Just Alice

A tale with a twist is a tantalising read. Showcased here are thirty-three award-winning stories from Australian and international authors, all which have a neat little twist in the tail. See if you can guess the ending before reaching it. Written by new and established writers each story has been chosen for its unique contribution to Australian literature as judged by Antoinette Merrillees, Julia Robertson, Dr Rick Williams and David Vernon. Enjoy the journey!

“I know what’s going on between you and Julie.”
Despite the din of the restaurant, Tony had clearly heard what Diana had said. His knife dropped to his plate, and the fork, holding the juicy piece of steak so carefully cut from the T-bone, never made it to his mouth. Tony winced and slowly lowered the fork.
— from 'A Ridge Too Bizarre' by Reg James.

When she gets home, she finds him sitting on their bed, his head in his hands, his breath coming out in guttural groans.
Arnold was still strung up by his neck from the rafters, his eyes open and bulging.
“Bert,” She looks at him with concern. “Are you okay?”
Eventually Bert looks up at her, struggling to speak through his revulsion. “What … What have you done?”
— from 'Murdering Arnold' by Jan Hayes

“Twelve rolls of toilet paper?” I said. “You stole twelve rolls of toilet paper from our next door neighbour?”
My wife Amanda's face wore a sort of hunted Game of Thrones look.
“They were in that plastic wrapping they sell them in. The stuff it's impossible to get off. We didn't need so many but what could I do? Go ‘round his house looking for a knife?”
— from 'Roll Play' by Doug Hamilton