Robert Noll’s Reviews > 21 Great Stories > Status Update

Mark Twain - What Stumped The Bluejays - slightly amusing, clearly a lesser known work of this legendary author.

James Thurber acts out a series of fantasies in the fun “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” I can relate.

James Joyce - Eveline - a rather thin, gritty story that seems to just stop.

Carl Stephenson’s “Leiningen Versus the Ants.” This is a great, page-turning short story. It reminds me of George R. R. Martin’s “The Sand Kings,” in a roundabout way.

"To Build a Fire" - Jack London seems to have experience with the protagonist's plight.

"The Adventure of the Speckled Band" - Sherlock and Watson attempt to solve the mystery of a mysterious death, with their usual wit and aplomb.

"The Necklace" - just fess up to your transgressions and maybe you won't have to spend 10 years working to pay a debt.

"So Much Unfairness of Things" - does anything good ever happen in a preparatory school setting?

Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" is truly a polished diamond. "The Tell-Tale Heart," more like a piece of polished gravel.

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge - Ambrose Bierce, decorated veteran of the Civil War, spins a terrific yarn with a "twist" ending.