Short stories reading guide
Short but not necessarily sweet - short fiction can pack a punch.
Short stories can usually be read in a single sitting so are great for people who don't have much time to read. With fewer pages to tell a story in, you'll find the action and character development happens quickly. Short stories can often leave a strong impression with a lot of conflict, emotional involvement or character development squeezed into this shorter format.
Short story collections sometimes pull together the work of a single author, or may be centred around a common theme.
Short stories reading lists
Short Stories - eBooks & eAudiobooks
A curated list of some of the best short stories from different genres available through Libby, Borrowbox, Wheelers, and Overdrive.
Short story sub-genre lists
Horror Short Stories
The short stories in these collections give that little hit of terror that stays with you long after the books are closed.
Fantasy Short Stories
Immerse yourself in the magical worlds of Fantasy Short Stories, where each story transports you to a different fantastical realm.
LGBTQIA+ Short Stories
Discover the plentiful array of short stories about the diverse LGBTQIA+ community, with stories you can read in a single sitting.
Short Stories - Contemporary
Short form fiction that is all about our world as it is now - realistic plot-lines, characters, and experiences.
Short fiction - Novellas
Not quite a novel but longer than a short story - great reads in the shorter form of a novella. From around the world, across genres & eras
Short Stories - Graphic Novels
Graphic novel collections of short and sweet (or hilarious, terrifying, or inspiring) stories: Kiwi writers, manga artists and award winners
Short Stories - Mystery/Thriller/Adventure
Suspense, intrigue, action, adventure, and suspicion - all wrapped up in the short story format, so readable at one sitting.
Short Stories - Aotearoa/New Zealand
Short stories written by a range of Kiwi authors, including classics from literary greats through to modern takes from fresh talent.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
New this week
Every week we publish just ordered, new fiction, and new non-fiction lists. Find out the newest titles added to the library collection.
Best of 2025
What reads and watches did library staff enjoy this year? Tell us your favourites and go in the draw to win a readers bundle.
Pikihuia Award winners
Winners in the biennial Pikihuia awards for Māori writers in English or te reo Māori have been announced.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
New this week
Every week we publish just ordered, new fiction, and new non-fiction lists. Find out the newest titles added to the library collection.
Best of 2025
What reads and watches did library staff enjoy this year? Tell us your favourites and go in the draw to win a readers bundle.
Pikihuia Award winners
Winners in the biennial Pikihuia awards for Māori writers in English or te reo Māori have been announced.
Find great reads:
Short story authors:
Award-winning short stories
More short story resources
Find fiction in the genre you love
Whatever kind of fiction you're into, find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.