Generally speaking, James Herbert doesn't write short stories, saying that he doesn't have time to do them as he is always concentrating on the particular book he is writing. That said, over the years he has written three short stories.

This story was inspired by the journey to the hospital to see his third daughter, Casey, be born on 31st October 1984. On the way, children were dressed up as witches etc. and it gave Herbert the idea for this short story that was originally published in "Mail and Female", the supplement magazine of the DAILY MAIL on Saturday 19th October 1988. The complete story can also be found in BY HORROR HAUNTED, chapter twenty-six, on pages 218 to 229

I don't know the background to this particular story but again it can be found in BY HORROR HAUNTED, chapter thirty-four, pages 284 to 288. To even describe the story would be to give away the twist so you will have to read it yourself!

This is an excellent short story about an elephant in a zoo. It can be found in James Herbert's biography THE DEVIL IN THE DARK on pages 219 to 226. I assume it was written especially for the biography in order to help it sell, as the hardback first edition has a red corner flash saying "INCLUDES A GREAT NEW SHORT STORY".