Examples of Short Stories By Mark Hamm
Curse of the Cockapoo
Short Stories by Mark Hamm
Curse of the Cockapoo is a short story by Mark Hamm. Reflecting his distinctive literary style, it combines expressive writing with memorable characters and a quirky narrative voice. As part of Mark's collection of short fiction, it showcases his ability to craft engaging stories that are both imaginative and character-driven
"The scene of exquisite horror in the dining room was the most chilling one DI David Johnson had ever seen. He examined the room, taking notes, wondering what could have caused such an unexpected tragedy. But the oddest, most surreal thing about this occasion was not the macabre scene before him, but the family's cockapoo. The dog sat in his cage, eerily calm. This was Johnson's third encounter with the puppy.
The first owners were a couple that had just moved in together. According to reports DI Johnson had gathered, Chanel and Jay had decided to adopt a puppy as a way to give a warming effect to their new home. Jay was an electric engineer, a sensible, down-to-earth and loving gentleman, while Chanel was an interior designer. While also sweet and hardworking, Chanel could be a bit bossy and controlling sometimes, according to Jay's parents. Chanel had taken it on herself to find the house and decorate it, and she apparently had her and Jay's entire future wedding planned down to the last detail. Jay was to propose to her at twilight on Le Pont des Arts in Paris when they were 28 and 29. "
A Well-Planned Act of Desperation
"Aoi walked into the bedroom, shot her husband in the head, and then sat down to drink her morning coffee. She quickly prepared her breakfast of jok muu—rice porridge with pork—and then glanced at her watch. Damn, she thought. I'm going to be late. But first she had other things to attend to. Her nose curdled at the scent of urine and feces as she entered the bedroom. So it's true, she thought. People really do shit themselves when they die. She went into the bathroom and washed the blood and brains from her face and then undid the bun in her hair. Back in the bedroom, she pulled her husband's corpse into a tent bag that she had laid at the end of the bed, the blood, feces and urine smearing on the sheets as the body flopped into the bag. Aoi shook her head. Even in death he makes such a mess!"
I Also Write in Other Genres
While literary fiction by Mark Hamm is my speciality, my work extends into fantasy, short stories and poetry. Whether I am writing fantasy inspired by Greek mythology, quirky character-driven short stories, or poetry shaped by nature and teaching, Mark Hamm Writing always prioritises expressive language. Explore my literary fiction with magical realism and diverse storytelling across genres