Hirethow is wowing readers...

Clare Howdle's fabulous first collection of contemporary life-spanning short stories - HIRETHOW was officially launched at Loveday Distillery, Falmouth on September the 5th, 2026.

Skilfully edited by Helen Trevaskis the attention grabbing cover was designed in Falmouth by Venn Creative from original artwork by Krowji based artist,  Adrian Holmes 

This debut collection has been very popular with our readers. Bold, with a no nonsense approach and fresh perspectives on the myriad meanings of the Cornish word, it catapults readers into a contemporary landscape and ever so off-kilter reality, to reflect on how the world works.

Within its pages we follow ten characters through ten lenses with which Hireth is seen.

• A young man trying to find his feet discovers he can move through walls, for a price.
• A daughter caring for her sick mother seeks a different kind of silence in the ocean’s depths.
• A woman struggling to get pregnant starts conversing with iconic fictional characters.
• A tree, in Buenos Aires, begins to scream
  

Reviews for Hirethow...

Again and again, Clare’s writing makes me sit up and take note. There’s a muscular intensity to her prose and impressive psychological depth."
Chris Power, Author, critic and Booker Prize 2O25 judge

“Clare’s stories have that rare and wonderful quality of staying with you long after you finish reading.”
Wyl Menmuir , Booker Prize longlisted author  

Creatures of a brief Season is available in our bookstore with FREE local delivery or in Cornish Bookshops all over the county, Waterstones and Amazon.