This collection brings together all of the author's most famous works, including poems, short stories, and novellas. Known for his macabre and gothic storytelling, the author's works are filled with themes of death, love lost, and human frailty. Notable inclusions are the haunting poem "The Raven," the chilling stories "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Fall of the House of Usher," and his only complete novel, "The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym."

The Talented Mr. Ripley is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Tom Ripley, a young man struggling to make ends meet in New York City. When a wealthy shipbuilder mistakes Tom for a close friend of his son, Dickie Greenleaf, he offers him an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to persuade his wayward son to return home. Instead, Tom becomes obsessed with the luxurious lifestyle of Dickie and his girlfriend, Marge, and goes to extreme lengths to make it his own, including identity theft and murder.

This novel follows the life of a successful Wall Street bond trader who, after a wrong turn in the Bronx, finds his life spiraling out of control. After a hit-and-run accident in a predominantly black neighborhood, he becomes the target of a political witch hunt, exacerbating racial tensions in the city. As the protagonist's world unravels, the story provides a satirical commentary on 1980s New York City, exploring themes of racism, classism, politics, and greed.

The book revolves around the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone. When the don's youngest son, Michael, reluctantly joins the mafia, he becomes involved in the inevitable cycle of violence and betrayal. Although Michael tries to maintain a normal relationship with his wife, Kay, he is drawn deeper into the family business. The narrative follows the Corleone family's struggle to hold onto power in a rapidly changing world, as well as Michael's transformation from reluctant family outsider to ruthless mafia boss.

The novel is a disturbing and graphic exploration of the mind of a wealthy, young and handsome Wall Street investment banker who is also a psychopathic serial killer. He leads a double life, appearing to be a charming and sophisticated businessman by day, while indulging in horrific acts of violence and murder by night. The narrative provides a satirical critique of 1980s American consumer culture, vanity, and excess, while also delving into the dark underbelly of human nature.

This detective novel follows a retired private investigator, Nick Charles, who, while on a Christmas vacation in New York with his wife Nora, becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. The case involves a former client of his, Clyde Wynant, who has mysteriously disappeared after his secretary was found dead. As the investigation unfolds, Nick and Nora navigate a complex web of deceit, lies, and family drama, all while maintaining their witty banter and high-society lifestyle.

This thrilling novel revolves around the sudden disappearance of a woman on her fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, all evidence points to her husband as the prime suspect. However, the story takes a twist as the wife's diary entries reveal a darker side to their seemingly perfect marriage. The narrative alternates between the husband's present-day perspective and the wife's diary entries, leaving readers in suspense about what truly happened. The book explores themes of deceit, media influence, and the complexities of marriage.

The book is a gripping exploration of the uneasy relationship between journalists and their subjects. It delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists when they become too involved with their subjects. The narrative centers around a lawsuit between a convicted murderer and the author who wrote about his case, revealing the blurred lines between objectivity and subjectivity in journalism. The book also raises questions about the morality and responsibility of the journalistic profession.

"The Assistant" is a story about a struggling Jewish grocer in Brooklyn and his family, who are trying to make ends meet. Their lives dramatically change when a young Italian-American drifter comes to work as their assistant after he was involved in a robbery at their store. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of good deeds, as the assistant tries to make amends for his past actions, slowly transforming his life and the lives of those around him.

"The Leavenworth Case" is a gripping detective novel that follows the investigation of a wealthy man's murder. When the head of the Leavenworth family is found dead in his locked study, suspicion falls on his niece, who stands to inherit his fortune. As the evidence against her mounts, a brilliant young lawyer is determined to uncover the truth and prove her innocence. With twists and turns at every corner, this thrilling mystery keeps readers guessing until the final page.

In this gripping crime novel, a seasoned New York City detective is on the brink of retirement when he's drawn into a challenging and high-stakes investigation. The city is terrorized by a series of brutal murders, each victim found with a small, mysterious token left by the killer. As the detective delves deeper into the case, he must navigate a complex web of clues and confront his own personal demons, all while racing against time to stop the methodical murderer before they strike again. The novel combines a gritty police procedural with psychological depth, exploring the nature of obsession and the cost of justice.

In the heart of Harlem, a blind man shoots his pistol aimlessly, setting off a series of chaotic events. Two detectives are tasked with investigating the resulting crimes, which include a restaurant bombing and a murder. The narrative is filled with dark humor, social commentary, and vivid descriptions of Harlem life, as the detectives navigate the complexities of their community and the absurdity of their situation.

This novel is a gripping tale set in the vibrant yet tumultuous streets of Harlem, where intrigue and danger lurk around every corner. It follows the desperate and chaotic journey of a man, deeply in love, as he navigates the dark underbelly of the city in an attempt to recover a fortune that he believes will win back the heart of his beloved. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters as colorful and unpredictable as the neighborhood itself, including con men, crooked cops, and a femme fatale who is as dangerous as she is alluring. This story masterfully combines elements of crime, noir, and black humor, offering a vivid and unflinching look at life in mid-20th century Harlem.

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.

"The Conjure Man Dies" is a captivating mystery set in 1930s Harlem, where a prominent African American physician is found dead in his home. As the police investigate, a cast of intriguing characters emerges, including a voodoo priest, a cunning detective, and a journalist determined to uncover the truth. With its rich portrayal of the vibrant Harlem Renaissance and a complex web of secrets and motives, this novel delves into race, class, and the supernatural, keeping readers guessing until the final page.

In this gripping mystery, a brilliant and eccentric private detective is hired to address the fears of a group of men who believe they are being targeted by someone seeking revenge for a prank gone wrong years ago, which resulted in a tragic accident. As members of the group begin to meet untimely ends under mysterious circumstances, the detective uses his unique intellect and unconventional methods to unravel a complex web of guilt, deception, and murder. Set against the backdrop of New York City, the story combines psychological intrigue with the detective's sharp wit and profound insights into human nature, leading to a surprising resolution that challenges the concepts of justice and retribution.

"Phantom Lady" is a gripping noir thriller that follows Scott Henderson, a man wrongfully accused of his wife's murder. With no alibi and no witnesses to vouch for him, Scott's only hope lies in finding the mysterious woman he met at a bar on the night of the crime. As he delves deeper into the dark underbelly of New York City, Scott uncovers a web of deception, danger, and hidden motives, all while racing against time to prove his innocence and bring the real killer to justice.

"The Greek Coffin Mystery" by "Ellery Queen" is a thrilling detective novel that follows the renowned detective Ellery Queen as he investigates the baffling murder of a wealthy Greek art collector. Set in New York City, Queen must unravel a complex web of clues, hidden motives, and eccentric characters in order to solve the perplexing case. With his sharp intellect and keen observational skills, Queen navigates through a series of twists and turns, leading readers on an exciting journey filled with suspense and intrigue.

In "The Egyptian Cross Mystery," a wealthy man is found dead in his locked study, with a mysterious Egyptian cross lying beside him. As Ellery Queen investigates the puzzling circumstances surrounding the murder, he uncovers a web of secrets, hidden identities, and a complex plot that leads him to a thrilling and unexpected conclusion. With a blend of intricate puzzles, suspenseful twists, and a dash of Egyptian mythology, this gripping mystery keeps readers guessing until the very end.

In this comedic crime caper, a motley crew of thieves concocts an audacious plan to steal a bank. Rather than attempting a traditional heist, they decide to literally take the entire bank with them by hijacking a mobile home that serves as a temporary bank branch. The ringleader, a clever and somewhat luckless criminal, leads his eccentric team through a series of misadventures and close calls as they try to outwit the authorities and pull off what they hope will be a lucrative, if not entirely well-thought-out, crime. The novel is a blend of humor and suspense, delivering a story where the heist itself becomes as unpredictable as the characters attempting it.

"The Hog Murders" is a gripping murder mystery set in a small town plagued by a series of gruesome killings. As the body count rises, a determined detective and his team race against time to catch the sadistic killer, uncovering a web of secrets and deceit that shakes the community to its core. Filled with suspense and unexpected twists, this thrilling novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.

The novel follows Lionel Essrog, a detective with Tourette's Syndrome, as he navigates the rough streets of Brooklyn to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna. Despite his condition, Lionel's obsessive mind proves to be a valuable asset in uncovering the truth about Frank's death, leading him through a maze of secrets, corruption, and betrayal within the Brooklyn underworld. The book is a compelling blend of mystery, humor, and an exploration of the human condition through the eyes of a uniquely gifted protagonist.

In this gripping crime novel, a former cop turned private investigator, Matt Scudder, is hired to find the killer of a high-class call girl. As he delves deeper into the dark underbelly of New York City, Scudder becomes entangled in a web of deceit, corruption, and addiction. With his own demons haunting him, Scudder must navigate the dangerous streets and confront his own personal demons in order to bring justice to the victims and find redemption for himself.

"Legs" is a fictional biography of the notorious gangster Jack 'Legs' Diamond, set in the Prohibition era. The narrative, told from the perspective of Marcus Gorman, a lawyer and friend to Diamond, explores the gangster's life, his criminal activities, his relationships, and his untimely death. The book provides a vivid portrayal of the Jazz Age, offering a deep exploration of the criminal underworld of that time.

The book is a narrative of Stephen Rojack, a decorated war hero turned professor, television personality, and philanderer who struggles with his inner demons and the existential dread of modern life. After murdering his estranged wife in a drunken rage, he embarks on a surreal journey through the seedy underbelly of 1960s New York, engaging in a series of sexual and violent encounters, and getting involved with a nightclub singer and the mafia. The novel explores themes of violence, masculinity, and American identity.