Short Stories/Novellas

In June, 2006, Picador launch Picador Shots, a new series of pocket-sized books priced at 1. The Shots aim to promote the short story as well as the work of some Picador's greatest authors. They will be contemporarily packaged but ultimately disposable books that are the ideal literary alternative to a magazine. Colm Toibin's 'The Use of Reason' is one of the short stories that will published in his new collection, Mothers and Sons , this autumn. The Irish connection is the story of a small time criminal who finds himself in too deep by stealing not just cash or jewellery - easy to take, easy to get rid of quickly - but four extremely valuable paintings. How do you quickly get rid of a Rembrandt, Gainborough and two Guardis without getting caught, particularly in the climate of 1980's Dublin where you are being watched at all times. Can he trust the two clean-cut Dutchmen who have come to do a deal? Can he trust his friends, his partners in crime, indeed his mother...?

In Ireland, a man of reason is drawn to a true mystery older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge in this enthralling story about ethereal secrets by New York Times bestselling author Colm Tóibín. During the winter solstice, on the shortest day and longest night of the year, the ancient burial chamber at Newgrange is empowered. Its mystifying source is a haunting tale told by locals. Professor O’Kelly believes an archaeologist’s job is to make known only what can be proved. He is undeterred by ghost stories, idle speculation, and caution. Much to the chagrin of the living souls in County Meath. As well as those entombed in the sacred darkness of Newgrange itself. They’re determined to protect the secret of the light, guarded for more than five thousand years. And they know O’Kelly is coming for it.