The five shortlisted stories for the BBC National Short Story Award 2015 appear here in this excellent anthology of leading short fiction writers. The shortlisted authors and story titles are announced in September, and the prize is awarded at a London gala event later that month. The stories, plus interviews with the authors, are broadcast to BBC Radio 4’s huge listener base in the week preceding the winner announcement, which promises to continue the great success of this award and accompanying anthology.