Set in a wealthy Italian monastery in the 14th century, the novel follows a Franciscan friar and his young apprentice as they investigate a series of mysterious deaths within the monastery. As they navigate the labyrinthine library and decipher cryptic manuscripts, they uncover a complex plot involving forbidden books, secret societies, and the Inquisition. The novel is a blend of historical fiction, mystery, and philosophical exploration, delving into themes of truth, knowledge, and the power of the written word.

This historical novel is a fictionalized account of the life of Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, told in the form of a journal written to his daughter. The narrative explores Kelly's life from childhood, his family's struggles with poverty and the law, his involvement in horse thievery, and his eventual formation of the Kelly Gang. The story culminates with the gang's infamous standoff with the police at Glenrowan, providing a humanizing perspective on a figure often portrayed as a ruthless criminal.

"Hawksmoor" is a novel that alternates between the 18th century and the 1980s, focusing on two characters both named Nicholas Dyer and Nicholas Hawksmoor. Dyer, an architect in the 18th century, constructs seven churches in London, each with a dark and sinister secret. In the 1980s, Hawksmoor, a detective, investigates a series of murders that occur in the same churches. The narrative explores themes of history, time, architecture, and supernatural elements, creating an eerie and atmospheric tale.

In the Time of the Butterflies is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of the Mirabal sisters who were activists against the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic. The narrative is a blend of fact and fiction, presenting the personal lives and political involvement of the sisters, three of whom were assassinated for their roles in the resistance movement. The book explores themes of courage, sacrifice, love, and the power of women in the face of oppressive regimes.

"A Brief History of Seven Killings" is a multi-voiced novel that explores the attempted assassination of a world-famous reggae singer and its aftermath. The narrative spans decades, starting from the turbulent 1970s in Jamaica through the crack wars in 1980s New York to the changing world of the 1990s. The story is told from the perspectives of various characters, including gangsters, journalists, and CIA agents, providing a complex and gritty insight into the violent underbelly of Jamaican politics and the far-reaching influence of the drug trade.

This historical fiction novel centers around the true story of Grace Marks, a 19th-century Irish-Canadian maid who was convicted of the brutal murders of her employer and his housekeeper. The narrative is told from the perspective of Grace herself, as well as a young psychiatrist who is trying to determine whether Grace is truly guilty. The book explores themes of memory, culpability, and the treatment of women in society.

In "Affinity" by Sarah Waters, a young woman named Margaret Prior becomes a visitor at Millbank Prison in Victorian London, where she becomes intrigued by a spiritualist named Selina Dawes. As their relationship deepens, Margaret is drawn into a web of secrets and deception, leading to unexpected consequences for both women. This atmospheric and suspenseful novel explores themes of desire, obsession, and the blurred boundaries between reality and illusion.

The book follows Lucas Corso, a book detective who is hired to authenticate a rare manuscript by Alexandre Dumas. As he delves into the investigation, he finds himself entangled in a mystery involving two other books: a rare edition of "The Three Musketeers" and a satanic text, "The Book of Nine Doors of the Kingdom of Shadows". The narrative becomes a complex puzzle as Corso uncovers connections between the books, while also dealing with a seductive woman who seems to have stepped out of a Dumas novel, a mysterious killer, and a group of bibliophiles obsessed with Dumas. The lines between fiction and reality blur as he gets closer to the truth.

The novel follows the life of a convicted Australian bank robber and heroin addict who escapes from prison and flees to India. Settling in the bustling city of Mumbai, he assumes a new identity and immerses himself in the local culture, forming a close bond with the people in a slum. As he navigates his new environment, he becomes entangled in various criminal activities, including running a free health clinic, working for the Bombay mafia, and fighting in Afghanistan. Throughout his journey, he grapples with love, forgiveness, and his quest for redemption, all while exploring themes of good and evil, friendship, and the complexities of the human spirit.

"The Witness" is a novel that explores the life of a young European boy who is the only survivor of a shipwreck in the 16th century. He is found and raised by a tribe of Indians in South America, where he spends ten years of his life. The boy is eventually found by a band of Spanish conquistadors and returns to Europe, where he becomes a well-respected scholar. The story unfolds as the man, now in his 90s, recounts his experiences and struggles to reconcile his European identity with his decade-long immersion in the tribal culture.

"The Big Blowdown" is a gritty crime novel set in 1940s Washington, D.C. The story follows three childhood friends, Pete, Nick, and Joey, as they navigate the dangerous underbelly of their neighborhood. When Joey is brutally murdered, Pete and Nick are determined to find his killer and seek justice. As they delve deeper into the dark world of gangsters and corruption, they must confront their own demons and make difficult choices that will test their loyalty and friendship. With its vivid portrayal of post-war America and its compelling characters, "The Big Blowdown" is a gripping tale of crime, redemption, and the power of friendship.

Set in 1896 New York City, the novel follows a journalist and his friend, a psychologist (or "alienist"), as they work on an investigation into a series of gruesome murders of boy prostitutes. The team employs psychological profiling and early forensic methods to hunt down the serial killer. The book delves into the seedy underbelly of the city, exploring the grim realities of life at the time.

This novel is a dark and gripping exploration of life in Medellín, Colombia, during the height of the drug wars. The protagonist, a middle-aged writer, returns home after many years abroad, only to find his city ravaged by violence and death. He falls in love with two teenage assassins, who guide him through the underworld of the city, exposing him to the brutal realities of life in a place where human life has lost all value. The story is a bleak commentary on the devastating effects of drug trafficking and political corruption on society.

"Chiefs" by Stuart Woods is a gripping novel that spans several generations, exploring the dark secrets and mysteries of a small southern town. Set against the backdrop of racial tensions and political corruption, the story follows three ambitious and determined law enforcement officers as they strive to uncover the truth behind a series of unsolved murders that have plagued the town for decades. With compelling characters and a suspenseful plot, this book delves into the complexities of power, justice, and the enduring impact of the past on the present.

In this historical mystery, set in the 12th century during the medieval period, a tragic murder unfolds amidst the backdrop of an impending wedding between a wealthy, old nobleman and a young orphaned girl. The story's protagonist, a compassionate and intelligent monk, takes on the role of detective to unravel the complex web of human desires and deceit. As he delves into the investigation, he encounters a leper community at Saint Giles, where he discovers unexpected alliances and hidden truths. The monk's pursuit of justice leads him through a labyrinth of social tensions and personal vendettas, revealing the profound humanity of even the most marginalized individuals.

The novel is a gripping World War II espionage thriller set in North Africa, where an elusive German spy, armed with a powerful secret code named after a classic novel, is transmitting critical information to Rommel's Afrika Korps in their campaign against the British. The British intelligence is in a desperate race against time to intercept and decode the messages, and they deploy a resourceful and determined young officer to track down the spy. Amidst the backdrop of war-torn cities and treacherous desert landscapes, a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues, with the fate of the North African campaign hanging in the balance.

This novel is a thrilling blend of mystery, horror, and fantasy, revolving around a struggling writer who becomes the target of a secret society known as "The Thirteen Ladies". These shadowy figures have the ability to manipulate reality through the power of words and storytelling. As he is drawn deeper into their world, he must uncover their secrets and find a way to survive their deadly games. The narrative is a rich exploration of the power of language and mythology, with a suspenseful plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Set in the Victorian era, the novel follows the adventures of Bertie, the Prince of Wales, who turns detective after the shocking suicide of a jockey during a high-society party. Doubting the official verdict, Bertie is drawn into the murky world of horse racing, where he uncovers a web of gambling, deceit, and hidden rivalries. With a keen eye for detail and a relentless pursuit of the truth, the royal sleuth navigates through the upper echelons of British society to unravel the mystery, revealing the unexpected and sordid underbelly of the sport of kings.

"Morituri" by Yasmina Khadra is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of terrorism and its impact on individuals and society. Set in the backdrop of Algeria's civil war, the story follows a young police inspector as he investigates a series of brutal murders committed by an unknown terrorist group. As he delves deeper into the case, he confronts his own beliefs and struggles with the blurred lines between good and evil. Through vivid storytelling and compelling characters, the novel explores the consequences of violence and the eternal struggle for justice in a world plagued by extremism.

In a small New England town, a man returns to his childhood boarding school to confront a dark secret that has haunted him for decades. As he delves into the mystery surrounding the death of a fellow student, he uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal that threatens to unravel the fabric of the community. Set against the backdrop of the 1920s, this haunting tale explores the devastating consequences of forbidden love and the lengths one man will go to protect those he cares about.

"Queenpin" by Megan Abbott is a gripping crime novel set in the 1950s, following the life of a young woman who becomes entangled in the world of organized crime. The story delves into the dark underbelly of the criminal underworld as the protagonist navigates her way through dangerous alliances and power struggles. With its noir atmosphere and complex characters, "Queenpin" offers a thrilling and suspenseful exploration of loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of one's choices.

"Death in the Andes" is a haunting and atmospheric novel set in the remote Andean village of Naccos, where two soldiers are sent to investigate the mysterious disappearance of three men. As they delve deeper into the village's secrets, they uncover a dark history of violence, political turmoil, and superstition. Blending elements of mystery, political commentary, and magical realism, this gripping tale explores the complexities of human nature and the impact of Peru's turbulent past on its present.

"The Power of the Dog" is a gripping and intense crime thriller that delves into the complex and dangerous world of drug trafficking. Set in the 1970s and spanning several decades, the story follows a DEA agent and a Mexican drug lord as their paths intertwine, resulting in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Filled with vivid characters, intricate plot twists, and a chilling portrayal of the drug trade, this novel explores themes of corruption, loyalty, and the far-reaching consequences of one's choices.

Set in the early 20th century in the vibrant and gritty streets of New Orleans, this mystery novel follows a Creole detective as he navigates the city's underbelly of jazz clubs, brothels, and corrupt power structures. Tasked with solving a series of violent crimes that threaten to disrupt the delicate social balance, the detective must use his wits and insider knowledge of the community to track down the perpetrator. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, each with their own secrets, and confronts the racial tensions and moral ambiguities of a city at the crossroads of tradition and modernity.

Set in 1920s Bombay, "The Widows of Malabar Hill" follows Perveen Mistry, the city's first female lawyer, as she navigates a complex case involving the inheritance of three widows. When a wealthy Muslim man dies, leaving behind a vast estate, Perveen becomes entangled in a web of deceit, family secrets, and cultural traditions. As she unravels the truth, Perveen must confront her own personal demons and challenge societal norms to seek justice for the widows.