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A Taste of the Unexpected
As well as being famous the world over for his darkly humorous children's tales - all published by Puffin - Roald Dahl is also known for his compelling and twisted short stories, all of which are published in Penguin paperback. This collection gathers together three sinister tales that fully exhibit Dahl's mastery of suspense and his unsurpassed ability to tease the reader until the very last sentence.
- Taste
- The Way Up to Heaven
- The Landlady.
- Taste
- The Way Up to Heaven
- The Landlady.
- GenresShort StoriesFiction
56 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
2 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,502 books26.9k followersRoald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 5, 2022
A Taste of the Unexpected by Roald Dahl: 4.75⭐️
This 56 page book is a short story collection. It has 3 in total; Taste, the way up to heaven, the landlady. I’ve enjoyed Dahl’s children & adult works. He is so imaginative & his writing is memorable. He could entertain me with complete nonsense. He is def one of my fave authours. 1. Taste: 4⭐️ 2 men who make a super high stake bet over whether one of them can guess the year & vineyard of the wine present. Had me terrified & at the edge of my seat. I kept closing it cause I was so stressed😭 shocked me twice! 2. The Way Up to Heaven: 5⭐️ I read this for the first time in high school. It was in one of my English final exams & man was I shocked! It’s about a woman who is terrified of being late in catching her transport. I’m not going to say more cause I don’t want to spoil it but do yourself a favour & read it! 3. The Landlady: 4.5⭐️ a boy looking for housing in a new city. & Jesus. This was yet another shocking story. Dahl always amazes me with how much atmosphere & imagery her can create in little time. I would 100% recommend these stories & this collection as a whole. Fantastic & super quick. perfect!
This 56 page book is a short story collection. It has 3 in total; Taste, the way up to heaven, the landlady. I’ve enjoyed Dahl’s children & adult works. He is so imaginative & his writing is memorable. He could entertain me with complete nonsense. He is def one of my fave authours. 1. Taste: 4⭐️ 2 men who make a super high stake bet over whether one of them can guess the year & vineyard of the wine present. Had me terrified & at the edge of my seat. I kept closing it cause I was so stressed😭 shocked me twice! 2. The Way Up to Heaven: 5⭐️ I read this for the first time in high school. It was in one of my English final exams & man was I shocked! It’s about a woman who is terrified of being late in catching her transport. I’m not going to say more cause I don’t want to spoil it but do yourself a favour & read it! 3. The Landlady: 4.5⭐️ a boy looking for housing in a new city. & Jesus. This was yet another shocking story. Dahl always amazes me with how much atmosphere & imagery her can create in little time. I would 100% recommend these stories & this collection as a whole. Fantastic & super quick. perfect!
July 6, 2019
Ah! My first 5⭐️ in this collection thus far. A quick, enjoyable, and satisfying read. I LOVE Roald Dahl, and his adult stories. I was turned on to them in college, and read the three included in this particular collection back then. But they have staying power. They are smart, and clever, and stylized, and twisted. In some sense, he is to literature like Hitchcock is to cinema (or perhaps more accurately he creates literature like Hitchcock creates cinema). #book10 #samedayread #pocketpenguins #penguin70s
November 7, 2024
I am today years old when I found out that all Dahl's children books are published by Puffin but all his adult stories are by Penguin. Interesting.
Anyway, this book contained three short stories. I've read few of Dahl's shorties and they basically are usually very dark and grim. You are halfway across the story and you got this ball in the pit of your stomach that tells you it is going to be fucked up real soon and you started to contemplate whether to continue or take a breather because you are scared as shit for the characters.
These three stories are no exception.
Taste: of a man named Pratt who tried to win a bet to marry his host's daughter by cheating. I don't like him the moment Dahl introduced him. He's like a weasel.
The way up to heaven: Mrs. Foster has this anxiety of being late whenever she wanted to travel by public transport. His husband knew this but often being late in purpose to spite his wife. When she wanted to make a trip to France, and her husband yet again trying to make her late, she left him. But here was the twist. She knew he was stuck in a lift inside of their home. And the trip was for 6 weeks.
The landlady: Weaver is a handsome 17 years old boy looking for lodging at Bath, where he was supposed to start a new job. His eyes caught a B&B and he was somewhat bewitched by it. Turned out the landlady was a serial killer that stuffed her killings and embalmed them afterwards to preserved them. But of course Weaver has no idea that this will happen to him eventually. Only the readers do.
Story 5/5
Characters 5/5
Development 5/5
Enjoyment 4/5
Style of writing 5/5
Overall 4.8/5
Anyway, this book contained three short stories. I've read few of Dahl's shorties and they basically are usually very dark and grim. You are halfway across the story and you got this ball in the pit of your stomach that tells you it is going to be fucked up real soon and you started to contemplate whether to continue or take a breather because you are scared as shit for the characters.
These three stories are no exception.
Taste: of a man named Pratt who tried to win a bet to marry his host's daughter by cheating. I don't like him the moment Dahl introduced him. He's like a weasel.
The way up to heaven: Mrs. Foster has this anxiety of being late whenever she wanted to travel by public transport. His husband knew this but often being late in purpose to spite his wife. When she wanted to make a trip to France, and her husband yet again trying to make her late, she left him. But here was the twist. She knew he was stuck in a lift inside of their home. And the trip was for 6 weeks.
The landlady: Weaver is a handsome 17 years old boy looking for lodging at Bath, where he was supposed to start a new job. His eyes caught a B&B and he was somewhat bewitched by it. Turned out the landlady was a serial killer that stuffed her killings and embalmed them afterwards to preserved them. But of course Weaver has no idea that this will happen to him eventually. Only the readers do.
Story 5/5
Characters 5/5
Development 5/5
Enjoyment 4/5
Style of writing 5/5
Overall 4.8/5
December 14, 2022
Het zijn 3 kortverhalen gebundeld. Het leest enorm vlot en het heeft inderdaad unexpected endings.
November 29, 2025
Each short story has fantastic pacing and is completely engrossing. Highly recommend this one. A different side of Dahl for sure.
October 9, 2008
Oh Roald Dahl. A fun little book that made for a great subway read (finished in a single day's commute). There are three stories in this little collection, two of which were amusing (though not great), but the middle story was really fun.
The first story involves good food, wine, and a bet. As the reader, you know what the outcome will be all along, but I still liked the dialogue between characters as a father tries to convince his daughter to let him bet her hand in marriage to an odious little man, as he's convinced they can't lose.
The third story features a young man who is lured to a rather creepy little boarding house... and unsurprisingly, creepiness continues. Again, one isn't surprised by the outcome.
But the second story was really the gem, I thought. We are presented with Mr. and Mrs. Foster. Mrs. Foster has a fear of being late -- to the point where the word "fear" hardly covers it. She is terrified of missing trains, theater curtains, and appointments. As a result, she is always ready to leave at least half an hour earlier than is necessary. But Mr. Foster is another story. Mr. Foster has a bit of what appears to be a cruel streak in him that takes advantage of this fear in his wife. He is always just late enough to rattle her nerves, but never quite enough to send her into hysterics. Because she is a well-bred lady, she would never dream of calling out and rushing him along, but it means that every time they try to go anywhere, she always ends up with the terrible fear that they will be late.
Now, Mr. and Mrs. Foster are an older couple, living in a multi-story building in New York. They keep servants, clearly have money, and their only daughter has moved to France, which means that Mrs. Foster has never been able to meet her three grandchildren, who she adores from afar -- but Mr. Foster has agreed to let Mrs. Foster go alone to Paris for a six week visit. You might think that she can be as early as she would like, yes? That might be true... if Mr. Foster had not insisted on accompanying her to the airport to see her off.
This story was such wicked fun. Dahl has sketched a couple where the husband knows exactly what buttons to push to set off his wife, and when she's such an inoffensive person, you despair right along with her as he dawdles, making them later and later. But of course, what's wonderful about Dahl is that you know the wicked always get their comeuppance...
The first story involves good food, wine, and a bet. As the reader, you know what the outcome will be all along, but I still liked the dialogue between characters as a father tries to convince his daughter to let him bet her hand in marriage to an odious little man, as he's convinced they can't lose.
The third story features a young man who is lured to a rather creepy little boarding house... and unsurprisingly, creepiness continues. Again, one isn't surprised by the outcome.
But the second story was really the gem, I thought. We are presented with Mr. and Mrs. Foster. Mrs. Foster has a fear of being late -- to the point where the word "fear" hardly covers it. She is terrified of missing trains, theater curtains, and appointments. As a result, she is always ready to leave at least half an hour earlier than is necessary. But Mr. Foster is another story. Mr. Foster has a bit of what appears to be a cruel streak in him that takes advantage of this fear in his wife. He is always just late enough to rattle her nerves, but never quite enough to send her into hysterics. Because she is a well-bred lady, she would never dream of calling out and rushing him along, but it means that every time they try to go anywhere, she always ends up with the terrible fear that they will be late.
Now, Mr. and Mrs. Foster are an older couple, living in a multi-story building in New York. They keep servants, clearly have money, and their only daughter has moved to France, which means that Mrs. Foster has never been able to meet her three grandchildren, who she adores from afar -- but Mr. Foster has agreed to let Mrs. Foster go alone to Paris for a six week visit. You might think that she can be as early as she would like, yes? That might be true... if Mr. Foster had not insisted on accompanying her to the airport to see her off.
This story was such wicked fun. Dahl has sketched a couple where the husband knows exactly what buttons to push to set off his wife, and when she's such an inoffensive person, you despair right along with her as he dawdles, making them later and later. But of course, what's wonderful about Dahl is that you know the wicked always get their comeuppance...
April 5, 2015
Roald Dahl.
Words cannot express how much I love him.
That aside, my best friend bought me this for my 20th Birthday. I know I read it at the time, but only seem to have remembered the first story of the three, Taste.
Each of these stories is so self contained and beautifully described, they'll definitely stay with me this time. The second two are less explicit and all the more frightening for it. Very visual, incredible, slow reveals that keep you guessing. And the moment you realise what's up, you're begging things to stop but it's too late and yet there's still that glimmer of hope you cling to. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
It's from the Pocket Penguin series, which I recommend!
Words cannot express how much I love him.
That aside, my best friend bought me this for my 20th Birthday. I know I read it at the time, but only seem to have remembered the first story of the three, Taste.
Each of these stories is so self contained and beautifully described, they'll definitely stay with me this time. The second two are less explicit and all the more frightening for it. Very visual, incredible, slow reveals that keep you guessing. And the moment you realise what's up, you're begging things to stop but it's too late and yet there's still that glimmer of hope you cling to. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
It's from the Pocket Penguin series, which I recommend!
April 11, 2018
Fun, intense little book of short stories. An enjoyable afternoon experience in suspense and dark humor.
May 4, 2020
A quick but gripping read
October 10, 2024
I am today years old when I found out that all Dahl's children books are published by Puffin but all his adult stories are by Penguin. Interesting.
Anyway, this book contained three short stories. I've read few of Dahl's shorties and they basically are usually very dark and grim. You are halfway across the story and you got this ball in the pit of your stomach that tells you it is going to be fucked up real soon and you started to contemplate whether to continue or take a breather because you are scared as shit for the characters.
These three stories are no exception.
Taste: of a man named Pratt who tried to win a bet to marry his host's daughter by cheating. I don't like him the moment Dahl introduced him. He's like a weasel.
The way up to heaven: Mrs. Foster has this anxiety of being late whenever she wanted to travel by public transport. His husband knew this but often being late in purpose to spite his wife. When she wanted to make a trip to France, and her husband yet again trying to make her late, she left him. But here was the twist. She knew he was stuck in a lift inside of their home. And the trip was for 6 weeks.
The landlady: Weaver is a handsome 17 years old boy looking for lodging at Bath, where he was supposed to start a new job. His eyes caught a B&B and he was somewhat bewitched by it. Turned out the landlady was a serial killer that stuffed her killings and embalmed them afterwards to preserved them. But of course Weaver has no idea that this will happen to him eventually. Only the readers do.
Story 5/5
Characters 5/5
Development 5/5
Enjoyment 4/5
Style of writing 5/5
Overall 5/5
Anyway, this book contained three short stories. I've read few of Dahl's shorties and they basically are usually very dark and grim. You are halfway across the story and you got this ball in the pit of your stomach that tells you it is going to be fucked up real soon and you started to contemplate whether to continue or take a breather because you are scared as shit for the characters.
These three stories are no exception.
Taste: of a man named Pratt who tried to win a bet to marry his host's daughter by cheating. I don't like him the moment Dahl introduced him. He's like a weasel.
The way up to heaven: Mrs. Foster has this anxiety of being late whenever she wanted to travel by public transport. His husband knew this but often being late in purpose to spite his wife. When she wanted to make a trip to France, and her husband yet again trying to make her late, she left him. But here was the twist. She knew he was stuck in a lift inside of their home. And the trip was for 6 weeks.
The landlady: Weaver is a handsome 17 years old boy looking for lodging at Bath, where he was supposed to start a new job. His eyes caught a B&B and he was somewhat bewitched by it. Turned out the landlady was a serial killer that stuffed her killings and embalmed them afterwards to preserved them. But of course Weaver has no idea that this will happen to him eventually. Only the readers do.
Story 5/5
Characters 5/5
Development 5/5
Enjoyment 4/5
Style of writing 5/5
Overall 5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2025
This book ought to have been titled "The Unexpected Side of Roald Dahl" or "The Sinister Side of Roald Dahl" or some such. There are three rather interesting situations with rather unsavoury twists, reflecting the dark, even ghastly, side of one of the most loved authors - of children's books. This book thankfully is not directed at young, impressionable minds, but could well influence the morals of children who, having read his delightful books, pick this one up with fond hopes of getting more of Dahl's magic. For me, it casts a brand new, depressing insight into the man's thinking - something some of his other books - like The Twits, for instance - should have alerted the keen reader to. Certainly not recommended for children. And adults could as equally give it a wide berth.
January 5, 2019
Three tales filled with dark humour and suspense! I really enjoyed the story of Mr and Mrs Foster in particular - one that will stay with me!
August 18, 2020
Quick, short stories and a wonderful reminder of Raold Dahl's sense of "humour".
January 31, 2021
Short sharp and sweet. Three distinct stories that leave more to imagination than what they actually say
November 7, 2021
This pocket Penguin book with a collection of 3 stories of otherwise known for his writings for children. Suspense and mystery unfolds as the stories pace take its speed.
January 11, 2023
I gave this book 5 stars purely because it was classic Dahl, 3 v. short stories over 55 pages and most importantly because it got me quickly away from the grid for my 2023 reading challenge!!
July 21, 2023
[Penguin Books] (2005). SB. 1. 55 Pages. Purchased from Richard Dalby's Library.
"Taste" (1954)
"The Landlady" (1960)
"The Way Up To Heaven" (1960)
All well-written and entertaining.
"Taste" (1954)
"The Landlady" (1960)
"The Way Up To Heaven" (1960)
All well-written and entertaining.
March 11, 2024
Not that unexpected but love the stories
November 20, 2025
Διάσημος για τις πειραγμένες παιδικές ιστορίες αλλά και στις μικρού μήκους δίνει ρέστα ο Ροαλντ - εκπληκτική οικονομία, άριστη ατμόσφαιρα, φοβερά κλεισίματα. Μαστ ριντ.
September 12, 2017
For my full review click the link below:
https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress...
https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress...
May 30, 2009
"A Taste of the Unexpected" gathers together three sinister tales that fully exhibit Dahl's mastery of suspense and his unsurpassed ability to tease the reader until the very last sentence.
Taste >> A bet goes too far between a man desperate to acquire a reputation of one who has refined culture and a man whose expert senses can guess the wine being served. Would you be willing to bet the hand of your only daughter in marriage if you're almost perfectly sure that the sommelier can't possibly guess the wine (it's year and vineyard from whence it originated) you've presented for tasting?
The Way Up To Heaven >> A perfectly loyal wife of so many years finds herself at the end of her rapidly fraying rope at the sadistic pleasure her husband derives from torturing her on her one small fault.
The Landlady >> "There is nothing more tantalizing than a thing which lingers just outside the borders of one's memory." A teenage boy finds himself assigned to Bath and decided to check into a Bed & Breakfast where he was welcomed by a nice (even if slightly dotty) old woman. He starts to wonder why no one else has come and stayed at this charming place.
Book Details:
Title A Taste of the Unexpected
Author Roald Dahl
Reviewed By Purplycookie
Taste >> A bet goes too far between a man desperate to acquire a reputation of one who has refined culture and a man whose expert senses can guess the wine being served. Would you be willing to bet the hand of your only daughter in marriage if you're almost perfectly sure that the sommelier can't possibly guess the wine (it's year and vineyard from whence it originated) you've presented for tasting?
The Way Up To Heaven >> A perfectly loyal wife of so many years finds herself at the end of her rapidly fraying rope at the sadistic pleasure her husband derives from torturing her on her one small fault.
The Landlady >> "There is nothing more tantalizing than a thing which lingers just outside the borders of one's memory." A teenage boy finds himself assigned to Bath and decided to check into a Bed & Breakfast where he was welcomed by a nice (even if slightly dotty) old woman. He starts to wonder why no one else has come and stayed at this charming place.
Book Details:
Title A Taste of the Unexpected
Author Roald Dahl
Reviewed By Purplycookie
July 25, 2011
"A collection of three of Roald Dahl’s short stories with an unexpected twist at the end. The first story - Taste - is a little disappointing as the unexpected twist is easily spotted two or three pages in. This failing is more than made up for by the other two stories - The Way Up To Heaven and The Landlady - where the twist is hidden from the reader until the final couple of pages. My advice is to start off with taste, the worst of the three, and save the best, The Way Up To Heaven, until last.
January 10, 2015
The three stories included here demonstrate Dahl's ability to create creepy stories. They are based on specific relationships between people that provide the setting for his fascinating twists: old friends; husband and wife; and perfect strangers. A delight to read!
Dahl gebruik bekende menseverhoudings om sy stories te skep wat elkeen 'n fassinerende kinkel in die kabel het: ou vriende; man en vrou; en volslae vreemdelinge. Prettige verhale wat kriewels teen jou ruggraat afstuur!
Dahl gebruik bekende menseverhoudings om sy stories te skep wat elkeen 'n fassinerende kinkel in die kabel het: ou vriende; man en vrou; en volslae vreemdelinge. Prettige verhale wat kriewels teen jou ruggraat afstuur!
November 6, 2015
Three sinister tales from the king of creepy fiction. A bit predictable; the twist in the tale can be seen coming, but his creation of character and situation in so few words is the mark of a true craftsman. This realism makes them all the more chilling. Just long enough to read while waiting for the dentist!
September 4, 2012
Two of the stories in this small collection are nearly sixty years old, but they could easily have been written yesterday. Timeless tales in the true sense of the word.
August 8, 2012
I love the unexpected twists and turns in these stories.
March 29, 2013
Really creepy and well-written. So much ambiguity!
June 7, 2013
Curious, eerie little stories. I think the second one was the most unsettling.
February 12, 2014
Fabulous.. I can't believe I've never read Roald Dahl's short fiction for adults before. I love Roald Dahl and I love short stories.
These are phenomenal.
These are phenomenal.
October 30, 2014
As one fellow reader says: Amusing, though not great.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews