Lamb to the Slaughter and Other Stories

This is a great collection of 5 short stories by Roald Dahl, taken from [b:The Collected Short Stories 130105 The Collected Short Stories Roald Dahl https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1289491532s/130105.jpg 1037312], and published as a Penguin 60.The five short stories are, in the order I enjoyed them the most: The Bookseller The story of a bookseller and his assistant -they run a second hand bookshop, but in reality that is just a front to a much better earner. Without giving much away, they are onto a very good scam, and are living the highlife as a consequence. Cleverly constructed, excellently funny. 5/5Parson's Pleasure The story of a greedy antique dealer who has figured out a clever technique in picking up antique furniture from unsuspecting sellers at rock bottom prices - another cleverly constructed short story. 5/5The Butler Only a few pages long, this story mocks the nouveau riche, a butler makes a fool of his wealthy employer. 4/5A Lamb to the Slaughter A funny little comedy horror story about a ‘typical' 1950s couple - man of the office, dedicated housewife. Things work out less well for him than her! 3.5/5A Piece of Cake This was the story I enjoyed the least - an injured WWII bi-plane pilot. 2/5The crafting of the sort stories is masterful, scene setting, details, building suspense and delivering the climax. Love the way you can feel the story building, and just know it will end with a crash!Averages 4/5 stars.

The stories all have great great twisty, Hitchcock like endings to them. As for the title story: that must have been one heckuva leg of lamb!