Best British Short Stories 2017

 ''After the rain, the last of the daylight came riding over Mynydd Mawr with the crows. The mountain choked on torrents of white water and the bracken smelled of its colour. From the shadows of the sycamore tree, the old horse emerged and nibbled at the edges of the puddles. The world had awakened again just in time for dusk.''

One of the best volumes of the series. These are my favourite stories in the collection.

General Impression of Size and Shape (Rosalind Brown: An adultery leading to break - up, narrated within the context of birds and their symbolism. A story written in haunting language.

When the Nightjar Sleeps (Andrew Michael Hurley): A young boy is haunted by the death of his father and the mysteries of the moors.

The Sea In Me (Krishan Coupland): The whimsical, bittersweet story of a young girl who tries to survive her mother's fixation on her future career. A tender tale, told in the distinctive, gloomy British style I adore.

Safe (Vesna Main): A violent, yet extremely poignant story of abuse and revenge

Never Thought He'd Go: Four youths must face the consequences of the tragic mess they've created.

Later he heard of men seeking him by the fields and the canal, all the way to the river. It was lugged up with leaves, rotting pieces of wood from old boats, heads of elderflower glowing their clouds of white, cartons, dust, shadows and leaves, floating downstream.''

The Wind Calling (Deirdre Shanahan): An atmospheric tale with a Romani touch of first love, summer freedom and the dreams of youth that are seldom fulfilled.

Is-and (Claire Dean): The best story in the collection. A modern twist to the legend of the Changeling. What a terrific short film this would make!

This Skin Doesn't Fit Me Any More (Eliot North): A mysterious story of a family that hides more than meets the eye and a deeply disturbed boy.

Language (Daisy Johnson): Daisy Johnson creates one more masterpiece in a story of infatuation, motherly love, selfishness and the denial to move on.