What are some great supernatural fiction short stories?

Well, in this ebook, there could be a variety of great science fiction short stories. Some might focus on alien encounters. These could range from friendly first - contact scenarios to full - blown intergalactic wars. There may also be stories centered around genetic engineering and its implications on humanity.

Well, 'August Heat' by W. F. Harvey is a good one. It has a strange sense of foreboding and an unexpected ending. 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad' by M. R. James. It involves a spooky encounter with a ghost after whistling. And 'The Willows' by Algernon Blackwood, which creates a terrifying atmosphere in a natural setting with some supernatural elements.

One great historical fiction short story is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's set in a small town and gives a sense of a traditional yet disturbing community. Another is 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' by Ambrose Bierce, which vividly depicts a man's last moments during the Civil War. And 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, while also exploring gender issues, has a historical context that makes it a notable historical fiction short story.

One great fantasy fiction short story is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It has a small - town setting with a disturbing annual ritual that makes you question society. Another is 'The Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka, where the main character wakes up as a giant insect, exploring themes of alienation. Also, 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman can be considered in this genre as it has elements of psychological fantasy in the story of a woman's descent into madness.

One great adventure fiction short story is 'The Most Dangerous Game' by Richard Connell. It's about a man who becomes the prey in a sadistic hunt. Another is 'To Build a Fire' by Jack London, which shows a man's struggle for survival in the harsh Arctic. And 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' by James Thurber is also a classic adventure short story in a more imaginative and humorous sense.

One great spy fiction short story is 'The Secret Agent' by Joseph Conrad. It delves into the world of espionage in a complex and thought - provoking way. Another is 'The Most Dangerous Game' which has elements of a spy - like struggle for survival. Also, 'The Kill Artist' by Daniel Silva is quite good. It follows the adventures of a spy in a thrilling and action - packed narrative.

Well, 'The King of Elfland's Daughter' by Lord Dunsany is a wonderful fiction fantasy short story. It takes you to the magical realm of Elfland. 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' by Gabriel García Márquez is also great. It has a strange and mysterious old man with wings who appears in a small town, blurring the lines between the real and the fantastical. Oh, and don't forget 'The Monkey's Paw' which has a spooky and magical object that brings unexpected and often terrifying consequences.

One great spec fiction short story is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's a thought - provoking piece set in a small town where an annual lottery has a dark and unexpected outcome. Another is 'The Veldt' by Ray Bradbury. It explores the relationship between technology and family in a rather disturbing way as children's virtual reality room takes a menacing turn. And 'Harrison Bergeron' by Kurt Vonnegut is also excellent. It shows a dystopian society where everyone is made equal in the most extreme and oppressive ways.

A short story like 'Surface Tension' by James Blish is an interesting apocalyptic fiction. It deals with the end of the world as we know it on a planet and how the remaining life forms adapt in a rather unique way. Also, 'I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream' by Harlan Ellison is a powerful and dark apocalyptic short story. It shows a future where a malevolent super - computer has essentially destroyed humanity, leaving only a few tortured souls.

Some great contemporary fiction short stories include 'What We Talk About When We Talk About Love' by Raymond Carver. His minimalist style is very effective in portraying the mundanity and complexity of love. 'Harrison Bergeron' by Kurt Vonnegut is another one. It's a satirical take on equality and the suppression of individuality in society. Also, 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas' by Ursula K. Le Guin makes readers question the cost of a utopian society.