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Tales Of
Trickery
PERFECT for fans of Roald Dahl.Think you know Dahl? Think again. There's still a whole world of Dahl to discover in a newly collected book of his deliciously dark tales for adults . . .How underhand could you be to get what you want? In these ten tales of dark and twisted trickery Roald Dahl reveals that we are at our smartest and most cunning when we set out to deceive others - and, sometimes, even ourselves.Here, among others, you'll read of the married couple and the parting gift which rocks their marriage, the light fingered hitch-hiker and the grateful motorist, and discover why the serious poacher keeps a few sleeping pills in his arsenal.Featuring extraordinary cover art by Charming Baker, whose paintings echo the dark and twisted world of Dahl's short stories.Roald Dahl reveals even more about the darker side of human nature in seven other centenary Lust, Madness, Cruelty, Deception, War, Innocence and Fear .
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First published August 10, 2017
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About the author
Roald Dahl
1,470 books26.6k 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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February 18, 2021I'm about to delve into Roald Dahl's adult stories, which I enjoyed as a teenager. I wonder if they're ask dark, convoluted and twisted as I remember.
September 7, 2018
When I was very young one of my favourite books was “James and the Giant Peach”. I can still remember the vivid descriptions of James tasting a peach which made me crave the fruit for years to come. For some reason I never read more of his famous tales for children, but of course I was familiar with the stories from popular films like ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’. What’s so interesting about Dahl is that his imaginatively off-kilter way of presenting the world shines through these dark fable-like stories that often involve some lesson about morality. I only became aware that Dahl also wrote stories for adults with Penguin’s recent publication of new series of books of short stories grouped under particular topics. It’s fascinating how Dahl’s distinct style still shows in these tales but they concentrate more on adult themes such as ambition, power, madness, cruelty and lust. I read the collection which centres around “Trickery” and hence each story involves a certain twist where different characters’ attempts to deceive cause them unexpected trouble. These play out in a series of creative and engaging ways which make them an absolute pleasure to read.
Read my full review of Trickery by Roald Dahl on LonesomeReader
Read my full review of Trickery by Roald Dahl on LonesomeReader
July 12, 2025
Trickery is one of eight centenary editions of Dahl's short stories for adults, grouped together by theme, and collects ten short stories published over a period of over forty years, between the mid-40's (Beware of the Dog, 1944) and the late 80's (The Surgeon, 1988) that showcase how imaginatively cunning people can be when they set out to deceive—others, or even themselves. As such, most stories involve a twist wherein an attempt at trickery ends up causing trouble... quite a common theme in Dahl's stories, to the point that there's a synonymous volume collecting tales of deception, and in the case of these two, the line the editors of these themed anthologies came up with is blurrier than usual. My personal stand-outs were The Wish, The Surgeon, and Beware of the Dog, all memorable in their own unique way.
The Wish · ★★★★½
The opening of this very short tale about an imaginative boy playing a quickly escalating variation of “the floor is lava” took me straight back to the way I, too, would pick at my scabs with glee and single-minded focus, and become absorbed in lonely made-up games with equally made-up high stakes. The Wish is childhood, distilled, but with a Dahlian twist: Who would ever have thought that a boy walking along a carpet determined to only step on the yellow parts could become so chilling when his imagination runs away from him?
Beware of the Dog · ★★★½
A RAF pilot is flying himself back across the Channel from German-occupied France, having just lost a leg from a cannon shell. He bails out of the plane when he realizes that he’s delirious and close to unconsciousness due to the blood loss, and awakens in a hospital bed in Brighton… but things don’t quite add up. A little predictable, perhaps, but it was just bite-sized and fast-paced enough to still make for an enjoyable war-time thriller that I might’ve rated higher if the ending hadn’t been both so spelled-out yet abrupt.
Champion of the World · ★★★
An early version of Dahl's children's novel Danny, Champion of the World. In this adult tale, Claud has spent many months poaching expensively raised pheasants on the property of an arrogant, self-made local entrepreneur, until he one day invites along a friend, who comes up with an ingenious plan to denude the whole property of birds just ahead of the annual hunting season. It works like a charm… they just didn’t quite think their scheme all the way through. The ending makes this one.
The Visitor · ★★
Previously included in the disappointing Lust collection. In the frame-narrative, a nephew receives twenty-eight volumes of handwritten diaries from his wealthy, middle-aged traveler and seducer uncle. The story proper is an entry from one of them, in which Uncle Oswald meets a rich Syrian man who takes him back to his mansion when Oswald's car breaks down in the desert, and to repay the kindness, he decides that he'll sleep with either the man's beautiful wife or his barely-legal daughter (ideally both). The character appears to be written to be a detestable misogynist, so this intention, coupled with the fact that he gets his comeuppance, made this story barely tolerable.
Mrs Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat · ★★★
Previously included in Cruelty, although I found it more fitting in this collection: A cheating woman needs to find a way to explain her lover’s expensive parting gift to her husband, and comes up with an elaborate plan involving a pawn shop. It felt incredibly familiar, almost archetypal—indeed, it turns out that it was Dahl’s take on a popular anecdote. An amusing story about the consequences of duplicitous actions, if you can look past the blatant misogyny.
Claud’s Dog: Rummins · ★★½
While walking his greyhound, Claud meets the unpleasant Mr. Rummins, an unpleasant farmer, and lets him know that his hay rick across from the petrol station is infested by rats, so Rummins comes by to dismantle it... but it turns out that the vermin is the least of his problems. Not only do I not understand where the theme of trickery is supposed to figure in this story, I don't get the story itself: Rummins' dislike for Ole Jimmy is explicitly stated, and murder is heavily implied over an accidental death, especially given that he runs for the hills when his son uncovers the body, but it makes no sense—why would he dig it out with witnesses all around? Did he forget?
Claud’s Dog: Mr Hoddy · ★
Blessed be, this is the final part of the Claud's Dog series first published in Someone Like You, but scattered throughout these themed collections—I didn't like any of them all that much, but this may have been the most pointless of them all. Claud goes to his girlfriend's house, whose father wants to make sure that he'll be able to provide for her when they marry. She tells him to make something up rather than mention making money at the dog races, so when Mr. Hoddy starts pressing him about his business plans, he comes up and runs with the idea of a maggot factory.
The Hitchhiker · ★★★
A writer gives what turns out to be a very gifted pick-pocket a ride to London in his nice new BMW. A strangely wholesome story that subverts the reader's initial expectations.
The Surgeon · ★★★★
After saving a Saudi Arabian prince's life, a surgeon receives a very valuable diamond as a token of gratitude, but where to put it while he's away for the weekend? It's Friday night and the banks are closed, but his wife comes up with an ingenious hiding place that surely no burglar would consider... a rather atypically innocent story with a happy resolution, especially considering that it was first published in Playboy magazine.
Princess Mammalia · ★★½
A short adult fable and cautionary tale about vanity, as misogynistic and wicked as its title suggests.
—————
My other reviews of Dahl's centenary editions of tales for adults (work in progress):
Cruelty: Tales of Malice and Greed · ★★★ [2.95]
Deception: Tales of Intrigue and Lies · ★★★ [3.4]
Fear: Tales of Terror and Suspense · ★★★ [2.89]
Innocence: Tales of Youth and Guile · ★★★★ [3.6]
Lust: Tales of Craving and Desire · ★★ [1.8]
Madness: Tales of Fear and Unreason · ★★★★ [3.6]
Trickery: Tales of Deceit and Cunning · ★★★ [2.9]
War: Tales of Conflict and Strife · TBR
The Wish · ★★★★½
The opening of this very short tale about an imaginative boy playing a quickly escalating variation of “the floor is lava” took me straight back to the way I, too, would pick at my scabs with glee and single-minded focus, and become absorbed in lonely made-up games with equally made-up high stakes. The Wish is childhood, distilled, but with a Dahlian twist: Who would ever have thought that a boy walking along a carpet determined to only step on the yellow parts could become so chilling when his imagination runs away from him?
Beware of the Dog · ★★★½
A RAF pilot is flying himself back across the Channel from German-occupied France, having just lost a leg from a cannon shell. He bails out of the plane when he realizes that he’s delirious and close to unconsciousness due to the blood loss, and awakens in a hospital bed in Brighton… but things don’t quite add up. A little predictable, perhaps, but it was just bite-sized and fast-paced enough to still make for an enjoyable war-time thriller that I might’ve rated higher if the ending hadn’t been both so spelled-out yet abrupt.
Champion of the World · ★★★
An early version of Dahl's children's novel Danny, Champion of the World. In this adult tale, Claud has spent many months poaching expensively raised pheasants on the property of an arrogant, self-made local entrepreneur, until he one day invites along a friend, who comes up with an ingenious plan to denude the whole property of birds just ahead of the annual hunting season. It works like a charm… they just didn’t quite think their scheme all the way through. The ending makes this one.
The Visitor · ★★
Previously included in the disappointing Lust collection. In the frame-narrative, a nephew receives twenty-eight volumes of handwritten diaries from his wealthy, middle-aged traveler and seducer uncle. The story proper is an entry from one of them, in which Uncle Oswald meets a rich Syrian man who takes him back to his mansion when Oswald's car breaks down in the desert, and to repay the kindness, he decides that he'll sleep with either the man's beautiful wife or his barely-legal daughter (ideally both). The character appears to be written to be a detestable misogynist, so this intention, coupled with the fact that he gets his comeuppance, made this story barely tolerable.
Mrs Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat · ★★★
Previously included in Cruelty, although I found it more fitting in this collection: A cheating woman needs to find a way to explain her lover’s expensive parting gift to her husband, and comes up with an elaborate plan involving a pawn shop. It felt incredibly familiar, almost archetypal—indeed, it turns out that it was Dahl’s take on a popular anecdote. An amusing story about the consequences of duplicitous actions, if you can look past the blatant misogyny.
Claud’s Dog: Rummins · ★★½
While walking his greyhound, Claud meets the unpleasant Mr. Rummins, an unpleasant farmer, and lets him know that his hay rick across from the petrol station is infested by rats, so Rummins comes by to dismantle it... but it turns out that the vermin is the least of his problems. Not only do I not understand where the theme of trickery is supposed to figure in this story, I don't get the story itself: Rummins' dislike for Ole Jimmy is explicitly stated, and murder is heavily implied over an accidental death, especially given that he runs for the hills when his son uncovers the body, but it makes no sense—why would he dig it out with witnesses all around? Did he forget?
Claud’s Dog: Mr Hoddy · ★
Blessed be, this is the final part of the Claud's Dog series first published in Someone Like You, but scattered throughout these themed collections—I didn't like any of them all that much, but this may have been the most pointless of them all. Claud goes to his girlfriend's house, whose father wants to make sure that he'll be able to provide for her when they marry. She tells him to make something up rather than mention making money at the dog races, so when Mr. Hoddy starts pressing him about his business plans, he comes up and runs with the idea of a maggot factory.
The Hitchhiker · ★★★
A writer gives what turns out to be a very gifted pick-pocket a ride to London in his nice new BMW. A strangely wholesome story that subverts the reader's initial expectations.
The Surgeon · ★★★★
After saving a Saudi Arabian prince's life, a surgeon receives a very valuable diamond as a token of gratitude, but where to put it while he's away for the weekend? It's Friday night and the banks are closed, but his wife comes up with an ingenious hiding place that surely no burglar would consider... a rather atypically innocent story with a happy resolution, especially considering that it was first published in Playboy magazine.
Princess Mammalia · ★★½
A short adult fable and cautionary tale about vanity, as misogynistic and wicked as its title suggests.
—————
My other reviews of Dahl's centenary editions of tales for adults (work in progress):
Cruelty: Tales of Malice and Greed · ★★★ [2.95]
Deception: Tales of Intrigue and Lies · ★★★ [3.4]
Fear: Tales of Terror and Suspense · ★★★ [2.89]
Innocence: Tales of Youth and Guile · ★★★★ [3.6]
Lust: Tales of Craving and Desire · ★★ [1.8]
Madness: Tales of Fear and Unreason · ★★★★ [3.6]
Trickery: Tales of Deceit and Cunning · ★★★ [2.9]
War: Tales of Conflict and Strife · TBR
October 3, 2019
Aaah.. The stories. The thing about short stories collection is that you like some and then you hate some. This book is not the idea of Roald Dahl but rather his collection of stories which presents the cunningness of human. He explains in detail how adept we are at playing tricks - on oneself or at one another. A decent collection of stories. Visitor is the best story among them.
April 17, 2025
бульварне чтіво
April 26, 2018
Last month I visited a book fair (vlog here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xisCi...) where I found a collection of Roald Dahl’s Adult Short Stories. I remember saying to myself “Perfect timing for Exams Period!”, and I bought the whole collection, minus “Fear” which unfortunately wasn’t in stock at the fair.
There are seven books in total, all representing different human emotions or tendencies: “Lust”, “Madness”, “Cruelty”, “Deception”, “War”, “Innocence”, “Fear”, and the one I have just finished reading, “Trickery”.
“Trickery” comes in at 232 pages long, and it consists of 10 short stories: “The Wish”, “Beware of the Dog”, “Champion of The World”, “The Visitor”, “Mrs Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat”, “Claud’s Dog: Rummins”, “Claud’s Dog: Mr Hoddy”, “The Hitch-Hiker”, “The Surgeon”, and “Princess Mammalia”.
Now, I’m sure some of you will agree with me, that the trouble with short story collections is that you will obviously love some of the stories, but there may be some others which you would not really enjoy reading. Would this be enough to DNF such books? In this case, the answer is no: Yes there are stories in the book which were considerably weaker than others (in my opinion, of course) such as “Claud’s Dog: Mr Hoddy” which is about a family and their discussion on how to become rich by setting up their own unique business. However, out of the ten short stories in this book, I really liked seven of them, which is why I’m giving this a solid four stars.
My favourite story was definitely “The Visitor” which is about a man called Oswald who spent his life travelling the world. This particular story focuses on his time in the desert, in Egypt. The adventure begins when he is stranded in the middle of the desert and seeks help from a wealthy resident nearby..
I suppose the main reason why I liked these stories so much, is because I love stories with twists. Since this book focuses on “Trickery” and how we humans can be so easily manipulated or influenced, you would expect twists here and there, and this book definitely delivers in that aspect! It was a pleasure reading this book, and since Exam Period continues for another month, I will probably pick up another of Roald Dahl’s Adult Short Story fictions.
There are seven books in total, all representing different human emotions or tendencies: “Lust”, “Madness”, “Cruelty”, “Deception”, “War”, “Innocence”, “Fear”, and the one I have just finished reading, “Trickery”.
“Trickery” comes in at 232 pages long, and it consists of 10 short stories: “The Wish”, “Beware of the Dog”, “Champion of The World”, “The Visitor”, “Mrs Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat”, “Claud’s Dog: Rummins”, “Claud’s Dog: Mr Hoddy”, “The Hitch-Hiker”, “The Surgeon”, and “Princess Mammalia”.
Now, I’m sure some of you will agree with me, that the trouble with short story collections is that you will obviously love some of the stories, but there may be some others which you would not really enjoy reading. Would this be enough to DNF such books? In this case, the answer is no: Yes there are stories in the book which were considerably weaker than others (in my opinion, of course) such as “Claud’s Dog: Mr Hoddy” which is about a family and their discussion on how to become rich by setting up their own unique business. However, out of the ten short stories in this book, I really liked seven of them, which is why I’m giving this a solid four stars.
My favourite story was definitely “The Visitor” which is about a man called Oswald who spent his life travelling the world. This particular story focuses on his time in the desert, in Egypt. The adventure begins when he is stranded in the middle of the desert and seeks help from a wealthy resident nearby..
I suppose the main reason why I liked these stories so much, is because I love stories with twists. Since this book focuses on “Trickery” and how we humans can be so easily manipulated or influenced, you would expect twists here and there, and this book definitely delivers in that aspect! It was a pleasure reading this book, and since Exam Period continues for another month, I will probably pick up another of Roald Dahl’s Adult Short Story fictions.
January 5, 2018
I’m going to give this one 2.5 stars. I found myself feeling quite bored throughout quite a few of these stories. There were probably only 2 stories that I really enjoyed in the collection, which is disappointing really. Hopefully I’ll enjoy the remaining 2 books I have of this collection more than I have enjoyed Trickery.
September 2, 2018
This was the first adult book that I have read from Roald Dahl and it did not disappoint.
A great collection of short stories wrapped up in all kinds of deceit and trickery.
I will definitely be reserving the other books in the series.
A great collection of short stories wrapped up in all kinds of deceit and trickery.
I will definitely be reserving the other books in the series.
September 10, 2018
The ten stories within this book vary in length from a single page to far more substantial ones and they all tell of the kinds of daring deeds that don’t rely on strength and brute force but the cunningness of a fox. Once again my favourite was the story which was clearly the forerunner to Danny the Champion of the World – a story I loved when it was read aloud to my primary school class aged seven or eight. Once again I chuckled as two grown men in Champion of the World (no Danny in this version) doctored the raisins to poach the pheasants thereby neatly outwitting the gamekeeper and giving the pheasants a far better send off than being blasted by a gun!
March 28, 2022
A compilation of stories which exposed how cruel and cunning humans could be when trying to satisfy one's needs, by oppressing others. I personally like "The Visitor" and "The Hitch-hiker". Therefore I am interested to read the other series as well.
February 6, 2019
Each story was brilliantly told and left wanting more. Can’t wait to read the others.
July 3, 2019
Een aantal korte verhalen met een verrassend eind
April 26, 2025
this book was difficult to start but once i got into it, i realized how much i adore dahls writing!
did-not-finish
May 8, 2025I made it halfway through the book, but the stories were either racist, misogynistic, or plain boring - sometimes all three. Unlikely that I will pick this up again.
September 3, 2019
Story stories are an art form in itself. I started collecting this series of short stories and each book left me wanting more. This particular collection was a joy.
Like all his other collections, each has a voice and a style which makes them small gems.
The last short story was my favorite in this set and I'd recommend this book while on a short vacation. Easy to pick and quick to finish.
Like all his other collections, each has a voice and a style which makes them small gems.
The last short story was my favorite in this set and I'd recommend this book while on a short vacation. Easy to pick and quick to finish.
January 4, 2019
My least favorite Dahl collection so far unfortunately. The stories weren't necessarily bad, their settings and characters just weren't my cup of tea (3 of Claud's Dog stories, I never much care for these). Outstanding favorites were Mrs Bixby & the Colonel's Coat (which I already knew from Cruelty) and The Surgeon (so clever and exciting). Those are the kind of Roald Dahl stories I love and crave when I pick up one of his anthologies.
July 3, 2021
A few of the stories had the bite, cleverness and cunning you'd expect from adult Dahl. A couple were underdeveloped and dull as dishwater. Often the "irony" with which bitter, haughty, racist, sleezy characters were written - seemed a bit too close for comfort to Dahl himself. Better to watch tales of the unexpected.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2024
maybe its just the stories pov but the way they described the guards was just so over the top racist and put me off
only the first story didnt suck anyway
only the first story didnt suck anyway
December 5, 2025
Caught In the Act
A review on Roald Dahl’s Trickery
Title: Trickery: Tales of Deceit and Cunning
Author: Roald Dahl
Rank: 48th book in 2025
After diving into the eerie world of Fear, it felt refreshing to return to Roald Dahl’s original works in Trickery. There’s something comforting about his storytelling style, they are familiar yet never formulaic. Unlike authors who stick to predictable patterns, Dahl brings his signature dark humor and clever twists to each tale, keeping readers on their toes. His stories often draw from real-life experiences, as hinted in his autobiographical piece Boy, which adds a layer of authenticity to the mischief.
This collection is all about deception, and Dahl delivers it with flair. Each story is tightly woven around the theme of trickery, making the anthology feel cohesive and well-curated. The pacing is brisk as you’ll find yourself breezing through the pages without realizing how much time has passed. That’s the mark of a truly engaging read: when you’re so immersed, you forget everything else.
The final trio of stories which are The Hitch-hiker, The Surgeon, and Princess Mammalia are absolute standouts. They’re wildly entertaining and packed with cleverness. I had a moment while reading Princess Mammalia where I thought, “Wait, that’s it? I finished the whole book?” And I meant it in the best way possible. It was such a smooth, enjoyable ride that the ending snuck up on me.
There’s also a welcome return of familiar tales like The Visitor and Mrs Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat, originally featured in Dahl’s Lust collection. They still fit perfectly here, especially with the cunning antics of Mrs. Bixby. That ending had me laughing all over again. The same goes for The Hitch-hiker and Princess Mammalia; their punchlines are just so satisfying.
Overall, Trickery is one of the strongest entries in the Centenary Collections. It’s witty, immersive, and a great showcase of Dahl’s storytelling genius. If you’re looking for a smart, entertaining read with a dash of mischief, this one’s a must.
November 7, 2018
This collection is part of a themed series put out by Penguin to showcase Dahl's adult short fiction. The clue to the theme is in the title, with trickery and deceit being the order of the day. Some of the stories fit the theme by a thread (such as the first story, The Wish about a boy who imagines his carpet to be full of monsters), but most are good fits. I hadn't known that one of my favourite Dahl books as a youngster, Danny, the Champion of the World, was based on a short story, but it was, and it's in this collection. The plot is much the same (but with adult protagonists) but with fewer words, there's less space for characterisation.
The longest story in the collection is one of Dahl's 'Uncle Oswald' stories, and it's nice to see the licentious old man get the wool pulled over his eyes. Other highlights for me included The Surgeon about a surgeon who is given an astounding gift; and Beware of the Dog about an RAF pilot who comes down and finds himself in hospital.
While some of these have lost their sting over the years, many others still retain their bite and sense of "oof" that comes with the twist. It's a fun collection, if quite short, and a decent introduction to Dahl's adult short fiction.
The longest story in the collection is one of Dahl's 'Uncle Oswald' stories, and it's nice to see the licentious old man get the wool pulled over his eyes. Other highlights for me included The Surgeon about a surgeon who is given an astounding gift; and Beware of the Dog about an RAF pilot who comes down and finds himself in hospital.
While some of these have lost their sting over the years, many others still retain their bite and sense of "oof" that comes with the twist. It's a fun collection, if quite short, and a decent introduction to Dahl's adult short fiction.
June 12, 2020
Why I'm interested in this book at the first place
I'm nowhere near called myself a big fan, as I never drawn to Dahl's writings before this. I decided let my thoughts loose eventually, to experience his writings.
This is the fifth book I read in conjunction with Roald Dahl's Day.
What do I think of this book... now that I've done reading it
The theme is of deceit and cunning, and as I read this book last from the "series", it's worth noted that some stories were featured in other titles I've read earlier:
The Visitor
Mrs Bixby and the Colonel's Coat
Claud's Dog
+
1. My favorite chapters:
i. Beware of the Dog
ii. The Hitch-hiker (this one gives me anxiety lol)
iii. The Surgeon
iv. Princess Mammalia
-
1. I read a bit, but eventually skipped the following chapters:
i. The Wish (the whole plot is weird af)
ii. The Champion of the World (the one straight up reminds me of Hitchcock's "The Birds" (1963))
Get this
1. If you also love to read anthologies/short stories.
I'm nowhere near called myself a big fan, as I never drawn to Dahl's writings before this. I decided let my thoughts loose eventually, to experience his writings.
This is the fifth book I read in conjunction with Roald Dahl's Day.
What do I think of this book... now that I've done reading it
The theme is of deceit and cunning, and as I read this book last from the "series", it's worth noted that some stories were featured in other titles I've read earlier:
The Visitor
Mrs Bixby and the Colonel's Coat
Claud's Dog
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1. My favorite chapters:
i. Beware of the Dog
ii. The Hitch-hiker (this one gives me anxiety lol)
iii. The Surgeon
iv. Princess Mammalia
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1. I read a bit, but eventually skipped the following chapters:
i. The Wish (the whole plot is weird af)
ii. The Champion of the World (the one straight up reminds me of Hitchcock's "The Birds" (1963))
Get this
1. If you also love to read anthologies/short stories.
September 1, 2017
Roald Dahl for adults – a must-read
If you thought Roald Dahl’s books were just for children, forget it. In this book – and the whole series of adult books – there is a whole host of mature themes, but all with that Dahlian twist!
In this book, Dahl proves himself to be the master of deception with wonderfully entertaining and ‘sting-in-the-tail’ tales of some of the devious and deceptive things adults get up to.
I particularly loved the stories of ‘The Visitor’ and ‘Mrs Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat’, but all of the little gems in this book were amusing, enlightening and, in the end, reflective of human society.
I would thoroughly recommend this book and all the others in this series of Roald Dahl little nuggets.
Sméagol
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
If you thought Roald Dahl’s books were just for children, forget it. In this book – and the whole series of adult books – there is a whole host of mature themes, but all with that Dahlian twist!
In this book, Dahl proves himself to be the master of deception with wonderfully entertaining and ‘sting-in-the-tail’ tales of some of the devious and deceptive things adults get up to.
I particularly loved the stories of ‘The Visitor’ and ‘Mrs Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat’, but all of the little gems in this book were amusing, enlightening and, in the end, reflective of human society.
I would thoroughly recommend this book and all the others in this series of Roald Dahl little nuggets.
Sméagol
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
August 24, 2021
What a surprising collection of adult stories from Roald Dahl. The most famous story in this collection would have to be Danny The Champion Of The World, which went on to form a children's book. This collection, however, is definitely not a children's book.
The most memorable story for me was the one about the guy travelling in Egypt who thinks he's better than everyone else. His car breaks down in the desert and he ends up staying the night in a rich Arab's home. He spends the night with either the wife or daughter, but he's not sure which.
The most enjoyable story was of a doctor acquiring a diamond of great value. To hide it, his wife suggests putting it into an ice cube tray with water and freezing it.
I won't ruin the ending of the stories, but, if you can put away any preconceptions you have about Roal Dahl, you will enjoy reading these for yourself.
The most memorable story for me was the one about the guy travelling in Egypt who thinks he's better than everyone else. His car breaks down in the desert and he ends up staying the night in a rich Arab's home. He spends the night with either the wife or daughter, but he's not sure which.
The most enjoyable story was of a doctor acquiring a diamond of great value. To hide it, his wife suggests putting it into an ice cube tray with water and freezing it.
I won't ruin the ending of the stories, but, if you can put away any preconceptions you have about Roal Dahl, you will enjoy reading these for yourself.
January 17, 2021
I began my life post-army by reading a series of classic literature works. Interspersed between these works were a collection of little-known pieces by Dahl. To be precise, this was an anthology of 'adult works' (simply stories without Dahl's characteristic fantasical elements), across a spectrum of seven topics. But not to be wrong, Dahl still retains his trademark ability to captivate his reader from page to page, simply by creating the most intriguing plots.
'Trickery' tells stories of duplicity and scheming, though it isn't nearly as dark as the book makes itself out to be. Most of Dahl's stories still primarily intrigue, rather than discomfit the reader.
This is a secret treasure for my friends who grew up on Dahl's writing and long exhausted their supply of his books read.
'Trickery' tells stories of duplicity and scheming, though it isn't nearly as dark as the book makes itself out to be. Most of Dahl's stories still primarily intrigue, rather than discomfit the reader.
This is a secret treasure for my friends who grew up on Dahl's writing and long exhausted their supply of his books read.
December 31, 2018
Trickery consists of 10 short stories which I believe is well composed, cunning and fits well with the title given. I am fond with 6 stories that I think was very genius and manipulated. Some of my favourite are Champion of the World, The Visitor, Mrs Bixby and the Colonel's Coat, The Hitch-hiker, The Surgeon, and Princess Mammalia. I really loved the way Roald Dahl explained the situation and at the end always comes out with morals values, though not literally gain. Although this is the first time reading the author's book, it's immediately aroused my interest in reading more books written by him. Well done, Roald Dahl.
March 3, 2023
“𝐻𝑜𝓌 𝓊𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓇𝒽𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒷𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝑔𝑒𝓉 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉”
This is the fourth (and possibly my favourite so far) of the anthology of eight books of Dahl’s short stories. Dahl has such a talent for adult stories that I wish there were more of them - his brutish and cunning personality comes off in near enough all of them. They’re also timeless - most of the stories in this edition were penned between 1950-1980 but they all have an air of modernity to them. My favourites in this collection were “Beware of the Dog”, “The Visitor”, “Mrs Buxby and the Colonel’s Coat”, “The Hitch-hiker” and “The Surgeon”.
This is the fourth (and possibly my favourite so far) of the anthology of eight books of Dahl’s short stories. Dahl has such a talent for adult stories that I wish there were more of them - his brutish and cunning personality comes off in near enough all of them. They’re also timeless - most of the stories in this edition were penned between 1950-1980 but they all have an air of modernity to them. My favourites in this collection were “Beware of the Dog”, “The Visitor”, “Mrs Buxby and the Colonel’s Coat”, “The Hitch-hiker” and “The Surgeon”.
October 4, 2024
So far, after reading about half of the books in this collection, this was my least favourite. The stories I liked most out of the 10 were 'The Surgeon' and 'The Visitor', which stand out amongst the rest.
The tales, as the title suggests, are about tricks that people play on themselves or on others, until the truth is revieled in its different forms, such as death, comedy, tragedy, happiness and luck!
The tales, as the title suggests, are about tricks that people play on themselves or on others, until the truth is revieled in its different forms, such as death, comedy, tragedy, happiness and luck!
October 28, 2024
Some lovely little tales of trickery.
You can see the creativity and cunning of the Roald Dahl we all know from childhood, but these can be so dark and devious!
Highlights were The Visitor, Princess Mammalia, The Wish.
I suppose my only thought is that combining his short stories round a theme like ‘trickery’ means you’re normally looking out for a twist, which nearly spoils the surprise. Like watching the third season of Black Mirror.
You can see the creativity and cunning of the Roald Dahl we all know from childhood, but these can be so dark and devious!
Highlights were The Visitor, Princess Mammalia, The Wish.
I suppose my only thought is that combining his short stories round a theme like ‘trickery’ means you’re normally looking out for a twist, which nearly spoils the surprise. Like watching the third season of Black Mirror.
September 13, 2017
Trickery contains ten cleverly contrived stories which tell of cunning and deceit and carry all the characteristic trademarks of this wonderfully inventive author. Stories which twist and turn with delicious dark humour, these ten stories are a perfect size to read in half an hour or so, but the impact remains much longer.
December 16, 2017
Nice collection of tricky tales
Nice collection of Dahl's stories. Some are better than others - as I'm reading through these collections I am definitely recognising a certain repeating "style" that may just be an unfortunate artifact of the way the stories have been arranged around vauge concepts. Or it might just be me.
Nice collection of Dahl's stories. Some are better than others - as I'm reading through these collections I am definitely recognising a certain repeating "style" that may just be an unfortunate artifact of the way the stories have been arranged around vauge concepts. Or it might just be me.
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