"You have to admire his effortless mastery. A series of flawless miniatures." - Tony Ballantyne A major new collection from one of British Science Fiction's most accomplished short story writers, whose stories feature regularly in Asimov's, Analog, and elsewhere. From the chilling implications of cloning to the potential of alternative realities, from alien life encountered in unexpected ways to the pitfalls of relying too heavily on technology, these stories explore what may lie ahead for all of us. Sometimes delivered with wry humour, sometimes with dark portent, but always in entertaining and unexpected fashion. Contents: Introduction After the Atrocity The Equalisers No Strangers Any More The Language of Flowers An Exercise in Motivation My Time on Earth "I Was Nearly Your Mother" Shooting Grouse Memories of the Knacker's Yard The Dunschemin Retirement Home for Repentant Supervillains The Shapes of Wrath And Then They Were Gone Pincushion Pete Erosion About the Author "The Language of Flowers is a simple yet powerful story that combines real world elements with a dash of science fiction in a positively delightful way." - Tangent Online "A nice little gem from Mr. Creasey." - SFRevu of Erosion "Super fun story! The narrator is mischievous and creative and altogether endearing." - Tangent Online of My Time On Earth