Most of the stories revolve around death. I don't think I'm spoiling anything as other reviewers have mentioned the same. I didn't notice the commonality or the reviews until after I began listening. I wanted to hear authors I had not heard in a while, or never before, but I would have preferred a variety of subjects. Admittedly, the narrator & the background effects enhanced the stories. I didn't read them straight through which kept me from developing a morose feeling. ( )