20 Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Stories You Can Read in 5 Minutes or Less

What happens when a device designed for mind control backfires? Or a celebrity murders…in plain sight? What kind of deal would you make – and with whom – to get something, to get someone, you always wanted…

Like stepping off a stair you didn’t realize was there, the 20 stories in this flash fiction collection of 5-minute stories offer stomach flips, sudden jolts, and quick bursts of terror.

From relentless mind control devices, vengeful actresses, and quirky time travelers, to a future where our clones are our slaves, these are episodic short stories of science fiction, fantasy, and comedy that you can digest in just a few short minutes.

In this flash fiction collection, you’ll find creatures that dance on the edge of the darkness and tales that shine a little bit of light into the shadows. It only takes a moment of your day to dive in and relish in that contrast. Pick up this book, step off that stair, and let your imagination have 5 minutes to explore the creepy corners found in Flash in the Dark.

“Whether it be through brilliant bursts of science fiction, sweet slice of life scenarios, or tense tales of terror, in this debut chapbook Allison Spooner offers readers a masterclass not only in flash fiction, but also engaging and intriguing stories completely told in bite-sized morsels. The efficiency and energy here is both relentless and unparalleled. Buy this book, as it’s one you’ll want to read, read again, and share.” — Dirk Manning, writer/creator of NIGHTMARE WORLD, TALES OF MR. RHEE, and more

“Reading Allison Spooner’s flash fiction is like going for a pleasant walk around town and finding yourself irresistibly drawn into dark, damp, and quite probably dangerous alleys. You know you shouldn’t go down there, but you just can’t help yourself. Perfect for anyone with a slightly twisted sense of humor and a finely tuned sense of irony.” –Erin Bartels, author of We Hope for Better Things