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Lamb to the Slaughter
These five short stories offer a selection of Dahl's adult writing. Parson's Pleasure is a country tale, A Piece of Cake, a wartime reminiscence, Lamb to the Slaughter a story of vengeful murder, and the remaining two, The Bookseller and The Butler, are on favorite themes of greed and snobbery.
87 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1953
129 people are currently reading
10177 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,475 books26.7k followersRoald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,349 reviews
August 21, 2018
"It's the old story," he said. "Get the weapon, and you've got the man."Woah! This is a kind of short story one wouldn't expect from a children author. But Roald Dahl nailed it so good. I loved this!
CHARACTERS
Husband and wife: Patrick and Mary Maloney
PLOT
It's a crime story. When Mary's husband comes home after his detective job, he is acting very unusual. He tells her about leaving her for good and will be taking care of her. But she is very shocked and kills her husband. Then she plots a plan to escape from this murder.
As far as the crime is concerned, it's a perfect one. The way she killed him, the way she hid that weapon is utterly shocking, amazing aaand funny!
This a perfect short story. MUST READ IT!!!!!
19 August, 2018
December 17, 2017
I know this story! I've always thought it's some sort of urban legend about the perfect crime. And I am delighted to read it properly (you can, too, here).
It all happens one afternoon, when the husband comes home and acts all weird and grumpy. His pregnant wife does her best to start a conversation with him, and fails. After two strong drinks, he finally decides to tell her he is leaving her (or so I think - this conversation is only implied). Next, the wife experiences a breakdown and kills him.
The interesting part is how she does it! And I'm sure you must have heard this story before. Go, read it anyway! It will be worth the 5-10 minutes you spend reading it.
It all happens one afternoon, when the husband comes home and acts all weird and grumpy. His pregnant wife does her best to start a conversation with him, and fails. After two strong drinks, he finally decides to tell her he is leaving her (or so I think - this conversation is only implied). Next, the wife experiences a breakdown and kills him.
The interesting part is how she does it! And I'm sure you must have heard this story before. Go, read it anyway! It will be worth the 5-10 minutes you spend reading it.
April 12, 2020
I've always liked Dahl's humorously dark storytelling since childhood and have grown to appreciate many of his tales for adults.
Most of his short stories were adapted for TV under the title 'Tales of the Unexpected' and this title perfectly encapsulates that.
As Mary Maloney reacts to the shocking news that her husband Patrick has just announced by killing him, clearly the senior policeman's work has rubbed of on his wife as she is about to cook up the most devious of schemes.
Short and to the point, this is a perfect starting point for those that only know Dahl's children's books.
Most of his short stories were adapted for TV under the title 'Tales of the Unexpected' and this title perfectly encapsulates that.
As Mary Maloney reacts to the shocking news that her husband Patrick has just announced by killing him, clearly the senior policeman's work has rubbed of on his wife as she is about to cook up the most devious of schemes.
Short and to the point, this is a perfect starting point for those that only know Dahl's children's books.
February 8, 2019
In a short story that was at first rejected by his publishers, Roald Dahl mixes dark humour with some irony to create a masterful tale. Mary Maloney is a dutiful wife, always happy to see her husband, Patrick, when he gets home from work. When he arrives one Thursday he seems out of sorts. When, after much prodding, he reveals that he wants to end their marriage, Mary appears outwardly calm, but is boiling inside. Not only does this news shock her, but it also means that they won't be going out for their weekly meal. While Patrick stares out the window, Mary slams a frozen leg of lamb against the back of his head. After putting the lamb on to cook and making her way to the grocery store, Mary returns and alerts the authorities of finding her husband's body. With police detectives rushing over, they begin to look for clues that might help them solve this crime. All the while, Mary stays quiet, watching the chaos and minding the oven. A wonderful piece of writing that can be read in a few minutes, Dahl shows why he is top of his genre. Recommended to all those who love a little murder and irony over a cuppa!
I have long enjoyed the work of Roald Dahl, no matter what the topic. His ability to entertain the reader knows no boundaries and the ideas that appear in his stories seem endless. While a short piece, Dahl is able to capture the reader's attention in the opening sentences, focussing attention on Mary Maloney and her duties as a wife (of the time). As she waits for her husband, she can see that there is something wrong, though has yet to put her finger on the source. While there is no time for backstory or real character development, Dahl does give the reader some insight with her actions as they relate to the murder of her husband. While others grace the pages of this story, there is little the reader gleans from them, keeping all the attention on the protagonist. Dahl weaves this short story together effectively, including the police procedural aspect to this brief piece of writing. Irony flows through the dialogue and the brief narrative, keeping the reader wondering where things will go and how Dahl will tie them off. Brilliantly executed, to say the least!
Kudos, Mr. Dahl, for a sensational piece. I am so very glad to have been steered in the direction of a free publication. My Dahl reading continues!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I have long enjoyed the work of Roald Dahl, no matter what the topic. His ability to entertain the reader knows no boundaries and the ideas that appear in his stories seem endless. While a short piece, Dahl is able to capture the reader's attention in the opening sentences, focussing attention on Mary Maloney and her duties as a wife (of the time). As she waits for her husband, she can see that there is something wrong, though has yet to put her finger on the source. While there is no time for backstory or real character development, Dahl does give the reader some insight with her actions as they relate to the murder of her husband. While others grace the pages of this story, there is little the reader gleans from them, keeping all the attention on the protagonist. Dahl weaves this short story together effectively, including the police procedural aspect to this brief piece of writing. Irony flows through the dialogue and the brief narrative, keeping the reader wondering where things will go and how Dahl will tie them off. Brilliantly executed, to say the least!
Kudos, Mr. Dahl, for a sensational piece. I am so very glad to have been steered in the direction of a free publication. My Dahl reading continues!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
July 15, 2021
When Harry Belafonte sang "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)", I'm sure he was only half-kidding. :P
This is a story about one super-smart woman who gave it back to her cheating husband in a way that no one expected. You might have read Roald Dahl for his children's fiction. Now give this short story a try. It's much more satisfying to the senses, possibly more so if you are a woman. :D I enjoyed it thoroughly.
This story is in the public domain and you can read it here: https://www.classicshorts.com/stories...
This is a story about one super-smart woman who gave it back to her cheating husband in a way that no one expected. You might have read Roald Dahl for his children's fiction. Now give this short story a try. It's much more satisfying to the senses, possibly more so if you are a woman. :D I enjoyed it thoroughly.
This story is in the public domain and you can read it here: https://www.classicshorts.com/stories...
June 29, 2017
Oh, Mary Maloney. You are a clever woman! And no shame. Mary has just pulled off the perfect murder and the weapon is made to good use.
I have a weakness for dark humor and when I'm not expecting it, it's even better. I have only read James and the Giant Peach by Ronald Dahl which I liked, but his adult fiction hits the mark. This short story is only 18 pages, but very entertaining.
I have a weakness for dark humor and when I'm not expecting it, it's even better. I have only read James and the Giant Peach by Ronald Dahl which I liked, but his adult fiction hits the mark. This short story is only 18 pages, but very entertaining.
March 11, 2021
Great short story!!!
May 25, 2025
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 4.00 Stars ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
A short story showing that women can be just as dangerous as men 🥰
A short story showing that women can be just as dangerous as men 🥰
July 2, 2018
i read this when i was nine and it was the only roald dahl i liked so i think this sums up who i am, and who i have always been, as a person
May 6, 2023
Mary is a loving wife and mother-to-be (so it seems) who savagely murders her husband with the leg of a lamb she was going to feed him for dinner after learning that he was planning to leave her. Her deceased husband Patrick who worked as a police officer attracts a lot of attention from his fellow officers who come to investigate the crime scene as soon as they learn about the incident. Mary, using her cunning wits and deceptive adorableness plays them all like a fiddle while hiding the truth of the crime (literally) right under their noses.
A very comedic horror story about how fast a person can snap or reveal their true colors when someone brings inconvenience into their life. The way Mary is introduced makes you think that her marriage is perfect and that she's the epitome of a perfect wife, but the moment her husband claims he's going to leave her, she snaps and reveals how violent and mentally unstable she is. This hints that there are probably some underlying issues that made Patrick want to leave her in the first place. There's a big difference between how people describe themselves and how they actually are. The gap between Mary's bubbly personality with how cold-blooded and disconnected from reality she's portrayed to be is chilling.
I wish the story was longer than just a few pages. If it was novella length and went more in depth about Mary's life and what she's really like beneath the sweet surface, it would make for a great psychological thriller.
My rating: 3.5/5
A very comedic horror story about how fast a person can snap or reveal their true colors when someone brings inconvenience into their life. The way Mary is introduced makes you think that her marriage is perfect and that she's the epitome of a perfect wife, but the moment her husband claims he's going to leave her, she snaps and reveals how violent and mentally unstable she is. This hints that there are probably some underlying issues that made Patrick want to leave her in the first place. There's a big difference between how people describe themselves and how they actually are. The gap between Mary's bubbly personality with how cold-blooded and disconnected from reality she's portrayed to be is chilling.
I wish the story was longer than just a few pages. If it was novella length and went more in depth about Mary's life and what she's really like beneath the sweet surface, it would make for a great psychological thriller.
My rating: 3.5/5
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August 11, 2025
Dahl’s dry humor is sharper than the butcher’s knife that should have been used. He turns a domestic tragedy into a dark comedy.
Mary Maloney is the picture of domestic bliss: pregnant, devoted and armed with a leg of lamb. But when her husband drops a bombshell that shatters her world, Mary’s response is anything but typical.
Dahl flips the script on the classic murder mystery. The killer is revealed immediately—but the real suspense lies in how she gets away with it.
And the weapon of choice? A frozen leg of lamb. It’s culinary genius meets criminal ingenuity.
Mary Maloney is the picture of domestic bliss: pregnant, devoted and armed with a leg of lamb. But when her husband drops a bombshell that shatters her world, Mary’s response is anything but typical.
Dahl flips the script on the classic murder mystery. The killer is revealed immediately—but the real suspense lies in how she gets away with it.
And the weapon of choice? A frozen leg of lamb. It’s culinary genius meets criminal ingenuity.
September 13, 2015
Roald Dahl is one of the most sardonic of short story writers. This little volume, with just five of his best stories, makes for a fast, but exceedingly high quality read. I should warn you that you had best be prepared for a near-lethal dosage of snark. The best and longest of the five, "Parson's Pleasure," is the classic example of a greedy antique dealer hoist on his own petard.
I did not care that much or "A Piece of Cake," about a World War II bomber crash injury, but the final three stories are gems. "Lamb to the Slaughter," the title story, was made into a 30-minute film by Alfred Hitchcock that was one of his best. "The Bookseller" is a brilliant tale of graft, and "The Butler" shows us the danger of trying to be nouveau riche without knowing what you are doing.
Lamb to the Slaughter and Other Stories is a good introduction to Dahl. Overall, I think it is better to read a selection of his stories than the complete stories -- not all of which were to the same high standard.
I did not care that much or "A Piece of Cake," about a World War II bomber crash injury, but the final three stories are gems. "Lamb to the Slaughter," the title story, was made into a 30-minute film by Alfred Hitchcock that was one of his best. "The Bookseller" is a brilliant tale of graft, and "The Butler" shows us the danger of trying to be nouveau riche without knowing what you are doing.
Lamb to the Slaughter and Other Stories is a good introduction to Dahl. Overall, I think it is better to read a selection of his stories than the complete stories -- not all of which were to the same high standard.
May 11, 2024
Read this for English
Bro what?!?! That was wild. Why was Mrs. Maloney kind of a girl boss… she’s a psychopath, but still a girl boss.
THE WAY SHE WAS GIGGLING AT THE END WAS SCARING ME
I wish her unborn child lots of luck 🫡
If you wanna know what happens:
Bro what?!?! That was wild. Why was Mrs. Maloney kind of a girl boss… she’s a psychopath, but still a girl boss.
THE WAY SHE WAS GIGGLING AT THE END WAS SCARING ME
I wish her unborn child lots of luck 🫡
If you wanna know what happens:
July 31, 2017
I giggled at the end too. All the stars! I love how twisted Roald Dahl is. Sigh. Short and sweet. Highly recommended!
April 1, 2024
The English version can be found below.
-----------
German version:
Ein makaberer Kriminalfall ganz nach Roald Dahls Stil und seinem einzigartigen düster angehauchten Humor. Die Kurzgeschichte ist sehr flüssig zu lesen und kommt schnell zur Pointe. In der Erzählung selbst werden auch nur die für die Pointe relevanten Aspekte angeführt und es nicht weiter ausgeholt. Es wird z.B. das Motiv für die Tat nicht wirklich genannt.
Allerdings wirft die Geschichte ein paar Fragen bezüglich der Physik auf, da die geschilderte immense Kraft irgendwie unrealistisch wirkt, sowohl durch das Werkzeug als auch durch die Statur und Größe des Täters. Auch die Kriminalgeschichte selbst ist sehr vage und nicht unbedingt der Wirklichkeit entsprechend. Da Roald Dahl aber eher einen Hang zur Fantasy hat, muss die Geschichte möglicherweise nicht in der Realität funktionieren. Der Fokus liegt hier auch eher auf dem Witz dahinter, als wirklich eine detailliert-realistische Kriminalerzählung zu schreiben, was bei einer Kurzgeschichte von nur 15 Seiten zudem kaum umsetzbar wäre.
Wirklich geeignet für einen schwarzhumorigen Lesekurztrip zwischendurch!
Gesamt: 4,3 🌟
----------
English version:
A macabre murder mystery in the style of Roald Dahl and his unique sense of dark humor. The short story reads very smoothly and gets to the punch line quickly. In the story itself, only the aspects relevant to the punchline are mentioned and no further explanation is given. For example, the motivation for the crime is not really mentioned.
There are some questions about the physics of the story, however, as the immense force described seems somewhat unrealistic, both because of the tool and the stature and size of the perpetrator. The crime story itself is also very vague and does not necessarily correspond to reality.
However, as Roald Dahl has a tendency towards fantasy, the story may not necessarily work in reality. The focus here is also more on the humor behind it than actually writing a detailed, realistic crime story, which would hardly be realizable in a short story of only 15 pages.
Really suitable for a short black-humored reading trip!
Overall: 4.3 🌟
-----------
German version:
Ein makaberer Kriminalfall ganz nach Roald Dahls Stil und seinem einzigartigen düster angehauchten Humor. Die Kurzgeschichte ist sehr flüssig zu lesen und kommt schnell zur Pointe. In der Erzählung selbst werden auch nur die für die Pointe relevanten Aspekte angeführt und es nicht weiter ausgeholt. Es wird z.B. das Motiv für die Tat nicht wirklich genannt.
Allerdings wirft die Geschichte ein paar Fragen bezüglich der Physik auf, da die geschilderte immense Kraft irgendwie unrealistisch wirkt, sowohl durch das Werkzeug als auch durch die Statur und Größe des Täters. Auch die Kriminalgeschichte selbst ist sehr vage und nicht unbedingt der Wirklichkeit entsprechend. Da Roald Dahl aber eher einen Hang zur Fantasy hat, muss die Geschichte möglicherweise nicht in der Realität funktionieren. Der Fokus liegt hier auch eher auf dem Witz dahinter, als wirklich eine detailliert-realistische Kriminalerzählung zu schreiben, was bei einer Kurzgeschichte von nur 15 Seiten zudem kaum umsetzbar wäre.
Wirklich geeignet für einen schwarzhumorigen Lesekurztrip zwischendurch!
Gesamt: 4,3 🌟
----------
English version:
A macabre murder mystery in the style of Roald Dahl and his unique sense of dark humor. The short story reads very smoothly and gets to the punch line quickly. In the story itself, only the aspects relevant to the punchline are mentioned and no further explanation is given. For example, the motivation for the crime is not really mentioned.
There are some questions about the physics of the story, however, as the immense force described seems somewhat unrealistic, both because of the tool and the stature and size of the perpetrator. The crime story itself is also very vague and does not necessarily correspond to reality.
However, as Roald Dahl has a tendency towards fantasy, the story may not necessarily work in reality. The focus here is also more on the humor behind it than actually writing a detailed, realistic crime story, which would hardly be realizable in a short story of only 15 pages.
Really suitable for a short black-humored reading trip!
Overall: 4.3 🌟
November 23, 2018
⭐⭐⭐⭐ EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS
This short story is an absolute masterpiece.
This short story is an absolute masterpiece.
February 1, 2025
Was a staple in my teachings and as an exam text for years and years….
July 15, 2021
The perfect crime never exist in this world of illusion.just get the weapon,you will have the man with motive.
তো গল্পের শুরুতেই এক সাদামাটা দম্পতির রোজকার ঠুকঠাকের মাঝে প্যাট্রিক যখন বোমাটা ফেললো,মেরী অবশ্য বেশি কিছু করেনি ,বলেওনি যে ছয়মাসের অনাগত সন্তান নিয়ে তার বর্তমান মানসিক তোলপাড়ের তথ্য কাউকে।
সুখী গৃহকোনের সুখী দাম্পত্যের দেয়ালের আড়ালে কয়েক মিনিট আগেই নামসর্বস্ব সম্পর্কের শেষ হয়ে যাওয়ার পর মূহুর্তের যে নাটকের যবনিকা পড়ছে ,হজম করতে বেশ অসুবিধে না হলেও হৃদয়ঙ্গম তো মোটেই হয়নি।
মজাদার মাংসের শেষ টুকরোতে রসনার অসংযমী আচরনের সাথে চিরতরে হারিয়ে গেল প্যাট্রিকের প্রস্থানের পিছনের সব প্রশ্ন প্রমান।
Probably right under our very noses,what you think jack?
And in other room Mary Maloney began to giggle.
বুদ্ধু পুলিশবাবু প্রমাণ তোমরা সযত্মে স্বহস্তে পেটে লোপাট করে দিয়ে কোন চুলোয় খুঁজবে এখন?! 😒
রেটিং:⭐🌟🌠.৬৫
১৫/০৭/২১
তো গল্পের শুরুতেই এক সাদামাটা দম্পতির রোজকার ঠুকঠাকের মাঝে প্যাট্রিক যখন বোমাটা ফেললো,মেরী অবশ্য বেশি কিছু করেনি ,বলেওনি যে ছয়মাসের অনাগত সন্তান নিয়ে তার বর্তমান মানসিক তোলপাড়ের তথ্য কাউকে।
সুখী গৃহকোনের সুখী দাম্পত্যের দেয়ালের আড়ালে কয়েক মিনিট আগেই নামসর্বস্ব সম্পর্কের শেষ হয়ে যাওয়ার পর মূহুর্তের যে নাটকের যবনিকা পড়ছে ,হজম করতে বেশ অসুবিধে না হলেও হৃদয়ঙ্গম তো মোটেই হয়নি।
মজাদার মাংসের শেষ টুকরোতে রসনার অসংযমী আচরনের সাথে চিরতরে হারিয়ে গেল প্যাট্রিকের প্রস্থানের পিছনের সব প্রশ্ন প্রমান।
Probably right under our very noses,what you think jack?
And in other room Mary Maloney began to giggle.
বুদ্ধু পুলিশবাবু প্রমাণ তোমরা সযত্মে স্বহস্তে পেটে লোপাট করে দিয়ে কোন চুলোয় খুঁজবে এখন?! 😒
রেটিং:⭐🌟🌠.৬৫
১৫/০৭/২১
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July 4, 2022
|| 4.0 stars ||
This short story is a depiction of ‘the perfect crime’ where a woman kills her husband without any preparations. Everything she does is done in the heat of the moment, and yet she is able to execute it perfectly.
Aside from the details of the crime itself, which I will not discuss due to ‘spoilers’, I also find it interesting to consider the woman’s psyche. She’s quite difficult to read as her behaviour sends out a lot of mixed signals, and I am still not sure if she was a bad person, maybe even a sociopath, or if she had only gone crazy in the moment due to being in shock. The human mind is baffling.
This short story is a depiction of ‘the perfect crime’ where a woman kills her husband without any preparations. Everything she does is done in the heat of the moment, and yet she is able to execute it perfectly.
Aside from the details of the crime itself, which I will not discuss due to ‘spoilers’, I also find it interesting to consider the woman’s psyche. She’s quite difficult to read as her behaviour sends out a lot of mixed signals, and I am still not sure if she was a bad person, maybe even a sociopath, or if she had only gone crazy in the moment due to being in shock. The human mind is baffling.
April 2, 2020
This book is very very good i loved it i thought near the end when she tricked the men to eating the lamb that she killed her husband with was the part loved they ate the lamb and then said to each other the weapon should be in the house when they were eating the weapon lamb.
May 20, 2018
A super short story, but it totally counts as 1 book, right? Right.
September 10, 2018
خوندنش کیف داد :)
یک مجموعه داستان کوتاه متفاوت و قابل توجه و جالب
یک مجموعه داستان کوتاه متفاوت و قابل توجه و جالب
August 22, 2021
It was thrilling!
January 17, 2022
For such a short story the author has hit the every note beautifully.
April 26, 2024
This is the title of the first chapter of 'The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry'. You can find a copy of this short story here
It will take you about 5 minutes to read it. It is very good, and makes me want to locate a copy of 'Someone Like You'.
It will take you about 5 minutes to read it. It is very good, and makes me want to locate a copy of 'Someone Like You'.
October 21, 2017
Lamb to the Slaughter by Roald Dahl
5 stars
5 stars
This is one of the most fascinating stories I've ever read. It's four pages and a lot happens in that brief space, which is impressive on Dahl's part, but also it's sparked the urban legend of a wife smart enough to hide the murder weapon (a lamb) by feeding it to the detectives. I want to thank one of my best friends for recommending this short story to me because without this odd recommendation and conversation I wouldn't have found this spooky story. I think my personal favorite thing about this story was the character shift from perfect, content suburban housewife to enraged, passionate killer to a cold, calculating woman desiring to get away with murder.
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February 1, 2020Ooh, creepy! I think this is a story that most people know - I've heard it from some other places. It's still highly enjoyable. Hard to believe this is the same author as James and the Giant Peach and Matilda!
I liked this. Check it out if it's your type of story. Quick read.
I liked this. Check it out if it's your type of story. Quick read.
March 29, 2023
read this for english and it lowkey girlboss vibes, so support. the way she got away with it is so badass #gaslight
April 23, 2024
This murder plot was very generic. The sociopath in this story also feels too superficial, not enough of a villain.
Roald Dahl can do so much better. This story was a flop, especially given the sudden change from being so in love with this man to killing him. Such a fast turnaround - really? To move from point A to point B should take a realistic amount of time and sufficient evidence for the reader to believe in it or else the starting point (point A) should be located closer to point B. This whole story takes less than 10 minutes to read.
And the ending is complete cliche, I mean really Roald Dahl produced a flop. I guess good writers don’t always produce winning stories. His signature style is to craft stories with an off beat atmosphere and a crooked trajectory. Here the whole story is built on cliches.
Margaret Atwood did a much better version of this plot line called The Stone Mattress.
Roald Dahl can do so much better. This story was a flop, especially given the sudden change from being so in love with this man to killing him. Such a fast turnaround - really? To move from point A to point B should take a realistic amount of time and sufficient evidence for the reader to believe in it or else the starting point (point A) should be located closer to point B. This whole story takes less than 10 minutes to read.
And the ending is complete cliche, I mean really Roald Dahl produced a flop. I guess good writers don’t always produce winning stories. His signature style is to craft stories with an off beat atmosphere and a crooked trajectory. Here the whole story is built on cliches.
Margaret Atwood did a much better version of this plot line called The Stone Mattress.
February 2, 2017
This is a great collection of 5 short stories by Roald Dahl, taken from The Collected Short Stories, 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. 5/5
Parson'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. 5/5
The Butler Only a few pages long, this story mocks the nouveau riche, a butler makes a fool of his wealthy employer. 4/5
A 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! 3.5/5
A Piece of Cake This was the story I enjoyed the least - an injured WWII bi-plane pilot. 2/5
The 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 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. 5/5
Parson'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. 5/5
The Butler Only a few pages long, this story mocks the nouveau riche, a butler makes a fool of his wealthy employer. 4/5
A 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! 3.5/5
A Piece of Cake This was the story I enjoyed the least - an injured WWII bi-plane pilot. 2/5
The 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.
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