Short Stories

After her mother dies, Jenny finds something that shakes the image of a perfect family she always thought she had. Should she disregard her mother’s last wish and search for the truth or let sleeping dogs lie? Don't Tell Him I Died is a part of the Mothers, Sisters, Husbands, Secrets series of short stories. The stories are unrelated and can be read out of order.

Molly and her grandmother scam a bank to collect insurance money. Mr. Mulhern has published short stories in many literary magazines and received several awards. He was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Aiden and his grandmother, a bit of a con artist, spend a day scheming to get money for sick family members. This short story, the opening chapter of a novel-in-progress, was accepted for publication by seven literary magazines and deemed "story of the month" by one of them. In 2017, James Mulhern was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. "A terrific psychological drama--Does Aiden grow up morally stable-or follow in his mother's/grandmother's footsteps? Does he come to believe that religion plays such a dynamic role in determining right from wrong?? Fascinating/ gripping read" (FICTION on the ...

When Ashley hides to play a prank on her husband, she overhears something she wasn’t supposed to hear. Something that shatters her world. Outpranked is a part of the Mothers, Sisters, Husbands, Secrets series of short stories. The stories are unrelated and can be read out of order.

Ragmen have plied their trade for centuries. Some were feared, some were avoided. However, the ragman in this short story mirrors a community of post world war two men who know the value of kindness, especially toward children.

After years of emotional abuse, Patricia has learned to accept herself and live her life the way she wants. Her sister Linda is not happy about that, relentlessly pointing out her faults and mistakes. Patricia could have shut her up by revealing a secret she’s been keeping for many years, one that would put a big question mark on Linda’s perfect marriage… But the secret is too devastating. Less Than Perfect is a part of the Mothers, Sisters, Husbands, Secrets series of short stories. The stories are unrelated and can be read out of order.

An exciting new Short Story! At the White Haven Resting Home For the Mentally Ill, patients have lost everything they have ever known. They have no families, friends or relationships beyond the walls of their cells. Patrick and Victoria, in the confines of the hospital, have managed to find each other and are determined to spend their lives together outside the hospital. Can they manage to escape the hospital, and if so, will they survive in the outside world?

From the Author I hope this book is as much of a joy to read as it was to publish. My goal was to give parents a simple tool to help them build their kids’ moral compass. It is important to teach children moral virtues because they are the foundation for healthy and fulfilling relationships, both with others and with oneself. Virtues such as honesty, kindness, compassion, responsibility, and respect help children develop positive character traits and form strong, positive connections with others. Teaching children moral virtues also helps them develop the skills and values necessary for ...

A story fizzing with adventure! Billy is an average kid who looks up to his father and hopes to be like him some day. However, something unexpected happens when he drinks too much of his Granny’s delicious homemade lemonade. The moral of the story is: don’t be greedy and take everything in moderation. An illustrated adventure full of humour suitable for boys and girls aged 4 to 10 years old. 15 original illustrations. Billy Balloon Bursting With Excitement!

A student gets sick in Mr. Darnell's class. This story will surprise you--a blend of humor and horror.

Aiden tries to convince his grandmother to release his schizophrenic mother from a psychiatric facility. Mr. Mulhern's writing has appeared in literary journals over one hundred times. He has received several awards, including a nomination for the Pushcart Prize. This story is an excerpt from "Give Them Unquiet Dreams," named a Best Book of 2019 by Kirkus Reviews. Four short stories adapted from the novel were published in literary journals.

"Zinnia's Mother" is a poignant and captivating tale that delves into the life of Zinnia, a young girl navigating the complexities of her past and her present. As Zinnia reflects on her memories of her enigmatic mother, Daisy, and her deep bond with her foster parents, she grapples with questions of identity, belonging, and the enduring power of love. Set against the backdrop of emotional turmoil and self-discovery, "Zinnia's Mother" takes readers on a heartfelt journey of resilience, love, and the enduring connections that shape our lives. This compelling tale explores the profound impact ...

High school teacher Jack McCarthy endures a challenging day at an inner-city school in South Florida. During a rainstorm on the way home, he has an epiphany.

Some stories are bittersweet. Some stories are magical. A Holocaust secret kept for decades. A young teacher learns to be strong. A werewolf. An elf. A genie. A marriage. A Poppa God, a Momma God, a Baby God. The most beautiful woman in the world battles the Devil. Things are not always what they seem...

Through the Lens of Second Chances is an unforgettable story of love, healing, and risking it all for a second chance. Their journey is filled with ethical dilemmas, emotional conflicts, and external pressures Claire Dawson, a therapist who moves to a seaside town for a fresh start after a painful divorce. She unexpectedly develops a romantic connection with the photographer next door neighbor. The fear of small-town gossip Ex-husband who tries to manipulate damage Claire’s credibility.

Aiden, whose parents are separated, learns hard truths about his father, love, and loss. Mr. Mulhern has published short stories in many literary magazines and received several awards. He was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize. This story is an excerpt from his novel-in-progress, Aiden's Secret, a paranormal mystery. Three short stories from the novel have been accepted for publication in literary journals.

A teacher in a poor South Florida school has an encounter with a student who changes her thinking about herself and the meaning of life.

Molly and her elderly neighbor butt heads about everything from snowflakes to God. Mr. Mulhern has published short stories in many literary magazines and received several awards. He was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

This is simply a collection of short stories, most based on relationships, but a few based on other personal issues for the characters. All of these stories are completely fiction, it's amazing what the imagination can create

A high school student and her grandmother come upon a grisly discovery. James Mulhern has won several awards for his writing. In 2017, he was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in Fiction.