Book Review: A Dark Night in Toyland by Bob Shaw

This is a collection of science fiction, fantasy and horror short stories by Bob Shaw. I had never heard of him until I picked up this book in the library and got it out because it looked short and easy to read, but apparently he has written several genre novels. This book is a collection of about a dozen of his previously published stories with a few new ones thrown in. The title story, A Dark Night in Toyland, is about a Minister who's son is dying from cancer. Other stories deal with wizards, fat that has a mind of its own and space explorers. They are easy to read, simply told and have original if not complex plots. Each story is also quite short, with the longest story 'Shadow of Wings' coming at the end. I can't say that I was blown away by any of these stories and already they are fading from my memory, but it was an enjoyable read. My rating is 5/10.