A dark portrait of a prosperous Midwestern town whose outward respectability masks cruelty, secret passions and social hypocrisy, following a circle of young people whose idealism, romantic hopes and professional ambitions collide with jealousies, class strictures and a powerful, unscrupulous local figure; betrayals and hidden transgressions unravel relationships and lead to ruined lives, exposing the community’s moral rot and the human cost of secrecy and rigid convention.

Judith Sheramy's father is granted land in Louisiana for his service in the king's army during the French and Indian War, and the family travels down the Mississippi to settle the wilderness. Judith meets Philip Larne, a well dressed adventurer who is a rogue, killer, and thief, and who steals her heart. Facing three thousand acres of jungle with native tribes, jaguars, and pirates, they endure a stormy marriage and the trials of the American Revolution while trying to build an estate for future generations.

Franz von Heiden, son of a Nazi official and an English mother, comes to England in 1938 to visit his cousins and study them. He is welcomed by Wynne Braithwaite's family and friends and finds their casual talk and happy life at odds with what he was taught. Falling in love with Wynne, Franz is troubled by memories of his mother's broken life in Germany. As events move from Munich and Czechoslovakia to war, his dilemma deepens and he must make a devastating choice.

The Family follows an exiled Russian family living in a boarding house in Tientsin, China. The narrative traces their daily struggles and inner bonds as war approaches, focusing on faith, perseverance, patriotism and love. It portrays life in the city before and during the Japanese invasion of 1937 and the pressures the family faces under occupation. The story emphasizes their efforts to maintain identity and cohesion amid upheaval.

"The Hunting Gun" is a poignant tale set in post-war Japan, revolving around the lives of three women who unknowingly share a common bond, a man with whom they are all involved. The man's secret love affairs and the emotional turmoil they cause are revealed through letters from each of the women. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human emotions, painting a vivid picture of the human condition and the consequences of hidden passions.

In a quaint English village, the residents are intrigued by a newspaper advertisement announcing a murder at a local house at a specific time. When the time comes, a deadly game unfolds, resulting in a real murder. The village is thrown into a state of confusion and suspicion, prompting the arrival of a shrewd elderly detective who begins to unravel a complex web of secrets and lies. Through meticulous investigation and an understanding of human nature, the detective exposes the intricate plot behind the murder, revealing the identity of the cunning culprit and the motives that led to the crime.

This novel delves into the complex dynamics of the Clare family, living in a large country house in England between the two World Wars. At the heart of the story is Simon Clare, who, upon learning that he is not the biological son of his father, faces an identity crisis that sends ripples through the family. The narrative explores themes of inheritance, legitimacy, and the rigid social structures of the time, as Simon grapples with his place in the family and society. The book is known for its sharp dialogue, psychological depth, and the portrayal of family life in a changing world.

In "Old House of Fear," the protagonist, an American envoy, travels to a remote Scottish island to negotiate the purchase of an old mansion. Upon arrival, he encounters an atmosphere of mystery and terror, fueled by local superstitions and the eerie presence of the mansion itself. As he delves deeper, he faces a series of supernatural occurrences and a sinister conspiracy, challenging his skepticism and forcing him to confront his deepest fears. The novel blends elements of Gothic horror with a modern psychological thriller, creating a gripping and suspenseful narrative.

In this detective novel, the famed French inspector investigates the murder of a seemingly ordinary man found stabbed on a Paris boulevard. As the inspector delves deeper, he uncovers a life filled with secrets, including a double life involving a mysterious woman and a hidden apartment. The case challenges the inspector to navigate through layers of deception to uncover the truth about the man's life and death, revealing the complexities of human nature and the unexpected connections between people in the bustling city of Paris.

"The Sheltered Life" explores the intricate social fabric of the American South through the lives of its characters, primarily focusing on the fading aristocracy of Virginia in the early 20th century. The novel delves into the lives of the inhabitants of the town, particularly the relationship between an aging beauty from a prestigious family and a younger man, which becomes a catalyst for revealing hidden truths and suppressed emotions within their community. The narrative intricately examines themes of tradition versus change, the illusions of societal appearances, and the personal struggles of individuals caught between old values and evolving realities.

Set against the backdrop of Renaissance Florence, this gripping tale weaves a narrative of intrigue, art, and ambition. The story follows a talented young artist who becomes embroiled in a dangerous web of political machinations and personal vendettas as he seeks to make a name for himself in the vibrant yet perilous world of the Medici court. With rich historical detail and vivid character portrayals, the narrative explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of greatness, all while capturing the essence of a city at the height of its cultural and artistic glory.

In this gripping mystery, a seemingly straightforward case of murder takes a complex turn when a man is found dead in a room he had no reason to be in. As the investigation unfolds, the detective must navigate a web of deceit, hidden motives, and unexpected alliances to uncover the truth. With each clue leading to more questions, the tension builds, revealing a tale of betrayal and intrigue that challenges the very notion of justice.

In this intriguing mystery, a seemingly straightforward case of suicide is thrown into question when a cryptic letter surfaces, suggesting foul play. The story unfolds in a quaint English village, where the local police inspector, with the help of a sharp-witted barrister, delves into the lives of the deceased's acquaintances. As they unravel a web of secrets and hidden motives, the investigators must navigate through a maze of deception and intrigue to uncover the truth behind the suspicious death, challenging their assumptions and revealing the darker side of human nature.

The story revolves around a famous writer who receives a poignant letter from a woman he does not remember, yet who has been deeply in love with him for years. Through her heartfelt words, she recounts their brief encounters and the profound impact he had on her life, despite his obliviousness to her existence. The letter reveals her enduring, unrequited love and the sacrifices she made, painting a picture of a life filled with longing and unfulfilled dreams. The narrative explores themes of memory, love, and the often unnoticed influence one person can have on another's life.

Set against the backdrop of a high-society party, this gripping mystery unravels the intricate web of secrets and lies among the elite. When a seemingly innocuous invitation leads to a shocking murder, the guests find themselves trapped in a suspenseful game of cat and mouse. As the tension mounts, hidden motives and past grievances come to light, challenging the characters to confront their darkest fears. With each twist and turn, the narrative keeps readers on the edge of their seats, culminating in a dramatic revelation that leaves everyone questioning their own innocence.

In "Hunter's Green," the protagonist, Eve North, returns to England after a failed marriage, seeking solace in her former home, the enigmatic Hunter's Green. However, her quest for peace is quickly disrupted by the mysterious circumstances surrounding her brother's death and the complex relationships within the Hunter family. As Eve delves deeper into the family's secrets, she finds herself entangled in a web of deception, romance, and danger. Her investigation not only threatens to unearth hidden truths but also puts her own life at risk, as she confronts the shadows of her past and the uncertainties of her future.

Set against the eerie backdrop of a secluded Norwegian forest, this gripping mystery unfolds as a group of friends gathers at a remote cabin near a sinister lake rumored to be cursed. As they delve into the disappearance of a young man, they uncover a web of secrets, supernatural occurrences, and psychological tension that blurs the line between reality and the supernatural. The narrative masterfully intertwines elements of suspense, horror, and psychological drama, keeping readers on edge as they navigate the chilling atmosphere and unravel the truth behind the lake's dark legend.

"Seaview" follows a group of friends who are drawn together by a shared tragedy. Set in rural New England, the narrative explores their shared past, the secrets they keep, and the ways in which they cope with their grief. The story is told through the perspective of a Vietnam War veteran, his lover, and their friends, all of whom are dealing with their own personal traumas. This book is a poignant exploration of friendship, love, loss, and the human capacity for resilience.

"The Great Man" is a novel that revolves around the life of a renowned painter, Oscar Feldman, who was known for his portraits of nude women. The story is told through the perspectives of the women in his life, including his wife, his mistress, and his sister, after his death. As two competing biographers try to document his life, the women reflect on their relationships with him, revealing a complex man who was both a loving father and a serial adulterer. The novel explores themes of art, love, infidelity, and the ways in which people are remembered after their death.

"The Chymical Wedding" is a novel that intertwines the lives of two poets in the 1980s with the historical tale of the alchemist, Sir Edward Kelley and Queen Elizabeth I's astrologer, John Dee. The modern day poets are researching the historical figures and find their lives mirroring the tumultuous relationship of Kelley and Dee. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, alchemy, and the transformative power of the human spirit.

Set in the 1860s, the novel tells the story of a small Canadian town rocked by the brutal murder of a French trapper. When a local woman's adopted son becomes the prime suspect, she embarks on a perilous journey through the wilderness to clear his name. Along the way, she uncovers a complex web of deceit and corruption within her community, while also coming to terms with her own past. The narrative is a gripping blend of mystery, adventure and historical fiction.

"The Epicure's Lament" is a darkly humorous story about a misanthropic, chain-smoking gourmand living in self-imposed exile in his ancestral home. Struggling with a terminal illness, the protagonist uses his time to write a cookbook that includes ruminations on life and love. However, his solitude is interrupted by the arrival of his brother and his family, forcing him to grapple with his past and his relationships.

"The Jade Cabinet" is a surreal, historical novel set in 19th century England. The story follows Etheria, a girl born with the ability to communicate with the inanimate, who is raised by her eccentric uncle and aunt after her parents' death. The narrative explores themes of obsession, madness, and the blurred line between reality and imagination, as Etheria's life intertwines with a taxidermist and a mad scientist. The novel is renowned for its rich, poetic language and vivid, dream-like imagery.

The novel centers around a character named Nicky, who wakes up from a coma after a shipwreck with no memory of his past. As the story unfolds, he starts to recall fragments of his life, his obsessions, and his encounters with strange and eccentric characters. The book is filled with surreal and dreamlike sequences, exploring themes of memory, obsession, and the power of the imagination. It is set in a coastal town filled with quirky inhabitants and is rich in maritime and nautical imagery.