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Laundry Files #2.5, 2.9, 3.5
Three Tales from the Laundry Files
Enjoy two short stories and a novella from the Laundry Files. Originally published on Tor.com, these stories by Charles Stross continue the adventures of the Laundry, a secret division of the British government dedicated to tracking down and containing breaches of reality by occult and otherworldly threats.
129 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2014
73 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
About the author
Charles Stross
158 books5,818 followersCharles David George "Charlie" Stross is a writer based in Edinburgh, Scotland. His works range from science fiction and Lovecraftian horror to fantasy.
Stross is sometimes regarded as being part of a new generation of British science fiction writers who specialise in hard science fiction and space opera. His contemporaries include Alastair Reynolds, Ken MacLeod, Liz Williams and Richard Morgan.
SF Encyclopedia: http://www.sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/...
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_...
Tor: http://us.macmillan.com/author/charle...
Stross is sometimes regarded as being part of a new generation of British science fiction writers who specialise in hard science fiction and space opera. His contemporaries include Alastair Reynolds, Ken MacLeod, Liz Williams and Richard Morgan.
SF Encyclopedia: http://www.sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/...
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_...
Tor: http://us.macmillan.com/author/charle...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 11, 2024
I love how the Laundry Files could just be silly puff, but Stross gifts us with pathos and gooshy scenes and plenty of content to ruminate on.
“Equiod” has a lot to unpack. Shub Niggurath has often been a vague concept of a fertility goddess, presented in a sterile fashion by Lovecraft. Stross changed Shub Niggurath from an intellectual compelling horror to something quite viscerally repellent.
“Down on the Farm” is a very nice one-shot Bob adventure that will be pleasing to fans of the series without some of the abjectly soul-crushing elements as the series progresses.
I appreciate holiday party stories, and moreso if they are inhabited by eldritch horrors. “Overtime” is an absolute delight.
“Equiod” has a lot to unpack. Shub Niggurath has often been a vague concept of a fertility goddess, presented in a sterile fashion by Lovecraft. Stross changed Shub Niggurath from an intellectual compelling horror to something quite viscerally repellent.
“Down on the Farm” is a very nice one-shot Bob adventure that will be pleasing to fans of the series without some of the abjectly soul-crushing elements as the series progresses.
I appreciate holiday party stories, and moreso if they are inhabited by eldritch horrors. “Overtime” is an absolute delight.
March 1, 2019
Three Tales from the Laundry Files is a collection of three short stories from the Laundry Files series and written by Charles Stross, which was collected and published around The Rhesus Chart, but takes place during various moments in the timeline. To avoid spoilers, it is best to read this anthology after The Fuller Memorandum as there is one story "Overtime" takes place some time after the third book.
"Equoid" (★★★★☆) has Bob Howard is called to a rural part of England to investigate a possible infestation of unicorns – not the typical unicorns that my youngest niece adores, but one fashioned by the Lovecraftian universe. This short story takes place after The Jennifer Morgue.
"Down on the Farm" (★★★★☆) has Bob Howard sent undercover to a Lunatickal Asylum – the Farm, a retirement home of sorts for Laundry agents that finally got their souls crushed – not by the extra-dimensional creatures, but the paperwork and bureaucracy they had to deal with. While there, he has to investigate the oddness that is happening there. This short story takes place after The Jennifer Morgue.
"Overtime" (★★★★☆) has Bob Howard failed on doing a very important bureaucratic task – scheduling his vacation time promptly. Now he finds himself, working with a skeleton crew during Christmas, which leaves one bureaucrat – himself, to be all that stands between the world and annihilation. He has to stop the Thing That Comes Down Chimneys and leaves interesting gifts, before the world gets destroyed. This short story takes place after The Fuller Memorandum.
For the most part, I really like these short stories, while one does not really need to read this book to continue with the series, it is highly worth it, to get the greater sense of the Laundry Files universe. All the short stories were written well and comparatively speaking about the same level of enjoyment for me.
All in all, Three Tales from the Laundry Files is a wonderful collection of short stories that expands and strengthens the fictional universe.
"Equoid" (★★★★☆) has Bob Howard is called to a rural part of England to investigate a possible infestation of unicorns – not the typical unicorns that my youngest niece adores, but one fashioned by the Lovecraftian universe. This short story takes place after The Jennifer Morgue.
"Down on the Farm" (★★★★☆) has Bob Howard sent undercover to a Lunatickal Asylum – the Farm, a retirement home of sorts for Laundry agents that finally got their souls crushed – not by the extra-dimensional creatures, but the paperwork and bureaucracy they had to deal with. While there, he has to investigate the oddness that is happening there. This short story takes place after The Jennifer Morgue.
"Overtime" (★★★★☆) has Bob Howard failed on doing a very important bureaucratic task – scheduling his vacation time promptly. Now he finds himself, working with a skeleton crew during Christmas, which leaves one bureaucrat – himself, to be all that stands between the world and annihilation. He has to stop the Thing That Comes Down Chimneys and leaves interesting gifts, before the world gets destroyed. This short story takes place after The Fuller Memorandum.
For the most part, I really like these short stories, while one does not really need to read this book to continue with the series, it is highly worth it, to get the greater sense of the Laundry Files universe. All the short stories were written well and comparatively speaking about the same level of enjoyment for me.
All in all, Three Tales from the Laundry Files is a wonderful collection of short stories that expands and strengthens the fictional universe.
September 17, 2018
We get three takes of "Bob Howard", overworked computational demonologist of the clandestine government department colloqually referred to as the Laundry. Two of the stories, "Overtime" and "Down on the Farm" were originally made available for free on the Internet (I did download them some years ago but never got round to reading them). I am not privy to the publishing history of "Equus".
Rather bizarrely the stories are not in chronological order with the series. I can't think why, perhaps laziness on the part of the publisher? We start off with the best story of the three, "Equus", which is set before the events of the novel The Fuller Memorandum. I am not a fan of making H.P. Lovecraft a character within the Mythos, but Stross handles it here better than most that I have read over the years. The other two stories are shorter and are set around the time of the first two novels. "Down on the Farm" is a clever and entertaining story. "Overtime" comes over as more of a throw away Christmas holiday piece and is easily the weakest story of the collection.
I hope we see more shorter fiction from Stross set in his Laundry Universe.
Rather bizarrely the stories are not in chronological order with the series. I can't think why, perhaps laziness on the part of the publisher? We start off with the best story of the three, "Equus", which is set before the events of the novel The Fuller Memorandum. I am not a fan of making H.P. Lovecraft a character within the Mythos, but Stross handles it here better than most that I have read over the years. The other two stories are shorter and are set around the time of the first two novels. "Down on the Farm" is a clever and entertaining story. "Overtime" comes over as more of a throw away Christmas holiday piece and is easily the weakest story of the collection.
I hope we see more shorter fiction from Stross set in his Laundry Universe.
July 19, 2020
Three excellent tales from the Laundry Files. If you're a fan, it's well worth your time.
If you haven't read any of the Laundry Files but you're interested, I'd recommend waiting until you've read a couple of the novels. There are some references that aren't critical to enjoying the story, but will enhance the story if you understand them.
But as I said, they aren't critical. Stross gives you everything you need to enjoy the stories, so if you want to try something shorter than a full novel, these stories aren't a bad place to start.
If you haven't read any of the Laundry Files but you're interested, I'd recommend waiting until you've read a couple of the novels. There are some references that aren't critical to enjoying the story, but will enhance the story if you understand them.
But as I said, they aren't critical. Stross gives you everything you need to enjoy the stories, so if you want to try something shorter than a full novel, these stories aren't a bad place to start.
December 27, 2020
Idk if I'd already read the two shorts (years ago at this point) but they both felt a bit on the nose. "Equoid," on the other hand - the novella - was a delightful reinterpretation of the idea of unicorns. With the recent Stross installments I usually find myself wanting the earlier more espionage-related milieu, but this one really demonstrates the perfect hybrid of occult bureaucracy meeting eldritch fairytale horrors. Definitely worth your time if you happen to be into "all that."
December 22, 2017
Three Tales From the Laundry Files continues the story of a British counter terrorism unit that fights supernatural and alien threats told through the eyes of an employee, Bob Howard. The three novella/short stories are “Down on the Farm (Laundry Files #2.5),” “Equoid (Laundry Files #2.9),” and “Overtime (Laundry Files #3.5).” Two of the stories are in the field and the third is set at HQ with a Christmas theme. Each starts slow, but they all get better the further in you get. All of them are quick, engaging reads, although Stross continues to be enamored with computing jargon and the vernacular of the Laundry’s trade. I plan to continue reading this series.
Down on the Farm (Laundry Files #2.5)
In “Down on the Farm” Howard investigates a message reporting patient abuse at the ‘Farm,’ a facility to help Laundry agents recover from mental breakdowns or to provide long term care. His bosses send him with the feeling they have been less than forthright with him. As you might expect, not all is what it seems at the Farm. Howard unravels a mystery and barely escapes with his life.
Equoid (Laundry Files #2.9)
In "Equoid" Howard is given a file with letters written by H. P. Lovecraft that explains the trauma that led him to author the books and stories he is famous for. We also learn unicorns are real and as that they are not the creatures popularized in our culture. It explains much of the lore associated with them. The author writes too much of the story in Lovecraft’s style.
Overtime (Laundry Files #3.5)
In "Overtime" Howard loses out on getting Christmas leave due to his being the hospital when the requests went in. He opts to work the normally quiet holiday for massive overtime pay. We learn a little bit about Santa Claus and the coming end of the world alluded to in other Laundry file books.
Down on the Farm (Laundry Files #2.5)
In “Down on the Farm” Howard investigates a message reporting patient abuse at the ‘Farm,’ a facility to help Laundry agents recover from mental breakdowns or to provide long term care. His bosses send him with the feeling they have been less than forthright with him. As you might expect, not all is what it seems at the Farm. Howard unravels a mystery and barely escapes with his life.
Equoid (Laundry Files #2.9)
In "Equoid" Howard is given a file with letters written by H. P. Lovecraft that explains the trauma that led him to author the books and stories he is famous for. We also learn unicorns are real and as that they are not the creatures popularized in our culture. It explains much of the lore associated with them. The author writes too much of the story in Lovecraft’s style.
Overtime (Laundry Files #3.5)
In "Overtime" Howard loses out on getting Christmas leave due to his being the hospital when the requests went in. He opts to work the normally quiet holiday for massive overtime pay. We learn a little bit about Santa Claus and the coming end of the world alluded to in other Laundry file books.
December 3, 2018
I forget how this came up as suggested to me, but never the less I enjoyed the quick short stories. I'm unfamiliar with Charles Stross or the world he's built in this Laundry Files series, but what I've read I've enjoyed so far. However, I do have to mention I did skip the last short story out of the three included. I honestly thought it was a preview for a full novel.
I enjoyed the addition of H. P. Lovecraft and the special horrors that brings around. I don't think I would necessarily recommend these short stories to just anyone, they would have to have a certain tolerance/appreciation for the macabre and dark horror. I will add, after finishing an almost 1k long book before this, I greatly appreciated how quick and no-nonsense these stories were.
I enjoyed the addition of H. P. Lovecraft and the special horrors that brings around. I don't think I would necessarily recommend these short stories to just anyone, they would have to have a certain tolerance/appreciation for the macabre and dark horror. I will add, after finishing an almost 1k long book before this, I greatly appreciated how quick and no-nonsense these stories were.
February 8, 2022
Три короткие новеллы из цикла про "Прачечную". Сисадмин-некромант Боб Говард претерпевает новые юмористические приключения, два из которых довольно дурацкие и факультативные, на слабую троечку, и я уже приуныл и собрался быстро пролистать до конца и забить, но Equoid внезапно оказался БОДИ-ХОРРОРОМ ПРО ЕДИНОРОГОВ, просто на все деньги.
Рекомендую прочитать Equoid, а на остальные новеллы не тратить время.
Рекомендую прочитать Equoid, а на остальные новеллы не тратить время.
December 10, 2025
Weirdly out of order, but crucial for the internal chonology of the Laundry Files universe. Down on the Farm must be read before Equoid, but actually Overtime does not need to be read after Fuller Memorandum (continuity works better in Apocalypse Codex). Many ideas are introduced in these stories, plot points that will be referenced many times later, and Equoid is a hell of a horror story on its own.
July 5, 2019
This was fun. The Laundry Files is a Hugo nominee for best series, so that was why I read this. I was expecting science fiction. This is fantasy: another secret government organization that takes care of eldritch threats so the general population is unaware of their existence sort of thing. There is a sad lack of female characters, but other than that I loved it.
December 4, 2016
My reviews of the three offerings in this book are handled separately, so look them up. Down on the Farm, Equoid, and Overtime. Great mini collection, great series, and fine author! Bravo on all counts. Looking forward to the next Laundry Tales novels!
October 14, 2018
Down on the Farm 3*
Equoid 5* - This short, like the SCORPION STARE short story, made amazing use of splicing the story with another text for reference purposes. The events are so creepy and gross, it's amazing.
Overtime 3* - So festive!
Equoid 5* - This short, like the SCORPION STARE short story, made amazing use of splicing the story with another text for reference purposes. The events are so creepy and gross, it's amazing.
Overtime 3* - So festive!
November 2, 2018
Short and sweet and excellent
Equoid is the best in these three short stories. Incredible in fact. The other two are a quick read but equally as creepy. Don’t forget to get these three as they help to understand Bob Howard even better. Back to the novels!
Equoid is the best in these three short stories. Incredible in fact. The other two are a quick read but equally as creepy. Don’t forget to get these three as they help to understand Bob Howard even better. Back to the novels!
June 9, 2017
Really fun
I quite enjoyed these short stories. I've always liked the novels and these were a good addition to the series.
I quite enjoyed these short stories. I've always liked the novels and these were a good addition to the series.
December 24, 2017
Mathematics as magic, crimefighting like James Bond.
April 5, 2025
There were no novellas/short stories in here that were truly stand-out to me, but all of them were generally pretty good, especially the first one.
July 28, 2020
There were some good ideas here and some genuinely creepy ones, too, but I didn't find the stories particularly funny and the techno-jargon was a bit much, giving me the feeling of not belonging to some exclusive club.
A bit of a let-down, especially considering I found the first three Laundry novels to be excellent.
A bit of a let-down, especially considering I found the first three Laundry novels to be excellent.
May 23, 2016
I think I enjoyed these short stories more now that I have a couple of Stross's Laundry novels under my reading belt. I found myself settling more into the tone and world Stross is creating here, as I do have additional Laundry titles in my TBR stacks.
The general idea of the Laundry is that it is a branch of the British Intelligence/Civil Service. The catch is one might be recruited for the Laundry against their will as in this world higher mathematics is what is used to summon demons. Bob, our POV character, was recruited in such a manner from his private sector computer job (and you do not get to reject an offer from the Laundry).
Down on the Farm has Bob going to check out a supposed security breach at the institution where the Laundry sends those Laundry employees who have been damaged by its battles against incursions from those who shall not be named. This is arguably the weakest story out of the three. Equoid deals with unicorns in a manner that I had never thougth of, and gave us a view of a different type of Laundry operation (a type of op glimpsed at in the second Laundry novel). Overtime is a mildly amusing take on working the Christmas holiday.
I would recommend this volume more for Stross or Laundry completists than for the casual reader. Equoid does stand on its own, as does overtime, but neither is so outstanding that I would tell someone to go out and buy this collection now.
The general idea of the Laundry is that it is a branch of the British Intelligence/Civil Service. The catch is one might be recruited for the Laundry against their will as in this world higher mathematics is what is used to summon demons. Bob, our POV character, was recruited in such a manner from his private sector computer job (and you do not get to reject an offer from the Laundry).
Down on the Farm has Bob going to check out a supposed security breach at the institution where the Laundry sends those Laundry employees who have been damaged by its battles against incursions from those who shall not be named. This is arguably the weakest story out of the three. Equoid deals with unicorns in a manner that I had never thougth of, and gave us a view of a different type of Laundry operation (a type of op glimpsed at in the second Laundry novel). Overtime is a mildly amusing take on working the Christmas holiday.
I would recommend this volume more for Stross or Laundry completists than for the casual reader. Equoid does stand on its own, as does overtime, but neither is so outstanding that I would tell someone to go out and buy this collection now.
September 5, 2014
It's a good collection of tales from the "Laundry Files" (though all of the shorts are also available individually). My favorite, by far is "Overtime". Dark and hilarious. I highly recommend these books to all of my friends who are into British comedy and Lovecraftian horror - they are terrific mash-ups of the two genres. Fans of our webseries "Exorcists Local 667" (exorcistslocal667.com) would also likely enjoy these books.
I also read two shorts that are not included in this collection, "The Concrete Jungle" (included with the first book, "The Atrocity Archives") and "Pimpf", (included in "The Jennifer Morgue").
I also read two shorts that are not included in this collection, "The Concrete Jungle" (included with the first book, "The Atrocity Archives") and "Pimpf", (included in "The Jennifer Morgue").
July 17, 2014
I love Laundry stuff, I do. But I don't dig on the style of the short stories. But the concepts are just so clever that you should plod through them anyway. If you like this sort of thing, that is.
December 15, 2015
I had managed expectations about this trio of Laundry tales but thoroughly enjoyed all three. Perhaps the more modest scope and necessarily economical story telling works in their favour compared to the novels which, much though I love them, can get a little repetitive.
March 24, 2016
Don't read Equoid at bedtime if you want to sleep. Bob is at it again in this little collection of Laundry stories.
March 24, 2016
As usual Bob is the antidote against IT fewer... ;)
July 20, 2016
I love the Laundry
They say it is a collection of short-stories but the first one is an almost full-length novel. Whats not to like?
They say it is a collection of short-stories but the first one is an almost full-length novel. Whats not to like?
May 3, 2017
Great fun from Mr Stross. One novella about seriously twisted unicorns, one short story about a possessed robot, and one short Xmas in the Laundry story.
All great. Read 'em.
All great. Read 'em.
June 10, 2017
I really enjoyed these short stories
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews