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Underneath the Tree
Mixing the mysterious and macabre with tales of friendship, love and the unexplored secrets of the universe, this collection of twelve festive stories from writers in Northern Ireland presents the magic and mayhem of Christmas in all its forms.
Featuring a diverse range of genres – from the gothic and ghostly, to the criminal, comedic and supernatural – these are tales to chill and delight readers on a cold winter’s night. With contemporary and historical fiction, as well as dystopian and speculative tales, you never know what you might find … underneath the tree.
Stories from: Angeline Adams, Eddy Baker, Kelly Creighton, Stacie Davis, Sharon Dempsey, Simon Maltman, Gary McKay, Samuel Poots, Claire Savage, Remco van Straten, Morna Sullivan, Stuart Wilson and Jo Zebedee.
Featuring a diverse range of genres – from the gothic and ghostly, to the criminal, comedic and supernatural – these are tales to chill and delight readers on a cold winter’s night. With contemporary and historical fiction, as well as dystopian and speculative tales, you never know what you might find … underneath the tree.
Stories from: Angeline Adams, Eddy Baker, Kelly Creighton, Stacie Davis, Sharon Dempsey, Simon Maltman, Gary McKay, Samuel Poots, Claire Savage, Remco van Straten, Morna Sullivan, Stuart Wilson and Jo Zebedee.
- GenresShort Stories
188 pages, Paperback
Published November 4, 2020
19 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Creighton
20 books60 followersKelly Creighton is a Northern Irish novelist, crime writer, short story writer, playwright and poet.
She is the author of the Belfast based DI Harriet Sloane series (Friday Press):
THE SLEEPING SEASON, Sloane #1,
PROBLEMS WITH GIRLS, Sloane #2,
THE TOWN RED, Sloane #3.
The fourth instalment is coming in spring 2023.
SOULS WAX FAIR, a Me Too literary thriller set against the beautiful backdrop of South Dakota, will be released in May 2022.
Kelly has two short story collections:
BANK HOLIDAY HURRICANE (Doire Press), longlisted for the Edge Hill Prize and shortlisted for a Saboteur Award.
EVERYBODY'S HAPPY (Incubator Editions) was supported with a SIAP award.
THE BONES OF IT (Liberties Press; reissued by Incubator Editions) was the San Diego Book Review novel of the year 2015.
She co-edited UNDERNEATH THE TREE: Twelve Christmas stories from Writers in Northern Ireland; a multi-genre anthology.
Kelly is the founding editor of The Incubator, an online literary journal showcasing the contemporary Irish short story.
Kelly lives with her family in Co Down where she teaches English as a foreign language, facilitates creative writing workshops for community groups and schools, and mentors new writers.
She is the author of the Belfast based DI Harriet Sloane series (Friday Press):
THE SLEEPING SEASON, Sloane #1,
PROBLEMS WITH GIRLS, Sloane #2,
THE TOWN RED, Sloane #3.
The fourth instalment is coming in spring 2023.
SOULS WAX FAIR, a Me Too literary thriller set against the beautiful backdrop of South Dakota, will be released in May 2022.
Kelly has two short story collections:
BANK HOLIDAY HURRICANE (Doire Press), longlisted for the Edge Hill Prize and shortlisted for a Saboteur Award.
EVERYBODY'S HAPPY (Incubator Editions) was supported with a SIAP award.
THE BONES OF IT (Liberties Press; reissued by Incubator Editions) was the San Diego Book Review novel of the year 2015.
She co-edited UNDERNEATH THE TREE: Twelve Christmas stories from Writers in Northern Ireland; a multi-genre anthology.
Kelly is the founding editor of The Incubator, an online literary journal showcasing the contemporary Irish short story.
Kelly lives with her family in Co Down where she teaches English as a foreign language, facilitates creative writing workshops for community groups and schools, and mentors new writers.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 8, 2020
This might have you hiding underneath the bed covers
This is a seasonal anthology of stories by twelve Northern Irish writers.
Whilst I don’t normally seek out short stories, preferring to read full length novels, this one certainly has its merits. Although, unlike me, I would recommend you pace yourself, reading each of them when you have the odd hour to spare.
I loved the book cover and, I have to say, it lulled me into a false sense of security as I was expecting some jolly festive treats from the writers inside. Don’t get me wrong - some of them ARE jolly, but some of them are also pretty dark! And the mix is probably what I enjoyed most about it.
In any seasonal anthology, you expect to find stories of St Nicholas, the tree, the lights and the feasting. But Jack the Ripper, the man-eating Christmas tree and the dystopian world where it’s not Big Brother that watches over you, but the Reverend Father and the Security Deacons? Yes, all of these and much, much more are between these covers!
I loved this book and if you are looking for a stocking filler for your friends and family, or even for yourself, I would recommend you buy it. Quickly.
This is a seasonal anthology of stories by twelve Northern Irish writers.
Whilst I don’t normally seek out short stories, preferring to read full length novels, this one certainly has its merits. Although, unlike me, I would recommend you pace yourself, reading each of them when you have the odd hour to spare.
I loved the book cover and, I have to say, it lulled me into a false sense of security as I was expecting some jolly festive treats from the writers inside. Don’t get me wrong - some of them ARE jolly, but some of them are also pretty dark! And the mix is probably what I enjoyed most about it.
In any seasonal anthology, you expect to find stories of St Nicholas, the tree, the lights and the feasting. But Jack the Ripper, the man-eating Christmas tree and the dystopian world where it’s not Big Brother that watches over you, but the Reverend Father and the Security Deacons? Yes, all of these and much, much more are between these covers!
I loved this book and if you are looking for a stocking filler for your friends and family, or even for yourself, I would recommend you buy it. Quickly.
November 26, 2020
If you like your Christmas tales macabre rather than merry, chilling rather than cheery, this collection of twelve short stories from accomplished writers in Northern Ireland is for you. Rogue Christmas trees, a homicidal sleigh (or slay) ride and a festive take on Jack the Ripper all make their grisly appearances. Styles and genres vary. Between the gothic and the ghostly, there’s room for dark comedy and contemporary stories too. I enjoyed it immensely. It’s a refreshingly different read for anyone tired of the usual ‘goodwill to all men’ literary platitudes. Something to curl up with before a roaring fire. Just be sure to lock the door first!
December 25, 2020
A quirky selection of seasonal stories. Includes fantasy, crime, mystery, humour... Not for kids!
My favourites were Black Ice by Kelly Creighton and Ellie Bird's Greatest Regret by Stacie Douglas.
My favourites were Black Ice by Kelly Creighton and Ellie Bird's Greatest Regret by Stacie Douglas.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews