The titular story, "Killing Nan" was both humorous and difficult to read in places. I've worked in care homes, and have come across residents who genuinely are 'tricky', accusing staff of theft, making racist comments and being generally rude. Thankfully I have never met staff like Yetunde! There was a nice twist at the end too.
Morto! was a fun read, I could almost imagine it as a full length story whereby the "baddies" can't track down Dan and Lorraine quite so quickly.
July 23, 2024
Keith's stories are just as dark as usual - there's not always a happy ending in life...
Favourites:
Killing Nan - the horror, followed by the hope, then that ending was something else.
All in the Mind - it was so twisty, I'm still not sure of the truth by the end.
L'eau de Murder - there was some clever story telling in how the crime took place.
Titfer Tat - might have been my favourite, comparing technology and attitudes today to respect and camaraderie in the past, it makes a big difference.
Overall, Keith's stories are always bleak but very enjoyable.
*I received a complementary copy of the e-book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Favourites:
Killing Nan - the horror, followed by the hope, then that ending was something else.
All in the Mind - it was so twisty, I'm still not sure of the truth by the end.
L'eau de Murder - there was some clever story telling in how the crime took place.
Titfer Tat - might have been my favourite, comparing technology and attitudes today to respect and camaraderie in the past, it makes a big difference.
Overall, Keith's stories are always bleak but very enjoyable.
*I received a complementary copy of the e-book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 5, 2024
This election of crime short stories was a great read. I quite enjoyed it. The stories are a bite sized, quirky journey into the world of crime fiction. Each story is individually and can be read as a stand alone. I think Killing Nan was my favourite with its little ironic twist at the end. Nan was so feisty and clever, yet vulnerable at the same time. Each story seemed to have this type of little twist at the end in common bringing them all together as a collection. The stories are well written with interesting plots. Perfect for when you just fancy a small crime fix.
June 7, 2024
A great compilation of 12 short crime stories. I enjoyed reading them all, some were better than others… I think “Killing Nan” and “Old Mother Hubbard” were my favourites.
This book is great to pick up when you are looking for a nice short and quick read. For all the stories were short they were full of twists and turns and kept you reading till it was finished. Some of them I wish were a bit longer as I was so engrossed in the storyline and felt they definitely could be made into longer novels or their own book!
This book is great to pick up when you are looking for a nice short and quick read. For all the stories were short they were full of twists and turns and kept you reading till it was finished. Some of them I wish were a bit longer as I was so engrossed in the storyline and felt they definitely could be made into longer novels or their own book!
August 2, 2024
What a great collection of short stories!
I love how you can dip in and out as each short story is self-contained.
Each story is incredibly quirky, and while it was crime, they did make me smile at times, and the topics range from underestimating an old lady to abuse and even what is in Grandpa's tin?
Each little story is very well written, and in they short time, you feel yourself really getting into the story!
A brilliant collection for any crime lover or anyone wishing to dabble in the crime genre!
Recommend to all!
I love how you can dip in and out as each short story is self-contained.
Each story is incredibly quirky, and while it was crime, they did make me smile at times, and the topics range from underestimating an old lady to abuse and even what is in Grandpa's tin?
Each little story is very well written, and in they short time, you feel yourself really getting into the story!
A brilliant collection for any crime lover or anyone wishing to dabble in the crime genre!
Recommend to all!
June 10, 2024
This was a well crafted collection of crime stories which had me gripped and there were some I didn't enjoy as much as other. The characters were well constructed and very believable. Some of the stories were very jarring and so realistic that they had me feeling for the victims - there was even a story which I had to skip due to the content of this as it was a trigger for myself. I would advise that if people are going to read this then check the content and then they will be able to miss that one out. Even with this - I have already sent the ebook to some others to read in my IRL book club as i think this is a ideal book for them.
June 7, 2024
I’ve become a huge fan of short stories and this was another good one to add to the collection. I thought all were well written and had enough variety within to stand as completely separate stories for each one. I did feel some of them could have been longer to put in more detail but overall they were well paced. My favourite was Old Mother Hubbard as it was a very gripping plot line. I will certainly be looking out for more by this author!
June 10, 2024
An interesting mix of short stories covering various topics.
I particularly liked the first short story which is the title of the book - Killing Nan. For such short stories they are told well and whilst I wish they were longer (isn’t that always the way!) I felt they told a full story.
All the stories covered hard hitting topics and some can be tough reads so do check the blurbs before diving in!
A great book for dipping in and out of.
I particularly liked the first short story which is the title of the book - Killing Nan. For such short stories they are told well and whilst I wish they were longer (isn’t that always the way!) I felt they told a full story.
All the stories covered hard hitting topics and some can be tough reads so do check the blurbs before diving in!
A great book for dipping in and out of.
August 11, 2024
Killing Nan and Other Crime Short Stories - Keith Wright
📚 I recommend this if you love short, fast paced crime books
Genre: Crime Fiction
Number of Pages: 293
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
This featured 12 short stories, each around 30 pages - they are great for when you're short on time or need a quick read! I loved the fast paced nature of these and it's inspired me to look into other short stories!
My favourite was "Morto", an interesting crime inspired holiday gone wrong! My least favourite was "Bringing the curtain down"
Plot summary and my thoughts on each short story:
1. Killing Nan
A potentially sensitive read covering mistreatment to an elderly lady in a care home, who gets revenge but not in the way you'd expect
2. A Family Gathering
A School trip reveals a heartbreaking family secret.
A very interesting plot twist in this one, with a school trip of two teenage boys revealing a heartbreaking hidden family secret
3. The Beast
A police investigation into finding a criminal named "the beast". The reason for the poor man’s nickname and increasing insanity becomes clear in devastating ways!
4. A Life Sentence
Althea is dealing with an intruder in the dead of night. Althea's character was great, loved the revenge in this story!
5. Old Mother Hubbard
A nice quick whodunnit story, with the DI solving mystifying murders of young ladies who are fished out of the river.
6. All In The Mind p .140
A brilliant plot twist in this one with unreliable narrator vibes, from a man suffering mental torment in an unhappy marriage seeks a final solution
7. L'eau de Murder - The Perfect Crime
Family secrets lead to betrayal and sometimes even murder
8. Bringing The Curtain Down
A despicable criminal preying on children gets his come-uppence in the most bizarre way.
9. Morto!
An intriguing holiday gone wrong story - if you find a lot of money in your suitcase when on holiday in Italy, it’s probably best you don’t keep it!
10. Titfer Tat
Interesting investigative piece on the progression of police investigation in current times compared to victorian times!
11. A New Flame
A woman trapped in an abusive marriage finds a way out with a new flame. But tragedy lurks.
12. Grampa's Chest
What was found in Grampa’s old tin chest after he died? Could it lead to a Christmas murder?
📚 I recommend this if you love short, fast paced crime books
Genre: Crime Fiction
Number of Pages: 293
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
This featured 12 short stories, each around 30 pages - they are great for when you're short on time or need a quick read! I loved the fast paced nature of these and it's inspired me to look into other short stories!
My favourite was "Morto", an interesting crime inspired holiday gone wrong! My least favourite was "Bringing the curtain down"
Plot summary and my thoughts on each short story:
1. Killing Nan
A potentially sensitive read covering mistreatment to an elderly lady in a care home, who gets revenge but not in the way you'd expect
2. A Family Gathering
A School trip reveals a heartbreaking family secret.
A very interesting plot twist in this one, with a school trip of two teenage boys revealing a heartbreaking hidden family secret
3. The Beast
A police investigation into finding a criminal named "the beast". The reason for the poor man’s nickname and increasing insanity becomes clear in devastating ways!
4. A Life Sentence
Althea is dealing with an intruder in the dead of night. Althea's character was great, loved the revenge in this story!
5. Old Mother Hubbard
A nice quick whodunnit story, with the DI solving mystifying murders of young ladies who are fished out of the river.
6. All In The Mind p .140
A brilliant plot twist in this one with unreliable narrator vibes, from a man suffering mental torment in an unhappy marriage seeks a final solution
7. L'eau de Murder - The Perfect Crime
Family secrets lead to betrayal and sometimes even murder
8. Bringing The Curtain Down
A despicable criminal preying on children gets his come-uppence in the most bizarre way.
9. Morto!
An intriguing holiday gone wrong story - if you find a lot of money in your suitcase when on holiday in Italy, it’s probably best you don’t keep it!
10. Titfer Tat
Interesting investigative piece on the progression of police investigation in current times compared to victorian times!
11. A New Flame
A woman trapped in an abusive marriage finds a way out with a new flame. But tragedy lurks.
12. Grampa's Chest
What was found in Grampa’s old tin chest after he died? Could it lead to a Christmas murder?
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews