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Reconstruction [1]

Reflection and Refraction [2]

Regression [10]

Review by Ian Braidwood

This is a very unusual story for Brian and not just because it isn't about biotechnology. What makes it stand out is the premise, which we all know doesn't work. Brian doesn't do many of those.

We've all heard of regression: the idea that under hypnosis people can recover memories, which for some reason they can't access consciously. Some forms of therapy claim to take their patients back to the moment of birth, so that the experience - supposedly at the root of the trauma - can be re-experienced and safely integrated into the client's psyche.

Take the regression a step further and we're into past lives, where the subjects recalls being an ancient Egyptian priestess or some such and remembers details of rituals, which are new to science. (Question: if these new 'facts' can't be corroborated, how am I supposed to know they're true?... I know: pernickety old git, grumble, grumble, grumble...)

Brian lambastes this idea in a way, which had me laughing out loud; before introducing a completely new idea, which is actually the one I meant when I said it was wouldn't work.

The idea is referred to as The Ultimate Climax Community of the Flesh and I'm sure that Brian would be the second to point out the error (Richard Dawkins would get there first, as he's rather hot on that sort of thing).

See if you can spot the error and on the way enjoy this taut and suspenseful, yet funny tale.

Rent [5]

The Requiem Masque [2]

Review by Ian Braidwood

The story of Merkades, prince of a minor deme of Capracola, who is the sole royal adherant to the rites of the Emperor of Decay.

After a period of comparative prosperity, the Emporer visits his pestilential will on the people of Capracola and Merkades walls himself up in a tower with his friends. He forbids entrance until the plague has passed, when in rememberance of its victims, he throws a costume ball.

You know how it is when you throw a party, you always get uninvited guests...

The Return of Frankenstein [36]

The Return of the Djinn [32]

The Riddle of the Sphinx [1]

Review by Trent Walters

The Riddle of the Sphinx updates perhaps the most famous of Greek plays, updating not only the plot events but some moral attitudes as well.

Riding the Tiger [13]

The Road to Damnation [20]

The Road to Hell [8]

Review by Ian Braidwood

If you are unsure exactly what happened at the end of this, then read it again and take careful note of all the themes. It is actually quite clear what happens. Trust me.

Alex Prentice is the amicus curiae - a sort of amalgamation of prosecution and defence attorneys - attached to the case of Dr Eliot Fallon, a man who has returned to England after thirty five years to stand trial for killing several thousand children.

It turns out that Dr Fallon had been called in to deal with a plague of rats and his response was very effective, just too inclusive that's all. Dr Fallon then flees England and goes into hiding; but then why return at all?

This is the mystery Prentice has to solve and he interviews quite a few people for his investigation.

This is a very dark conspiracy story, which includes something important that's often left out of such theories. To find out what, read the story. You won't regret it.

Rogue Terminator [7]

Review by Ian Braidwood

To find Dorset on the map, find London, England (a little pink bit off the coast of France) and travel west until you find Bristol; go south until you hit the coast. Dorset is that chunk of England between Lyme Regis and Bournemouth. Found it me dear? Goooood.

Luke is a farmer - or rather pharmer - who earns his crust by growing rapeseed enhanced to produce pharmacological products like transposon suppressants and dystrophin repair agents. All this is fine, but because genetically enhanced plants are sterile, he has to buy new seed every year.

One night down the pub, he gets talking to Jack Gridley who can let him have a little yeast sample, which can restore the reproductive ability of any genetically modified plant. Of course, Luke will still have to buy some seed from his suppliers to avoid raising suspicion, but this looks like a nice way of reducing his overheads...

Cautiously, Luke plants half his crop normally and introduces the yeast to the rest, which takes off most gratifyingly; in fact, perhaps a little too vigorously if you ask me...

Rose, Crowned with Thorns [9]

Review by Ian Braidwood

Rose is a wiccan, who once scorned, plans and executes her revenge.

I promise, you won't ever be rude to a wiccan after reading this devious story!