Probably an Error in the System: Short Stories from the Margins of Reality

by Richard Randon

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2026

Reviews

[Karen Cuddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably an Error in the System: Short Stories from the Margins of Reality by Richard Randon was a really enjoyable and slightly offbeat read.

This is a collection of short stories that leans into the absurd and imaginative, and while some of the ideas are definitely a bit out there, that’s part of what makes it fun. There’s a quirky, sometimes dark humour running through it, and I found myself smiling at how strange and creative some of the scenarios were.

Not every story landed the same for me, but overall I appreciated the originality and the way it plays with everyday situations and turns them into something unexpected.

A fun, unusual collection that’s worth picking up if you enjoy something a bit different.

[Sue Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me laugh out loud it was like living in a different universe all the odd and unexplanable events, I used to work in an office and could relate to the stories.
The monotony of doing the same thing day in day in day out with managers issuing orders that had to be obeyed no questions asked.The phone calls where no one understands that certain things can't just be done that there is protocol. And wouldn't it be nice to eleminate days? Life can feel like you have no control at times. The short stories are great because you can dip in and out at your leisure. Lots of absolute nonsense but enjoyable.

[John Sankey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably an Error in the System is a funny, inventive collection of absurdist speculative stories with a strong Douglas Adams/Terry Pratchett feel. The humour is dry, clever, and full of bureaucratic chaos, but there’s also real warmth underneath it. A very enjoyable read if you like witty, offbeat fiction that turns everyday absurdity into something brilliantly strange.
I received and ARC of this book my review is voluntary

[Joni Janice Mielke · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are cleverly told, observational stories that puts reality into perspective in inventive ways that gives the reader something to think about. This is a plus, in my opinion, having a deep appreciation for Terry Pratchett's observational writing that is shared by the author.

That being said, I found this book rather difficult to get through at times. The stories, I felt, were a little too long in terms of chapters and the impact of each story could have been relayed using far less words.

[Claire-Louise Armstrong-Brealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ministry for Dampness...

An excellent anthology of tales from the alternative universe. Enough to make you smirk knowingly and agree that you could see this happening.

I love Black Mirror and this has a humorous feel of the series. A lot more humorous of course!