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Scenes of Mild Peril
Across thirty disquieting stories, we'll encounter such tales as, "Sovereign's Last Hurrah", featuring a team of retired super-powered villains embarking on one last caper with their legendary super-hero rival, "A Comedian Walks into a Bar", in which a hungry and ambitious amateur learns that the fabled secret of comedy may come at too high a cost. "83", where the interview for a dream job becomes a nightmare, and "In Vino Veritas, In Vino Mors", where a dying wine collector takes part in a very special tasting session, courtesy of a very special visitor.
You'll encounter possessed little fingers, magic swords, sanity-defying factories, stranded astronauts, lovecraftian librarians, virulent plagues, and por scratchings ... all with a twist in the tale, courtesy of the equally twisted mind of David Court.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2018
About the author
David Court
35 books70 followersDavid Court was born and resides in Coventry, UK with his patient wife and Rebel, a greyhound border collie cross. A few years back David achieved minor internet notoriety under the pseudonym FoldsFive for his animated GIFs telling the entirety of the Star Wars Trilogy, a fact that he's still jolly well proud of and insists on telling anyone at any opportunity. When not reading, blogging angrily on www.foldsfive.co.uk, drinking real ale, being immune to explosions, writing software for a living or practicing his poorly developed telekinetic skills, he can be found writing fiction.
His short stories "A Shadow Cast by the World" and "Undercurrent" were published in the horror anthologies "Fear's Accomplice" and "Terror at the beach" in 2014. His first collection of short stories - "The Shadow Cast by the World" was published in 2013 with "Forever and Ever, Armageddon" released a year later. "Forever and Ever, Armageddon - Super Turbo Alpha Extreme" is a compilation of all of his short stories to date.
David is a member of the Horror Writers Association, and his next anthology - "Scenes of Mild Peril" is due for release in 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 7, 2020
A wonderful selection of short stories covering horror and scifi (sometimes both! ), often with a comic twist. A really enjoyable book to read, and I've no idea how Court can create these captivatibg and interesting settings in just so few words.
August 19, 2019
I picked up a copy of Scenes of Mild Peril via Amazon's bargain books section, and I have to say it was quite a score. Had I known what to expect I gladly would have paid full price for this baby. I came into this collection unfamiliar with the name David Court. By the midway point of the collection I already had the names of some of his other work on my book list. I'm pretty sad to see how few reviews there are, so below I'll be breaking down my views on each story.
Before I do that though I'd like to point out that Scenes of Mild Peril is not just a collection of horror stories. While many of the tales conclude in a horrific manner, there's actually a pretty decent blend of horror, science fiction, poetry, and fantasy to be found. There are some light-hearted stories, as well as a few that may make you tear up. Overall, it's an excellent collection that I highly suggest picking up.
Now on to the individual stories. "Obsession" is a bit of flash fiction that's silly, simple, and just a little scary.
"Tag" is a strange tale that represents the well-placed nightmares many of us have. If this is Hell I'm doing all I can to make it to Heaven.
"ThriceSlain" is a quick, humorous jaunt into the realm of fantasy that uses the ever-popular ideas of an all-powerful weapon owned by a wizened wizard in a fun way.
"VIP" was not my favorite tale from Scenes. It's about a man who finds himself through sheer luck in a very exclusive area of a resort. What he forgets is that the rich don't like to mingle with those below them.
"The Revengineers" is another humorous story, although this one focuses on a man who wishes (as many of us have before) that he could go back in time and use that great come-back he thought up just a little too late.
"Dangerous Yellow" follows a man who believes a bit too strongly in the power of patterns. Or does he?
I have to admit that "Perspective" is a pretty great tale right up until the ending. It's a space-faring story about a ship of people who are forced to touch down on an unknown planet and begin their lives anew. I found it emotional and quite pretty at times. The ending, however, ruined it for me.
"He Who Would Valiant Be" is heartbreaking.
And now we make it to the first poem in the collection. "Some Peace and Quiet" is about an introvert who decides his only escape from humankind is to go to another planet. Unfortunately for him, science is always advancing.
"In Vino Veritas, In Vino Mors" is a tale about supernatural spirits (the alcoholic kind, not the ghostly kind) and what we leave behind as our legacy.
"83" is a second-person account of an interview gone wrong. Go with your gut, people. If it feels wrong and seems too good to be true then it probably is.
One of the more touching stories in Scenes is "Sovereign's Last Hurrah", which is about a retirement home for superheros/villains and the friendship between foes. This story is very sweet, and is one of the few in Scenes with a happy ending.
If there's one story that will really get you laughing it will be "Safety Record". Warehouses are a dangerous place to work, friends, some more than others.
"A Comedian Walks Into a Bar" showcases a down-on-his-luck comedian who can't understand how he gets outstaged by an old, sloppy ventriloquist. When confronted, the ventriloquist shares secrets that are not for everyone to know.
For fans of rock, "Saviour Machine" is everything we hope to be true when we die.
"The Digit that Was Death" is Mister Court's version of a classic Clive Barker tale. A man loses his finger in an industrial accident. Lucky him, a donor finger has just been brought in to the morgue.
"Keyhole" reminds us that humans everywhere are curious and scary creatures.
If I'm being honest, "Anomalous" went right over my head. I didn't really get it and therefore didn't get into it.
"Old Haunts" is a humor story about a ghost with one last mission to complete before passing on to the other side.
"Unwanted Gifts" shows us a very scary side of mental illness and warns us that oftentimes it isn't those who are ill that pose a danger to others.
Every horror collection needs a story like "Web". The Internet can be an awful place. Stay safe, friends.
If "Exactly Like You" doesn't make you emotional then nothing will. This one also takes place in a nursing home, but the patients here are (mostly) normal. Get ready with a tissue, ladies and gents.
"Secret Origins" gives us something more light-hearted to ease up back from the emotional previous story. It is also the second poem in the collection, as well as the second story based around superheros.
"How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Dagon" is the prerequisite Lovecraftian tale for this collection. It's a fun one that does justice to the mythos.
Possibly the most disturbing story in Scenes, "Augmental" is about the future of augmented reality and our detachment to violence as a society. This one hurt.
"The Track of My Fears" shows why subways are still scary even after all these years.
"Apply Within" is classic babysitting horror.
The second flash fiction piece to show up in the collection, "Down in the Mouth" is a vicious and fun little story about advancements in the dental industry.
"Epicentre" is an interesting take on immortal man and the lengths he may go to end it all.
Last but not least, "Let is Cry" is the brutal finale. It does offer a happy ending (or as happy as it can be) but it's an angry, emotional journey to get there.
Before I do that though I'd like to point out that Scenes of Mild Peril is not just a collection of horror stories. While many of the tales conclude in a horrific manner, there's actually a pretty decent blend of horror, science fiction, poetry, and fantasy to be found. There are some light-hearted stories, as well as a few that may make you tear up. Overall, it's an excellent collection that I highly suggest picking up.
Now on to the individual stories. "Obsession" is a bit of flash fiction that's silly, simple, and just a little scary.
"Tag" is a strange tale that represents the well-placed nightmares many of us have. If this is Hell I'm doing all I can to make it to Heaven.
"ThriceSlain" is a quick, humorous jaunt into the realm of fantasy that uses the ever-popular ideas of an all-powerful weapon owned by a wizened wizard in a fun way.
"VIP" was not my favorite tale from Scenes. It's about a man who finds himself through sheer luck in a very exclusive area of a resort. What he forgets is that the rich don't like to mingle with those below them.
"The Revengineers" is another humorous story, although this one focuses on a man who wishes (as many of us have before) that he could go back in time and use that great come-back he thought up just a little too late.
"Dangerous Yellow" follows a man who believes a bit too strongly in the power of patterns. Or does he?
I have to admit that "Perspective" is a pretty great tale right up until the ending. It's a space-faring story about a ship of people who are forced to touch down on an unknown planet and begin their lives anew. I found it emotional and quite pretty at times. The ending, however, ruined it for me.
"He Who Would Valiant Be" is heartbreaking.
And now we make it to the first poem in the collection. "Some Peace and Quiet" is about an introvert who decides his only escape from humankind is to go to another planet. Unfortunately for him, science is always advancing.
"In Vino Veritas, In Vino Mors" is a tale about supernatural spirits (the alcoholic kind, not the ghostly kind) and what we leave behind as our legacy.
"83" is a second-person account of an interview gone wrong. Go with your gut, people. If it feels wrong and seems too good to be true then it probably is.
One of the more touching stories in Scenes is "Sovereign's Last Hurrah", which is about a retirement home for superheros/villains and the friendship between foes. This story is very sweet, and is one of the few in Scenes with a happy ending.
If there's one story that will really get you laughing it will be "Safety Record". Warehouses are a dangerous place to work, friends, some more than others.
"A Comedian Walks Into a Bar" showcases a down-on-his-luck comedian who can't understand how he gets outstaged by an old, sloppy ventriloquist. When confronted, the ventriloquist shares secrets that are not for everyone to know.
For fans of rock, "Saviour Machine" is everything we hope to be true when we die.
"The Digit that Was Death" is Mister Court's version of a classic Clive Barker tale. A man loses his finger in an industrial accident. Lucky him, a donor finger has just been brought in to the morgue.
"Keyhole" reminds us that humans everywhere are curious and scary creatures.
If I'm being honest, "Anomalous" went right over my head. I didn't really get it and therefore didn't get into it.
"Old Haunts" is a humor story about a ghost with one last mission to complete before passing on to the other side.
"Unwanted Gifts" shows us a very scary side of mental illness and warns us that oftentimes it isn't those who are ill that pose a danger to others.
Every horror collection needs a story like "Web". The Internet can be an awful place. Stay safe, friends.
If "Exactly Like You" doesn't make you emotional then nothing will. This one also takes place in a nursing home, but the patients here are (mostly) normal. Get ready with a tissue, ladies and gents.
"Secret Origins" gives us something more light-hearted to ease up back from the emotional previous story. It is also the second poem in the collection, as well as the second story based around superheros.
"How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Dagon" is the prerequisite Lovecraftian tale for this collection. It's a fun one that does justice to the mythos.
Possibly the most disturbing story in Scenes, "Augmental" is about the future of augmented reality and our detachment to violence as a society. This one hurt.
"The Track of My Fears" shows why subways are still scary even after all these years.
"Apply Within" is classic babysitting horror.
The second flash fiction piece to show up in the collection, "Down in the Mouth" is a vicious and fun little story about advancements in the dental industry.
"Epicentre" is an interesting take on immortal man and the lengths he may go to end it all.
Last but not least, "Let is Cry" is the brutal finale. It does offer a happy ending (or as happy as it can be) but it's an angry, emotional journey to get there.
August 23, 2025
Hands down my favorite read of the year so far. I don't usually go for short story anthologies, so I wasn't sure if I could get into this book at first. David has changed my mind and earned a fan in the process! Every single story gripped me within the first page or so and each was terrifying in a different context. I laughed, felt depressed, reflected on humanity, and read some aloud to my teens who enjoyed them. Looking forward to reading more from this author! Thanks to Paper Quest for another great pick.
July 29, 2025
A very eclectic collection of stories. Started off with a bang and never really lost steam although, like all short story collections, I enjoyed some stories better than others. So much variety - horror, science fiction, fantasy, poetry. Definitely interested in other works by Mr. Court now.
Received this book as part of my Your Paper Quest subscription. Supporting independent authors!
Received this book as part of my Your Paper Quest subscription. Supporting independent authors!
October 10, 2018
Scenes of Mild Peril by David Court opens with a delightful Forward by the author himself. This is followed by a thought-provoking quote. Turn the page. There you find the first offering of the collection. It is a flash piece titled “Obsession.” It chilled me to the bone.I sit in frightened wonder as I contemplate turning to the next piece.
But turn to the next piece I did. I confess, I did not read this whole collection in one sitting. Some of the stories are just too powerful and required me to step away from the collection for a bit. Some of my favorites are included in the following notations.
I physically felt the face I made when I finished reading “83,” such was its intensity of expression.
“Sovereign’s Last Hurrah” is a well-written and fun story for the inner geek in all of us.
“Safety Record,” for the record, is an unexpectedly brilliant little piece that caused me to choke on my lunch.
Ah, “Secret Origins”: the one that made me shout an expletive at the end. Out loud. It is a crafty, poetic piece.
“Let it Cry” is horrifying at heart-wrenching. There seemed to be something in my eye when I read it. My eyes just kept watering.
This collection made me feel a much broader range of emotions than I expected. The pieces herein evoke humor, horror, sadness, anger, surprise, and variations thereof. They vary greatly from one another in content, intensity, and theme.
Scenes of Mild Peril is superbly done. The flash fiction hits you like a brain freeze. The stories twist your mind, your gut, and your emotions. And the poetry … ah the poetry. A surprising bonus for the mind.
It is disturbing.
It is chilling.
It is exhausting.
It is a must have and a must read.
But turn to the next piece I did. I confess, I did not read this whole collection in one sitting. Some of the stories are just too powerful and required me to step away from the collection for a bit. Some of my favorites are included in the following notations.
I physically felt the face I made when I finished reading “83,” such was its intensity of expression.
“Sovereign’s Last Hurrah” is a well-written and fun story for the inner geek in all of us.
“Safety Record,” for the record, is an unexpectedly brilliant little piece that caused me to choke on my lunch.
Ah, “Secret Origins”: the one that made me shout an expletive at the end. Out loud. It is a crafty, poetic piece.
“Let it Cry” is horrifying at heart-wrenching. There seemed to be something in my eye when I read it. My eyes just kept watering.
This collection made me feel a much broader range of emotions than I expected. The pieces herein evoke humor, horror, sadness, anger, surprise, and variations thereof. They vary greatly from one another in content, intensity, and theme.
Scenes of Mild Peril is superbly done. The flash fiction hits you like a brain freeze. The stories twist your mind, your gut, and your emotions. And the poetry … ah the poetry. A surprising bonus for the mind.
It is disturbing.
It is chilling.
It is exhausting.
It is a must have and a must read.
November 15, 2020
I first encountered this author from a couple of compilations I'd read, in which there was a poem and a short story of his which stood out to me. That led me to seek out more and it was time very well spent. This particular book is the third selection of short stories from this author, and like the two before it, it's utterly brilliant. There's elements of sci-fi, the supernatural, the sinister, adventure, humour and some very clever twists. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 1, 2020
Oh, gosh! How i enjoyed this book. A selection of short stories full of the weird and the wonderful - complete imagination stimulation. Just how I remember books used to be. I'm really happy that I've discovered this author.
February 23, 2026
A wide range of stories, both in lengths and topics that stick with you long after you've finished reading! Perspective might've been my favorite, each was punchy in its own way! Sometimes uplifting, sometimes depressing and other times downright scary. A wonderful collection and I cannot wait to sink into more of David's work!
March 18, 2026
Excellent - a great collection of short stories, a really good mix of horror, sci-fi and comedy. I first came across the author through one of his plays and I liked his writing so much that I looked for more. So glad I found this book - David has a brilliant creative voice that I really enjoy reading.
July 18, 2025
Well written but I am not the target audience for this book.
Did Not Finish
April 19, 2026I liked a couple of the stories I read, but I wasn't hooked.
July 22, 2021
Fantastic book full to the brim of short stories and poems. Some funny, some downright scary, some sci-fi. This man can write and I can’t wait to read a full novel as you can see the potential for full on books with some of the tales in this. It oozes personality. Loved it
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews