Hymn from a village

Nigel Bird and his stories have appeared in so many places that it's about time the best of them were brought together in one collection. His work has also received so much praise that this collection should be a must for the fan of the short story, particularly those fans with a taste for noir, crime or unusual fiction. Praise for his work and, indeed, for some of the stories collected here includes: 'A tremendous writer.' Donald Ray Pollock (The Devil All The Time) 'A rare talent.' Allan Guthrie (Bye Bye Baby) 'I was surprised by every story. These are short, punchy, thoughtful, hard as a punch, but sometimes they dig in and squeeze. It's dirty stuff, done beautifully.” Anthony Neil Smith (Yellow Medicine, Psychosomatic, Hogdoggin') 'It won't take long to realise he is also one of the best writers out there on the noir scene' Ian Ayris (Abide With Me) 'So nice to read a story with this much heart in it.' Patti Abbott (Discount Noir, Monkey Justice) 'Great Stuff.' Charlie Stella (Charlie Opera, Johnny Porno) 'Brilliantly razor-sharp, jagged slice of life.' Paul D Brazill (Guns Of Brixton, Roman Dalton) 'I sought out everything I could from him. I dare you to read and not do the same.' Chris F Holm (8 Pounds) 'Took my breath away...Powerful.' Kathleen A Ryan (Playing With Matches, Women Of Mystery) 'Nigel Bird continues to amaze,' Naomi Johnson (The Drowning Machine) 'Nigel Bird screamed onto the crime scene with his story "Beat on the Brat," winner of last year's Watery Grave International competition. And with good reason. It's a sharply written tale about the cost of loyalty.' Chris Rhatigan (Watch You Drown) 'Grim, but really good.' Ian Rankin (Inspector Rebus) The work here has found homes in some of the finest places around and has passed through the gates of many great editors. It's a stunning collection that deserves to be savoured over and over again.