Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances

Published by Hachette UK Audio

Global phenomenon and Sunday Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman returns to dazzle, captivate, haunt, and entertain with this third collection of short fiction following Smoke and Mirrors and Fragile Things, which includes a never-before published American Gods story, BLACK DOG.

In this new volume, Neil Gaiman pierces the veil of reality to reveal the enigmatic, shadowy world that lies beneath. Trigger Warning includes previously published pieces of short fiction-stories, verse, and a very special Doctor Who story that was written for the fiftieth anniversary of the beloved series in 2013-as well as BLACK DOG, a new tale that revisits the world of American Gods.

Trigger Warning is a rich cornucopia of horror and ghosts stories, science fiction and fairy tales, fabulism and poetry that explores the realm of experience and emotion. In Adventure Story-a thematic companion to The Ocean at the End of the Lane-Gaiman ponders death and the way people take their stories with them when they die. His social media experience A Calendar of Tales are short takes inspired by replies to fan tweets about the months of the year-stories of pirates and the March winds, an igloo made of books, and a Mother's Day card that portends disturbances in the universe. Gaiman offers his own ingenious spin on Sherlock Holmes in his award-nominated mystery tale The Case of Death and Honey. And Click-Clack the Rattlebag explains the creaks and clatter we hear when we're all alone in the darkness.

A writer whose creative genius is unparalleled, Gaiman entrances with his literary alchemy, transporting us deep into the realm of imagination, where the fantastical becomes real and the everyday incandescent. Trigger Warning engages the mind, stirs the heart, and shakes the soul. Neil Gaiman is one of the most original and popular literary artists of our day.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hachette UK Audio
• Release date: Feb 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9781472217714

Reviews for Trigger Warning

[martialalex92 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

He's definitely a good writer. Most of the poems were kind of awful and the love letter felt awfully contrived but the other stories made up for it pretty well and showed his range of skill

[brittaniethekid · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Not Gaiman at his best. The intros are getting way too long (we get it, you spend a lot of time on the internet) and these stories were just sub-par. I guess I just prefer his novel-length work better.

[milliehennessy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this book for free from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. All opinions in this post are my own.This is a collection of “short fictions and disturbances” from Gaiman. All stories are a little spooky, creepy, unsettling or magical in some way. It features The Sleeper and the Spindle, as well as stories that contain familiar characters, like Shadow from American Gods and even the Eleventh Doctor. Short story collections are always hard for me to judge. It’s hard to give an overall judgement when each story can be so different. Some I really loved, some were alright, others didn’t impress me, and I didn’t understand the poetry. But it’s safe to say, overall, I enjoyed this book and I’m glad I own it. I loved the magical elements and the overall creep-factor of most of the stories. I also liked that he put the intros for the stories in the beginning of the book, as their own section. I chose to read each intro before it’s respective story, but it gives readers the option to read them all at once if they choose.My favorites were:Orange – a story in the form of a government questionnaire fileA Calendar of Tales – a short story for each month of the year, with my favorite being the story for October which features a genie and was quite sweet (and was possibly my favorite tale in the whole book)The Case of Death and Honey – a semi-supernatural take on Sherlock HolmesClick-Clack the Rattlebag – a short but incredibly creepy tale (and was probably my second favorite tale)Nothing O’Clock – a story with Amy and the Eleventh Doctor, which I found to be more entertaining than any episode featuring those twoThe Sleeper and the Spindle – Gaiman’s take on Sleeping BeautyI really don’t have any major complaints – I’ve never cared for poetry, so the few poems he included really did nothing for me (mostly I finished the with “I don’t get it”), but that’s nothing against Gaiman. Fans of Gaiman will want to add this to their collection. If you’re new to his work and looking for a good sample of his work, with a darker focus, check this out.

[jennybeast · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An absolutely marvelous collection of stories that run the gamut in their themes and entertainment. I particularly enjoyed the introduction and the various tributes to Bradbury. Deeply satisfying to read.

[mutantpudding · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Kinda a mixed bag as short story collections often are. Some good, some meh, none really great or really bad.

I have a different opinion of the definition of Trigger Warning than Neil does; its not a warning against something that merely upsets, but against something that causes actual harm (through panic attacks, flashbacks, or physical and mental symptoms of anxiety). So that was a bit annoying.

[bdgamer-669415 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Gaiman's short stories are hit or miss. Many of the stories in this collection are great, but then there are the others that are just... meh.

But truth be told, I had a good time reading this collection. Gaiman's imagination is top-notch as usual, and his style complements it.

[charon07 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A mixed bag. Some of the stories were excellent, others purely self-indulgent. “The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountain” was one of the former and is worth the price of admission.

[alexlubertozz-893592 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

As a Neil Gaiman fan, I found this collection a bit uneven. If all the stories had been as good as the best of them—“Lunar Labyrinth,” “The Thing about Cassandra,” “Nothing O’Clock” (a Dr. Who story), “Orange,” “Click-Clack the Rattlebag,” “The Sleeper and the Spindle,” and “Black Dog” (a further adventure of Shadow Moon)—I would have given it 5 stars. But the weaker stories kind of brought it down for me, and there were 24 tales and poems in all. I would’ve been thrilled with just 12 of the best of these, as it took a number of starts and stops during reading it over four months. I almost never made it to my favorite, “Black Dog,” which features Shadow Moon in England after the events of American Gods.

Definitely worthwhile, but I would like to have edited this collection.

[bgknighton · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was my first foray into Neil Gaiman’s short fiction and I liked it. He has some different views on the fairytales and fantasy of our youth.

[unsquare_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

There are definitely some great stories in this collection. The Sherlock Holmes story is probably my favorite of the bunch, with Sleeper & Spindle a close second and the Doctor Who tie-in following close behind. That said, I've lost patience with the stock Gaiman story where he appears, thinly veiled and nameless, and narrates yet another elliptical tale about weird goings-on. Those stories just felt self-indulgent this time around, even though he's been writing them forever. Maybe it didn't help that I watched a video of him reading "bad Gaiman" parodies and some of the stories here didn't seem too far off from that - tossed off and overly familiar.

[carriewuj · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Neil Gaiman is a thoughtful and skillful writer and the tales he tells in this short story collection are interesting and instense. Admittedly, I skipped around through the stories, rather than reading cover-to-cover, but what I read impressed me and left me thinking. He writes a very eloquent introduction explaining each of the stories and the title (referring to content that might "trigger" issues and scars we all carry beneath our shiny, happy veneers.) Gaiman weaves a little fairy tale, a little science fiction, a little spirituality into deft stories that leave a mark. I appreciate that he doesn't go for the easy scare or cheap shot, like Stephen King and others of that ilk (though in fairness King has come a long way). Lots to think about and talk about here.

[shannonrose4 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Loves most of the short fictions and disturbances; esp. The thing about Cassandra. The introduction was very good and had moments of humor as well.

[stephanie_m-868484 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Like I may have stated before, I have a difficult time with short stories. Even short stories written by my favorite author Neil Gaiman. There just isn't enough story there to 'sink your teeth into', before its done. I can never seem to attach myself to the lead character in the story before its done. Or, you are really getting into the storyline, and BAM! The end. And you're left wondering, "Hey Mr. Author, where's the rest of this story...?"
Neil Gaiman rules all, this much is true. I enjoyed his short stories as much as I was able to, in this context. Some more than others. But it was still difficult, and I had little desire to get back to it all, knowing it would be more of the same..... And I LOVE Neil Gaiman...! Ugh.....
So, 4 stars, because of my own difficulties. Nothing to do with Gaiman's writing skills, choices of subject matter, or anything else.

[pdcread · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a collection of 24 short stories, novellas and as the cover says disturbances. There is a mix of styles here, from poetry, lighter fiction to the type that he specialises in, dark edgy and surreal. There is a man who meets a girlfriends form his teen years, except she was a girl he created to boast to his friends about. Stories about statues, and normal life for normal people, but with a twist. The Sleeper and the Spindle is a re write of a fairy tale, and there is a short story set in the world of American Gods, a book I have yet to read.

Slowly but surely Gaiman is getting under my skin. Every book of his that I read, reinforces that he is a writer of immense talent and imagination, and as you read more he immerses you in his worlds. They don't scare you, but you do read them with a feeling of unease at time.

Not every story in here worked for me, hence the four stars, but some were outstanding. Truly outstanding.

[charrlygirl · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Trigger Warning by Neil Gaiman (narrated by Neil Gaiman) "The Man Who Remembered Ray Bradbury"was an outstanding story! It made me think of my favorite short story by James Everington titled "A Writer's Words". (Which is included in his collection The Other Room. )It also deepened my sadness about Terry Pratchett. I can only imagine what it's like for a man of words to start losing those words. Just the thought of it makes me sad and gives me goosebumps. 5 big fat stars for this tale!

Unfortunately, I hated the rest of this audio book. So much so that I'm throwing in the towel at 85%. I am going to go ahead and rate it even though I don't usually rate my DNFs. Since I made it through 85%, I feel that I am sufficiently qualified to rate it and I do so at 2.5 stars. If it weren't for the Ray Bradbury story I would probably have given this a one star, instead.

I know, I know-it's Neil Gaiman. The stories were well written, of course, but perhaps it's the author himself reading the stories that I don't like? I just found my mind wandering almost the entire time I was listening. I've listened to audiobooks of short stories before and have liked them, so I'm not sure why this one didn't work. Maybe the stories themselves were just boring? It's most likely some combination of the two.

In any case, I'm glad to be done with this audio book, since I found myself dreading it every time I went to resume listening. I think it's obvious at this point that I don't recommend this collection. But if you see it in the library or bookstore, pick it up and quickly read "The Man Who Remembered Ray Bradbury" and then put it back down and leave.

[jekka-986711 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

These stories were a little hit or miss with me - some of them were 5 star, some were 2 or 3 - overall, I thought 4 stars was an appropriate average for a collection with that many stories that creeped me out.

[ellenh_28 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I found myself liking this book, even though this is not my genre. Gaiman writes like magic, where do those great ideas come from? His stories crept up on me when I was doing other things to pop a thought in my head I hadn't thought of while reading. Later the stories melted together too much to remember details without going back to check which story that had been.

[sandrabrower · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I feel in love with Neil Gaiman's writing when I read Unfortunately The Milk to my nieces and then The Graveyard Book solidified it. So when I heard he had a new book of short stories coming out I couldn't wait. Mr. Gaiman didn't let me down. The stories are fun. One of them I read right before bed, appropriately might I add because it was about going to bed and scary things. _Click-Clack-Rattlebag_ was so fun even though it scared my soul preventing me actually falling asleep. That is the way a great story should be, incorporated deep down.

My favorite story though was a tribute to Ray Bradbury. I am not going to review it, I don't want to ruin the story. Just no it is worth the read.

My only disappointment was the last two stories in the collection. The second to last story seemed rushed. The last one was just too long and too far fetched. That definitely is a pun. Read and you will get it.

[danielstj · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a decent collection of mixed tales from Neil Gaiman. The thing about them is that they are such a mixed bag that you will find those that you really enjoy and those that you do not at all. That is the conundrum. The introduction tries to get you to understand that these tales reach for a "trigger warning" of the different themes (typically death, fear, abuse, etc) that are associated with the works. Nevertheless, it is work reading.3 stars.

[andycyca-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is that uneasy feeling of visiting an abandoned building. It's the knowledge that there are dark things waiting for you to fall, anytime, any place. It's the folk tale that refuses to go away despite the multiple attacks from reason and common sense. It's the legend that declares the end of all things, and the prophecy that led a man to an early grave.It's a book by Neil Gaiman. With all the wonderful and terrible things that come from his head.

[cindywho-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Most of the stories were good and Neil read them to me.

[espadana_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I found it a bit uneven, with a few great stories and others not so much. But is is a good introduction into Gaiman's weird, wonderful and scary worlds.

[samsattler · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"Trigger Warning" is a fun collection of short stories from Neil Gaiman that I mostly enjoyed. There are a few stories in it, as in any long collection of stories, that I did not particularly enjoy, but those are more than made up for by the ones in which I thoroughly lost myself. The stories themselves are from several related genres: horror, fantasy, dystopian fiction, etc. and Gaiman's remarkable imagination and writing talent makes all of them, even the ones I enjoyed least, at least interesting.I suspect there is something here for just about every reader, and that if you don't expect to like 100% of the stories, you will be pretty happy with "Trigger Warning."

[angelajmaher · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's difficult to categorise Neil Gaiman's writing - fantasy? horror? modern fairy tale? Suffice it to say it is strange, a marvellous strange that leads you on previously unseen paths. This collection gathers wisps of weird worlds and snippets of our own into a single book. Go into each story without expectations and you won't fail to be enchanted.

[geoffhabiger · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An interesting collection of short stories from one of my favorite authors. I can't say that I liked all of the stories, but that's the nature of a short story collection. However, there were enough wonderful and great stories here - those with nice plot twists, or well known characters, that I still thoroughly enjoyed this collection.

[jaredorlando-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Gaiman is a terrific, and exciting writer. In his novels, he is a pro at world building and full immersion. Through his short stories, he is able to use new voices, different techniques. They are much, much different than his books and refreshing because of it. Standouts: The Truth Is A Cave In The Black Mountains... and Orange.

[melydia_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked the vast majority of these tales, and if you are a Gaiman fan, chances are you will, too. They are very Gaimanesque, as it were. I particularly enjoyed the one about the reverse inventor, the American Gods tale, and the Doctor Who story. Some of the others were quite good as well. No bad stories, to be sure, but there were a couple forgettable ones. Still, I very much enjoyed it as a whole, and will of course continue to gobble up every other Gaiman book I can get my hands on.A note on the audio: Gaiman is, hands down, my very favorite book narrator. If you have a choice between experiencing his words on paper or in sound, always choose sound.

[jbarringer-2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I won my copy of this book free through a Goodreads giveaway.
I took forever to finish reading this book because I knew when I finished it I would be giving it to my sister. But, it's her birthday, and I know I can't hoard this book away forever unfinished. So, I finished it.
If you have enjoyed anything by Gaiman you will probably also enjoy at least some, probably all of these stories. There's a story that's a post-American Gods glimpse at what adventures Shadow found for himself after that book. There's a Doctor Who adventure with Amy Pond and some creepy aliens that are trying once again to take over the Earth. There are poems, and creepy stories, and mostly-nice stories. There are a couple retold fairy tales, too, and some new stories that read like fairy tales.

Basically, you should read this book, if you haven't yet.

[befuddledpanda · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4 stars. I enjoyed most of the stories.

[midnightbex_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While Neil Gaiman is widely known for his comic book writing and novels, Gaiman's story telling skills are often at their best in his short fiction. Offering up everything from poetry to fairy tale re-tellings, Trigger Warning continues the grand tradition of his previous short story collections. This is a set of tales to pick up and spend a few moments with, to stretch out and enjoy over time, and revisit again and again.