'No Comebacks' (1963) by Frederick Forsyth

'No Comebacks' by Frederick Forsyth is a masterful collection of ten short stories, each showcasing the author’s talent for creating suspense, irony, and unexpected twists. The stories explore themes of betrayal, justice, revenge, and the consequences of human actions, with settings ranging from crime and business to romance and espionage.

Summary of the Stories

No Comebacks: A wealthy and successful man falls in love with a married woman and plans to remove her husband discreetly. However, his carefully orchestrated plot leads to an ironic and chilling twist that leaves him with unexpected regrets.

There Are No Snakes in Ireland: An Indian immigrant working under harsh conditions in Ireland seeks revenge against his cruel employer. Using a snake as a weapon, he devises a plan that leads to a deadly outcome and poetic justice.

The Emperor: A story of loyalty and love between a man and his faithful hunting dog, The Emperor. When a tragedy occurs, the man’s decision highlights the deep bond they shared.

There Are Some Days: A humorous tale of a hired assassin whose simple job turns into a series of unfortunate events and unexpected challenges, with a surprising conclusion.

Money with Menaces: A businessman falls victim to blackmail but turns the tables on his tormentors in a clever and unexpected way.

Used in Evidence: A quiet and unassuming man is accused of a crime he did not commit. The story reveals his dark secret in a subtle and chilling twist.

Privilege: A courtroom drama involving a libel case, where the testimony of a key witness takes an unexpected turn, leading to a dramatic resolution.

Duty: A tale of moral obligation, where a man fulfills a promise made to a dying friend, only to uncover a shocking truth.

A Careful Man: A miserly man takes extreme measures to safeguard his fortune, only for his meticulous planning to backfire in a delightfully ironic twist.

Sharp Practice: A group of gamblers tries to con a cardsharp during a high-stakes game, only to discover that the tables have been turned in a most surprising way.

Key Themes: Irony and Justice: Many stories feature ironic twists where characters face the consequences of their own schemes or actions.

Human Nature: Forsyth examines greed, loyalty, betrayal, and revenge, often highlighting the darker side of humanity.
Suspense and Wit: The stories are crafted with suspenseful buildups and clever resolutions, often leaving readers with a sense of poetic justice.

No Comebacks is a captivating anthology that reflects Forsyth’s skill as a storyteller, with each tale offering a blend of intrigue, surprise, and moral complexity.