Fear, Wear, Tear

In this collection of eleven bittersweet and thought-provoking short stories from Shawe Ruckus, the lives of everyday people intertwine, connecting with unforeseen twists and unexpected surprises.

Deftly exploring the inner workings of the human soul, this eclectic collection of modern-day dramatic stories spans genres from mystery and fantasy to science fiction and suspense. Throughout, Ruckus presents joy, sadness, a sense of longing, intrigue, and introspection in this series of stories that will resonate with readers.

In this page-turning anthology, readers will join a city worker who unexpectedly receives secret pink envelopes to unusual events. They will accompany a pub-goer who is told a tale of a mysterious couple and their penchant for origami cranes folded from cash. Readers will meet a renowned TV news anchor who is being replaced by an AI version of himself. And finally, they will encounter a mysterious woman who claims to be from the Victorian era and who longs to be reunited with her reincarnated husband.

The cast of characters in this collection of short stories for adults live their seemingly unassuming lives, which often intersect in the most surprising ways. Their secrets are told, their lives unfold, and their stories long for an audience.

What critics and readers have to say

"Overall, Ruckus' sparse, minimalist writing style is succinct and to the point, employing small details to illustrate a bigger picture. A set of skillfully written and thought-provoking tales." – Kirkus Reviews

"A short story collection that examines the spectrum of the human condition, where there's something that everyone can relate to." – Reedsy Discovery

"Ruckus triumphs in highlighting the ordinary oddness of the everyday in these short, melancholic and sometimes disconcerting stories." – IndieReader

"This book dragged me into its own mood. I felt like taking glimpses into these people's lives." – OnlineBookClub.org

"I appreciated the variety and brevity of the stories in the collection." – Readers' Favorite