The Curious Tales of Mr Mayhew and Mr Broker

Twelve decidedly odd short stories featuring intriguing characters to whom curious things happen. Some of the tales take place in the real world and others take place . . . elsewhere. Join the ancient Mr Mayhew and his elderly dog, Methuselah, as the old man relates a series of strange yarns to his good friend Mr Broker, with a moral in every tale.

• We may all think that we’re basically decent, principled people. But are we? Discover how Sylvie was forced to face up to the truth about herself in “The Mirror”.
• Find out what happens in “Sadie’s Triumph” when an atheist called Sadie dies and then wakes up hanging naked from an infinitely long chain in front of ‘the adjudicator’.
• A man who can remember the future but has no knowledge of the past? Read about the perils of precognition in “The Man Who Wasn’t Nostradamus”.
• A truly harrowing tale of a woman driven by circumstances to perform a dreadful act. But does her suffering excuse what she did? Decide for yourself in the terrifying and deranged “Pig Squeal”.
• In “Flush” a fellow called Chaff has some serious decisions to make about his freedom. The fewer commitments he has, the more free he becomes. But what to get rid of?
• Don’t believe in E.S.P? Neither does Mr Wilber. So what will he do when his visions show him glimpses of a horrible future? Find out in the tragic tale of “Mr Wilber’s Decision”.
• In “Lifeboat” two very different men face up to the same painful death. But what does one of them know that the other doesn’t?
• Imminent death concentrates the mind wonderfully, they say. In “The Drop” a man makes a contract with himself, giving himself three years to live. But why would he keep the bargain?
• Cleo’s appalling harridan of a mother is in for a terrible shock when she uncovers her daughter’s astonishing secret in “Cleo’s Rebellion”.
• Is there a place for faith in science? You may think not after you have read what happens to Professor Helene Tully in “The Tully Machine”.
• What makes a person who they are, their body or their mind? It’s a very real dilemma for the poor tormented soul in “Adam / Eve”.
• Is the venerable author of these curious tales destined to meet his end by foul play? Discover the truth in the final tale, “Mr Mayhew’s Murder”.