One of my favorite authors, Paul White, has begun offering his creative skills in a new format. Bite size reads are the perfect tales for a quick bedtime story. I’ve read three of his tasty, tiny treats and every one has been a delight. As I settled down with my nighttime tea and biscuit I indulged in the appropriate ‘Tea with the Reaper’. Was I tempting fate?

This short story begins with a woman, half asleep, who is suddenly very cold. Even on very cold nights she slept with one leg out from under the covers. Glancing at my leg sticking out from under my covers, I frowned. I briefly wondered if I should set the book aside until morning. But, my curiosity was already piqued so I ventured on.

As the tale unwinds, Nichole is dozing off into dreamland when she hears a sound. Needless to say I am now totally committed to this story. Certainly this does not bode well for our not sleeping beauty. White builds the tension and readers can relate to Nichole’s growing anxiety. As many of us have done, she makes rational arguments for the sounds. Houses always creak and groan. Coupling the sound with the uncommon intense cold, she decides her central heating system has failed. The mind attempts to assuage anxiety by conjuring logical explanations for uncomfortable situations. After repeatedly dozing and jerking awake, she resigns herself to investigating the cause of the repeated disturbances.

Here’s where the story takes an unexpected turn. Nichole finds a surprise guest making tea in her kitchen. Enter the Reaper! What follows is an entertaining encounter with Death. Sometimes unnerving, sometimes amusing, The Reaper and Nichole get to know one another. I love The Reaper! White creates a character who is frighteningly relatable. As they share tea and treats, Reaper educates Nichole on the proper way to prepare tea. He then fills her in on the misconceptions about his role in the after world. Their conversation moves from creepy to amusing with ease. The story culminates in a surprising climax.

If you enjoy offbeat tales of the supernatural as much as I do, you’ll love this short story. As with White’s other bite size stories, this is a quick read. I highly recommend this delightfully quirky tale.