Ten Stories about Smoking by Stuart Evers (Picador, 2011) Book club choice
A début collection of stories loosely linked by, but not actually about, smoking. The believable characters are often living on the edge of society and facing life's challenges, but nevertheless the stories are infused with wit and humanity.

Last Fling by Sue Gee (Salt Publishing, 2011) Book club choice
Haunting stories about love, life and loss. Certain themes run through the collection, several of the protagonists are artists and/or suffering from illnesses, and both city and rural life are depicted. Ideal for book clubs and reading groups as much discussion could come out of the experiences and dilemmas faced by the protagonists.

Best British Short Stories edited by Nicholas Royle (Salt Publishing, 2011)
This collection aims to reprint the best short stories published by British writers in the previous calendar year. Includes stories by Hilary Mantel, Michèle Roberts and Sally Vickers.

Eleven by Patricia Highsmith (Bloomsbury, 2007)
Chilling tales of death, love and revenge by the acclaimed novelist of Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr Ripley.

The Complete Short Stories of Saki by Saki (HH Munro) (Digireads, 2011)
Complete collection of the celebrated British writer who is considered a master of the short story form. His witty stories satirized Edwardian society but his observations and insights into the human character are just as relevant and recognisable today.

Suitable for both adults and teenage readers

From Hereabout Hill by Michael Morpurgo (Egmont, 2007)
Poignant stories about topics such as adoption and war told with clarity and empathy. Stories that stay with you long after reading, like all good short stories do.

Whodunnit - Detective Stories chosen by Philip Pullman (Kingfisher, 2007)
A round up of classic detective fiction personally chosen by the much loved author. A great introduction to some iconic crime writers and their best known characters, such as Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes) and Agatha Christie (Hercule Poirot). Note: now out of print but you can find second hand copies online.

The Kissing Game by Aidan Chambers (The Bodley Head, 2011)
For older teenagers, this collection is about the difficulties and emotions experienced by young adults and examines themes including sexuality and mortality.

Skin and other stories by Roald Dahl (Puffin, 2001)
Tales of the unexpected. Dahl tackles the darker side of human nature with his celebrated wit.

Tales of Terror from the Tunnel's Mouth by Chris Priestley (Bloomsbury, 2011)
Great for Halloween, which is the week before National Short Story Week. The protagonists of Priestley's stories often reflect on the inadequacies of adults, but the children are shown to be imperfect too.

Children's reading list

The Happy Prince and other stories by Oscar Wilde (Puffin Classics)
Favourite classics such as The Happy Prince, The Selfish Giant and The Nightingale and the Rose.

My Naughty Little Sister by Dorothy Edwards (Egmont, 2002)
A timeless classic, 60 years old in 2012, with humorous short stories that will resonate with anyone who's ever known a wilful child!

The Secret Seven Short Story Collection by Enid Blyton (Hodder Children's, 2007)
A good entry into reading short stories for younger children. Adventure, mystery and humour - each with a happy ending.

Short and Shocking by Maggie Pearson (OUP, 2002)
Another title that would be great to tie-in with Halloween. Short, sharp and ghoulish with a sense of humour.