David Vernon: 36 books

Bikinis undulated, underwater pennants marking high points in Lachie’s life. Pink crocheted triangles, stiff with salt water, unknotted with fumbling fingers his first time. Sporty Lycra, cupping surf carnival competitors’ taut buttocks. Sequinned strings, slinking from the glittering loins of...

Have you noticed how much can happen in fifteen minutes? You can sit with a child and complete a thirty-six piece jigsaw puzzle. You can clean a bathroom. Wash the car. The dog. Yourself, including the tri-weekly hair shampoo. Or, have a conversation that will change your life. — from 'Fifteen Minutes'...

“People don’t understand how desperate you have to be to eat a boot,” he replied. “Exploration of uncharted territory is very demanding, especially in the arctic. They don’t realise what we went through: the bitter cold, the scurvy, the unknown. Men died of starvation out there; they did...

The corpse was heavy. Significantly heavier than you would expect. That was the main problem, thought Bruce, but it certainly wasn’t the only one. The fact that there was a corpse at all was an issue in itself. The driving Melbourne rain fell with increasing determination as the two men navigated...

“Do you know who I am?” rasps the man. “Indeed, Mr Dakamos. Everyone up here has followed your career with interest.” “Then you know what I have achieved. I have united the six continents with blood and fire! I have torn down the idols of the old kingdoms, and raised the standard of Gothog...

" Bubbling hot fudge breathes chocolate and caramel steam. Quivering white marshmallows nestle in dunes of crispy roasted coconut. Smooth layers of pink and white coconut ice settle beside transparent Turkish Delights, dusted with icing sugar. We arrange them in cardboard boxes, each lined with...

“The angel sighed as Michael pulled out of his drive. Much too fast of course, as always. And, as usual, Michael had forgotten to signal left. At least he looked right this time, the angel consoled himself. He shook his head wearily. If the Heavenly Authorities hadn’t expressly forbidden pessimism...

This collection of erotic tales, by sixteen established and new authors, gives a fresh insight into contemporary erotica. Chosen from the entrants in the Stringybark Erotic Fiction Awards, David Vernon has selected eighteen entertaining, amusing and definitely arousing tales of passion. Ranging from...

From murder and mayhem to ghosts and grave-diggers (oh, and that strange succubus that just happens to slip into your life when you aren't looking), 'Red Gold' is an anthology of twenty-seven award-winning tales from the Stringybark Malicious Mystery Short Story Awards. Australian and international...

The guilt-edged invitation winks at me as I take it from the mantelpiece. "You are invited to share my 70th birthday." But what intrigues me is the last line…"I shall be making an announcement that will surprise you all." A man as wealthy and powerful as Maxwell has many so-called...

When you’re a kid you live in your own world, a world separate from everything else. When you’re a kid a dead branch is anything but a dead branch. It’s a sword, a cricket bat, or even a flying broomstick; it’s whatever you need it to be. For most people their childhood world slowly fades...

“Is he going to be woofed and poofed like my Pixie?” “Woof… woof, woofed and p-poofed?” At Bill’s quizzical frown, the child pointed to the dog-grooming salon. “Mum says Pixie costs a fortune to keep smelling and looking nice.” A dollop of chocolate liquid fell from the cone onto Tipper’s...

"The men drew up a couple of wooden stools and sat, one on each end of the hearth, hands wrapped around the mugs, the toes of their boots almost in the glowing embers, the mud drying into pale flakes. The smaller of the two, the one who had remained silent, turned his head in the direction of...

Thirty-one award-winning stories fill these entertaining pages. Written by Australian and international authors these stories explore Australian culture — sometimes funny, often poignant, occasionally unsettling, this anthology showcases the best of Australian contemporary short story writing. Water...