How to Steal a Piano is now available - thank you, Troubador, for making it a pleasurable and seemless experience. This is a collection of 13 short stories on a wide range of subjects from the title story, based loosely on my experience as a piano salesman in Harrods, to online dating via a nasty case of road rage, a talking police dog and a lovable rogue (from a distance) called Halitosis Henry.

It's early days but I've had some lovely feedback already plus a number of questions about where fact ends and fiction begins. Naturally, I couldn't possibly comment!

This is my second published work of fiction. my first was Spitfire Spies, a World War II spy thriller published in 2016, and I have a second novel, Follow My Leader coming soon. This one imagines an elderly German refugee popping up in Reigate in 1951 claiming to be ... wait and see!

A hugely enjoyable read! I was given this book as a present and found the short stories diverse and well written, with some great plots and great dialogue. If strong language worries you, stay away from 'Road Rage', but I thought the language was very appropriate for the plot. I was particularly impressed how well Hughes writes about women's thought and the way women act. This is a brilliant read, with each story just long enough to be read before going to sleep. 'How To Steal A Piano' would make a very nice present for anyone who loves reading.

by Vera Lemke

These stories are so well written that it's difficult to decide what is fact and what is fiction. All very convincing in their descriptions of sometimes bizarre human behaviour. A rollercoaster ride through several emotions. Very entertaining.

by Sue Wharrad

Not my reviews - I'm the author! But I'd like to share ther views of others:

"I loved every story, difficult to choose a favourite, perhaps its Dotty, but I did love Unlucky for Some, made me laugh out loud. A very well written book ideal to pick up and read. Well done John Hughes hope you do some more!"

"An eclectic collection of wonderfully imaginative short stories, provoking many different emotional responses. Some made me laugh out loud, one in particular was very moving and poignant. All very enjoyable. I strongly recommend them."

"Laugh out loud. I loved this book of short stories, it was great reading about places near to me. Really well written, easy to read and I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend you read this book and hopefully John will write another collection of short stories again soon."

"How to steal a piano and other stories. . Brilliant book... the author manages to bring the lives of ordinary everyday people to life with their unique tales and individual histories. He cleverly reveals the depth and diversity of each character using a quirky humour, sadness and often surprise. Could definitely see similarities to Alan Bennett. Great read! Good book club choice."

by John Hughes