Set in 17th-century Puritan Boston, this novel tells the story of a woman who conceives a daughter through an affair and struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity. She is forced to wear a scarlet "A" on her dress as a sign of her adultery while her lover, a revered local minister, remains unnamed and unpunished. Throughout the book, themes of sin, legalism, and guilt are explored.

"Mystic River" is a gripping tale set in a close-knit neighborhood in Boston, revolving around three childhood friends - Jimmy, Sean, and Dave. Their lives are irrevocably altered when one of them, Dave, is abducted and sexually abused. Years later, they are brought back together by a horrifying event - the murder of Jimmy's daughter. As Sean, now a detective, investigates the murder, suspicion falls on Dave, leading to a tense and tragic conclusion.

"Roger's Version" delves into the life of Roger Lambert, a theology professor who becomes entangled in a debate about the existence of God with Dale Kohler, a young student of computer science. Dale believes that computer technology can prove the existence of divine intervention in the creation of the universe, leading to a complex interplay of faith, science, and human relationships. As Roger becomes increasingly involved with Dale and his project, the novel explores themes of infidelity, personal morality, and the intricate dynamics of human belief and skepticism.