""An explosive mix of muscular prose and sharp originality. In this collection, A. S. Patric proves himself to be a writer who must be taken very seriously." Vanessa Gebbie, author of Short Circuit, A Guide to the Art of the Short Story. This entertaining collection includes a romp of a novella called The Rattler, as well as short stories and micro fictions all set in and around contemporary Melbourne. Sometimes serious, sometimes seriously playful -always written in breathtakingly beautiful prose - these stories uncover the heartbreaking tragedies, slow-burning emotions and serendipity of ordinary lives. Cover image by Miles Allinson, illustrated by Miles Allinson & Maxine Beneba Clarke Praise for The Rattler & other stories: ""Spare and taut, sometimes tricky, sometimes shocking, yet always deeply and satisfyingly tender. A great collection."" Paddy O'Reilly. ""A.S. Patric is that rarest of writers- he is absolutely fearless. His stories take risks, his characters soar and his prose sings. Be careful. These stories might cut you."" Ryan O'Neill."