Roald Dahl’s short stories are known for their clever setups, dark humor, and unsettling turns. Many are famous for their surprise endings, but even when the outcome isn’t shocking, Dahl’s storytelling is sharp, efficient, and engaging from start to finish.
This page highlights some of Dahl’s most well-known and frequently read short stories, the ones readers most often start with. The selections below vary in length, and approximate word counts are included to help you choose what to read. For a broader look at Dahl’s longer, darker, or less familiar short fiction, see the companion page linked at the end.
Famous Roald Dahl Short Stories
Skin | 3,350 words
An older man who’s fallen on hard times passes an art gallery and sees a painting by a man he knew over thirty years ago. The painter’s work is now very valuable. He thinks of his time with the painter and remembers something the crowd might want to see. (Summary of “Skin”)
The Landlady | 3,550 words
Billy Weaver, a young, inexperienced salesman arrives in Bath. He starts the next morning. In the meantime, he needs a place for the night. While looking for a hotel, he comes across a private Bed and Breakfast. After some vacillation, he knocks on the door. A very nice lady invites him in. (Summary and Analysis of “The Landlady”)
Lamb to the Slaughter | 3,900 words
A pregnant woman, Mary Maloney, gets her husband a drink when he comes home from work. He needs a little time before he’s ready to talk. Tonight, he drinks more than usual. She wants to fix him something to eat, but he doesn’t want anything. The mood is a bit tense. He has something important to tell her. (Read “Lamb to the Slaughter”)
If you love when you can get an author’s complete stories (like I do) you can get all of Dahl’s in The Complete Short Stories Volume 1 and Volume 2. (Amazon)
Taste | 5,250 words
At their dinners a wine connoisseur, Richard, and his host, Mike, make small bets on whether the expert can identify the wine being served. At one such dinner, Richard is a bit distracted by his host’s daughter, Louise. His attention returns to the meal when Mike unveils a special wine. Both men are confident; the betting gets out of hand.
The Way Up to Heaven | 5,000 words
Mrs. Foster is always punctual while her husband seems to take pleasure in delaying her for her appointments. Mrs. Foster plans to fly to see her daughter and granddaughters in Paris. On the morning of her trip, Mr. Foster stresses her unbearably by making her wait for him.
The Hitch-Hiker | 4,200 words
A man picks up a hitch-hiker and asks him about his work, but the hitch-hiker only reveals that he’s in a skilled trade. After talking about how fast the car can go, the driver accelerates, only to be pulled over by the police. He is very worried but the hitch-hiker isn’t.
Mrs. Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat | 6,000 words
Mrs. Bixby makes a monthly visit to her old Aunt Maude. However, she spends the majority of the time with another man. After doing this for many years, the man gives her a beautiful present. She loves it but soon realizes she’ll have to explain how she came to have such an expensive item. She comes up with a plan to keep it. (Read “Mrs. Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat”) (PDF)
Man from the South | 4,625 words
The narrator is at a hotel, having a beer by the pool. An older, well-dressed man sits down by him. An American cadet who was enjoying himself in the pool also sits down. The cadet takes out cigarettes. The older man and the cadet disagree on the reliability of his lighter. The older man bets that the young man’s lighter won’t flame ten times in a row without missing one. He’s willing to wager his Cadillac.
Beware of the Dog | 5,070 words
Peter Williamson, an injured WWII pilot, manages to keep flying his Spitfire. He’s lost a leg. He feels fine and thinks about how he’ll land the plane and surprise everyone with the news. Suddenly he feels bad; he knows he won’t make it.
Dip in the Pool | 4,300 words
Passengers on a cruise ship are dining when it starts swinging heavily. Mr. Botibol takes the opportunity to talk to the purser. The Captain makes an estimate on how much distance will be covered each day. The passengers can make bets on it. Botibol wonders if this patch of rough weather was accounted for in the estimate. It gives him an idea. (Read “Dip in the Pool”) (PDF)
What is Roald Dahl’s Most Famous Short Story?
Out of all Dahl’s short stories, I think there are only two possibilities:
- “The Landlady”
- “Lamb to the Slaughter”
Both of these short stories are memorable and frequently anthologized. If you haven’t read them yet, you’re in for a treat.
Roald Dahl’s short stories remain popular because they are easy to enter and hard to forget. Whether focused on revenge, vanity, cruelty, or chance, his stories tend to leave readers unsettled, amused, or both. The combination of clean prose and shocking turns makes many of them especially memorable. If you’re new to Dahl’s short fiction, “The Landlady” and “Lamb to the Slaughter” are often considered the best places to start.
Looking for more Roald Dahl stories, including longer and darker works? See our continuation of Roald Dahl’s lesser-known short fiction.