TWELVE CRIME SHORT STORIES WITH A STING IN THE TAIL. KILLING DAD - A family plagued by an abusive father finally take their revenge. THE SHIFT - A detective completes a shift at work like no other. He couldn't see the hit coming, and he couldn't see the positive impact he'd had on so many lives. THE MISSING LINK - A detective holds a retirement party. His old friend lets him know he knows the truth. THE PARCELA devoted son carries out his mother's wishes. DEAD TO THE WORLD - A detective stumbles across a murder. The problem is, he is alone with the killer and there is no way out. THE VERDICT - A woman is abused in her back garden. But are things really what they seem? THE CONFESSION - A Catholic priest is new to the parish and befriends a lady parishioner. THE SLEEPER - A loving husband and father discovers something horrific and blames himself. APPOLLONIA'S MIST - An ageing artist falls in love with his muse. But is she as devoted to him? FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS - An elderly couple finds themselves next door to a problem family. Surely they will listen to reason? FROM THE CRADLE - A young detective discovers his partner's impropriety, but he learns a life lesson that conflicts with his instincts. JIMMY TICKLE'S CHRISTMAS - A boy from an underprivileged family has a run-in with an intruder. It ends in tears...of joy.